Think Tank - Web BoutiqueWeb Boutique | Wellington Web Design & Web Hosting

Harnessing the Power of Social Media: Strategies for Small Businesses

Social Media • Comments (0)
In today’s digital age, the power of social media for small businesses can’t be overlooked. From increasing brand awareness and boosting web traffic to fostering customer engagement and driving sales, an effective social media strategy is vital for your small business’s online presence and overall success.

Why Social Media is Vital for Small Businesses

Social media has revolutionised the way businesses interact with their customers. The ability to connect with consumers on platforms they use daily can have a significant impact on your brand visibility, customer relations, and ultimately, your bottom line. Here’s why a social media strategy should be part of every small business’s marketing plan:
1. Brand Awareness and Visibility: Social media platforms, with their billions of active users, offer an unprecedented opportunity to put your business in front of a vast audience. Regular posting and interaction can keep your brand in customers’ minds.
2. Customer Engagement: Social media isn’t just about broadcasting your message; it’s also about listening and engaging. It provides a platform to interact with your customers, respond to their queries, and handle their concerns in real-time.
3. Increased Traffic and Conversions: Every social media post, like, share, or comment can lead people to your business’s website. Additionally, social media platforms now offer various ways to sell products directly, making it easier for businesses to convert followers into customers.
Building Your Small Business Social Media Strategy

So, how do you harness the power of social media for your small business? Here are some steps to create an effective social media marketing strategy:
1. Define Your Goals: What do you want to achieve through social media marketing? Goals could include increasing brand awareness, driving traffic to your website, generating new leads, or boosting product sales.
2. Identify Your Target Audience: Who are your ideal customers? Understanding your audience demographics, interests, and online behaviour can guide your social media content and platform choices.
3. Choose the Right Platforms: Not all social media platforms are created equal. Different platforms appeal to different demographics and serve different purposes. Choose platforms where your target audience spends most of their time.
4. Create Engaging Content: Your social media content should be compelling and relevant to your audience. It can include posts, videos, infographics, quizzes, and more. Remember to balance promotional content with valuable information and engaging posts.
5. Measure Your Results: Regularly review your social media performance. Most social media platforms provide analytics to help you understand which content performs well and identify areas for improvement.
Harnessing the power of social media might seem daunting, but with a well-planned strategy and consistent effort, it can significantly enhance your small business’s online presence.

Remember, social media is a journey, not a destination. It requires time, patience, and experimentation. At Web Boutique, we’re here to guide you through this journey, helping your small business navigate the ever-evolving world of social media marketing. Let’s start harnessing the power of social media together. Your audience is waiting.
On June 23, 2023
By webboutique
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Boosting Your Brand with a Professional Email Address

Domains, Email • Comments (0)
If you’re starting a small business or are looking to elevate your personal brand, one crucial yet often overlooked aspect is your email address. A professional email address is more than just a means of communication; it’s a powerful tool to enhance your brand image, strengthen your online identity, and set a tone of credibility and professionalism.

The Power of a Professional Email Address

We all have email addresses, but not all email addresses are created equal. If you’re still using a generic email service like Gmail or Hotmail for your business, you may be missing out on a simple yet effective branding opportunity. Here’s why a professional email address can be a game-changer for your brand identity:
1. Enhances Brand Image: An email from hello@webboutique.co.nz is much more professional than an email from hellowebboutique@gmail.com or hellowebboutique@hotmail.co.nz. It gives the impression of an established presence and makes your business appear larger and more experienced.
2. Promotes Brand Awareness: Every time you send an email, you’re promoting your brand. A professional email address, especially one that matches your domain name, reinforces your brand name and makes it easier for customers to remember you.
3. Builds Trust: A professional email address suggests that you’re serious about your business. It helps build trust with potential customers who might otherwise be wary of contacting someone at a generic email address.
Creating a Personalised Email Address

A personalised email address, such as a letter@lastname.nz, can also be an effective way to elevate your professional image. For instance, as a freelance professional or entrepreneur, using an email address like b@dyer.nz not only keeps your email short and memorable but also creates a unique and personal connection with your clients. It adds a touch of professionalism that sets you apart from the competition.

