In the ever-evolving landscape of web development, content management systems (CMS) play a crucial role in simplifying the process of creating and managing digital content. Joomla and WordPress are two of the most popular CMS and approximately 45% of the world’s websites are built with these two platforms. However, while there are definitely cases where Joomla’s more advanced built-in features make it the best solution for some, the majority of users seem to prefer WordPress’s more modern styling and ease of use. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s learn the highlights of each CMS to weigh the pros and cons of each.

Table of Contents:

1. What is Joomla
2. Notable Users of Joomla
3. The Benefits of Joomla
4. The Drawbacks of Joomla
5. What is WordPress?
6. The Popularity of WordPress
7. Notable Companies and Government Entities
8. The Benefits of WordPress
9. The Drawbacks of WordPress
10. Migrating From Joomla to WordPress
11. Moving Joomla Content to a WordPress Site
12. Templates and Themes
13. Platform Differences

What is Joomla?

Joomla is an open-source content management system that enables the creation and management of dynamic websites and online applications. Launched in 2005, Joomla has evolved into a powerful platform, recognized for its flexibility, scalability, and powerful features. Powered by PHP and MySQL, Joomla allows users to build websites, ranging from simple personal blogs to complex enterprise solutions. With over 2 million active websites, Joomla has a dedicated community of developers, designers, and users contributing to its growth and improvement.

Notable Users of Joomla

Joomla has found favor with a diverse range of users, including some of the world’s biggest companies and government entities. Notable adopters of Joomla include:

Harvard University:

The prestigious Ivy League institution relies on Joomla to manage various aspects of its web presence, demonstrating the CMS’s ability to handle the needs of complex educational institutions.

IKEA:

The global furniture retailer IKEA utilizes Joomla for its online presence, showcasing the platform’s adaptability for managing e-commerce websites with a vast array of products.

United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe (UNRIC)

As part of the United Nations network, UNRIC employs Joomla to disseminate information effectively and engage with the public on critical global issues.

Benefits of Joomla

Joomla’s widespread adoption can be attributed to its numerous advantages:

Advanced Built-In Features:

Joomla ships with many features that other CMS don’t have. Access levels with granular permissions, selectable modular placement of content, access controls for member-only content, built in languages and on-page SEO controls make it one of the most flexible platforms available without the need for third-party extensions.

Extensive Customization:

With a vast collection of templates and extensions, Joomla allows users to customize their websites to meet specific requirements. This flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of industries and purposes.

Scalability:

Whether you’re starting with a small blog or managing a large-scale enterprise website, Joomla scales effectively. Its modular architecture enables the addition of features and functionalities as a website grows.

Affordability:

Joomla itself is free as are many of the extensions available for it. Commercial extensions are usually incredibly inexpensive.

Community Support:

Joomla boasts a vibrant and active community of developers, designers, and users who contribute to forums, documentation, and extensions. This communal support ensures that help is readily available for troubleshooting and customization.

However, like any platform, Joomla is not without its challenges. While there are many excellent reasons to use Joomla, there are at least as many reasons to not use Joomla.

The Drawbacks of Joomla

Learning Curve:

One of the primary drawbacks of Joomla lies in its steeper learning curve compared to WordPress. While the user interface is supposed to be designed to be user-friendly, the complexity of Joomla’s architecture and terminology can pose a challenge for beginners. Maintaining a Joomla site with regular content updates usually requires more of a time effort, even for those who are proficient using it.

Limited Extensions Quality:

Joomla boasts an extensive library of extensions and plugins that can enhance the functionality of a website. However, the quality and reliability of these extensions can vary. Some extensions may not be regularly updated or may not adhere to best practices, potentially leading to compatibility issues and security vulnerabilities. Users need to exercise caution and thoroughly vet extensions before incorporating them into their Joomla websites.

Smaller Community Compared to WordPress:

While Joomla has an active and supportive community, it is smaller compared to the community surrounding platforms like WordPress. A smaller community can mean fewer resources, tutorials, and third-party integrations available for users. Additionally, finding specific solutions or troubleshooting assistance may take longer due to the reduced pool of community members.

Limited Themes and Designs:

While Joomla does offer a variety of templates and themes, the selection is not as vast as some other content management systems, particularly when compared to the extensive library available for WordPress. This can limit design options and may require additional customization efforts to achieve a unique and visually appealing website.

Outdated Styling and Clunky UI

While Joomla extensions do tend to have very advanced features and robust settings, the styling of most of the extensions seems to be given very little thought. Styling on a great number of extensions hasn’t changed much at all over the last 15 years and are reminiscent of the old “Tron” era of UI.

An Update System from Hell

Although there are those in the Joomla community who would argue that there is not a thing wrong with Joomla’s method of updating, most users move away from Joomla exactly because of the issues surrounding the update process. There are no automatic updates in Joomla that will update Joomla and its extensions automatically, updating from one major version to another (like updating from Joomla 3 to Joomla 4) often requires a complete template rewrite if the site’s styling is to remain the same. Many Joomla extensions are not compatible in all versions of Joomla and must be researched each time an update is available. Many things can go wrong in a Joomla update, and costs to update from one major version to another can be pricey.

Joomla, with its strengths and weaknesses, continues to be a viable choice for many web developers and businesses. Understanding the disadvantages highlighted in this guide allows users to make informed decisions based on their specific needs and preferences. Like any content management system, Joomla requires careful consideration of its pros and cons to ensure a successful and secure web development journey.

What is WordPress?

WordPress is an open-source content management system (CMS) that simplifies the process of creating, managing, and publishing digital content on the web. Initially launched in 2003 as a blogging platform, it has since grown into a versatile CMS that powers websites of all types and sizes. Built on PHP and MySQL, WordPress’s strength lies in its user-friendly interface, extensive customization options, and a vibrant ecosystem of themes and plugins.

The Popularity of WordPress

WordPress dominates the CMS landscape, commanding a staggering market share. As of the latest statistics, WordPress powers over 40% of all websites on the internet. This astronomical figure speaks to the platform’s widespread adoption and its ability to cater to the diverse needs of users across the globe.

Notable Companies and Government Entities

WordPress has become the go-to choice for various high-profile entities, including:

The White House:

The official website of the United States’ government, whitehouse.gov, is powered by WordPress. This demonstrates the platform’s robustness and scalability, handling the digital presence of one of the world’s most influential governments.

The Walt Disney Company:

A global entertainment giant, Disney relies on WordPress for several of its websites, showcasing the platform’s versatility in managing content for diverse audiences and purposes.

The New York Times:

A renowned media outlet, The New York Times uses WordPress to power parts of its digital presence. This highlights the platform’s capability to handle the content demands of large-scale news organizations.

The Benefits of WordPress

User-Friendly Interface:

WordPress’s intuitive dashboard allows users, regardless of technical expertise, to create and manage content effortlessly. This user-friendly approach has contributed significantly to its popularity.

Extensive Customization Options:

With a vast library of themes and plugins, WordPress offers unparalleled customization possibilities. Users can tailor their websites to suit specific aesthetics and functionalities, making it a flexible solution for various industries.

Scalability:

Whether you’re running a personal blog or managing a complex e-commerce site, WordPress scales seamlessly. Its modular architecture accommodates growth, allowing users to expand their websites as their needs evolve.

Active Community Support:

The WordPress community is a thriving ecosystem of developers, designers, and users. This network ensures that help, support, and resources are readily available, fostering collaboration and innovation.

SEO-Friendly:

WordPress is inherently SEO-friendly, incorporating features that contribute to better search engine visibility. Plugins such as Yoast SEO further enhance the platform’s capabilities in optimizing content for search engines.

