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We need to bring an important issue to your attention regarding your website(s.)

What’s the problem?

Many website owners, even small businesses, are receiving demand letters and lawsuits for violating the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA). The law requires that websites get user consent before using third-party cookies (from tools installed on your site like Google Analytics, YouTube, Google Ads, Facebook Pixels, etc.).

Violations can result in fines of up to $5,000 per visitor, regardless of business size or location. Damages often start at $50,000, so it’s critical to ensure your client sites comply.

***You’ve probably encountered pop-ups asking you to accept cookies while browsing the internet. It’s now time for your website(s) to do the same to stay compliant.

What should you do?

Our team can help safeguard your client sites. We’re partnering with Termly to provide an easy, cost-effective solution for privacy policies, cookie policies, and consent pop-ups. We’ll handle everything, including a Zoom meeting with you to ensure everything is set up correctly.

Cost:

Through our partnership, we can offer this service for $350 per site, which includes the implementation meeting, policy setup, and one year of cookie consent monitoring. Renewals after the first year are $208/year per site.

How to get started:

If you’re ready, simply reply with all of your website URLs – even if we didn’t build them, and we’ll begin the process. If you have any questions, feel free to book a quick chat with me here: MeetGusWagner.com.

FAQ:

Can I do this myself? Yes, but note we cannot support third-party tools without billable hours.

What if I already have a privacy policy? Check with your provider/attorney to ensure it meets current legal standards.

How else can The Rural Agency companies help us digitally: Check out our digital services grid but what we are seeing the most inquiries about these days are Google Business Profiles, Google Reviews, and audience targeting in digital outreach.

THANK YOU and, please, let’s connect soon on this issue.

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Gus Wagner - Comment (0)

We need to bring an important issue to your attention regarding your website(s.)

What’s the problem?

Many website owners, even small businesses, are receiving demand letters and lawsuits for violating the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA). The law requires that websites get user consent before using third-party cookies (from tools installed on your site like Google Analytics, YouTube, Google Ads, Facebook Pixels, etc.).

Violations can result in fines of up to $5,000 per visitor, regardless of business size or location. Damages often start at $50,000, so it’s critical to ensure your client sites comply.

***You’ve probably encountered pop-ups asking you to accept cookies while browsing the internet. It’s now time for your website(s) to do the same to stay compliant.

What should you do?

Our team can help safeguard your client sites. We’re partnering with Termly to provide an easy, cost-effective solution for privacy policies, cookie policies, and consent pop-ups. We’ll handle everything, including a Zoom meeting with you to ensure everything is set up correctly.

Cost:

Through our partnership, we can offer this service for $350 per site, which includes the implementation meeting, policy setup, and one year of cookie consent monitoring. Renewals after the first year are $208/year per site.

How to get started:

If you’re ready, simply reply with all of your website URLs – even if we didn’t build them, and we’ll begin the process. If you have any questions, feel free to book a quick chat with me here: MeetGusWagner.com.

FAQ:

Can I do this myself? Yes, but note we cannot support third-party tools without billable hours.

What if I already have a privacy policy? Check with your provider/attorney to ensure it meets current legal standards.

How else can The Rocket Group companies help us digitally: Check out our digital services grid but what we are seeing the most inquiries about these days are Google Business Profiles, Google Reviews, and audience targeting in digital outreach.

THANK YOU and, please, let’s connect soon on this issue.

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Rose - Comment (0)

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Want help reaching your business goals? Take a look at your website design. If you don’t have a business website yet, now is your golden opportunity to design it right. The most successful website designs are easy for users to navigate and encourage customer behaviors that help businesses meet their objectives.

Great websites load quickly, function well, include essential information, and display a clean, consistent design with good use of color and imagery. Business website design includes strategically planning your website’s content and its look—the colors, layouts, and fonts. Small business owners build websites for many reasons, including:

Legitimacy: Websites help legitimize your business. Customers expect businesses to have an online presence, and a website makes your business look more professional.

Discoverability: Customers look for businesses online and may not discover yours without one. A website helps you reach more potential customers.

Information: Customers research before they buy. Your website can answer common questions such as your business hours, location, prices, and products.

