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What are Nameservers and How Do I Update Them?

Nameservers are the phonebook of the internet. They translate domain names, like example.com, into IP addresses, which are the numerical addresses of computers on the internet. When you type a domain name into your web browser, your browser sends a request to a nameserver to find out the IP address of the computer that hosts that domain.

Every domain name has at least two nameservers. These nameservers are usually provided by your domain registrar, but you can also use a third-party DNS provider.

For small businesses, it’s important to choose a reliable nameserver provider. If your nameservers are down or not working properly, your website and other online services may be unavailable. We use the popular and reliable Cloudflare DNS service for our websites.

How do I update the nameservers for my domain name?

To update the nameservers for a domain name that is registered with GoDaddy to use Cloudflare DNS, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your GoDaddy account

2. Scroll down to domains and click DNS next to the domain name you want to update.

3. Next click on the ‘Nameservers’ section and click the [Change Nameservers] button.

4. Finally choose the option ‘I’ll use my own nameservers’ and enter the two server names provided by your web host. Click save and you’re done!

If you have any questions or problems with this process or need instructions for another domain name registrar, feel free to drop us a line!

How to Increase Traffic By Being Helpful On Your Website

Having helpful information and advice on your website is generally appreciated by potential customers, but did you know that this is also one of the best way to increase your visibility online?

Google uses a variety of factors to determine the ranking of websites in its search results, including the quality and relevance of the content on the site. One key factor is the presence of original, helpful content that provides value to users and sets the site apart from its competitors.

Read the rest here »

Should Musicians Maintain Both a Personal Facebook Account and Music Page?

As a musician you already likely have a personal page where you interact with friends and fans, and share music releases, shows and other news. Should you also create and maintain a separate Facebook page for your music / band?

Yes, it is a good idea for a musician to have both a personal Facebook account and a page for their music. Here is how they could ideally be used to promote your music:

• Personal Facebook account: This is where you can connect with friends and family, share personal updates, and post about your music. It’s a great way to stay in touch with people who are already supportive of your music, and it can also be a way to reach new people who are interested in what you’re doing.
• Music Facebook page: This is where you can connect with fans of your music, share news about your releases, and promote upcoming shows. It’s a great way to build a community of people who are passionate about your music, and it can also be a way to generate buzz for your career.

Having both a personal Facebook account and a page for your music can help you reach a wider audience and build a stronger fan base. It’s also a good way to keep your personal and professional life separate, which can be helpful when you’re trying to focus on your music career.

Here are some additional tips for using a Facebook page to promote your music:

• Post regularly: The more you post, the more likely people are to see your content. Try to post as often as possible, and make sure your posts are interesting and engaging.
• Use high-quality images and videos: People are more likely to stop and look at a post that has a great image or video. Make sure your visuals are high-quality and relevant to your music.
• Use relevant hashtags: Hashtags are a great way to get your content seen by more people. When you use relevant hashtags, your posts will show up in search results for those hashtags.
• Run Facebook ads: If you want to reach a wider audience, you can run Facebook ads. Facebook ads can be a great way to promote your music to people who are interested in what you’re doing.

By following these tips, you can use Facebook to promote your music and reach a wider audience.

Featured Project: Hitman Pest Control

We’ve been handling website and marketing services for Hitman Pest Control since 2007. They offer pest control services in San Antonio, Bulverde and Spring Branch, TX, offering exterminations, treatments for termites, ants, roaches, mosquito misting and more.

In addition to designing the original website and hosting it for more than 15 years, we’ve kept it up-to date with several redesigns to keep it looking up-to-date, as well as keeping it current with web technologies like SSL, mobile compatibility, social media integration, speed and caching enhancements and more.

We also provide SEO (search engine optimization) and marketing services to ensure that their services are easy to locate on major search sites, as well as social media.

Don’t Ignore Your Online Reviews!

If you’ve setup / claimed your business profile on service like Google Business, Yelp, Nextdoor and other similar sites, you’re on the right track to getting more business, especially for local service businesses.

These sites allow customers to leave reviews, which can make or break your business. How? Reviews are one of the key factors that potentials customers use to decide whether they will do business with you or one of your competitors. Too many bad reviews will cause potential client to look elsewhere.

The good news is that you aren’t powerless in this situation. In addition to generally providing high-quality, prompt service with good communication, each of these services allow you to respond to reviews, both positive and negative ones. Here are some tips on how to respond to online reviews:

• Respond promptly. Customers appreciate a prompt response, even if it’s just to say that you’re looking into the matter.
• Be positive and professional. Even if the review is negative, try to stay positive and professional in your response.
• Acknowledge the reviewer’s concerns. Even if you don’t agree with the reviewer, take the time to understand their concerns.
• Apologize if necessary. If you made a mistake, apologize sincerely.
• Offer to make things right. If you can, offer to make things right for the customer. This could involve offering a refund, a discount, or a free product or service.
• Thank the reviewer for their feedback. Even if the review is negative, thank the reviewer for taking the time to leave feedback.