Setting Up a Professional Email Address: A Simple Guide

With the why covered, let’s move on to the how. Setting up a professional email address isn’t as complex as you might think.
1. Register Your Domain Name: Your domain name will be the foundation of your professional email address. It should ideally match your business name or your last name for personal branding. You can purchase a domain name by registering it from us.
2. Choose an Email Hosting Provider: We can host your emails for you, or you can use other options like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365.
3. Create Your Email Addresses: This could be as simple as your first name for small businesses, or just an initial for a personal brand, followed by @yourdomainname.nz. Be sure to create additional addresses for specific functions, such as info@yourdomainname.nz or support@yourdomainname.nz.
4. Configure Your Email Client: Finally, you’ll need to configure your email client so you can send and receive emails with your new professional email address. Most email hosting providers offer step-by-step guides to help with this.
Setting up a professional email address is a small investment that can have a big impact on your brand identity. Whether it’s for a small business or a personal brand, a professional email can go a long way in boosting your credibility and enhancing your image.

Remember, your brand isn’t just your logo or website; it’s every interaction you have with your customers. Make sure every email you send reflects the professionalism of your brand. At Web Boutique, we’re here to help you navigate these important steps, setting you up for online success.
On June 23, 2023
By webboutique
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The Power of a Strong Domain Name for Your Small Business

Domains • Comments (0)
As an individual or small business owner, diving into the world of digital can seem overwhelming. There are numerous aspects to consider – website design, hosting, content creation, SEO, social media, and more. However, before any of these come into play, there’s a fundamental step that requires your attention – selecting a strong domain name.

A domain name is not just an address on the internet; it’s your digital identity, your online brand’s first impression. Therefore, a well-thought-out domain name can significantly contribute to your small business’s success. Let’s explore the power of a strong domain name for your small business and provide some insights into domain registration.

Why is a Strong Domain Name Important for Your Small Business?

A domain name is essentially your company’s first handshake with potential customers. It provides a snapshot of who you are and what you offer. Its impact extends beyond just a URL in a browser; it influences your visibility on search engines, your online branding, and how memorable your business is to potential customers.
1. Search Engine Ranking: Search engines like Google use various factors to determine website rankings. While the exact algorithms are kept secret, it’s known that domain names play a part. Including relevant keywords related to your business in your domain can improve your visibility when potential customers search for products or services you offer.
2. Online Branding: Your domain name is an opportunity to reinforce your brand. A domain name that matches your business name or the services you provide makes it easier for customers to remember and revisit your site. Plus, a unique and catchy domain name can increase your business’s perceived professionalism and credibility.
3. Memorability: People are more likely to remember a catchy and relevant domain name. Therefore, a domain name that is concise, easy to spell, and resonates with your target audience can significantly boost your online presence.
Domain Registration: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we’ve highlighted the importance of a domain name for your small business let’s delve into the domain registration process.
1. Brainstorm: Start by brainstorming potential domain names that reflect your business name, the services you offer, or the industry you’re in. Remember, the aim is for it to be brandable, memorable, and relevant. It’s important to also check what social handles are available on the popular social media platforms.
2. Check Availability: Use our domain name checker to see if your preferred domain name is available. If it isn’t, the checker will usually suggest available alternatives.
3. Choose a Domain Extension: .co.nz, .nz, .com…there are numerous domain extensions available. Select an extension that best suits your business. For example, .com is universally recognised, while one of the two .nz domain’s might be more appropriate for a business primarily targeting the New Zealand market.
4. Register: Once you’ve decided on a domain name, you can register it through us for a small yearly fee.
5. Renewal: Don’t forget about renewal. When your domain name nears its expiry date, you’ll need to renew it. Failing to do so could result in losing your domain name.
The power of a strong domain name for your small business cannot be understated. It’s an integral part of your online branding and can greatly influence your digital success. As your friendly digital ally, Web Boutique is here to assist you through the domain registration process and beyond, helping you navigate the digital landscape with ease and confidence.

Remember, your domain name is just the start. From creating a professional website to establishing a strong online presence, we’re here to support you every step of the way. So let’s start the journey together – the digital world awaits!
On June 22, 2023
By webboutique
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How small businesses can respond to COVID-19 in Level-3 lockdown

COVID19 • Comments (0)

Under Level-3 of the New Zealand COVID-19, businesses that aren’t essential can now start up again – but with a range of restrictions. Level-3 isn’t business as usual. For the latest on what is required at Level-3 please visit the official NZ COVID-19 Website.

One of the main requirements is that businesses must operate in a contactless way. This means receiving orders online and either delivery and/or click & collect.

