Archive for January, 2012
Content Management System: 3 Reasons Why You Need Joomla Today
Big or small, veteran or startup, any business would probably agree that when it comes to maintaining a business website, a good Content Management System or CMS like Joomla is very important.
Joomla is basically a “framework” for building websites. It is an open source CMS (which means multiple users can log in and manipulate the system) that helps you organize and manage your content easily.
There are other CMS available on the internet. Some are free, some can be very expensive. Question is, why choose Joomla? And why use it now?
#1 Organized and convenient
A static web page becomes unruly once the content starts to add up. Updating and adding content are also often difficult to apply. Digging up content has become a headache since typical static sites doesn’t have a search function. Navigation is also a big problem for whenever you need to add another navigation button to include a new category to your website, you have to rebuild the whole navigation system to be able to add a new section. In such circumstances, Joomla makes more sense to use.
A Joomla website is recommended for a growing business’s infrastructure. Unlimited content can be added continuously with its user-friendly interface and formatting features. Finding specific pages is made easy as Joomla’s hierarchal structure keeps content organized and easy to search.
#2 Unlimited possibilities
No matter what business you are in, Joomla makes it simple to customize your website according to your requirements. For example, business owners can set up an online store using Joomla in a breeze as it only needs to install VirtueMart — a plugin created for online merchants. From there, setting up a professional online shop with full order management capability is not a problem.
You can pretty much create any type of corporate site using Joomla. International companies like Yamaha, Vodafone, Times Square, Porsche, Olympus, Linux Foundation and Burger King use it. Different businesses build their websites on Joomla. This proves that the system is highly flexible and customizable.
For small businesses, Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin nowadays are much needed. Joomla easily integrates with preferred social media platforms to able to expand customer reach.
#3 Online presence at no cost
Joomla is freely available to anyone who has internet access. With Joomla, gaining online presence is free yet effective! Take advantage of this convenience and increase productivity. But remember that although Joomla allows non-technical authors or publishers to quickly publish content on the website, navigating the interface can be quite difficult especially when articles start to pile up.
It is advisable to seek professional help to manage the different components and maximize its use. The average web user may find it hard managing complex and complicated Joomla features. For enhanced website functionality, you need to hire a professional to implement or monitor security, content backups, additional components, extensions and other necessary plug-ins.
The Northern Office – Innovative Marketing is an independent internet marketing consultancy firm in the Philippines with a wide clientele based worldwide. We specialize in web development and customer support for ecommerce businesses. Our dynamic web development team can help you build a profitable website using effective marketing strategies that will fit your budget. For more information, visit www.thenorthernoffice.com or call (045) 499.1082.
Graphic Designer Job in Angeles Pampanga
The Northern Office provides marketing support services to companies in the Philippines and overseas.
We are a dynamic company with excellent career and promotion opportunities available to the right people. Having recently won new marketing accounts we are looking for an enthusiastic graphic design recruits to add to our team.
Creative
• Candidate must possess at least Bachelor’s / College Degree in fine arts, graphic design, multimedia arts, Advertising/Media or equivalent
• Graphic Design for all marketing material for clients’ marketing materials and websites
• Provide creative concepts for products and services
• Design and rework print, on-line and POS marketing material
• Establish and adhere to the clients’ corporate branding book
• Develop corporate style guides for products and brands
• Understand and translate business requirements to all marketing material e.g. look and feel, design, identity and market demographics
Operational
• Execute and streamline on current corporate branding in adherence to set style guides
• Upkeep of documentation and graphic file system
• Liaise with publishers and printers for print requirements
• Work towards deadlines as the business needs demand
• Manage workload and prioritize as per the business needs at the time
• Liaise with the relevant department representatives on marketing needs
• Maintain corporate style guides for products and brands
• Determine necessary input and output, output formats, timing, alternate program design approaches, and prepare accurate time-to-completion estimates.
Requirements:
• Must provide current portfolio of original work with references
• Must have a great work ethic
• Have a good understanding of web technologies
• Knowledge of online marketing and media
• excellent spoken and written English
All applications *MUST* be accompanied by application letter. Applications without an application letter will not be responded to.