Automatic Update System:

Website updates ensure that the site is receiving regular security patches to cover any found vulnerabilities. They also introduce modern technological advances and trends so that sites can continue to keep up with the technological advances of the day. WordPress recently introduced an automated update system that allows site administrators the ability to switch on and off automated updates for the WordPress core, each installed theme, and each plugin. This allows the site to continue to run smoothly with little to no intervention at all.

Ease of Use

WordPress is the GOAT when it comes to an easy to use interface. It ships with a visual block editor that allows the user to add content and media and arrange the content with a simple drag-and-drop interface. In addition, visual page-building plugins can allow point and click ease for adding or editing content just as it is seen on the site.

The Drawbacks of WordPress

Now we will explore some of the disadvantages associated with using WordPress, shedding light on aspects that users and developers should consider when choosing this content management system.

Security Concerns:

WordPress’s immense popularity makes it an attractive target for hackers and malicious actors. While the WordPress core itself is secure and regularly updated, vulnerabilities can emerge due to poorly coded themes and plugins. Users need to exercise caution and keep their themes, plugins, and the WordPress core up to date to mitigate security risks.

Performance Issues:

As websites grow in complexity, the sheer number of plugins and customizations available for WordPress can sometimes result in performance issues. A poorly optimized website, laden with unnecessary plugins, may experience slower loading times, affecting the user experience. Careful selection and optimization of plugins are crucial to maintaining optimal performance.

Dependency on Plugins:

While plugins extend the functionality of WordPress, an overreliance on them can lead to compatibility issues and potential security vulnerabilities. Additionally, if a plugin is abandoned by its developers, users may face challenges finding alternatives or adapting to changes in the WordPress ecosystem.

While WordPress undeniably stands as a powerhouse in the world of content management systems, acknowledging its limitations is essential for users and developers. Each disadvantage should be weighed against the platform’s myriad strengths to determine whether WordPress is the right fit for a particular project. With proper maintenance, security practices, and strategic decision-making, many of these disadvantages can be mitigated, allowing users to harness the power of WordPress effectively.

Migrating From Joomla to WordPress

Unfortunately, there is no point and click method of automatically recreating your Joomla website as a WordPress website. There are many steps that need to be taken in order to achieve a WordPress replica of your Joomla site.

Moving Joomla Content to a WordPress Site

Because of the platform differences, much of the “content” on each Joomla page is really a combination of articles and modules. With Joomla, there is no built-in method to export the content so a third-party extension will need to be uploaded to the site. Most of these extensions will only export the “Articles” content and not the module’s content, so expect that you will be manually recreating the pages one at a time regardless of your approach. Because WordPress does have a built-in import tool, the content can easily be uploaded to the new WordPress site once it has been combined. However, your styling will have to be applied manually and it is likely that it won’t just appear in the same blocks and layouts as it did in your Joomla website.

Templates and Themes

Although Joomla uses “templates” and WordPress uses “themes”, there is relatively no difference between the two. However, a Joomla template is written just for Joomla and can’t be used on a WordPress site. One of the biggest challenges of recreating a Joomla site with WordPress is to find a WordPress theme that has a layout that closely resembles the Joomla site that you are trying to duplicate.

At Moore Tech Solutions we develop themes internally so recreating an almost exact replica is not challenging for us. However, if you lack the HTML, CSS and PHP knowledge to create a custom theme then you will likely either need to find someone else to create the site for you or you will need to find a theme that has similar styling and be willing to accept the differences.

Platform Differences

Regardless of whether you are rebuilding a Joomla site in WordPress or rebuilding a WordPress site in Joomla, there are going to be slight differences. The styling in WordPress is usually a bit more modern, so things may look a bit sleeker. UI items like buttons, tabs, and FAQ sliders may not look or behave exactly the same, and on-page animations may be slightly different. While a Joomla website can be rebuilt in WordPress very successfully, you should still expect very slight differences in the two.

Wrapping it all up

In summary, all CMSs have their benefits and drawbacks, and every business will need to assess which platform is the wisest choice for them. If you determine that your Joomla site is not the best platform for your needs then recreating the site in WordPress may be your best bet.

If you’re not sure which CMS would fit your needs the best, we offer consulting services to help you select a platform that will be the greatest benefit for your usage case. If it is determined that WordPress is your best platform, then we would be happy to talk with you about rebuilding the whole site using the WordPress CMS. Our pricing and time to produce the site is extremely competitive.

Contact Us today to get started!

The post Turn Your Joomla Site Into a WordPress Site appeared first on Moore Tech Solutions.

Website design trends in 2024 are constantly evolving and reflecting the impact of different events in pop culture These trends aren’t isolated islands. They’re constantly evolving, merging, and morphing into something entirely new, such as the nostalgia caused by the return of Y2K style or sci-fi related websites. The aesthetics adapting to each year, evolving from previous design trends are establishing successful website designs. Website design is a chameleon, constantly shifting its colors and textures to reflect the new trends.

What will the websites of tomorrow look like? Will AI become the ultimate design partner, or will human creativity continue to rule the roost? As the 2024 design odyssey just started to unfold its mysteries, we’ll share our thoughts on the trends that will define our digital future.

Table of contents

1. Microinteractions and Motion Effects
2. Bright colors and Gradients
3. Dynamic Typography
4. Y2K
5. AI Generated Content
6. 3D Elements
7. Parallax Scrolling
8. HUGE Text!
9. Maximalism
10. Gen Z influence

1. Microinteractions and Motion Effects

We expect more interactive websites in 2024 website design trends. Even though we already witnessed the evolution of microinteractions during 2023, it’s not commonly used by everyone. Luckily, new sites will have the need to adapt and evolve to new trends surrounded by more immersive experiences full of color, motion, and enhancements to make a product’s workflow and experience more enjoyable. On the other hand, we are quite familiar with motion in websites. From graphics floating around to small texts vanishing through scrolling down; these types of interactions within a website prepare the way of the evolution of more modern designs with futuristic details.

For example, microinteractions are tiny, interactive moments within a website that enhance the user experience by guiding them through their journey giving them small hints around. These microinteractions are often subtle, but their impact on usability can be significant and offer a more immersive experience. Both microinteractions and motion effects are carefully crafted movements to engage our senses, guide us through interfaces, and even tell stories, all without a single word.

Here are some key characteristics of microinteractions and motion effects:

• Don’t require any complex actions or decisions, usually involving simple gestures like hovering, clicking, or scrolling.
• Triggered by specific user actions and provide immediate feedback, either visually, audibly, or through haptics.
• Serve a functional purpose, like indicating that an action has been registered or providing progress updates, but they also aim to be playful and engaging, adding a touch of magic to the user experience.

While motion-rich websites undeniably enhance the user experience for many, it’s crucial to remember that not everyone enjoys the same roller coaster ride. For some, excessive animation and interactivity can become a dizzying obstacle course, hindering navigation and accessibility. Imagine someone with visual impairments trying to decipher content that’s constantly swirling and morphing, or someone using a screen reader struggling to discern text hidden beneath layers of animated elements.

Remember, the website’s primary function is to communicate effectively and efficiently. While motion and interactivity can be powerful tools for trends in website design, they should enhance the user journey, not derail it. By prioritizing clarity, control, and inclusivity, we can create websites that are not only mesmerizing but also accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

2. Bright Colors and Gradients

Bright colors and gradients on websites are more than just aesthetic choices; they’re paintbrushes dipped in digital vibrancy, ready to splash bold statements, evoke emotions, and guide your eyes across the online canvas.

Used thoughtfully, they can transform your website into a vibrant and engaging experience that delights your users and reinforces your brand identity. So, let your creativity flow, experiment, and find the perfect color palette that makes your website truly shine! It’s a playground for the bold and the adventurous, where vibrant hues and smooth transitions dance across the screen, captivating our attention and immersing us in the experience.

