The Blog from the Dog

It seems like only last month that I (Brandon) started here at SignDog. Surprisingly, it’s been almost 1 year. In fact, that year date is approaching fast.

Here’s a little background on me, for those interested…(if you’re not interested, skip this next two paragraphs)

I am originally from Olympia, Wa (you know, the capitol – or is it capital?). I started – from the ripe age of 16 – as a government employee – or as we call them back home “state worker”. I continued my government employment streak all the way up until May 2008. This is when I decided to enter the private sector. I started working at Jerrol’s Book & Office Supply Co in May 2008. The was soon followed up by an offer from the great and masterful/”all-knowing” (that one’s for the ego) Brad.

I graduated from CWU in March 2007 with a BS in Information Technology (and Administrative Management). I came on board with a wealth of web knowledge and how a website is more than just a “pretty face” for your business. It can be a machine…and one to master at that.

I remember when I first started here, we had a web design idea. We hosted a few sites, designed a few sites and -basically- made a website look good.

Then I came on board with new ideas. I introduced SignDog to where the web world is headed. We now use Google Analytics, Google Adwords, Search Engine Optimization and Content Management Systems. No idea what that means? Well, we expanded a lot, and are able to offer out clients TONS of services and insight into their sites.

As my anniversary date approaches, it truly is amazing how far we’ve come with our web offerings. One of those ideas that started as a ripple in the SignDog pond and ended up as a wave in the SignDog ocean.

So, to celebrate…and we LOVE to CELEBRATE, let’s offer you half off any SEO package until July 10th. Dang! That’s up to a $300 value! Yes, Brad even approved it – don’t worry. Cake is optional, however…or cookies…

Here’s to another great year of web design!

Web Yoda Web anniversary, Web

How often have you thought the above statement to yourself?  …Now what?

I know the first time I made my website (for my wedding, no less) I asked myself this very question. I made the site. I gave it to everyone. Let’s wait for the traffic to just roll in from friends and relatives.

Well, that didn’t happen. Not many people could remember: “Is it his name first or hers? Who loves who?” (The url was about love…awwww!)

What I neglected (maybe because I do it every day for a living) was to tell Google and the other search engines about my site. What I have on the site; how to navigate my site; where my site is actually located; and more.

Once I got the search engines in the loop about my website, I was easily in the top 10. Now, this “easily in the top 10″ business is not how it will happen for everyone. I was a very specific market. How many people really type, “Brandon Nicole Wedding”, or anything similar to that?

The moral of the story? Well, the search engines won’t ever know about you unless you tell them about yourself. It’s just like walking into a big conference. No one knows you’re there until you introduce yourself to others around, and ultimately the keynote speaker – if you’re lucky.

Web Yoda Web SEO, Web

I don’t know how many times I have entered a store to grab a quick item. On my way out, I notice a sign that says “Ask us about…”. I pause…and think, “wait, you offer that as a service? All you have is the little sign to show it off.”

Well, we’re guilty of the “little sign” as well.

Many of you know most of the services we offer. We offer signs, graphic design and web hosting. You know this. You are also probably familiar that CopyDog (right next door) offers all of your printing, binding and paper needs.

Here’s where I may surprise some of you…

Since I (Brandon aka “Web Yoda”)arrived here, we have been able to expand the offerings we have to web clients.

• Are you looking for a refresh of your site? We do that!
• Do you want to get your site found in the search engines? We do that!
• Are you able to fix my site without moving my site files to your server? Yes, indeed. We’ve done it many times.
• Do you need help with your online marketing? Do you even have online marketing? Get in here and let’s start getting you more money.

There’s so much that we are now able to offer. We’re excited to be able to offer you everything you need. From paper copies to signs to web development, we can offer you a one-stop shop to get your business where you want it.

So, where’s our little sign to show all this? Well, it’s in the works. We are, after all, a sign company.

A hard lesson to learn in life is that you (our customer) won’t ask us to serve your needs unless we advertise that we can meet those needs. Keep an eye out for our new Web marketing. Soon to come to you.

Call us (925-7446) or email us if we can help you in any way. We look forward to hearing from YOU!

PS Did you know we’re on Facebook? Click to become our friend there. You never know what specials you might receive. And, if you’re a Twitter kinda person, follow us there as well. The boss has been know to offer specials through these channels…(wink, wink) Add CopyDog while you’re at it, too.

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We have been working with D3 Skis for quite some time. We officially launched their redesigned website a few months ago. As we move along, we continue to make improvements on the site and complete updates as requested.

This site is by far our “busiest” site. Currently, we are seeing an average of over 3,000 unique hits per month. Sales are looking good too.

We started with some initial design elements from their old site and completely changed the look to a more contemporary feel for a shopping cart. We also greatly improved the back-end – The part where order processing and product updates happen.

If you get a chance, definately take a look at what they have to offer and what we can create for you if you have a need for a shopping cart of any size.

See you in the digital world…

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Check out Google’s video about their new features on searches. They have some very cool stuff that they have now integrated.

Watch here

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