Voice: Websites give you a voice in what’s being said about your business online. You can control the narrative and showcase your brand’s strengths.

Home Base: They act as a home base for your digital advertising and a hub for your other online properties, such as social media.

Flexibility: They can be easily updated as your business grows and evolves.

Revenue: Depending on your business model, websites can help drive revenue by enabling online sales or generating leads.
The cost of website design for small businesses varies. The average cost falls between $4,000 and $10,000, including one-time design costs and annual site maintenance. However, you could pay anywhere between $0 to more than $20,000, depending on your site’s size and functionality.

Some small business owners with simple website needs may choose to design their sites themselves using free templates on website builders, paying only for domain registration and hosting fees. Others with more complex needs might hire professional web designers. When planning your budget for website design, consider these costs:

• Domain registration
• Web hosting
• SSL certificate for e-commerce sites
• An upgraded theme or template from a website builder, if desired
• A professional website designer or firm, like Jeff City Web Design, if needed
• Additional costs might include a point of sale (POS) e-commerce plug-in, search engine optimization (SEO) plug-in, a
• Webmaster or content manager, and images (either stock or custom).

Planning Your Business Website: A Step-by-Step Guide

In many cases, your website shapes your customer’s first impression of your business. You want to keep them interested and engaged while also making them feel secure doing business with you. Reflect on your small business’s goals and consider how they inform your goals for your website. This will help you identify your site’s main purpose. Is it to drive online sales, create a community, or inform customers of basic business information?

Once you’ve determined your site’s primary use, follow these steps to get started:

• Choose and register a unique domain name.
• Select a hosting provider.
• Plan your website content and organize the information into distinct webpages.
• Choose an online website builder or hire a web design firm like Jeff City Web Design.
• Select a template that aligns with your brand, or work with your designer to achieve the right aesthetic.
• Review your new site before publishing. Ensure it loads quickly across devices and browsers and reflects your brand.
• Essentials of Successful Business Websites
• Success comes down to intuitive navigation, quick load times, well-written copy, and a visually pleasing design. Here are
• Key elements your business website should include:

A simple URL: Easy to remember and reflects your business name.

Consistent branding: Your site’s color palette, font style, images, and copywriting voice should all align with your brand.

SEO-friendly: Include important keywords relevant to your business in your titles and headers. Write meta titles and descriptions for each page.

Clear site navigation: Use a navigation menu at the top and bottom of each page. Include a search bar to help visitors find information.

Should You Use Website Builders?

Website builders provide many benefits for small businesses, such as professionally designed templates, responsive designs, quick load times, built-in tools for SEO and security, and plug-in options for e-commerce and scheduling. Common builders include Wix, Weebly, Bluehost, Web.com, and Squarespace. If your business requires complex web functionality, hiring a professional web designer like Jeff City Web Design might make more sense.

Jeff City Web Design

If you’re looking for a professional web design firm, consider Jeff City Web Design. They specialize in creating websites that are user-friendly, visually appealing, and tailored to meet the specific needs of small businesses. With their expertise, you can ensure your site is designed to attract and retain customers, enhancing your online presence and supporting your business goals.

Measuring the Success of Your Business Website

Once your website is up and running, use analytics tools like Google Analytics to track its performance. Pay attention to metrics like average session duration, pages per visit, and bounce rates. This information helps you understand how visitors navigate your site and identify areas for improvement.

In conclusion, a well-designed website is crucial for achieving your business goals. It enhances your online presence, supports your brand, and can drive revenue. Whether you use a website builder or hire a professional designer like Jeff City Web Design, ensure your site is user-friendly, visually appealing, and aligned with your business objectives.

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Rose - Comment (0)

Expanding broadband and internet access in rural America is essential for bridging the digital divide and empowering communities. Companies and cooperatives aiming to achieve this goal need a partner who understands the unique challenges and opportunities of reaching rural audiences. That’s where The Rural Agency comes in.

With decades of experience in communicating with rural Americans, The Rural Agency has developed a deep understanding of the needs and values of these communities. Our agency has successfully engaged with the 42 million members of America’s electric cooperatives, ensuring that our messaging resonates with audiences who are often overlooked by mainstream marketing strategies.