Here are some key characteristics of bright colors and gradients:

• Websites can use color strategically to guide your emotional journey, creating the desired atmosphere and subtly influencing your perception of the content.
• Bright colors draw attention to important elements, guiding your navigation and ensuring you don’t miss the key messages.
• A unique color palette can become a brand’s visual signature, making it instantly recognizable and setting it apart from the competition.

Ready to inject some life into your website? Hold on, because vibrant color bursts and dynamic interactions aren’t the only ingredients for a lively online experience. Walking the tightrope between playful and chaotic is where the real magic happens. Don’t get me wrong, a splash of color can be exhilarating, like a tropical sunrise flooding your screen. But just like too much sugar in your coffee, the wrong palette or overzealous animation can leave users feeling jittery and overwhelmed.

Remember, the cornerstone of any lively website is a clean design. Think of it as your blank canvas, the foundation upon which your creative energy can dance. Clutter, whether visual or functional, drowns out your message and creates a frustrating user journey. So, embrace the mantra “less is more” and prioritize clarity above all else.

3. Dynamic Typography

Dynamic typography’s main goal is to catch its viewers’ attention through prominent and astonishing movement and shape-shifting characteristics. Dynamic typography defies the static norms of traditional text, embracing movement, interaction, and transformation. It’s where words shed their stationary shells and come alive with fluidity and expression, captivating our attention, and reinventing the way we communicate online.

How does it work?

• Animations That Shimmer and Swirl
• Interactive Text That Responds to Your Every Click
• AI-Powered Typography That Adapts and Evolves
• Morphing into different words
• Shape and color shifting
• Typing animations

Dynamic typography reigns supreme in the world of web design trends for good reason. It’s not just a dazzling visual spectacle that hypnotizes users; it’s a potent tool for communication, storytelling, and engagement. Imagine headlines swirling and morphing to guide you through a narrative, or buttons dancing to beckon you closer. It’s an immersive experience that can elevate any website.

However, like any powerful tool, dynamic typography requires careful handling. While the playful chaos might be perfect for a youthful audience, it could overwhelm and disorient older users or those with certain accessibility needs. Consider the impact of excessive motion on your target demographic. Would it enhance their experience or leave them feeling lost in a dizzying vortex of letters?

4. Y2K

The Y2K aesthetic is making a glorious comeback, exploding onto websites with a vibrant splash of nostalgia and playful digital rebellion. Think butterfly clips, platform shoes, holographic stickers, and a healthy dose of optimism – all translated into the pixelated playground of the internet. Glitches and Gifs are back along with animated text blocks around. Y2k is all about embracing the new technologies and making them your own. This would be your best option if you are looking for a modern website design while bringing simpler times and comfort. Y2K will most likely incorporate sci-fi futuristic elements from movies such as Star-Trek, Tron, and Star Wars. The classics are always timeless.

Y2K might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Some of the trends might feel a little too unconventional and outlandish for the viewers that witnessed this era with their own eyes. Maximalism surrounded by glitter and funky typographies might be perceived as a little excessive.

5. AI Generated Content

Since the launch of ChatGPT last year, AI has established a new future for different tools that will expand our creativity. AI tools are extensions of our limitless mind that help us create content for our websites like Midjourney or Dall-E, you can now generate text-to-image, and Bard and ChatGPT which are excellent tools for content creation. AI tools usage seems perfect for a bigger platform with educational purposes, which would work great with Joomla website designs in 2024. Joomla helps you achieve a more complex structure for your design needs.

What can AI do for me?

• Suggest color palettes and fonts
• Create images and visual content
• Write website copy content
• Optimize User Experience
• Identify and solve design problems

The future of web design isn’t a battle between humans and AI, but a powerful partnership. AI is emerging as a creative co-pilot, augmenting human ingenuity with automation and insights. Imagine designers empowered by AI tools that generate inspiring layouts, suggest captivating color palettes, and even personalize content – the possibilities for crafting effective and engaging websites are limitless.

6. 3D Elements

3D elements in web design are visual components that create an illusion of depth and dimension on a two-dimensional screen. They bring a sense of realism and tangibility to websites, making them more engaging and interactive for users.

Here are some key characteristics of 3D Elements:

• Add visual interest and depth to websites, making them more engaging and memorable for users.
• Create an interactive experience and tell stories in a more immersive way.
• Provide a more realistic and interactive way for users to view and explore products, leading to better decision-making and increased sales.
• Stand out from the competition and showcase your creativity in a unique way.

In situations where 3D elements might not be the best fit, consider alternative techniques like flat illustrations, layering design elements, or subtle animations, remember that is always useful to boost your website conversion with images as well. If not used properly, 3D around your website can make your design look quirky and dated. The key is to choose the approach that best resonates with your users and supports your website’s goals.

7. Parallax Scrolling

Parallax scrolling is a visual technique in web design that creates a captivating 3D illusion of depth and movement. It’s like peering through a magic window where layers of content unfold at different speeds as you scroll, immersing you in a captivating digital story. WordPress website designs in 2024 are implementing parallax easily because of their user-friendly tools that offer built-in parallax features, often with customization options to control speed and intensity.

Benefits of parallax scrolling:

• Increased user engagement: The eye-catching 3D effect grabs attention and keeps users scrolling, making websites more dynamic and memorable.
• Enhanced storytelling: Parallax can guide users through a narrative journey, revealing information gradually and creating a sense of anticipation.
• Brand personality boost: The immersive nature of parallax can make websites feel more interactive and engaging, enhancing brand perception and memorability.
• Creative flexibility: Designers can use parallax to create unique and memorable experiences that set their websites apart from the competition.

Remember, always use parallax effects discreetly to avoid overwhelming your users, ensure a smooth user experience and easy access to information, and always verify seamless performance on different browsers and screens.

8. HUGE Text!

The question of large or oversized text in website design is a fascinating one, as it teeters on the edge of a design tightrope. Used skillfully, it can be a powerful tool for engagement, accessibility, and storytelling. But misstep, and you risk alienating users or creating a visual cacophony.

The Allure of the Big Bold:

• Attention Grabbers: Large titles instantly capture the eye, breaking through the visual clutter and drawing users in. They act as visual anchors, guiding users to the most important information and setting the stage for exploration.
• Storytelling Powerhouses: Headlines can set the tone and theme of your website, acting as mini introductions that hint at the story behind your content. Think bold, playful fonts for a lighthearted experience, or elegant serif fonts for a more sophisticated tone.
• Accessibility Champions: For users with visual impairments, large, high-contrast titles can make a website significantly easier to navigate, promoting inclusivity and accessibility.

Consider your content! While large titles can be impactful, they shouldn’t overpower the actual information. Ensure the font size and style complement the content, enhancing, not overshadowing, it. Choose fonts that are clear, easy to read on different screen sizes, and compatible with your overall aesthetic. Fancy calligraphy might look pretty, but if it’s a struggle to decipher, it defeats the purpose. Always establish a hierarchy with different font sizes and weights to differentiate headings, subheadings, and body text. This creates a visual flow and guides users through your content effectively.

9. Maximalism

Bursting onto the web design scene with a riot of colors, textures, and audacious elements. It’s a visual feast for the senses, a rejection of the clean lines and stark spaces that have dominated for so long. But is it a trend, a movement, or just a flash in the digital pan?

Maximalism, unchecked, can be overwhelming. Cluttering the screen with too many elements, colors, and animations can leave users feeling dizzy and disoriented. Remember, the goal is to engage, not to induce a digital migraine. If everything is shouting for attention, nothing gets heard. In the chaos of maximalism, important information can easily get lost. Ensure clear hierarchy, strategic use of white space, and focused user journeys to prevent content from becoming a victim of its own vibrancy.

