18 Sep

Selling on Line – Some Facts

Selling on Line – Some Facts
  • Eighty-one percent of shoppers research their product online before purchasing.
  • Sixty percent begin their search for their products using a search engine
  • 61 percent will read product reviews before making any purchase.
  • On average, an online shopper will visit 3 websites before making their purchase.
  • Retail Sales from shopping online predicted to grow to $370 billion in 2017
  • In 2013 57% of Irish Internet users shopped online. This figure has increased steadily since then.
  • 71% of online shoppers believe that will get better value than shopping in the high street.
  • Mobile ecommerce was up 35% for the first quarter of 2014,compared to the previous year.
    This includes purchases made on both mobile phones (8.2% of total) and tablets (10.3% of total).
  • Mobile Phone add to cart and conversion rates are much lower than Desktop Computers
  • 27% of UK online sales in 2014 were made using via a tablet device
  • 33% of UK online sales take place in the evening after 6pm
  • 47% of all online orders include free shipping
  • Visitors are more likely to abandon their shopping cart if free shipping is not offered.
  • 51% of people who did not complete a purchase on a mobile device stopped because they did not feel comfortable entering their credit card details
  • Which device a visitor uses makes a huge difference to conversion rates:
    Desktop is 3.11%, Tablet is 2.59% and Smartphone is 1.01% of conversions in the Fourth Quater of 2013
  • 60% of Irish Shoppers who added an item to their shopping cart completed the sale.
  • Shoppers aged 18 to 34, spend more money online than other age groups.
  • Irish People spend €8.5 million a day online on websites in other countries
  • 95% percent of tablet users and 72 percent of smartphone users who make a purchase do so at home.
  • 46% of mobile users say they are less likely to comparison shop when using an app.

Source: NAU Soft

25 Aug

Forde Bros Windows Ballinlough

Forde Bros Windows Ballinlough

Forde Bros Ballinlough Ltd has been in business now for over 20 years.

 

We are a company that manufacture:

 

  • uPVC windows,
  • Doors,
  • Patios,
  • Curtain walling,
  • Conservatories

 

We supply and fit our products ourselves, all windows and doors are Internal glazed, Double or Triple glazed. Our Doors are secured with a 5 Point Lock. We repair and replace existing windows and doors etc. We are registered with the NSAI check.

 

We serve our customers with great attention and are available outside hours ie to fix a lock or replace a broken lock and replace the glass so that their property is always safe and secured. We come highly recommend for this service.

15 Aug

How to Switch From One Web Host to Another (Step-by-step Guide)

How to Switch From One Web Host to Another (Step-by-step Guide)

Article by https://www.webhostingsecretrevealed.net/blog/web-hosting-guides/switching-web-host/

In an ideal world, we would never have to worry about switching web hosts – our site would remain happily housed at the current hosting provider’s facility with great load times, low costs, and 100% uptime.

Unfortunately, the world is not ideal and this perfect scenario rarely – if ever – exists.

How to Transfer Website to a New Host

 Quick link

  1. Choose and purchase a new web host
  2. Back up your existing account to the new host
  3. Check for missing links, site structure changes, and database errors
  4. Switch website DNS records
  5. Wait for DNS change to propagate

Switching web host vs. moving to a new house

Moving your website to a new web host is a bit like moving to a new home in the physical world.

Think about it – when you move, you first find a new location, then sign the paperwork, pack up all of your belongings, and physically move them to the new location. If you are moving a business, after doing all of this, you finish the move off by hanging a new sign over your door to advertise your new digs.

Moving your site is something similar – only a virtual version.

You shop for a new location, sign the paperwork to rent hosting space, package up your site to ensure that all of your assets come with you, transfer everything to your new web host, and then point your domain to your new host by changing the DNS record; this final step is in essence hanging the sign over your new shop door.

Though it can be a process, it is completely attainable.

Switching your host requires completing a series of actions in a specific order to ensure that everything transfers over properly. To move your website to a new host, complete the following steps.

