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Archive: August 2011

Is It Time To Check Your Website’s IQ?

30 August 2011
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Categories: Hosting Solutions, Information, News, Technology

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Helpful Sites To Maximize Your Search Engine Optimization

It goes without saying Search Engine Optimization(SEO) is an essential web business tool. Want to check out how your website fares?  Here are some free tools and tutorials to get you started, or to evaluate your current status.  Be aware that while some are entirely free, generally the goal is to upgrade your status. Nevertheless, there are some really useful links to help you assess your website’s level of optimization.

As an overview, Google’s PDF called Search Engine Optimization is a very handy treatment of SEO Basics. You’ll find it here in the right hand column under Help Resources.  There is also a half-hour or so video tutorial should you be so inclined.

SEO Tools

  • Google Webmaster Central.  This is a jumping off point for Webmaster Tools.  For starters, improve your site’s visibility by adding it to be indexed.  The tools assist you in diagnosing issues, rankings and website speeds to name a few.  Very handy and very useful!  A video on the home page illustrates in a simple, straightforward manner how the tools work.
  • Google Analytics.  This is an enterprise-class web analytics solution that lets you monitor your website traffic and marketing effectiveness. According to Google, its “Powerful, flexible and easy-to-use features now let you see and analyze your traffic data in an entirely new way.”  Features include segmentation analysis, flexible customization, e-commerce tracking, sales to goal and conversion tracking, mobile tracking and much more.   
  • Google Insights.  See what’s popular in searching patterns by categories, seasonality, geographic distribution and much more!
  • Google Trends  This tool provides the most popular topics and searched queries . This tool could be a great help for bloggers who are confused about what topic they should write on .
  • Mozbar Toolbar A SEO toolbar available to download for Firefox and Chrome with powerful SEO tools that let you analyze metrics while you surf, create custom searches, compare metrics for Google, Yahoo and Bing – plus much more. Download is free.  Upgrades and other options are not.
  • Microsoft Bing Webmaster Tools While most of us think Google (and for good reason) Bing and Yahoo still command about a 30% market share.  With the Bing Webmaster Tools you can view crawl activity, index coverage, traffic stats, optimize and validate your website and more.
  • Yahoo Web Analytics Yahoo Web Analytics is a highly customizable web analytic tool, with the caveat that to use it you either have to be an advertiser, or know someone who is a member of the Yahoo Consultant Network.

We Can Help

If you find SEO overwhelming, or simply don’t have the time to deal with it, please call or contact us about our fee-based SEO Services.

Ray Faddis Joins SiteVision As Web Application Developer

21 August 2011
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Categories: Development Solutions, Information, News, Technology

Ray Faddis, formerly Technology Manager for New River Valley Community Services, Blacksburg, VA, joins SiteVision, Inc., as Web Application Developer.

Ray FaddisFaddis is a graduate of Radford University, Radford, VA with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. In his former positions as a Technology Manager, Software Developer and IT Specialist, Faddis brings with him strong experience in operating systems and programming as well as the planning, implementation, security, and maintenance of hardware and software systems. Additionally, as Technology Manager for New River Valley Community Services, Faddis supervised the work of all technology staff including helpdesk technicians, network administrators, systems engineers, database administrators, and software developers providing coverage, advice and direction as necessary.

In his new position Faddis will be responsible for developing web applications and web sites in cooperation with web designers, database administrators, project leaders and other company personnel as needed.  Essential responsibilities will include working with web designers to create demos and prototypes, writing and debugging code, including ColdFusion, JavaScript, Java and other languages, the training of users in the proper operation of the software, the design and maintenance of databases in cooperation with database administrators, and the installation and configuration of web applications and sites in cooperation with network administrators.

SiteVision, Inc. (http://www.sitevision.com/) is an Internet application development, consulting, design and hosting firm providing solutions for a broad spectrum of markets and industries, as well as for state, federal and international entities. Expertise includes custom, back-end dynamic applications, consulting to achieve unique goals, Mapping Application Development (GIS), content management systems, hosting services including, map and GIS application hosting, as well as custom and dedicated hosting solutions. The firm has its home office in Roanoke, VA, with sales offices in Charlottesville, VA and Miami, FL.

SiteVision Adds E-Commerce To Central Virginia Waste Management Authority Website

21 August 2011
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Categories: Development Solutions, News, Technology

In an innovative move some years ago, the Central Virginia Waste Management Authority (CVWMA) added an online support system for its customers in Central Virginia area.  The original system allowed CVWMA to manage all customer curbside requests for central VA.  The system included the ability for customers to ask online about bin deliveries, missed pickups, info requests, email notification of scheduled pickups, recycling requests, reports, and the like. Now, customers can also actually order and pay for their curbside carts online.

CVWMA ScreensThe online ordering system includes a search function which permits users to find their specific address.  They are then presented with a screen that includes their address, a pop-up collection schedule for their area, an option to request an email reminder the day before pick-ups, a recycling bin request and the ability to order a regular 96-gallon curbside cart. The user then proceeds through the secure, online ordering and payment process. Upon successful completion of their purchase, customers receive an Order Confirmation page which can be printed, as well as an email receipt. The cart is then delivered within two to three weeks.

The Central Virginia Waste Management Authority (CVWMA) is a public service authority that coordinates recycling and solid waste management programs with thirteen local governments in central Virginia. Since its formation in 1990, the CVWMA has provided economical waste management and recycling solutions for each of its member jurisdictions. The service celebrated its 20th year of service in December of 2010.  A board of directors including representatives from each member locality governs the actions of the Authority and daily operations are coordinated by an experienced staff.

SiteVision Joins Constant Contact Partner Program

2 August 2011
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Categories: Information, News

CTCT Logo On-Screen Usage TagSolution Provider Program Delivers Effective and Affordable Online Marketing Tools.

SiteVision has joined the Constant Contact Partner Program as a Solution Provider Partner. Our clients can take advantage of this partnership with easy-to-use email marketing, social media marketing, online surveys and event marketing.  Best of all you can try it free for 60 days and or simply visit our partner site to see how it works.

Constant Contact marketing tools include:

  • Email Marketing for quickly creating professional-looking emails, managing contact lists, measuring campaign results, and reviewing new list members;
  • Social Media Marketing for turning fans, friends, and followers into customers. Harnessing digital word of mouth from Facebook, retweeting offers on Twitter, or posting a review on Yelp keeps the conversation going and generates a powerful buzz for small business;
  • Event Marketing for efficiently promoting and managing registrations and RSVPs for meetings, functions, seminars, and events; and
  • Online Survey for gathering feedback that helps meet customer needs, generate new ideas, and help grow a business or organization.

Launched in 1998, Constant Contact, Inc. is a leading provider of email marketing and online survey tools for small organizations, including small businesses, associations, and nonprofits. Today More than 450,000 small businesses, nonprofits, and associations worldwide rely on Constant Contact.

Why SiteVision?

We’re your advocate. SiteVision has been providing web development and hosting services to government agencies and non-profit organizations for over 20 years. We understand how overwhelming it can be to seek out a reliable solution for you website, custom application, and hosting needs.

At SiteVision we are passionate about creating solutions for customers that make their life better. We excel at understanding your business process and developing an application that is easy to learn and operate. We will always be fair, knowledgeable, honest, and professional.

Work With Us