Attractive compensation package with HMO coverage, is given.
Send your resume at vacancy@thenorthernoffice.com.
Web Developer Job in Angeles Pampanga
The Northern Office is looking for a Website Developer to work with our team of marketing and social media specialists.
The successful candidate will demonstrate proficiency in major PHP based websites: especially Joomla and Magento. Knowledge of XHTML, CSS, Javascript is very beneficial.
The right person for the job will need to work as a team member and multi-task on a number of different client’s accounts.
Skills or experience in other web publishing/Ecommerce software is an advantage. Further training and formal certification will be provided as required.
This is an office based M-F/9-5 salaried position with full benefits, bonus scheme and HMO.
Send your resume at vacancy@thenorthernoffice.com.
Job Trainee for Web Design and Coding
OJT required to update current websites and assist in developing new sites. Must have proven experience/training in graphics and web design programs.
Qualifications:
-College Graduate
-Preferably female
-Must have demonstrable knowledge of graphic and web design
-Must be independent and can work with minimal supervision
All applications *MUST* be accompanied with an application letter and examples of work completed by applicant.
Send your resume at vacancy@thenorthernoffice.com
12 Ways to Build Trust Online
Low conversion rates means you’re not closing on your leads. That’s bad for business. Maybe, the reason why your visitors refuse to buy your products is because they don’t trust you yet.
Proving your website as a trustworthy source is critical for any online business. Without trust, it’s hard to convert potential customers to positive leads. Visitors will just leave your site and not make a purchase if they feel like your products and your site is unreliable.
Not to worry, there are proven ways to resolve these trust issues. Though, others may require a little more work, below are effective ways to help you build trust with your visitors.
1. Make your website attractive and engaging. Your website should display professionalism and detailed. If it looks like your website is rushed, then will view your site as amateurish and careless.
2. Create flawless navigation. Navigation should be simple. Avoid too many links or your visitors might get overwhelmed. Use drop down lists, scroll bars and so on. Choose whatever is appropriate for your website. Don’t make it any harder for your visitors to see your products.
3. Add a bit of personality. Web visitors feel more comfortable with sites that have a human element to them. Add your own pictures, writing styles to add a personal touch.
4. Add new content regularly. Don’t make your readers find sources elsewhere. Update your website regularly with relevant, timely and informative content.
5. Build a community. Building your own community of loyal readers is the heart and core of your website. Your community helps you build trust and authority in your niche.
6. Add an About Us Page. Let your visitors know that you are a real human with real goals and philosophies. This will make them trust you more. Your About Us page does not need to be very detailed. You can tell a short a story of how you started and what you have achieved so far.
7. Create a Contact Us Page. Not only it is easy to create, a contact page allows you to receive feedback and promotional ideas.
8. Be honest. Lying is probably the worst thing you can do to your site. It’s an instant kill. Readers are smart enough to research your claims or ask people about you.
9. Include Creditable Certificates. This is critical for e-commerce websites. If you own one, adding BBB or McAfee hacker Safe will help your buyers feel more secure in purchasing.
10. Connect using social networking profiles. Let your visitors know more about you. Add social media buttons on your website and let users interact with you. This is also helpful in gaining more readers and retaining regular readers.
11. Comment on readers’ comments. Readers like to feel appreciated. Do this by commenting on their comments. Start fun and meaningful conversations to keep them engaged and wanting for more.
12. Include testimonials, case studies or reviews. Readers won’t trust you at first glance. Back your claims with customer testimonials or reviews to help potential customers decide to purchase your products or services.
Is your website trustworthy enough? This comparison chart/checklist below will help you evaluate you trust scale.
Source: SEOmoz Daily SEO Blog (www.seomoz.org)
The Northern Office Innovative Marketing is an independent sales and marketing consultancy firm in the Philippines with clients based worldwide. TNO’s dynamic web development team can help improve your website trust by implementing appropriate and effective strategies. Services include sales support, online marketing, content design, social media management, content development, back office support, e-mail campaigns, and marketing consultancy. For inquiries, email us at inquiry@thenorthernoffice.com.