Step #1. Purchase a new web host

There are a variety of hosting solutions and providers out there, each with its own configuration.

You will need to evaluate which is right for you based on a number of factors, such as cost, required space, and server configuration, to name a few. Pay attention to what you need and don’t trust best web host listingblindly (including this one you are reading) as every website will have different needs.

At WHSR, we use a 80-point checklist to compare and rate hosting companies we review. Steve from WHTop.com, on the other hand, looks into six different factors – user ratings, website ranks, company physical location, hosting plans, number of clients, and social media information; when he evaluates and compares a web host.

When purchasing, consider registering your domain to a third party provider so that in case you do ever need to switch hosts again, your domain can come with you more easily and without any potential complications.

 Take action: Choose from 60+ hosting companies we reviewed

Step #2. Back up your sites to the new web host

Static files comprise any type of file that does not frequently change, automatically or via a content editor – such as in-place graphics or copy. To back up a static website, simply copy the old file structures over to the new web host.

Moving your database to a new host

For a dynamic site that runs on database (ie. MySQL), install the web apps to the new web host as they are currently held in the existing site; then move the database file to the new web host.

In case your web application provides easy transfer functionality (as is the case in WordPress’ import/ export function), transfer all of your data files directly to the new web host. If your application does not offer any such functionality, you will need to tweak your MySQL and PHP configuration files accordingly.

Another easy way to move CMS sites (WordPress, for example) is to zip and move everything in your “public_html” or “www” folder to the new web host and add the following two lines into your WP-config:

define('WP_SITEURL', 'http://' . $_SERVER['HTTP_HOST']); define('WP_HOME', WP_SITEURL);

Moving your email accounts

Perhaps one of the most difficult parts of switching your web host is transferring your email.

There are three common hosting scenarios that apply to email.

  • Scenario #1: Email is currently hosted on a domain registrar (such as GoDaddy)
    This is the easiest scenario from which to move; all you need to do is to switch the A (or @) record and point it to the new host’s IP address.
  • Scenario #2: Email accounts are hosted with a third party (such as Microsoft 365)
    Ensure that your MX records, along with any other records that your email service provider needs, are updated in your DNS.
  • Scenario #3: Email accounts are hosted with the respective web host
    When you make the switch to the new host, simply recreate the existing email account on the new web host and configure the new email agent.

 Dig deeper: How to setup your email hosting

Step #3. Final Check Before Making the Move

Double check that everything is working properly on your website once you have loaded your files onto the new hosting configuration.

Of note, you can preview your newly hosted website using a temporary URL in IP numbers.

Some hosting companies provide a development staging platform so that you can easily and fluidly preview your site before taking it live in the new environment, allowing you to remedy any problems behind the scenes.

3-a) Check for missing links

As you transfer your site’s assets from the previous hosting environment, it is possible for assets, such as graphics to be misplaced or for certain files to be left behind. If this happens, your visitors are likely to experience 404 errors. Keep an eye on the 404 log during and after the switch – this log will alert you of any non-working links or assets that you need to remedy to restore your site to being fully functional.

3-b) Repairing site navigation with .htaccess

You can make use of .htaccess redirectMatch and redirect to point old file locations to new ones. The following are some sample codes you can make use of.

Define your 404 page

To minimize the damage cause by broken links – where moved.html is the page you wish to show your visitors when there’s a 404 error.

ErrorDocument 404 /moved.html

Transferring a page to a new location

Redirect 301 /previous-page.html http://www.example.com/new-page.html

Transferring entire directory to a new location

redirectMatch 301 ^/category/?$ http://www.example.net/new-category/

Redirecting dynamic pages to a new location

And, just in case you change your site structure at the new host –

RewriteEngine on
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} ^id=13$
RewriteRule ^/page.php$ http://www.mywebsite.com/newname.htm? [L,R=301]

3-c) Database errors

There’s risk where your database could be corrupted during the switch.

For the ease of discussion we will focus on WordPress in this point.

What to do when your WP database is corrupted?