We have been building websites for small business for over 15 years and can respond with urgency to get your business online asap. The reality is, that online ordering will become a new way of life for a number of people, as this is forced upon us. Failure to adapt now will mean for months to come out of the lockdown, customers behaviour would have fundamentally changed. They will have new loyalties and new ways of ordering products.

The good news though is we are here to help. From helping build your Facebook page, or launching a basic website or a platform to sell online – we can do it all.

We are a Shopify Partner, which means we can get your online store up and running very quickly.

We are also in the fortunate position to be affiliated with Brady Dyer Photography, which means you can ship your products to us and we can get these photographed in the studio.

On April 21, 2020
By webboutique
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Disable Apple+Q (Quit) in Google Chrome Only!

Cool Stuff, Thoughts • Comments (3)

If like us you’re always hitting Apple + Q accidentally and closing chrome, and all your tabs with it – This is for you!

You can reassign menu commands in Mac’s System Preferences menu to different shortcuts, either for individual applications or for all applications. This will let you effectively reassign Cmd-Q to anything (or nothing), if you’d like.

1. Go to System Preferences, and select Keyboard.

2. Click on Keyboard Shortcuts, then select the Application Shortcuts menu bar in the lower left.

3. Click the “+” button to add a shortcut for an application. For this example, we’ll disable Cmd-Q for Google Chrome.

4. Figure out the command name for Google Chrome’s “Quit” by going to the menu bar in Google Chrome and finding the menu item. In Chrome, under the “Chrome” menu bar element, you can find the action “Quit Google Chrome” attached to Cmd-Q.

5. Put the exact name of the menu action item as a new keyboard shortcut in the Keyboard Shortcut options.

6. Select a shortcut that isn’t Cmd-Q (for example, Cmd-Option-Q). Click “Add” to finish the setting.

On June 7, 2016
By webboutique
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What settings should I use to collect my email?

Email • Comments (0)

You can use the following email settings to configure your mail client:

POP3 settings

Server Type: POP3
Incoming Mail Server: paparoa.webbase.net.nz
Outgoing Mail Server: paparoa.webbase.net.nz

Username: mailboxname@yourdomain.co.nz
Password: The one set via your control panel

Incoming Port Number: 110
Outgoing Port Number: 587

Connection Security or SSL/TLS: None

Note: You need to use SMTP authentication to send emails via our servers.

IMAP settings

Server Type: IMAP
Incoming Mail Server: paparoa.webbase.net.nz
Outgoing Mail Server: paparoa.webbase.net.nz

Username: mailboxname@yourdomain.co.nz
Password: The one set via your control panel

Incoming Port Number: 143
Outgoing Port Number: 587

Connection Security or SSL/TLS: None
Authentication Method: Normal Password
Username: Full Email address

Mac mail programs and some others may ask for a type of password for SSL or TLS, please use “Password” or “Normal Password” which is usually the default.

You may also get a security warning which you will need to accept to use our system.

On May 1, 2015
By webboutique
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What is a Nameserver & how does it work?

Domains • Comments (0)

Put simply a nameserver is a server that directs different types of traffic to your domain in the right direction. Whether that be an email sent to your email address @ your-domain, or someone loading your homepage.

To fully understand what a nameserver is, firstly you need to understand how domains work – and how the link between each part works.

A domain is you customised identity on the web – usually ending in dot .com or .co.nz – ours is webboutique.co.nz.

A domain points to a nameserver – which is an server which tells it what to do with certain types of traffic. The two main types are web browsing & emails. This system looks at all incoming traffic, decides what it is, and then forwards that traffic onto either our web hosting server, or our email server.

Think of him like a traffic conductor at the only entrance to your domain. Left for web browsing, right for emails.

That’s what the name server does – points traffic to the right server to receive the content being requested, whether that be emails or loading your home page.

Our nameserver IP address are:

Server Address IP Address

Primary: ns1.nameserver.net.nz 119.47.119.1

Secondary: ns2.nameserver.net.nz 66.29.25.63

Teritary: ns3.nameserver.net.nz 118.127.36.80

On September 9, 2014
By webboutique
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WordPress 4.0 is here!

Content Management Systems (CMS) • Comments (0)

While apparently no bigger update than from 3.8 to 3.9 – Version 4.0 of WordPress is here, and we love a few of the new features so needed to share this video showcasing them!