By following these tips, you can show your customers that you value their feedback and that you’re committed to providing a great experience.

Here are some additional tips for responding to negative reviews:

• Don’t take it personally. It’s important to remember that negative reviews are often about the customer’s experience, not about you personally.
• Don’t get defensive. It’s tempting to defend yourself when you receive a negative review, but this is usually counterproductive. Instead, focus on understanding the customer’s concerns and addressing them in a positive and professional way.
• Offer a solution. If the customer is unhappy with their experience, offer a solution that will make them happy. This could involve a refund, a discount, or a free product or service.
• Follow up. After you’ve responded to the negative review, follow up with the customer to make sure that they’re satisfied with the resolution. This shows that you’re committed to providing a great customer experience.

Also don’t forget that almost all of these services allow you to share a link with your customers that allows them to leave you a review. Share these links with your best customers!

By following these tips, you can turn negative reviews into an opportunity to improve your business and build stronger relationships with your customers.

Featured Project: Texas Architectural Timbers

Texas Architectural Timbers has been our customer since 2008. Over the years we’ve done many redesigns to keep it looking current and modern, to take advantage of new technologies, and to ensure that it’s mobile friendly.

They are based in the Texas hill country, and they offer a variety of unique wood building materials to builders across the country, including antique, weathered and textured timbers.

New Project: MRT Furniture Restoration

We recently completed a new website for MRT Furniture Restoration, based in San Antonio. https://furniturerepairusa.org/

MRT professionally restores, repairs and cleans leather furniture, chairs, sofas, as well as automotive interiors, watercraft and more. They can also handle repairs to wood, parts, springs, stuffing and more.

Can I Use Photos Found On the Web In My Website?

Images are an important part of any web site. They grab visitors’ attention, communicate ideas, and can make your pages flow better and look better. But where can you find the photos you want?

Of course there are hundreds of thousands of images to be found on other websites. Is it acceptable to copy someone else’s picture and incorporate it in your website or blog?

Read the rest here »

Creating Gmail Message Filters

Get more control over your incoming messages 

Use the following instructions to instruct Gmail how to handle important emails. Gmail can label messages from your domain email, and you can ensure that you never miss your Contact Form submissions again.

1. Open Message Filter Settings

In the search box at the top, click the button on the right side of the search box, shown below [Show search options].

2. Create a Rule for Incoming Email From Your Domain

Next, in the field [To] type the email address from your domain name (probably [email protected]). Now click [Create Filter].

3. Apply Rules to Matching Messages

On the next page you can tell Gmail what to do when it receives a message that matches this filter. You may choose to [Apply a label], which makes it easier to distinguish emails from your domain name email. The option [Never send it to Spam] ensures you won’t have to worry about these messages getting lost in your Spam folder.

You may also choose to apply these rules to existing emails, by choosing the last option. 

Create a Rule for Your Contact Form Emails

To create a filter that only matches your Contact Form emails, go to step 2, then in the field [Subject] type the subject of your contact form emails. Now click [Create Filter].

Set Up Your Domain Email in Gmail

Use the following steps to get your new email account working in Gmail. We will provide you with the correct username and password.

1. Log into your Gmail account.

2. Click on the Settings icon in the upper right corner. A drop down menu should appear and you can click on [See all Settings].

3. Click on the [Accounts and Import] tab. Then, in the section [Check mail from other accounts], click [Add a mail account]. A new window should pop up.

4. Enter your full email address in the new window, then click the [Next] button.

5. Ensure Import emails from my other account (POP3) is selected and click [Next].

6. In the next window:

• Enter the full email address as the username: [email protected]
• Enter the password for the account
• The POP Server is mail.domainname.com
• Select Port 110.
• Set the label option according to personal preference.

7. Click the [Add Account] button. You should receive a confirmation message that the mail account has been added (for receiving email).

8. Now, to be able to send mail out from Gmail using this address, make sure the “Yes” option is checked on the next screen. Then click the [Next] button:

9. Enter your name here. Leave the “Treat as an alias” button checked. Click the [Next Step] button.

10. On the next screen, enter the following information:

• The SMTP Server will be: mail.domainname.com
• Use Port 25
• Enter the full username again: [email protected]
• Enter the email password again
• Leave the TLS option checked.
• Click the [Add Account] button.

11. A confirmation email will have been sent to your Gmail inbox.

12. Check your Gmail inbox. You may need to wait for a minute or two.

13. Open the Gmail confirmation email.

14. Either click on the provided confirmation link or enter the confirmation code provided and click Verify. The small window will close automatically.

Congratulations! The mail for your domain name email account will now appear in your normal Gmail inbox. Let us know if you have any problems getting this working.