In case that you can still access your WP dashboard, try to first disable all plugins and see if your database pulls up correctly. Then, re-enable them one at a time, checking the home page each time to make sure it is showing correctly.

Things would get a little trickier if you cannot access your dashboard. Try these different simple steps to see if one works:

  • Reupload your database, writing over the new database.
  • Check where the corruption error is coming from and try to reupload that file from your old site to your new one.
  • Open the file and check to make sure it is pointing to your new server.

Solution #1: WordPress auto database repair

If those steps do not work, you may have to do a bit of coding, but I’m going to talk you through it. First, open the new site in FTP and go to your wp-config.php file. The file should be in the main folder where you blog resides.

The first thing you should always do whenever editing your PHP files is to make a copy of what is there. You can copy and paste into Notepad and save on your desktop. This could save you if your files get really corrupted.

Look for this wording:

/** Absolute path to the WordPress directory. */

Just above that line, add this wording:

define('WP_ALLOW_REPAIR',true);

Save your changes and leave your FTP program open for now. Open up your favorite web browser. Go to the following address for the rep

http://yourwebsitename.com/wp-admin/maint/repair.php
repair screen
Either button will work to repair your database but just pick “Repair and Optimize”.
repaired database
When the process is completed, you will see a screen that looks the one below. It will even remind you to remove that repair line from your configuration file.

Solution #2: PHPMyAdmin

If the above methods don’t work, your next step is to head over to your database.

This can be daunting if you aren’t sure exactly how databases work, but the steps are fairly simple. Even if you completely destroy the database, you should be able to just re-download from the old server and upload again. There really is no need to be afraid as long as you have your database backed up.

phpmyadmin
1. Login to your control panel and click on PHPMyAdmin
choose database
2. Choose your WordPress database. This typically is titled yoursite_wrdp1. However, this can vary. You will likely see “WP” somewhere in the title, though. I have posted a sample below, but I erased my own info so my database isn’t out there for anyone to see and typed in “yoursite” to give you an idea of where to find your database. You can also find your database name listed in that wp-config.php file that you had open in the step above. Click on the database name in PHPMyAdmin to open it.
check all
3. Once the database loads, check the button that says “Check All / Check tables having overhead”.
repair-table
4. Choose “Repair Table in the drop down box to the right of where you just checked the box.
successful repair
5. You’ll be given a status about whether the tables were repaired and the top of your screen should say “your SQL query has been executed successfully”.

Step #4. Switch Website DNS Records

godaddy dns record

Switch your website’s DNS record to the new web host’s servers at your registrar.

Your DNS record is more or less a list of instructions that specifies where to send the user; moving your DNS record to the new servers ensures that visitors will find your site as intended, rather than receiving an error or misdirect. This is a critical step – make sure you get the right DNS info from your new web host.

Additional note on downtime management

In the WWW, any time that your site is not live is time that you are losing potential readers and potential business – after all, time is money.

The goal in general – never mind when you are switching web hosts – is to have zero downtime.

To ensure that you do not experience downtime while making the switch, take the time upfront to ensure that everything is in place and working correctly at your new host before fully converting the files and making your site active in its new home.

Secondly, inform your loyal visitors and/or clients that you are switching hosts beforehand along with information about the hours that you are making the switch. Hopefully this will reduce the number of site visitors during the switch time period, eliminating strain on the system and also prevent any customer service headaches in case downtime does occur.

Finally, work closely with your new host throughout the transfer process. If you have any doubts or any questions, do not hesitate to ask your new host for assistance; not only does this speak to the importance of quality customer service, but some web hosts will help to transfer the FOC.

Once the switch is done, it’s recommended to monitor your site uptime closely for a period of time to ensure everything at the new host is working alright.

 Pro tip: Guide on how to change domain name server at GodaddyName Cheap, and Domain.com.

Step #5. Wait for the DNS change to propagate

Once you have requested to move your DNS record, the switch can take anywhere between a few hours to a full day to take live.