Our track record speaks for itself. For over 20 years, we’ve driven awareness, engagement, and sales for brands across a spectrum—from Fortune 100 companies to local small businesses—helping them thrive in an increasingly digital marketplace. Our expertise in rural marketing allows us to craft strategies that not only reach rural consumers but also build trust and loyalty, which are critical in these close-knit communities.

When you partner with The Rural Agency, you’re not just hiring a marketing firm; you’re gaining a team that’s passionate about rural America. We know how to communicate the benefits of broadband and internet access in a way that resonates with rural communities, highlighting how these advancements can improve lives, support local businesses, and foster economic growth.

Whether you’re a cooperative looking to expand your broadband services or a company aiming to break into rural markets, The Rural Agency is your ideal partner. Let us help you connect with rural America and make a lasting impact.

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SocialMediaAllDay.com, an innovative service provided by The Rural Agency, is designed to enhance social media engagement and protect brand reputation on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. This comprehensive program offers twenty-four-hour, around-the-clock monitoring of inbound comments and messages, ensuring that no interaction goes unnoticed.

One of the key features of SocialMediaAllDay.com is its proactive approach to maintaining a positive online environment. The Rural Agency’s team diligently flags and hides offensive content, safeguarding the brand’s image and fostering a welcoming space for genuine interactions. This vigilance helps prevent potential PR crises and maintains a respectful community around the client’s social media presence.

In addition to moderating content, the service excels in customer engagement. The team is trained to answer sales inquiries promptly, providing accurate and helpful information to potential customers. This immediate response capability not only boosts customer satisfaction but also enhances the likelihood of converting inquiries into sales. For particularly promising leads, deemed “hot” opportunities, the team swiftly forwards these to the appropriate client personnel for timely follow-up, ensuring that no potential business slips through the cracks.

A crucial element of the program is the development of a comprehensive response list to frequently asked questions (FAQs). This list, meticulously crafted and approved by the end client before use, ensures that all responses are consistent, accurate, and aligned with the client’s messaging and policies. This standardized approach not only saves time but also maintains the integrity and reliability of the information shared with the audience.

Furthermore, SocialMediaAllDay.com is equipped to handle critical situations with urgency. Any information of a critical nature is immediately sent to the appointed client contact, regardless of the time of day, facilitating quick response and resolution. This immediate alert system ensures that the client is always in the loop and can act swiftly to address any pressing issues.

Overall, SocialMediaAllDay.com is a robust solution for businesses looking to enhance their social media management, improve customer interaction, and protect their brand reputation around the clock.

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FenceChecks.com, a specialized service from The Rural Agency, is designed to optimize and safeguard social media account performance on Facebook and Instagram. This service is crucial for businesses aiming to maintain a strong and compliant presence on these platforms.

One of the primary functions of FenceChecks.com is to monitor account status to ensure that the client’s social media pages operate at non-risk maximum capacity. The Rural Agency’s team regularly checks for any potential issues that could hinder the page’s performance or visibility, such as algorithm changes, engagement drops, or policy updates. By staying vigilant, they can quickly identify and address problems, ensuring the client’s pages run smoothly and effectively.

A key aspect of this service is the proactive identification of violations. The team continually scans for any violations of Facebook and Instagram guidelines, which could lead to account restrictions or penalties. By catching these issues early, FenceChecks.com helps prevent disruptions that could harm the client’s online reputation or business operations. This proactive approach not only protects the client’s accounts but also fosters a sense of security and trust in their social media strategy.

In addition to monitoring and compliance, FenceChecks.com facilitates seamless content management through HeyOrca, a social media planning and scheduling tool. The Rural Agency ensures that clients are kept up-to-date with HeyOrca postings, providing a streamlined process for approval and content requests. This transparency allows clients to have full control over their social media content while benefiting from the expertise and support of The Rural Agency’s team.

The service also includes regular updates and communication with clients, ensuring they are always aware of their account status and any necessary actions. This ongoing support helps clients stay informed and engaged, making their social media management more efficient and effective.