10. Gen Z influence

When it comes to website design, Gen Z brings a unique perspective – a generation raised on smartphones, fluent in memes, and fiercely independent. For Gen Z is always important to have a great responsive and mobile friendly web design since their phones are their preferred device to access any type of media. Their preferences have a significant impact on the digital landscape. Gen Z values genuineness over polished perfection. They crave brands that show their true colors, with raw content, relatable voices, and a willingness to take a stand on social issues. Think handwritten testimonials instead of stock photos, unscripted vlogs instead of professional commercials. Forget desktop-driven designs! Gen Z lives on their phones, so websites need to be flawlessly optimized for the mobile experience. Fast loading times, intuitive navigation, and bite-sized content are non-negotiables. Imagine an Instagram-like interface but for every website, built for quick scrolling and instant engagement.

By understanding and incorporating these preferences, web designers can create websites that resonate with Gen Z, capturing their attention, encouraging engagement, and building lasting connections. Remember, it’s about going beyond the aesthetics and tapping into their values, their digital habits, and their desire for authentic, interactive, and meaningful experiences. So, ditch the dusty design rulebooks and get ready to embrace the bold, playful, and inclusive future of web design, shaped by the digital natives of Gen Z!

Wrapping up

While these are some of the most striking trends simmering on the web design horizon for 2024, they’re just the tip of the iceberg. It is important to remember that new trends will continue to emerge during 2024 or some of them might disappear completely to become outdated. For everyone interested in website design it’s always important to consider while designing that your main goal is to build a great and remarkable experience for your user. Keep this in mind always while you prepare and conceptualize your next design!

If you are looking to improve or create your website based on these new trends or make your own while expanding your creativity with our help contact us here. We will gladly help you out!

The post Emerging Website Design Trends in 2024 appeared first on Moore Tech Solutions.

Like all software, Joomla is regularly updated to ensure the latest security measures and CMS features are employed. Thus, ensuring that your website is utilizing the latest version is important for not only keeping things running smoothly but also for keeping your data safe and secure.

With Joomla 3 being replaced by Joomla 4, we thought it would be appropriate to provide an overview of what clients can expect when upgrading to the latest version. In this post, we’ll discuss the biggest changes and improvements in Joomla 4, why it’s necessary to upgrade, how to prepare for your upgrade, migration considerations, and much more.

The Evolution of Joomla: From 3 to 4

Joomla 3 was released in 2016, and although it was updated regularly, it has been a while since the platform has undergone a major upgrade. But that’s changing as with the latest release of Joomla 4, users can expect many new features, fixes, and security improvements in the CMS platform that they’ve come to love.

Joomla 4 is built on the latest technologies, such as PHP 7, the jQuery JavaScript library, and the Bootstrap 5 front-end framework. It features a new admin interface, a more efficient media manager, a new routing system for better SEO, as well as a completely new template framework and elevated security features, including two-factor authentication.

Joomla 4 has been redesigned to make creating and managing content easier and faster than ever. More specifically, it performs better because it has been optimized for speed and performance, so caching and loading times are faster. Scalability has also been improved, which allows it to handle more traffic, an essential benefit, especially for larger websites. It also delivers improved database performance, thus allowing it to handle large amounts of data with greater ease.

Additional enhancements included in Joomla 4 include:

• Improved codebase that makes it easier to add new features to your CMS
• Improved user interface that’s more modern and delivers improved mobile responsiveness
• Improved media manager featuring drag-and-drop simplicity
• Improved SEO features

Reasons to Upgrade: Why It’s Necessary

Whenever a new version of any piece of software is released, the number one reason for upgrading is the same – upgrading protects you and your data because the latest version utilizes the latest security measures currently available. In most cases, the security upgrades resolve weaknesses that were discovered in the previous version, and they are designed to protect against more modern threats.

Upgrading also ensures that the version you’re using will be supported for some length of time. For instance, official support for Joomla 3 ended on August 17, 2023. As a result, failing to upgrade can leave you more exposed to certain risks.

Upgrading to the latest version of Joomla 4 also provides you with a better user experience thanks to its new, updated interface and easy backend management. And because Joomla 4 is compatible with modern PHP versions and related technologies, your website will be future-proofed for the foreseeable future.

Preparing for the Upgrade

Before upgrading from Joomla 3 to Joomla 4, there are a few steps you should take to prepare, so the process can go as smoothly as possible. These steps include:

1. Backup your Joomla 3 website: This step is important because backing up your website safeguards your data should something unexpected occur
2. Check your server to make sure it meets the requirements for Joomla 4, including PHP (needs at least PHP 7.2), database, and other software
3. Make sure you have the latest Joomla 3.x version (if not update it to 3.10.11)
4. Run the Joomla 4 Pre-Update Check in Joomla 3 to make sure all installed extensions and templates are compatible with Jooma 4

Migration Considerations

When migrating to Joomla 4, there are certain considerations that should be kept in mind. For starters, you should assess your website’s complexity and functionality, as well as its original goals. If you discover that your site has deviated from your initial vision, look at the migration as a means of getting back into focus with your goals, or as a means of bringing it more up to date with your current goals if they’ve changed.

It is also important to note that some users may experience possible challenges in migrating custom code and functionalities. This is because some older extensions may not be compatible with Joomla 4. This is why it is always recommended to run the Pre-Update check in Joomla 3 prior to migrating. Leaving incompatible extensions in place could interfere with the Joomla upgrade and result in a failed upgrade that leaves the site inaccessible. You should upgrade all extensions to meet J4 compatibility or disable or uninstall these plugins before upgrading.

As with any major platform upgrade, you should test Joomla 4 on a staging environment instead of on the live site. Only once you thoroughly review it to ensure that everything is working smoothly and as expected should you copy it over to the live site.

The Upgrade Process

Once any incompatible extensions have been disabled, the upgrade process is fairly straightforward. For the most in-depth step-by-step instruction, you should check out Joomla’s official migration documentation and use their recommended backup and migration tools.

In some cases, certain issues may arise during the upgrade, the two most common being:

• Technical Specifications not met
• Third-party extension incompatibility

Each of these issues is easily remedied by following the advice previously mentioned in this article. Two other common issues involve isClient and isAdmin errors. These errors indicate that you have third-party extensions using isClient or isAdmin, so they should be uninstalled or disabled/unpublished.

If you get a blank screen after migrating, then you should check the page source. If it looks like the complete HTML code is there, then you may have a JavaScript error. Or, if there is no code at all, then it is most likely a PHP error. Check logs/joomla_update.php to see if a proper update was completed. If the site is updated properly, then you can use phpMyAdmin to disable any third-party plugins that you may have overlooked before updating to Joomla 4.

Redesigning vs. Migration: Joomla vs. WordPress

If your site is currently using Joomla 3 and you are looking to upgrade your CMS to a newer platform, then you may be trying to decide between migrating to Joomla 4 versus doing a complete website redesign using WordPress. One thing you can do to help you come to your decision is to evaluate whether your current Joomla website meets your needs.

If you like the ease with which Joomla 3 operates, then upgrading to Joomla 4 will only provide an even better experience. But if you are wanting to try something completely different and your website doesn’t need some of the advance functions available in Joomla, then rebuilding your site in WordPress may be something to consider.

Both Joomla 4 and WordPress come with their own set of pros and cons which should be carefully considered before making your decision.