Once the switch go live, alert your former hosting company as to the cancellation.

And you are all done!

Alternative: Free Site Migration by Your New Host

If all these sound too much to you – you might want to go with the alternative and leave the migration work to your new web host.

Yep, don’t be too surprised – hosting companies are doing all they can to win new customers.

Many hosting companies, including some good ones that I recommend – InterServerInMotion HostingSiteGround, and A2 Hosting, will help transfer new customers’ sites to their server for free.

Take InMotion Hosting for example

Login to AMP dashboard > Account Operations > Website Transfer Request
To initiate a site transfer at InMotion Hosting, login to AMP dashboard > Account Operations > Website Transfer Request. More about InMotion Hosting in my review.

I spoke to InMotion Hosting senior manager, Savag Salibian, recently to learn about InMotion Hosting’s site transfer process.

And, I get the conclusion that it’s a no-brainer for the non-techie (or the lazy ones) to let their support staffs to handle the site migration work.

All you need to do is to provide some login data at your old host – hostname, cPanel login, and FTP login via the Site Migration Request Form at your AMP dashboard (see image above) and InMotion will take care of the rest.

“For folks who are unfamiliar with how web hosting works, it’s actually better to use our [InMotion Hosting] free transfer program because 1- it’s free and quick, 2- zero down time, 3- our transfer specialists are available 24/7/365 via phone and live chat, and 4- we help transfer emails for free (for cPanel to cPanel)…” –  Savag Salibian, InMotion Hosting.

 Take action: Get folks at InMotion Hosting to transfer your site

Bottom Line: Get Rid of Your Lousy Host, Today!

Making the switch to a new web host can be a stressful time, but it’s the best thing to do when you are stuck with a bad web host.

If you’re already running a website, you shouldn’t have any trouble with the switch – after all, it’s just the usual backup/download/upload stuffs that you are already doing daily.

If you have any additional tips for making the switch that I have not already mentioned above – or if you have any questions – please let me know!

24 Mar

ETL Giftware Roscommon

ETL Giftware Roscommon

ETL e-commerce website Roscommon launched displaying over 300 giftware and art related products. Fully optimised and using the latest Paypal and Stripe secure payment gateways the website allows users to easily navigate through a veritable Aladdins cave of gift ideas for every occasion. So please view http://irishartgiftware.com/ and not only will you be able to view the website design and development but buy yourself something nice as well.

11 Jul

Trading Online Vouchers ( Website Grants)

Trading Online Vouchers ( Website Grants)

With the trend ever increasing towards online spending it is estimated that only 23% of small Irish businesses are engaged in any meaningful way in e-commerce sales. For businesses employing less than ten people this percentage could be even lower. It is now believed that of online purchases made in Ireland that 70% of these are done in overseas markets.

There is now an urgency to ensure that businesses recognise that this is happening and that they are encouraged and supported to correctly respond to this digital reality.

Eligibility Criteria

Vouchers will be available to a maximum value of €2,500 or 50% eligible expenditure (exclusive of VAT), whichever is the lesser;

  •     Voucher approval must be gained prior to incurring any expense;
  •     Own labour is not an eligible expense;
  •     Third party costs only will be considered;
  •     All third party/supplier invoices must contain proper business details (e.g. Tax and Business Registration details).

The vouchers are targeted at businesses with the following profile:

Limited online trading presence;

  •     Less than 10 employees;
  •     Applicants must be registered and trading for minimum of 12 months;
  •     Turnover less than €2million.

Ineligible projects include:

  •     Charitable status;
  •     Commercial semi-state companies;
  •     ”Not for profit” organisations;
  •     Trade associations;
  •     Company representation bodies such as Chambers of Commerce.

What can The Online Trading Vouchers be used for:

  •     The development or upgrade of an e-commerce website such as implementing online payments or booking systems;
  •     Purchase of Internet related software;
  •     Online advertising;
  •     Development of an app;
  •     Implementation of a digital marketing strategy;
  •     Consultation with ICT experts for early stage adopters of online strategy;
  •     Training/skills development specifically to establish and manage an online trading activity.

