Does every website need a privacy policy?
Does every website need a privacy policy?

Alright alright alright, today we are going to dive into one of the most boring pages of any website ... the Privacy Policy!

Yes, my friends, this page may be dull but it's hugely important and usually forgotten and/or ignored. Don't be one of those people who doesn't include a Privacy Policy and has to pay for it later (often literally!). 

In this article, we are going to look at what a Privacy Policy is, what should be included, who needs one, and how to create your own Privacy Policy. 

Whether you're getting ready to launch your first website or if you already have a website but it doesn't have a Privacy Policy, I'm certain you'll learn a thing or two about protecting yourself and your business!

Note: It goes without saying that I'm a web designer/developer and NOT a lawyer so please consult a professional for the best advice. I can only speak to what I know is industry standard but if you have any questions or concerns, always consult a professional.

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Web Design/Development, Tech TipsCharlotte O'Haraprivacy policy, web pages, privacyComment
6 books that impacted my business in 2016
6 books that impacted my business in 2016

2016 has been one heck of a year. It seems like I barely blinked and Fall sped into Winter and all of a sudden, the holidays were right around the corner. This time of year always brings about a period of reflection and I thought I'd mix it up and get a little more personal in today's post.

I've always been a voracious reader and this year is no exception. This past year I've powered through more books than I can count, both for pleasure and as learning tools to help me grow my web design/development and consulting business.

One of my favourite things about reading business & personal/professional development books is that it allows you to peer directly into the minds of some of the most influential industry leaders around. It would be nearly impossible to get a multi-hour meeting with some of these people but when you read their book, it's basically a masterclass in their teachings.

As I think back to the books I've read this past year, there are a few that stand out and had a real, direct impact on my business. You'll notice that none of these books cover web design/development but rest assured that the lessons are applicable to nearly every industry. 

I've linked to the books on Amazon (no affiliate links here!) but I'm positive you could find almost all of them at your local library or bookstore as well.

If you're looking for books to read over the holidays season that will take your business to the next level, I hope these recommendations tickle your fancy!

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Everything you need to know about Squarespace Commerce and setting up payment processing
Everything you need to know about Squarespace Commerce and setting up payment processing

Squarespace has a lot going for it but hands down, one of my favourite features is how simple it is to set up e-commerce directly on your Squarespace website.

This is great for a variety of situations, whether you're ready to dive into a full e-commerce shop or you simply want to sell a few products online to support your business and brand. Selling your products to customers around the globe is easy, intuitive and quick thanks to Squarespace.

In today's article, I'm going to go over the basics of Squarespace Commerce and introduce you to the best ways you can accept payments from customers through your Squarespace website. 

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Squarespace, Web Design/DevelopmentCharlotte O'Harasquarespace, squarespace commerce, ecommerce, ecom, payment processingComment
How I plan to revamp my Twitter strategy in 2017
How I plan to revamp my Twitter strategy in 2017

Twitter and I have had a funny relationship over the past few years. According to my profile, I first got Twitter in May 2011. I remember one of my former co-workers was really into it at the time and I wanted to know what all the hype was about - I wanted my own posse of Tweeps! 

The thing is, I never really got into Twitter. For years I had a private Twitter account and only interacted with my friends (very rarely) or lurked on celebrity accounts (usually D-Listers, let's be honest). I didn't "get" Twitter for the longest time and there was a good 2+ year period that my account was basically dormant. 

When I launched my web design / development business in 2016, however, I started paying more attention to social media and content marketing. Getting eyes on my business and website could only be a positive and I knew that it would be worth the effort...if I could just figure out how to use it properly!

Over the past few months, I've made an effort into using Twitter effectively to support my web design/development while also not sounding like a total self-promoting robot. 

Looking forward to 2017, I will continue to revamp my Twitter strategy so that I can grow my following and further develop my business' brand online. And honestly, I'm excited to try something new! In this article I'm going to share my perspective and also outline a few of the ways I plan to implement my Twitter growth strategy. If you're looking for a little social media motivation and want to join me on this experiment, even better!

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BusinessCharlotte O'Harasocial media, twitter, hootsuite, hashtags, social media schedulingComment