Joomla Advantages

• Has more advanced user management controls out of the box
• Is more flexible for different types of content, including non-standard content types
• Has multilingual support built-in to the core, while WordPress requires you to use a third-party plugin
• Provides users with multiple templates for different pieces of content instead of one theme

Joomla Disadvantages

• Has fewer professional extensions than WordPress
• Doesn’t offer as many customization options as some other CMSs
• Can experience compatibility issues with extensions due to the core platform undergoing frequent updates
• Has a somewhat complex update/upgrade path

WordPress Advantages

• Is easier to maintain than Joomla
• Has the largest ecosystem of WordPress exclusive plugins and themes
• Has a huge support community consisting of blogs, Facebook groups, and developers

WordPress Disadvantages

• Is so widely used that hackers and other cyber-criminals target WordPress sites most frequently
• Can be challenging to use with certain plugins
• Tends to be slower loading, which can have a negative effect on search engine rankings
• Is too dependent on third party plugins, which can hamper site performance and increase security risks

Rebuilding in WordPress: Is It Necessary?

To determine if rebuilding your website by switching from Joomla to WordPress is necessary, you should first begin by assessing your website’s structure, content, and features. What is the purpose of your website? What are your goals for your site? What type of content and features do you want to share with your audience?

While most advanced websites might be better suited for Joomla’s robust content and media management features, WordPress remains one of the best platforms for blogs.

The downside, however, is that making the migration from Joomla to WordPress doesn’t come without its own set of challenges. A lot of complications can arise during the migration process, which can lead to data loss or website downtime. As a result, the migration process should only be attempted by experienced web developers.

Retaining Joomla: Benefits and Future Prospects

Many users who are already running Joomla 3 may be best served by simply upgrading to Joomla 4. You’ll be working with a more modern version of a platform you’re already comfortable using. You’ll also enjoy the continued support of Joomla’s vast community of users and developers and receive all updates as they’re released to ensure you’re always using the latest, greatest software.

Utilizing Joomla’s unique features and functionalities allows you to create a website that is truly original, easy to manage, and powerful enough to meet all its daily demands.

Post-Upgrade Tasks

Once you have successfully migrated from Joomla 3 to Joomla 4 and conducted a thorough testing of your site, there are a few other post-update activities that you should complete. These include:

• Clear the cache: Open Updates and click on Clear Cache.
• Check the database schema and fix any errors if any appear: Go to the Database Fix page and click on Extensions > Manage > Database, and then click the Fix button
• Check the website’s frontend and backend
• Go to System -> Global Configuration -> Server -> Error Reporting, to “Maximum” option into System Default. Click the “Save” button
• Move your Joomla site from Localhost to the live server – assign the staging site folder to the site domain
• Participate in user training to become familiar with Joomla 4’s exciting new features

Conclusion

In conclusion, we hope this guide has settled some of the concerns or worries you might have had when you learned that support for Joomla 3 was ending. While Joomla 3 might be heading into the sunset, Joomla 4 is here to reignite your love for your website.

With Joomla 4, you will enjoy greater performance, speed, and ease-of-use. Your website will be more secure, modern, and significantly more efficient because its CMS will be supported for years to come. Plus, you’ll continue to be a part of Joomla’s rich ecosystem and its ever expanding community of users.

The post Upgrading from Joomla 3 to Joomla 4 appeared first on Moore Tech Solutions.

Luckily, there are some things you can do to help your website get the attention it deserves, and it all starts by making sure your site is up to date with the latest website design and development trends.

In the Internet landscape, technology is constantly evolving and as a result, so too are user expectations. In this guide, you will learn all about the hottest website design and development trends that you should be factoring into your website build or redesign due to their unique abilities of enhancing user experience and engagement.

#1: Dark Mode and Color Schemes

Dark mode is a feature that exploded in popularity over the last decade, particularly among those users who do a lot of their web surfing on remote devices, like their smartphones or tablets. Dark mode works by inverting the colors of a website or web application, so the background is dark and the text is light.

This design function is popular because it helps reduce eye strain and improves readability in low-light environments. As a side benefit, the dark interface also uses less power, so users who prefer it can conserve battery power on their mobile devices while still enjoying all their usual online activities.

While making your website dark mode ready can improve the user’s experience, implementing creative use of color schemes is essential not only for increasing the visual appeal of your site, but it can also help maximize your branding efforts. If your company logo features distinctive colors, then incorporating those colors throughout your website, apps, and social media channels will create continuity throughout your ecosystem.

#2: Immersive Web Experiences

Two of the more innovative trends to arise in website design and development are tools that allow for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) integration. Augmented reality uses computer-generated content with elements of the real world to create a more engaging experience.

A good example of how this technology works is Amazon’s “See It In Your Room” feature, which superimposes a digital image of a product over the user’s real life living space by using the camera on their smartphone or tablet. Many fashion accessory sites also use the technology, such as those that allow users to try on glasses, shoes, and other apparel virtually without having to place an order. One of the biggest benefits of augmented reality, when used in this way, is a measurable reduction in returned items.

Like augmented reality, virtual reality experiences on websites will also continue to increase over the coming years. This technology is currently a popular feature on many real estate listing sites and Airbnb sites because it enables users to tour a home or rental before scheduling an in-person tour or making a reservation. Incorporating augmented and/or virtual reality technology in your website can help you deliver useful and meaningful content to your audience in an interactive and fun way that can help them make more informed buying decisions.

#3: Minimalist and Micro-Interactions

The minimalist movement has been growing by leaps and bounds over the last few years, both in the real world and online. In the home it focuses on clean aesthetics and a purposeful lack of clutter, which helps reduce stress and improve peace of mind. Online, minimalist web designs focus on limited color palettes and using only as many design elements as needed. Successful implementation of a minimalistic web design means leaving plenty of white space and ensuring that each element is perfectly balanced in how it is presented, so that nothing appears out of place.

Minimalist web design should also rely heavily on subtle animations and micro-interactions that fit with its overall theme and feel. Micro-interactions can help increase engagement without requiring a lot of input from the user. A common micro-interaction that is used by both minimalistic and standard websites alike is a progress indicator, which is designed to keep the user updated, such as on the status of a download or what stage they’re at when completing an online form.

Like micro-interactions, using subtle animations is a great way to provide feedback in the least intrusive way possible. Subtle animations add life to a minimalistic website and make it more visually appealing without overwhelming the user.

#4: Voice Search Optimization

With the increase in reliance on virtual chatbots, like Google’s Assistant, Amazon’s Alexa, and Apple’s Siri, voice search technology is fast becoming the norm. And while the technology hasn’t made a huge shift over to the website side of things, that will be changing in 2023 and beyond as we expect to see more and more websites integrating voice search as an option to traditional text search.

Adapting your website content for voice-based queries and implementing voice user interfaces (VUIs) for more intuitive navigation will soon become one of the best ways to future-proof your website and make it as user-friendly as possible.

#5: AI-Powered Personalization

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have been used in website development strategies for several years, but like all technology they continue to advance and open up doors for new and exciting opportunities. For example, one of the ways that AI and ML have been changing the way websites are being built has been via their ability to adapt to a user’s habits to deliver a more personalized user experience.

Using AI and ML technology, websites can change how they appear by offering dynamic content recommendations based on a user’s unique behavior. This level of personalization makes a single website capable of providing different experiences to different users. AL and ML can also dramatically improve search functionality, automate tasks, and produce chatbots and virtual assistants that can interact in real-time with users in a more lifelike and responsive way, all of which will help increase user engagement, improve customer support quality, and ultimately drive more conversions.

#6: Responsive and Mobile-First Design

Responsive and mobile-first web design is a trend that allows web pages to automatically adapt to the size and resolution of the user’s device using elements like flexible grid layouts, images, and more. This type of design focus is extremely important for today’s online businesses because it ensures that their websites and web applications are user-friendly and accessible across a wide range of devices. And with 92.3% of Internet users accessing the Internet using a mobile phone or other portable device, taking a mobile-first approach to your website has never been more important.