Vouchers cannot be used for:

  •     Development of brochure websites;
  •     Purchase of non-internet related software;
  •     Anything other than online trading related activity.

Voucher Application

  •     Read the terms and conditions;
  •     Complete and sign application form and return to Local Enterprise Office
  •     Enclose copies of three quotations in respect of each proposed element of work.

Digital Voucher Brochure available here.

Trading Online Voucher – eForm Available (.docx) HERE.

 

Contact Jeremy Cullen, Local Enterprise Office Roscommon on 090 6626263 to find out more information regarding the Trading Online Voucher Scheme.

Contact Local Enterprise Office Mayo on 094 9047555 to find out more information regarding the Trading Online Voucher Scheme.

 

15 May

Are you under threat from Ransomware?

Are you under threat from Ransomware?

What Is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a kind of malicious script or software that installs itself on your computer without your knowledge. Once it’s installed and running, it will lock down your system and won’t allow you to access any files or programs on that computer. Usually, as in this current WannaCry exploit, it will alert you to the lockdown with an impossible-to-ignore pop-up screen which informs you that your computer is being held for ransom. To unlock your system and regain access to the computer being held hostage, the lock screen informs you that you must purchase an unlock tool or decryption key from the hacker.

Where Did This Threat Originate?

In this case, Microsoft has been aware of the vulnerability since March 2017, when it published a Security Bulletin covering the potential risk. According to the Spanish newspaper El Mundo, early indicators seem to point to the attack originating in China, but more information is needed.

How Can You Tell If Your Computer Is Infected?

The most obvious way to tell if your computer has been affected is if you are seeing a ransomware pop-up screen when you start up your computer. But because we don’t know how long the malware sits on your computer or network, not seeing this pop-up isn’t necessarily an indication that you haven’t been infected. The bottom line: if your Windows computer has connected to a shared network, such as those found in schools, public places, cafes and businesses, and you don’t have complete control over every computer on that network and haven’t been keeping Windows up-to-date, your computer may be infected.

How to Protect Yourself From the Vulnerability

According to Microsoft a fix for this vulnerability was released on March 14th for all affected versions of Windows. If you are running Windows and have automatic updates enabled you should be okay. If you don’t and haven’t updated recently you should update to the most recently released version immediately. It is important to note that unsupported versions of Windows, like XP, did not receive this security update. Those systems should either be isolated or shut down.

Please pass this along to your friends and family. Those that are less technical may not have updates auto-enabled, and may need a helping hand updating their operating system.

02 May

Irish Atlantic Coast Tours website launched

Irish Atlantic Coast Tours website launched

We are delighted to announce the launch of http://irishatlanticcoasttours.ie/ AMW built a responsive website with an integrated booking system allowing the website to promote tours of the Wild Atlantic Way with video promotion.

Irish Atlantic Coast Tours was established in 2017 to provide tours of the Irish Atlantic Coast to small and medium sized groups.

We specialize in providing exclusive tours of the enchanting Irish Atlantic Coast. The owner, Martin, takes each tour himself ensuring a personalized and unique experience for each tour group. Martin offers individualized tours at competitive prices lasting 9 days.

18 Apr

Castlerea Community School website launched

Castlerea Community School website launched

Just before Easter, AMW Website design Roscommon launched the new Castlerea Community School website. www.castlereacs.com, Designed and developed as an interactive school noticeboard the website handles all the day to day news for the School as well as integrating the newly established twitter account. It is hoped that student, teachers, and parents will find the new website a useful tool and allow all to be well informed of the many school events and activities.

This is the second website AMW has designed for Castlerea Community School and we are delighted to continue this relationship with the School. With this and having already developed other school websites, AMW will be delighted to discuss your school’s needs, we can update and maintain your existing website or develop a new website from scratch. Call us today on 086 4008087 or email your outline to allen@amw.ie we will be delighted to assist you