Overall, FenceChecks.com offers a comprehensive solution for businesses looking to maintain a robust and compliant social media presence. By monitoring account status, ensuring guideline adherence, and facilitating content management, this service helps clients maximize their social media potential while minimizing risks.

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RocketEngagement.com, a dynamic service offered by The Rural Agency, is designed to enhance social media presence and engagement for clients on Facebook and Instagram. This service strategically interacts with local and industry channels to bolster the client’s online community and foster meaningful connections.

A central component of RocketEngagement.com is the proactive management of the client’s social media interactions. Acting on behalf of the client’s page, The Rural Agency’s team follows appropriate local and industry channels, ensuring that the page remains relevant and visible within its target audience. By “acting on Facebook as the page,” they engage with other pages through likes, comments, and shares, cultivating a network of mutual support and interaction. This approach not only increases the page’s visibility but also positions the client as an active and engaged participant in their community.

Social sharing of relevant content is another key feature of RocketEngagement.com. The team identifies and shares pertinent posts from other pages, such as local school and youth sports team accomplishments, Chamber of Commerce news, and other community highlights. This curated sharing, done with timely client approval, ensures that the content aligns with the client’s values and interests. By sharing local achievements and news, the client’s page becomes a valuable source of community information, enhancing its reputation and engagement levels.

Moreover, RocketEngagement.com tailors its strategies to align with the client’s specific industry, following and interacting with key industry influencers and organizations. This targeted engagement helps establish the client as a thought leader and trusted resource within their field.

Overall, RocketEngagement.com offers a comprehensive solution for businesses seeking to enhance their social media presence. By actively engaging with local and industry channels and strategically sharing relevant content, this service helps clients attract and retain a loyal and engaged online audience.

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WatchYourMouth.online, an essential service provided by The Rural Agency, is designed to maintain the integrity and professionalism of clients’ social media pages by managing and filtering undesirable content. This service ensures that the online community remains respectful and aligned with the client’s values and standards.

At the core of WatchYourMouth.online is a sophisticated system for monitoring and filtering comments and messages on the client’s social media pages. The Rural Agency utilizes a comprehensive list of “words, phrases, and acronyms to ban,” which is regularly updated to reflect the evolving nature of online language and trends. This list is meticulously curated to include offensive, inappropriate, or otherwise unwanted content, safeguarding the client’s page from potential harm or controversy.

One of the standout features of this service is its adaptability. The Rural Agency understands that each client has unique needs and sensitivities. Therefore, the “words, phrases, and acronyms to ban” list can be customized on request. Clients can submit specific terms they want to be added to the list, ensuring that the filtering system aligns perfectly with their brand’s values and expectations. This customization can be done at any time, allowing for prompt adjustments in response to emerging issues or concerns.

Additionally, WatchYourMouth.online includes a quarterly review and update of the banned content list. This proactive approach ensures that the list remains relevant and effective, addressing new trends or problematic language that may arise. By staying ahead of potential issues, The Rural Agency helps clients maintain a clean and professional online presence.

The implementation of WatchYourMouth.online is seamless and unobtrusive. The filtering system operates in the background, automatically flagging or removing undesirable content without disrupting the overall user experience. Clients receive regular reports on the system’s performance, providing insights into the types of content being filtered and the overall health of their social media environment.

In summary, WatchYourMouth.online offers a robust solution for maintaining a respectful and professional social media presence. By leveraging a dynamic and customizable filtering system, The Rural Agency ensures that clients’ pages remain free from offensive content, fostering a positive and engaging online community.

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Rose - Comment (0)

In today’s digital landscape, public utilities have a unique opportunity to connect with their communities through social media and website content. By leveraging the right strategies, utilities can build trust, educate their audience, and improve customer relations. At The Rural Agency, we specialize in helping public utilities effectively communicate with their audiences. Here are five tactics we recommend to make the most of your digital platforms:

1. FAQ Videos with Answers from Appropriate Staff

Customers often have questions about services, billing, and outages. Creating FAQ videos with answers directly from the experts in your utility can provide clarity and build trust. For example, have your billing manager explain the breakdown of a typical bill or invite an engineer to discuss how power restoration works during an outage. At The Rural Agency, we’ve seen how these videos not only humanize your staff but also provide reliable information that customers can easily access on your social media channels and website.