As if being mobile-friendly isn’t already important enough, providing a responsive and mobile-first website can even improve your search engine result standing. The reason is because Google now utilizes mobile-first indexing on SEO when delivering its search results. It does this by analyzing the mobile version of a site’s content instead of its standardized version for indexing and ranking.

#7: Accessibility and Inclusivity

Accessibility and inclusivity are not just trends, but they are now standard elements (as stated by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)) that need to be incorporated into any website’s design to make it more accessible for people with disabilities. Providing your audience with a site that every visitor can navigate and interact with is essential for not just delivering good customer service and an excellent user experience, doing so can also increase conversion, boost your SEO, and help you reach the widest audience possible.

Some of the ways you can improve accessibility and inclusivity in your website design can include:

• Using strong color contrasts between text and backgrounds to make it easier to read
• Using voice search technology
• Incorporating focus indicators for easier keyboard navigation
• Using labels and instructions with form fields instead of low-context placeholder text
• Using functional alt tags for images

#8: Blockchain and Web Security

Despite global efforts to reduce it, cybercrime is at an all-time high. This is partly due to the tenacity and techno-savviness of today’s hackers, but it is also due in part to the growing number of opportunities for hackers to exploit. For example, websites that aren’t upgraded regularly to incorporate the latest web security measures or those that ask their users to log in via their Facebook account or other social media credentials are only waiting to become victims.

But modern consumers are fast becoming more concerned about who they share their information with, so you don’t want your website to ask for data that you don’t need. You also want to provide your audience with a secure browsing experience by keeping your HTTPS and SSL certificates up to date. And if you store a large database of user information on your servers, then you need to employ next-gen security measures like blockchain and multi-factor identification. Failing in any one of these areas will leave your website exposed and your customer data at risk.

#9: Creative Scrolling and Navigation

Today’s web developers can incorporate innovative scrolling techniques that can help create a more interesting and satisfying user experience, especially in the realms of storytelling and engagement. For example, parallax scrolling is a popular web effect that adds a dynamic touch to certain sections of a webpage. When parallax scrolling is used, it creates an illusion of the media being positioned behind adjacent sections, making the content more engaging. Creative scrolling effects marry usability and intuitive navigation, and when it is done right it can stimulate your audience to keep scrolling.

#10: Sustainability and Green Web Hosting

Record breaking summer temperatures. Increasingly devastating tropical storms. Continually rising sea levels. These are just a few of the very real effects that climate change is having on our planet and if something isn’t done (and quickly), then who knows what type of world we’ll be living in over the coming years. Because of this, consumers have become increasingly aware of how businesses impact the environment, and this includes those in the web hosting field.

Traditional web hosting companies rely on massive server warehouses, which consume tons of energy just to keep their websites up and running. But today, there’s a new trend emerging where more and more web hosting providers are utilizing renewable energy sources to help make the websites they host more eco-friendly. If environmental responsibility is a big part of your company culture, or important to your audience, then in addition to partnering with a green web hosting company, you can go one step further by having your website optimized for energy efficiency.

#11: Typography and Custom Fonts

Incorporating creative use of typography and custom fonts can not only help you establish your brand’s identity, but it can allow you to give your website a unique look and feel that are representative of your company’s culture. For instance, if you want to keep things lighthearted and fun, then choosing a certain font, like a quirky sans serif font, will do the trick.

Using creative typography also allows you to take advantage of nostalgia, if that’s something you want to go for in your website. For many users, nostalgia can be extremely powerful due to the positive feelings it produces, and this can help result in increased conversions. Typography can also be used to help ensure your site’s readability across different devices and screen sizes. The key to success, of course, is choosing the right typography and custom fonts that best reflect your brand.

#12: Data Privacy and GDPR Compliance

One of the biggest things, if not THE biggest thing, that website owners need to be concerned about is keeping up to date with ever-evolving data privacy regulations and user concerns regarding it. In the EU, data security practices need to adhere to the UK’s GDPR, which outlines seven key principles:

1. Lawfulness, fairness, and transparency
2. Purpose limitation
3. Data minimization
4. Accuracy
5. Storage limitations
6. Integrity and confidentiality
7. Accountability

And while the United States has its own set of data privacy standards, practicing GDPR compliance in your website’s design and development will help ensure that you meet and/or exceed them all.

Conclusion

So, to recap, there are no fewer than 12 website design and development trends that you should be factoring into your site in 2023 and beyond, and these include:

1. Using dark mode and color schemes
2. Creating immersive web experiences
3. Utilizing minimalist designs with micro-interactions
4. Incorporating voice search optimization
5. Using AI and ML to increase personalization
6. Focusing on responsive, mobile-first design
7. Increasing accessibility and inclusivity
8. Maximizing web security via blockchain and other tactics
9. Using creative scrolling to make navigation more engaging
10. Designing with energy efficiency in mind
11. Using creative typography and custom fonts
12. Maximizing data privacy through GDPR compliance

It’s also important to remember that the Internet is a constantly changing thing. New trends and technologies will continue to emerge, so maintaining adaptability and staying informed is important for ensuring that your site never falls victim to being dated.

For designers and developers, this means it’s also important to experiment without losing sight of the end-user experience. Every trend that is put into action needs to enhance the user experience. If it doesn’t, then it’s not a trend worth pursuing.

It’s remarkable to think about how far web design and development has come. This is truly an exciting time to be in the industry. With the above trends shaping the current nature of web design and development, it makes it all the more exciting to think about what we can expect next and what the future of the industry holds.

The post Website Design and Development Trends for 2023 appeared first on Moore Tech Solutions.

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So, why does digital marketing work so well?

The answer is a little more complex, but the fact that 85% of Americans go online daily, with 31% being online “almost constantly,” is certainly one reason. After all, marketers want to reach consumers where they’re most likely to be and these days, that’s online.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at what digital marketing is and why it’s so important for today’s businesses to utilize it.

Is Digital Marketing the Same as Inbound Marketing?

Digital marketing and inbound marketing are often mentioned in the same breath, but while they do have similarities, they are different. For instance, both digital and inbound marketing rely on online tools and delivery systems, such as email and online content.

The difference between the two concepts is digital marketing uses the tools to achieve a goal whereas inbound marketing considers the goal first, then chooses the tools that will best reach their target customer at whatever stage in the sales funnel they are. In other words, digital marketing is designed to convert customers while inbound marketing is designed to attract and nurture leads.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that a marketer must choose between these two strategies. In fact, they are most effective when they are used together.

How is Digital Marketing Deployed?

Traditional marketing used to rely on print, television, and radio, because they were the most common ways people consumed information. But that has all changed when the Internet was formed. While those old resources still exist, the truth is that the Internet is where most people spend their time. Today’s households are more likely to go online for their news and entertainment. For many, most of their social interactions also take place on the web.

As a result, digital marketing is designed to reach consumers all day, every day, no matter where they are online. This strategy involves the targeted displaying of ads on websites, social media networks, search engines, and apps, as well as video marketing, infographics, search engine optimization, PPC advertising, and even affiliate marketing. Email marketing is also considered a type of digital marketing, and it remains a highly effective tool, but it has become less important of a standard since the social media boom.

7 Reasons Why Digital Marketing is Essential for Today’s Business

Digital marketing offers a wide range of benefits that other, more traditional marketing methods can’t compete with. Here are seven reasons why today’s businesses need to include digital marketing in their marketing strategies.

1. It’s more affordable than traditional marketing
2. It has a wider scope, which allows a business to acquire a global audience’s attention
3. It can be hyper-targeted, so ads only reach the desired demographic
4. Results are measurable, and changes can be implemented in real time
5. It levels the playing field, so small businesses can compete with bigger brands
6. It improves sales conversion rates and lead quality
7. It allows businesses to engage instantly with their audiences at every stage

Challenges of Digital Marketing

Despite the benefits, there remain some challenges to digital marketing that businesses need to be aware of. One of the most common is ad blocker technology. Some Internet users use ad blockers, so they don’t have to see pop-ups or banner ads. Another common issue is paid premium services, in which the user can avoid seeing ads by paying the app or service a premium fee.

