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Do you get these? Beware of Fake Domain Renewal Scams

If you own a website, you may have received a letter or email urging you to renew your domain name for a hefty fee. At first glance, these notices may seem legitimate, but they are often deceptive solicitations designed to trick website owners into paying for unnecessary services. How the Scam Works Fraudulent companies send letters that look like official domain renewal notices, complete with your website’s domain name, registrar information, and an urgent deadline.

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Can I use a plugin or Widget to automatically make my website ADA compliant?

No. Yes, the answer is a bit more complicated than that, but the simple truth is: relying solely on a plugin will not make your website ADA compliant. Why Plugins Alone Don’t WorkIt’s tempting to think there’s a quick fix for making your website ADA-compliant. After all, many plugins advertise themselves as “set it and forget it” solutions to accessibility concerns. However, true compliance isn’t something that can be achieved with a single tool. ADA

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Computer and glass with flower

Web Hosting Uncovered: My Honest Review

Choosing the right web hosting can make or break your online presence. Over the years, I’ve worked with several hosting providers, each with its quirks—some great, others frustrating. Below, I share my honest opinions, including pricing details and personal experiences. In full transparency, I’m an affiliate for a few of these companies (links included), but trust me—this isn’t a promotional post. You’ll see exactly why! 1. Bluehost – Bluehost WebsiteStarting Cost: $2.95/month (intro price)Details: Automatic

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How Small Businesses Can Save on ADA Compliance with the Disabled Access Credit

Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is necessary, but small businesses struggling to fund digital accessibility improvements may be eligible for assistance through the IRS Disabled Access Credit. What is the Disabled Access Credit? The Disabled Access Credit is a tax incentive designed to encourage businesses to comply with Title III of the ADA, which covers public accommodations, including both physical spaces and websites. Eligible small businesses can receive a credit covering 50%

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Learn More About the Internet

Generate an accessibility statement for your website

When creating a new website, you should think about making your site accessible – more information can be found here on the website. But something that’s vital is an accessibility statement. Not only does this protect you from legal consequences, but it also provides guidance for anyone having issues with your website.  A website accessibility statement should clearly convey your commitment to making your website accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. To achieve

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Caution: Avoid these website customer service errors!

I love working with small companies. These are the small companies who maybe are a tad too big (or not technical enough) to build their own website, but they need a web presence, and it should be an amazingly simple task. These sites often enlist the support of a child, brother-in-law or neighbor create a website for them. There is nothing wrong with this! Most web companies do not even want to touch your site

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Domain Verification for Your Newsletter

Having an Email newsletter is still one of the best online marketing tools, but starting February 2024, email authentication will be a requirement if you’re sending to Gmail and Yahoo Mail customers. If you’re not familiar with it, Email authentication is a process of verifying the identity of an email sender. If you have your own domain name – like apricitymarketing.com and your own email address (like mary-frances@apricitywebsolutions.com) you will want to send email that

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How Can We Help You

Tips for Newsletter Success!

We’ve been helping customers send newsletters for over 20 years. Here are several lessons have come out of my years of experience: Keep them consistent I really struggle with this but it’s really important. You want people to expect your newsletter, but not to be harassed. Keep them newsy and informational. Find reasons to send them but provide useful content, not all just promotional ideas. Pictures are great! Reviewing e-mail reports is key By taking

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We offer website services including WordPress, Squarespace, and Shopify customization, design, e-commerce integration, form collection, email marketing, scheduling tools, and database connections. We also integrate with platforms like QuickBooks, HubSpot, and Salesforce to streamline your online presence.

Woocommerce and Gravity Forms work great with SalesForce!

Primarily we’ve worked with a lot of non-profit organizations that want to take variable donations or have membership fees and all can be problematic when combined with limited sales platforms. Woocommerce is a powerful sales platform that has a lot of plugins that can add options. However, recently we have worked with several clients incorporating Gravity Forms (which can be used to enhance the checkout process with WooCommerce) and with Salesforce. Both platforms can sync

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Do you get these? Beware of Fake Domain Renewal Scams

If you own a website, you may have received a letter or email urging you to renew your domain name for a hefty fee. At first glance, these notices may seem legitimate, but they are often deceptive solicitations designed to trick website owners into paying for unnecessary services. How the Scam Works Fraudulent companies send letters that look like official domain renewal notices, complete with your website’s domain name, registrar information, and an urgent deadline.

Read More »

How to handle a negative online review

Until just recently, unhappy customers had two options to complain formally: send a written letter/email, or ask to speak to a manager. Of course, this was in addition to personally telling all their friends about their experience. Along comes social media and now unhappy customers can now announce their complaints to a much larger audience: not only to their friends, but to anyone who’s listening. One statistic says that more than 93% of people shop

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Case Studies

Client Case Study: Transforming Northern Will County Special Recreation District’s Digital Presence

Client Overview The Northern Will County Special Recreation District (NWCSRA) in Illinois was formed by merging several organizations dedicated to providing recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities. As part of their evolution, NWCSRA recognized the need for a cohesive brand identity and an engaging online presence that reflected their expanded mission. To achieve this, they partnered with Campfire Concepts for a comprehensive marketing analysis and rebranding initiative. They then entrusted us with the critical task

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Screenshot of the front page of Handicraftclub.org website

Crafting a Modern Digital Experience: The Handicraft Club’s Online Transformation

Client Overview Founded in 1904 by Julia Lippitt Mauran, Mary Parsons, and eight other visionary women, The Handicraft Club of Providence, Rhode Island, has a storied history rooted in the promotion and practice of traditional crafts. For over a century, this private club has been a haven for artisans, offering classes in basketry, decorative arts, fiber arts, jewelry, needle arts, painting, printing, drawing, and weaving. As the organization grew, so did the need for a

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Transforming Blazen Illuminations’ Digital Landscape: A Case Study in Innovation and Engagement

Client Overview Founded in 1998, Blazen Illuminations is a family-owned experiential creative services company renowned for integrating cutting-edge lighting and multimedia technology with theatrical techniques and immersive storytelling. With a focus on cinematic vision, problem-solving engineering, and event management, Blazen produces award-winning, integrated event productions. Their patented media technology positions them as a single-source production partner for clients seeking innovative, immersive experiences. Challenges and Objectives Blazen Illuminations needed a comprehensive digital strategy to support its

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