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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

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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Help! I can’t edit my website!

It happens more often than you’d think! I get a call from a new client and they’ve totally lost access to their website. Someone designed it for them, but they weren’t sure how it was set up – they just paid the bills. The Investigation Begins: Step one in the investigation is to figure out where your hosting and domain are located.  If you aren’t sure what these things are, check out my article on

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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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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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How Can We Help You

Important tips for a Successful Website

Something that I think all of my customers have in common is that they have been given bad advice about websites at one time or another, so I thought I’d use my newsletter to give out some advice that might (or might not) fit your business. Here are things I think are really important to successful websites: Keep your site fresh and keep it fashionable! Even a new picture on the front or a color

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Tips for creating an ADA accessible website

Over the last year, there have been numerous lawsuits regarding lack of accessibility of websites. In working with my clients, it’s apparent that this is an evolving area that will become more and more necessary for business owners as well as public entities like government and educational institutions to address. According to an article in “The Economist”, the early guidelines were just that websites should create “effective communication” but the actual rules of what that

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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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Is my website lazy?

Business owners may agree that their website is a necessary evil, however, I find that a lot of companies use their site as a glorified business card. They feature basic information about their business and a way to communicate with them. But for the cost and effort of having a website – are you really maximizing your website presence? At a recent networking meeting, I spoke about all of the “missed opportunities” your website could

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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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