While these certainly are challenges for the digital marketer, the truth is that new technology and trends emerge so frequently that the tactics being employed by a digital marketer need to be continually evaluated and reevaluated for effectiveness anyway. In this world, what works well one day may not be as effective the next. The good thing is that having a strong foundation in digital marketing enables a marketer to make the changes in their strategy quickly and easily, so they can best optimize their results based on the current environment.

Differences Between B2C and B2B Digital Marketing

The same digital marketing tactics are effective for both B2C and B2B marketers, but how the tactics are used should differ depending on who your target customer is. Here’s why.

B2B clients take longer to make their purchasing decisions. They tend to do a lot of research before buying and as a result, their sales funnel is longer than a B2C customer, who tends to respond better to short-term offers.

B2C customers are more likely to buy based on their emotions and how attractive an offer is, whereas B2B transactions are based more on logic and evidence. Content created for B2C customers should inspire an emotional response and an urge to buy. Content created for B2B clients should be evidentiary in nature and sharable, especially since most B2B purchasing decisions involve more than one person’s input.

Of course, there are exceptions to these general rules. Regardless of whether you’re a B2B or B2C marketer, you need to look at your target audience and create well-informed online marketing campaigns that speak directly to them and their needs. Doing so ensures your digital marketing efforts are effective and you can capture the attention of the audience you’re trying to reach.

Want to learn more about how digital marketing can transform your business and increase your sales?

Contact Moore Tech Solutions today at 205-414-1902, or click here to schedule a free consultation.

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Technical SEO is a set of practices that improve the technical aspects of your website and make it easier for Google’s web crawlers to index and improve the overall user experience of your website.

SEO is usually divided into three types: on-site, off-site, and technical SEO.

• Off-site SEO refers to practices that happen off-site but still influence your rankings. These practices include creating backlinks and linking your social media to your website.
• On-site SEO is, essentially, technical SEO done on the front end of your website. Practices of this type include keyword research and implementation, URL structuring, header formatting, meta descriptions, etc.
• Technical SEO is a subset of on-site SEO done in the backend of your website. This requires technical knowledge, or, at least knowledge of how navigate a content menagement system such as WordPress or Joomla.

SEO Strategies to Increase Organic Traffic –

Web design templates and web page layout editing using a professional software, collage and paper cut composition

Site Structure and Organization

From what we’ve said, it goes without saying that our primary goal for technical SEO should be to create a structured and well-organized website for crawlers to read. Here’s how to do it.

Optimize XML Sitemaps

Sitemaps are still relied upon heavily by Google for website indexing. By creating a clean and well-organized sitemap, Google can better understand and better index your site’s URLs.

The key to effective XML sitemaps is regular monitoring. As new web pages are being added to your site, your sitemap can become a confusing mess without proper monitoring and updating, making it harder to get your pages properly indexed.

Optimize Site Architecture

A properly optimized website starts with a properly optimized architecture. Always organize your pages with a clear hierarchy in mind. Your most important pages should be at the top, with the less important ones referring to the above them in the pecking order. This way, you’re creating a pyramid-like structure for your website that’s easy to navigate for both bots and humans.

Additionally, implement a standardized URL structure. Your website will consist of several, if not many, pages, and all pages will need a URL. By creating a standardized structure that organizes your URLs in groups, you are also boosting the navigability of your website.

Crawling and Indexing

We said it before, and we’re saying it again – the best way to increase organic traffic on your website is to have it properly indexed. Here’s how to go about improving your website for indexing.

Maximize Crawling Budget

Crawlers won’t stick around your website forever; they only stick around for a set amount of time, which means you’re working with a limited time frame where your website can be indexed.

One of the best ways to minimize work for the crawlers and maximize your time is by implementing pagination. This tells the crawlers how certain pages on your website relate to each other, making them much easier to read.

Additionally, you should always canonicalize any duplicate content or pages. This makes the pages easily distinguishable from their copies, and they won’t get flagged as plagiarism.

Perform Regular Audits and Monitor in Real Time

One way to keep your website healthy is to perform regular audits.  If you can, set up a real-time monitoring system of your website’s various elements so any errors can be caught early and resolved before the next crawling session.

Organize Structured Data

Structured data on a website refers to the markup of your pages. Correct implementation of markup schemas can lead to better readability of a page and its content, and better visibility overall resulting in higher placement in SERPS and an increase in organic traffic.

Implement Hreflang Tags

Implementation of hreflang tags is an extremely important practice for websites that aim to please an international audience by offering their content in several languages.

Without hreflang tags, your pages will begin to cannibalize themselves, because they’ll be flagged as duplicates. However, with proper tagging, your web pages will be considered alternatives instead, so they won’t displace each other in Google’s index.

Content-Focused Optimization

Content-focused optimization is, perhaps, the easiest set of practices to perform, and they require a little less technical knowledge and a bit more attention to detail.

Fix Duplicate and Thin Content Pages

We already mentioned that tagging and canonicalizing pages fix a lot of problems involving duplicate content, but you should also consider pages with too little content as well. These thin content pages can be a detriment to your website’s overall being, so it’s considered a prudent practice to fill them up with a little bit more content so they meet the standard.

When it comes to duplicates, you can also perform plagiarism checks to ensure the pages don’t share the same content and cannibalize each other.

Improve Headings, Title Tags, and Add Alt Text to Images

This set of practices is the easiest to do, but it requires a bit more time and foresight.

Proper heading implementation and formatting make it much easier for web crawlers to “understand” the contents of your page/blog post so that Google can more easily offer it to readers. Also, your readers will appreciate nice formatting in the first place, leading to better UX, and fewer people bouncing.

Title tags are also important for a similar reason – with proper keyword implementation, your title tags can be a ticket to the top of the SERPs, and they will entice users to interact with your website.

Image alt text is one of the best things you can do if your website is image-heavy. Since bots can’t really “see” pictures (or, rather, what’s on them), creating an alt text that describes the photo is a great technical improvement to your posts/pages.  Additionally, alt text is also used by voice assistants, and people with impaired vision or those that rely on voice assistance will be greatly appreciative of your effort to describe the photos for them.

Page Speed & Performance Enhancements

You can have the most impressive showing of content on your page, but if it takes ten seconds to load, you’re not going to get much traffic. One surefire way to increase organic traffic for your website is by ensuring your site loads fast and performs well.

Compress Your Files

Page size is the determining factor of page load speed. By compressing the files on your website, you’re effectively reducing the amount of data that needs to be loaded, leading to faster load times.

One of the biggest culprits of “fat” websites is images. The higher the quality of the image, the higher the resolution, and the bigger the image file becomes. You might lose a bit of fidelity by compressing images, but you’re improving load times significantly, which matters more.

You can also compress certain CSS and JavaScript files to make them load faster as well.

Limit 3rd Number of Party Plugins

3rd party plugins can be killers of website performance. It is estimated that every 3rd party program you have running on your website is increasing its loading time by 35 milliseconds. That isn’t much on its own, but it can stack up over time and with excessive use of plugins.

So, to combat this, minimize your use of plugins on your site, and only pick those that you absolutely need for the best performance and UX of your site.

Use Asynchronous Loading

Asynchronous loading allows for the loading of HTML elements, scripts, and plugins at the same time by spacing them out evenly. Thus, async loading allows for much smoother performance of your website while keeping the load times relatively quick.

Technical SEO for the Win!