2. Frequent Posting of Imagery of the Utility at Work in the Community

A picture is worth a thousand words, and showcasing your utility in action can tell powerful stories. Post images and short videos of your teams working on projects, attending community events, or engaging in environmental initiatives. This not only highlights the hard work that goes into maintaining services but also reinforces your commitment to the community. The Rural Agency has helped utilities develop a consistent visual storytelling strategy that resonates with customers and strengthens community ties.

3. Day-in-the-Life/Tag along Content

Many people don’t fully understand what it takes to keep a utility running smoothly. A “day in the life” or tagalong series can offer a behind-the-scenes look at the jobs that are critical but often go unnoticed. Whether it’s a video or a blog post, showing the daily responsibilities of lineworkers, water treatment specialists, or customer service representatives can provide valuable insights and appreciation for these roles. The Rural Agency has extensive experience in crafting content that demystifies complex processes, making it accessible and engaging for your audience.

4. Real-Life Use Cases for Efficiency, Safety, and Affordability

Public utilities have a wealth of knowledge about how customers can use their services more efficiently, safely, and affordably. Share real-life examples and tips through posts, articles, and videos that demonstrate how customers can save money, improve safety, or reduce energy consumption. For instance, a case study on a local business that cut its energy costs with your efficiency programs can serve as both an educational tool and a testimonial. The Rural Agency can help you identify and share these stories to highlight the tangible benefits of your services.

5. Content to Fight Misinformation About Unexpected High Bills

High utility bills can lead to frustration and confusion, especially if customers don’t understand the reasons behind them. Combat misinformation by proactively addressing common causes of unexpected charges. Use your platforms to explain factors like seasonal usage spikes, rate changes, or billing cycle variations. This could be done through infographics, blog posts, or video explanations. The Rural Agency has worked with utilities to create clear, transparent messaging that reduces customer complaints and fosters a more informed community.

Conclusion

By implementing these five tactics, public utilities can enhance their digital presence, build stronger relationships with their customers, and provide valuable information that supports the community. Whether it’s through educational videos, real-life stories, or engaging imagery, The Rural Agency is here to help you create content that resonates with and serves your audience.

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Gus Wagner - Comment (0)

WatchYourMouth.com, an essential service provided by The Rocket Group, is designed to maintain the integrity and professionalism of clients’ social media pages by managing and filtering undesirable content. This service ensures that the online community remains respectful and aligned with the client’s values and standards.

At the core of WatchYourMouth.com is a sophisticated system for monitoring and filtering comments and messages on the client’s social media pages. The Rocket Group utilizes a comprehensive list of “words, phrases, and acronyms to ban,” which is regularly updated to reflect the evolving nature of online language and trends. This list is meticulously curated to include offensive, inappropriate, or otherwise unwanted content, safeguarding the client’s page from potential harm or controversy.

One of the standout features of this service is its adaptability. The Rocket Group understands that each client has unique needs and sensitivities. Therefore, the “words, phrases, and acronyms to ban” list can be customized on request. Clients can submit specific terms they want to be added to the list, ensuring that the filtering system aligns perfectly with their brand’s values and expectations. This customization can be done at any time, allowing for prompt adjustments in response to emerging issues or concerns.

Additionally, WatchYourMouth.com includes a quarterly review and update of the banned content list. This proactive approach ensures that the list remains relevant and effective, addressing new trends or problematic language that may arise. By staying ahead of potential issues, The Rocket Group helps clients maintain a clean and professional online presence.

The implementation of WatchYourMouth.com is seamless and unobtrusive. The filtering system operates in the background, automatically flagging or removing undesirable content without disrupting the overall user experience. Clients receive regular reports on the system’s performance, providing insights into the types of content being filtered and the overall health of their social media environment.

In summary, WatchYourMouth.com offers a robust solution for maintaining a respectful and professional social media presence. By leveraging a dynamic and customizable filtering system, The Rocket Group ensures that clients’ pages remain free from offensive content, fostering a positive and engaging online community.

Read more...