If you run a small business website, chances are you’re always looking for ways to optimise your online presence and boost your search engine rankings. One tool that often gets overlooked is the humble robots.txt file. It’s simple, powerful, and can help you manage how search engines interact with your website.
This blog post will explain what robots.txt is, why it’s important, and how small business owners can use it effectively. By the end of this guide, you’ll understand how to create and implement a robots.txt file that works for your specific needs and also what some of the pitfalls can be.
If you’re a small business owner, you know how important it is to make things easy for your customers. Quick, clear answers to common questions can make the difference between a happy customer and a frustrated one. That’s why many businesses are turning to AI chatbots like ChatGPT, which can help answer questions instantly. But is adding ChatGPT to your website the right move for your business? Let’s look at the benefits and drawbacks so you can make an informed decision.
If you’re a small business owner, you’ve likely heard that SEO (search engine optimisation) is crucial for getting your website noticed on search engines like Google. But there’s one factor that often gets overlooked – speed. Imagine clicking on a website, only to wait several seconds for it to load. Most people would leave, right? Well, search engines feel the same way.
Slow loading times on your website can harm your SEO, causing you to miss out on potential customers. This can be especially true if you’re using a slow Content Management System (CMS) or a web host that can’t keep up with your site’s needs. In this post, we’ll explore why speed matters for SEO, how your CMS and web host play a role, and what you can do to boost your site’s performance. Continue reading
As a small business owner, trust is at the heart of everything you do. Whether it’s the trust you build with your customers, employees, local community, suppliers or partners, protecting that trust can mean the difference between success and failure. One of the biggest ways that trust can be broken is through a breach of confidentiality. This is a serious matter, especially in the UK, where businesses are expected to handle personal and business data carefully under the law. So, what exactly is a breach of confidentiality, and how can it affect your business? Let’s break it down. Continue reading
In today’s digital world, small businesses need reliable, high-speed internet to keep pace with customer demands and compete effectively. Broadband connectivity powers communication, cloud services, online sales, and a range of operational processes. However, not all broadband solutions are created equal, and choosing the right one can be pivotal to your business’s success. Let’s explore the primary types of broadband available for small businesses, followed by why I think that the provider that I use (IDNet( stands out as an exceptional choice for an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Continue reading
I was talking to a fellow website designer yesterday and he was telling me about a client who kept changing their mind about their website and then once it went live decided that it shouldn’t have done so for another two weeks. This lead me to think about how important it is to talk to your website designer.
A website is often the first impression customers will have of your business. For small businesses, especially, a well-designed website can be the difference between gaining or losing a customer. But achieving a website that truly represents your brand, engages visitors, and drives results isn’t just about hiring a talented designer. It’s about clear, consistent communication. Let’s explore why talking to your website designer is one of the most important steps in building an effective online presence and how to make the most of this collaboration. Continue reading