Technical SEO is one of the most rewarding sets of SEO practices one can implement on their website. With these strategies, you’ll be sure to stay on top of the SEO game, and improve your SERPs rankings, ultimately reaching your desired goal – increasing organic traffic to your website!

The post How to Increase Organic Traffic with Technical SEO appeared first on Moore Tech Solutions.

When you pay for Google Ads or any other advertising method, you immediately see where you invested your money since the results start to show up almost instantly (increased traffic, for example).

With SEO, things are different – it takes time and patience – it’s a marathon, not a sprint (you probably heard this already, but it’s true).

It is challenging to say how long it will take for SEO to work because several factors influence the timeframe — competition, backlinks, and the content you’re creating.

Even when you analyze these factors and try to optimize each of them – to find gaps in the competition’s SEO strategy and overcome them, to create solid content and get backlinks from authoritative domains – it isn’t easy to estimate how long it will take until you see the first results and then the full potential of the correctly done SEO.

Still, on average, for most sites, that time frame will be between four months and a year.

Below, we will answer all the questions about the time required for a successful SEO strategy to show results.

What factors impact your SEO strategy’s success?

As we mentioned in the introduction, the factors that affect SEO the most are competition, backlinks, and content. Let’s elaborate on this:

Competition

If you’re selling breast milk candy, you probably won’t have much (if any) competition, but if you’re launching any of the existing products on the market as a new website, you’re going to face a lot of competition.

Positions on Google’s first page are held by sites that do SEO professionally and pay attention to every detail. The more competitors there are, the longer it will take you to climb to the top of the search results.

You can quickly overtake the results on Google’s second or third page, but outranking the top 10 SERP positions will take a lot of time and effort.

To overtake the competition, you will have to be better than them – analyze their activities, look for possible shortcomings, and then try to outdo them.

Backlinks

Backlinks are the basis of off-page SEO and one of the most critical factors for good ranking.

The more backlinks you get from relevant, high-authority sites, the faster you will rank on Google. Keep in mind that quality must always come before quantity. It’s better to have a few strong links than dozens of weak ones or links from suspicious sites.

High-quality links are harder to earn, and they convey part of the authority of the referring site, thus sending a message to Google – “this site is valuable and trustworthy.”

As a new site, paying attention to how fast you get backlinks is essential. You are new, small, and unknown – it will be unnatural for Google if you suddenly get multiple links from eminent authority sites. You can expect a penalty if you violate the Google Webmaster Guidelines rules. Therefore, the speed of building backlinks should be gradual and natural.

Content

Quality content is the basis of SEO, but you probably already know that – “content is king” (Bill Gates).

When it comes to content, there are no rules as to how long it should be. Don’t write meaningless sentences to reach 2,000 words. There’s also no point in posting 300-word articles on popular freelance sites without value.

Keep the content as long as it will take for your readers to get the valuable information or help they need.

Post articles regularly, especially if you have a new site. Consistency is important and signals Google to regularly send crawlers to your site in search of further information.

Interlink relevant content, make regular revisions, and improve incomplete and outdated information. It will significantly speed up your SEO efforts.

How can you tell if your SEO strategy is working?

So, you will write quality content, take care of site performance, add a Google Business Profile and build backlinks, and the results will be visible in 4 to 12 months? That’s not the best idea.

You’ll monitor how your SEO efforts progress by using different tools, so that you can tailor your strategy to suit your site’s specific needs.

Most of the leading SEO tools on the market are multi-functional. They will provide you with meaningful insights such as impressions, clicks, organic traffic, competitor analysis, essential keywords, number of backlinks, domain and page authority, conversions, etc.

Why doesn’t SEO give instant results?

SEO is a slow process, and when you start investing in this type of marketing, you eagerly await to see the return on your investment. However, you have to be patient. Part of the slow process comes from Google, while part is due to technical limitations.

Google has never revealed what system it uses to rank websites. Even top SEO specialists look for interpretations of Google’s announcements, and only its employees know the absolute truth.

So far, we know that the most powerful search engine expects expertise, authority, and trustworthiness (E-A-T) from sites. Therefore, you must strive to position yourself as a leader in your niche to be rewarded with good rankings.

Furthermore, as far as is known, quality content and backlinks play a significant role in ranking. You don’t necessarily need much time to create good content, but link-building does. Here we come to Google again – there are 1.93 billion websites on the internet – yours won’t be crawled and indexed immediately.

The slowness of Google leads us to think that it does not want to reward instant results, so there is no mass use of black hat techniques. SEO is slow – it always has been, and it seems it always will be. Its results, however, are more consistent than those obtained by any other marketing method.

Arm yourself with patience, and your efforts will pay off – of course, only if you cooperate with a reliable SEO specialist or agency (or do your SEO on your own).

Techniques that will make your SEO strategy pay off

As we mentioned in the introduction, SEO is a marathon. As a new participant in the marathon, it is good to know which running technique will surely place you closer to the goal, focused and without wasting energy. We have some tips for you:

1. Do your research. Whether you’re going to do SEO yourself or leave the job to a specialist, keyword and competition research is essential.
2. Create original and valuable content. This phrase is repeated over and over, but it’s more important than you think. It’s not enough to pick good keywords and stuff them wherever possible. You write primarily for readers, not for Google. Google uses artificial intelligence components, like natural language processing, to understand your content better. If it is helpful to the readers, you will be rewarded. If the content is a bunch of jumbled words without order or sense, Google will not value it. So, use keywords, but do so meaningfully and naturally.
3. Interlink relevant articles. Interlinks serve as a guide through your site. They give Google an idea of your ​​structure and page hierarchy. A user who reads a particular article will go to another related page through an interlink, which could answer additional questions he has.
4. Add images, infographics, and video content. This content encourages longer stays on the page and greater user engagement. A long, endless wall of text is tiring to look at, let alone read. Pictures help to enrich the text and make it more attractive. Don’t forget alt tags, so Google can understand what’s in the photos (and you can also rank in image search).
5. Build backlinks. Make an extra effort to connect with administrators of related sites with whom you could exchange links. Over time, if you publish quality content, you will establish yourself as an authority in your niche, and others will link to you without you asking them to.
6. Share content on social networks. 62 billion people use social networks in 2022. By sharing content with your followers, you increase the chances of new readers. That way, you get a new audience and more traffic, which can signal the algorithm to improve your ranking.
7. Make sure the technical aspects of your site are perfect. Today 90% of the global internet population uses a mobile phone for browsing, which leads to the conclusion that you can’t let your site not display well on mobile devices or tablets. Loading speed is also a significant factor. If a site takes more than 2 seconds to load, users will not wait. They will leave it. You can’t afford to lose clients for such negligence, so optimize these elements on your way to better rankings.

Takeaways

Now that you know what factors affect SEO and how to monitor its progress, let’s see if we can give a more concrete answer to the question that bothers everyone – how long does SEO need to start working? As we said, the optimal period is from 4 to 12 months.

Things will move faster if you target long-tail keywords with moderate competition. After 6 months, the results should be measurable – if you have chosen the right SEO strategy, the increase in traffic and conversions will be noticeable.

If there is a lot of competition in your niche, you will need dedicated work and a minimum of a year (and sometimes several years) to get to where you want to be. But the good news is that once established, SEO results last – no one will be able to dethrone yours overnight.

SEO frequently changes, so it is necessary to follow the changes and innovations in Google algorithms and adapt the strategy accordingly.

For non-specialists, it could be an extensive and challenging task because SEO is a complex matter that requires time and dedication.

Popular IT support companies with many years of experience in the optimization field can help you create a unique SEO strategy for your site’s specific needs. It’s up to you to set clear goals – professionals will take care of everything else.

The post How Long Does it Take for SEO to Work on a New Website? appeared first on Moore Tech Solutions.

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