O3 Consulting Inc

O3 Blog: On Internet

  • Effective Website Design: Pros & Cons of Hosted CMS Sites

    Originally published July 2012; updated January 2023. Small business owners have multiple options when creating an effective website.  From do-it-yourself website software-as-a-service to custom website design, there is a wide range of functionality, price and effort.  After a brief summary of major options, we list some pros and cons of the hosted CMS option, which is appealing…

  • Changes in moving to Google Analytics 4

    In mid-2023 Google will be stopping its Universal Analytics (old/UA) service, with all data collection moving to Google Analytics 4 (new/GA4). This article aims to acquaint users with the new layout and interface to find GA4-based website statistical data. How can I see GA4 measurements instead of UA? Have you viewed your GA4 analytics before?…

  • What is your domain name worth – 10 steps to protect your domain name

    Originally published November, 2017. Modified November, 2022 I’m not talking about how much you paid for your domain name – I’m talking about how much value your domain name has to your company or organization. It’s tempting to think your domain name has little value. When you built your website, it’s cost was probably a…

  • Counteracting WordPress Misconceptions

    Originally published December 2014; updated June 2023. We’re frequently asked how WordPress stacks up against other content management systems (CMS).  We’ve used many, and we chose WordPress because our client needs come first, and WordPress is the easiest to learn CMS we’ve found that also offers the flexibility to create quality solutions with a focus…

  • Local Search Marketing: Consistency is Key

    Originally posted June, 2012. Modified June, 2022. I’ve just been studying the Local Search Ranking Factors Report and am impressed by how important it is to be consistent when updating your listings on local directories to achieve good local search marketing.

  • Just Having a Facebook Page is Not Enough

    We’ve seen it many times:  A non-profit or business: That works OK. Until Facebook goes down worldwide due to poor server management . Until Facebook changes their algorithm – again – and now your page is no longer appearing in Facebook feeds and you don’t have time to understand the changes, much less implement them. Until…

  • Image copyrights: finding images and avoiding a lawsuit

    A client who manages content on their own website recently contacted us about a claim that they had been using a copyrighted image without paying. The copyright company PicRights.com emailed them demanding $300 for use of the image for the year and a half it was posted on their website. The website is for a…

  • Bye-bye 3-click rule: tips for meaningful web navigation usability

    I’ve always thought the 3-click rule was somewhat arbitrary. What if your website is full of in-depth content, and your audience is really into that? (Search engines love that…) The Nielsen-Norman Group’s article, The 3-Click Rule for Navigation Is False  (August, 2019), talks about the 3-click rule and suggests practical, evidence-based guidelines for getting from…

  • Tips from WordCamp St. Louis 2016

    Overview WordPress is our favorite content management system (CMS) because our clients find it easy to learn and use, which means they are more likely to keep sites up-to-date and to meet their online goals.  Ease of use is one primary WordPress goal. WordCamps are informal, WordPress community-organized events held all over the world. Everyone…

  • WordCamp Chicago 2016 – some helpful notes for website owners

    Overview O3 Internet has used many content management systems, but WordPress is our favorite because our clients find it easy to learn and use to keep their sites up-to-date. Carol attended WordCamp Chicago 2016 in early May. WordCamps are informal, community-organized events held all over the world. Everyone from casual users to core developers participate,…

  • O3 Awarded 15 Under 15

    O3 is delighted to be among the recipients awarded the Springfield Business Journal’s 15 Under 15 award for 2015. From the Springfield Business Journal: Small businesses have a large impact on the economy, and while they may not be as high profile as more familiar company names, they are collectively a significant economic driver. The…

  • Gravity Forms – Resend Email Notifications

    Gravity Forms is a powerful and versatile plugin for the WordPress content management system that allows the site owner to create forms quickly and easily. Read more about Gravity Forms and its many benefits here. One of its useful abilities is that an admin can resend email notifications from previously submitted forms with others. Notification…

  • Gravity Forms WordPress Form Creator

    Gravity Forms is a powerful and versatile plugin for the WordPress content management system that lets the site owner create forms quickly and easily. While it is a paid plugin, the price is definitely worth it! Customizable Forms Gravity Forms is heavily customizable.  In addition to common form fields such as check boxes, radio buttons,…

  • “Amazon Tax” found invalid in IL – another reason for local businesses to have an outstanding online presence

    The Illinois Supreme Court finds the “Amazon Tax” invalid, agreeing that affiliate marketing does not give rise to tax obligations. Although intended to level the playing field between online merchants (who would presumably collect and pay IL sales taxes under the law) and “brick and mortar” retailers, online retailers instead opted to end relationships with…

  • Effective Internet Marketing: Website Content Planning

    Content planning doesn’t have to be difficult if you take it one step at a time. The process can be completed in an hour or two for a small website.  I recommend you already understand your goals, what an ideal client looks like, your unique value and a search keyword list before starting content planning,…

  • The Three Fundamental Skills of a Successful Internet Consultant

    Have you ever heard of the term “five tool player?” It’s a phrase used to describe a particular baseball player who has the capacity to excel at hitting for average, hitting for power, base running skills, throwing ability, and fielding abilities. While it may seem like that’s what baseball players should be good at anyway…

  • Social Media Basics: Legal aspects of Social Media

    Social media can help companies build relationships and allow customers to promote the business with user-generated content such as comments, feedback, and recommendations to friends.   Consumers are increasingly seeking out online reviews of products and services before making a purchase.  Encouraging social media endorsements, soliciting testimonials, and requesting online reviews can be a way for…

  • Future of the Internet: Multimedia Search Engine

    There’s only one certainty in the Internet world: things are going to change. Here’s a glimpse of a possible new multimedia search engine.

  • Internet Marketing Basics: Identify your Search Engine Keywords

    What are search keywords? Search keywords are words and phrases that your target customers use to find your product or services on search engines like Google, Yahoo or Bing. When used effectively during website planning and development, they can make a big difference in how easy your site is to find online.  Identifying valuable keywords…

  • Effective Internet Marketing: What’s Your Unique Value?

    What is a Unique Value Proposition? A unique value proposition accurately conveys the value you offer to prospective customers.  It can also be used to market job opportunities to employees, to sell partnership opportunities to other companies, or to obtain funding or financing.