Jean Perpillant, Author at Design Theory

Our Approach to SSL Certificates For All Our Client Websites

All Posts, Domains, Security, SEO, Web Development, WordPress

As the internet continues to evolve, website security has become a crucial aspect of ensuring a safe and trustworthy online experience. One of the most significant developments in this regard is the use of Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Certificates. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why it’s essential for websites to have an SSL certificate and why Google requires it.

What does it mean?

First, let’s define an SSL certificate. SSL is a standard security protocol that establishes an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. This link ensures that all data transferred between the server and the browser remains private and secure. SSL certificates are digital certificates that are issued by trusted third-party providers, known as Certificate Authorities (CAs). These certificates verify the authenticity of a website and encrypt all data transmitted between the website and the user’s browser.

Now, let’s get into why SSL certificates are crucial for websites

Data Protection One of the most significant benefits of SSL certificates is data protection. Without SSL, all data transferred between a user’s browser and a website is transmitted in plain text. This means that anyone who intercepts the data can read and use it for malicious purposes. SSL encrypts all data, making it unreadable to anyone who intercepts it.
Authentication SSL certificates also provide authentication. They verify the identity of the website, ensuring that users are communicating with the website they intended to. This helps prevent phishing scams, where attackers create fake websites to steal user information.
Improved SEO In 2014, Google announced that HTTPS (the secure version of HTTP, which uses SSL) would be a ranking signal in its search algorithm. Websites with SSL certificates are given a higher ranking than those without. This means that having an SSL certificate can improve a website’s visibility on search engines, which can lead to increased traffic.
Trust SSL certificates also create trust between websites and their users. Seeing the padlock icon in the browser bar and the “https” in the URL reassures users that their data is secure and that they can trust the website they’re visiting.

So let’s talk about why Google requires SSL certificates. In 2018, Google started marking all HTTP sites as “Not Secure” in the Chrome browser. This was part of Google’s plan to make the web a more secure place. Google wants to encourage all website owners to adopt HTTPS by making it a standard for all websites.

Google has also stated that websites without SSL certificates may be penalized in search rankings. As we mentioned earlier, SSL certificates are a ranking signal in Google’s algorithm. Websites without SSL certificates are seen as less trustworthy, and their rankings may be lowered as a result.

Our agency, Design Theory, has been informing our clients about a campaign we’re performing to have all of our client websites configured with an SSL Certificate. Great news if you’re already a client of ours, and if you’re not but want to get your SSL Certificate installed on your website, give us a call or email and we’d be happy to help you!

To wrap things up, SSL certificates are crucial for website security, data protection, authentication, SEO, and trust. Google requires SSL certificates to make the web a safer place and to encourage website owners to adopt HTTPS. If you’re a website owner, it’s essential to obtain an SSL certificate to ensure your website’s security and to maintain your search rankings.

How To Get Your Google My Business Page Review Link

How to, Marketing

Having your customers and clients leave you positive reviews is a fantastic way to organically grow your business profile on Google. Getting them to engage and leave you a review sometimes may be include a bunch of steps and this short video will show you how to make the whole process super easy and frictionless.

Some unique ways you can use this:

Add your link to your email signature
Automate your “Thank You” email to your clients and include a call to action using this link
On the part of your register that faces your customers during checkout
As part of a repeat customer plan where after providing a 5 Star Review, your customers get a special discount on their next purchase
Create a custom QR code with your companies brand colors and even your logo and place it on a sticker or back of your physical marketing materials

If you would like some ideas or ways to create a marketing strategy to customize your review process, be sure to contact us.

Adding or Updating Google Calendar With Zoom

How to

This is a quick “How To” article for anyone else out there that need a reference on how to add a new calendar to Zoom or edit the connection and settings with an existing calendar with Zoom. I recently wanted to update which Google Calendar I wanted my Zoom account configured to and couldn’t find anything directly relevant online so once I figured it out myself, I figured I’d share for anyone else.

STEP 1 – Log Into Zoom, Go To Your Profile

Once you log into your account and using the left sidebar navigation, click on Profile

STEP 2 – Calendar Configuration

Scroll to just about the bottom of this page and you’ll see the “Configure Calendar and Contacts Service” button. If you already had a connection and want to change or edit it, you’ll see a screen that looks like the below:

STEP 3 – Select Your Calendar Service

For me I use Google Calendar, but as you can see you can make a connection for Exchange or Office 365, Select whichever you prefer.

STEP 4 – Choose An Account

Because I’m using Google and I have multiple Google Accounts, I am going to select the one I want used with Zoom.

STEP 5 – Allow Access to Zoom

You’ll see it show the icon or user account image for the account I selected from the prior and then click “Continue”

STEP 6 – All Done!

You will be brought back to the main Profile page, and you can scroll down to the bottom of the page again to see the new settings that are now applied.

(Check out the step by step slideshow below)

MOTIVATION MONDAY: Setting Realistic Goals

All Posts, Business Strategy, Work Life

This is a touchy topic for me, and I want to be transparent about that right out of the gate. I’m one of those people that love checklists, task lists, agendas, timelines, and even time-boxing. But when I am starring at multiple project management apps, multiple lists, and multiple deliverables, it can be debilitating.

Setting realistic yet challenging goals is key to achieving success as a small business owner. By setting goals that are attainable, you can stay motivated and focused, but by making sure they are also challenging, you can push yourself to grow and improve.

Have You Heard About the SMART Framework?

A good way to set goals is by using the this structure of Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound. I won’t get into each of them too much but the shortcut of all of those is to consider each part of that framework when you are creating or defining out your goals. If they don’t have each of these elements then chances are you won’t actually achieve completion. Remember, the “goal” of this is to be in or better align with your overall business objectives.

Keep your focus on the most important thing at the start of your day, which is to take action and make progress towards your goals, no matter how small. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve felt stuck or overwhelmed with so many things I want to get done or accomplish, but then shifting to low hanging fruit, or things that will give me a sense of completion really help boost motivation to go and tackle bigger things. We’ve all heard of “Eat That Frog” and sometimes doing that first makes the rest of what you need to do seem like easy downhill coasting. Every step you take, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction. And don’t forget to celebrate your successes along the way!

One last idea, put your goals out there in public. Peer motivation can also be a great motivator. Again follow the S.M.A.R.T. framework, and see how much more accountable you will feel and encouraged to digging into your goals and making consistent progress each day.

Download a free Goal Slide Deck Template: http://dthero.co/goalslidedeck

How to Add a New User Access in Google Analytics

All Posts, How to, Marketing, SEO

Google Analytics is a powerful tool for tracking website traffic and user behavior. However, sometimes you need to share access to your Google Analytics account with other people, such as team members or clients. In this quick blog post, we’ll show you how to easily add a new user and provide specific access for Google Analytics, so you can collaborate and share data with others. Whether you’re a business owner, marketer, or developer, this will help you quickly perform this process.