Our top happy spots are the scrolling toolbar while editing content, and being able to preview embedded objects direct in the content editor!

We do encourage that all our clients keep their WordPress installs up to date – as new versions are forever fixing security risks that arise. However we strongly recommend that you get us to update them, as quite often a snowball affect of updating plugins can cause whole websites to crash if not done correctly, and backed up correctly prior to doing the updates.

On September 7, 2014
By webboutique
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Stake your claim in the .nz land wars!

Domains • Comments (0)
For the first time ever ‘second level’ domains like the .co in ‘.co.nz’ and the .org in ‘.org.nz’ are going to become optional. You’ll be able to get .nz names with them, without them, or both.

For example you will be able to register yourdomain.NZ as well as yourdomain.CO.NZ

The change to allow registrations directly at the second level is one of the most significant things to occur in the .nz domain name space for many years.

What’s Happening?

.NZ domains have arrived at the second level. Existing second level domains – like the .co
in .co.nz and the .org in .org.nz will become optional and people could register with them,
without them, or both.

For example you could register yourdomain.NZ as well as yourdomain.CO.NZ
The change to allow registrations directly at the second level is one of the most significant
things to occur in the .nz domain name space for many years.

When’s it Happening?

At 1pm, 30 September 2014 the .nz domain name space will experience a watershed
moment. On that date – for the first time ever – people will be able to register .nz domain
names directly at the second level.

Key Dates

4th September 2014 – Pre-Registration Live

From the 4th of September both we will be able to pre-register available and eligible PRR domain names directly at the second level.

1pm, 30 September 2014 – Registration Live

This is the go-live date for the change. From this date:
- We will be able to register available .nz domain names on a first- come, first-served basis.
- If you have preferential rights (PRR) on your domain name you’ll be able to register the shorter version of the name before anyone else, or, reserve it for free at anyname.nz for up to two years. Preferential Rights only last for 6 months (until March 2015)
- If your name is conflicted you’ll be able to lodge a preference on the anyname.nz website for how they’d like to deal with the conflict. You will need their UDAI for this (We can provide this for you)
1pm, 30 September 2016

This is the final day of the reservation period. Those who’ve reserved but haven’t registered the shorter version of their name by 1pm, 30 September 2016 may see it become available for general registration.

How do I check if I am eligible to register the .nz equivalent of my existing domain?

Head to www.anyname.nz and enter your domain name – if it comes back as PRR we can pre-register it for you for $35+GST/year or put it on hold for you for two years while you decide what to do.
On September 4, 2014
By webboutique
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When is the best time to post to YOUR Facebook Page?

Social Media • Comments (0)

There a plenty of resources that can show you when are the best times to post to Facebook in general, but what’s really important is finding out when YOUR fans & likers are active on Facebook, so that you can choose the best times to post content.

Facebook has recently changed its algorithm with how it decides which posts users see, and which ones don’t. One thing that is now quite important is how old your post was. The older the post, the less likely it is to show up in your fans newsfeeds. The best way to get around this is by finding out when is the best time to post content, so that your posts are ‘new’.

On August 8, 2014
By webboutique
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1 2 3 … 6 Next

Think Tank - Web Boutique

Boosting Your Brand with a Professional Email Address

The Power of a Professional Email Address

Creating a Personalised Email Address

Setting Up a Professional Email Address: A Simple Guide

The Power of a Strong Domain Name for Your Small Business

How small businesses can respond to COVID-19 in Level-3 lockdown

Disable Apple+Q (Quit) in Google Chrome Only!

What settings should I use to collect my email?

POP3 settings

IMAP settings

What is a Nameserver & how does it work?

WordPress 4.0 is here!

Stake your claim in the .nz land wars!

What’s Happening?

When’s it Happening?

Key Dates

4th September 2014 – Pre-Registration Live

1pm, 30 September 2014 – Registration Live

1pm, 30 September 2016

How do I check if I am eligible to register the .nz equivalent of my existing domain?

Head to www.anyname.nz and enter your domain name – if it comes back as PRR we can pre-register it for you for $35+GST/year or put it on hold for you for two years while you decide what to do.

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	Server Address	IP Address

Primary:	ns1.nameserver.net.nz	119.47.119.1

Secondary:	ns2.nameserver.net.nz	66.29.25.63

Teritary:	ns3.nameserver.net.nz	118.127.36.80