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Tag: determine your success

What is a Plugin, a Module and a Component in Joomla?

Written by Dana Bryson on .

Joomla Components, Modules and Plugins can have a great influence on your final website design. They can enhance your website design ranging from interesting content such as blogs to desired action items such as purchasing a product.  Some of you may already know what these additional pieces of Joomla are… But for those clients or future clients that are new to Bear Web Design and Joomla! lingo, here’s an introduction.

A component in Joomla! is the most complex add-on. This usually adds a completely new, or different, function to your site. A component handles data input and storage into the database.

Some Examples:

  • An Online Store System
  • A Blogging System
  • A Business Directory
  • An Advertising System
  • A Slideshow or Photo Gallery

A module in Joomla! is usually an add-on to the site that extends the functionality of another part of the system. It usually has fewer options and most of the time does not handle any storing of information into the database. A module usually supports a component by allowing more options on how to display data from the component.  Modules are the most commonly referred to in a design meeting environment at Bear Web Design.  Many modules can be customized to fit your color-scheme and style.

Some Examples:

  • A module that shows a visitor their account info, shopping cart, and or login/logout info. (Works with a store component.)
  • A recent blog area or featured blog listing. (Works with a blog component.)
  • An advertisement area that holds an advertising banner. (Works with an advertising system component.)
  • A mini calendar. (Works with an Events component.)
  • Customized Quick link buttons. (Works with Joomla! menus.)
  • A slideshow on the homepage. (Works with a slideshow component.)
  • Search Box (core Joomla!).

A Plugin in Joomla! will manipulate output already generated by the system. It typically does not run as a stand-alone element but retrieves data from other sources like content on your site.

Some Examples:

  • Search Plug-in (works with components, to make some of their data able to be searched within the entire site)
  • Simple Image Gallery – pulls images from a folder in a database and displays those images when called into an article.
  • Article Editor Plug-ins – allow for embedding of special media such as iframes, videos, etc.

It is also good to know that modules and components are great ways to provide interaction with your website visitors.

These items are important to know when starting or redesigning a Joomla! website. In a design meeting these will help express how you would like your site to look and function.

Why Does Your Blog Need A Call-to-Action?

Written by Peter Beare on .

Every blog post and, in fact, every business related communication should have a call-to-action.  It can determine your success and here is why.  At a basic level, you are selling.  Through your business blog, you offer information, advise, and direction based on your knowledge and expertise.

In sharing your expertise, it is natural to anticipate that your readers will do something for you in return.  To increase your odds of success, you need to be clear on the following four points. 

What is a call-to-action?

A  call-to-action is a short sentence that is written as a command and the good ones almost always begin with a verb.  Its purpose is to get the reader to perform a particular action.  You see  calls-to-action everywhere.  Some good examples are

  • Join now to…
  • Register now to …
  • Learn more…
  • Sign up for free
  • Buy now and…
  • Request a quote
 
Ultimately, what are they asking for?  Think about that and we’ll get back to it later.
 
 

When should you use a  call-to-action?

Whenever you can!  Place a call-to-action in your blog description and in each blog post or article.  Make sure that action that will connect your readers back to you.  And this practice should go beyond your blog.  As mentioned, it should be used in all communication.  Think of all of the opportunities that you have to communcate with your customers.

  • eMail
  • Social Media (Facebook and Twitter)
  • Voicemail greetings
  • Letters
  • Business cards
  • Invoices and Billing Statements

 

Remeber, your blog audience has chosen to spend their time with you.  So don’t let them just wander away.  Encourage them to return.

Why use a  call-to-action ?

On the surface, the answer is obvious.   You want support from your audience.   You want them to follow your direction to “Sign Up” or “Order Now” or “Download” your information.  However, there is more to it than that.  A  call-to-action is the courteous thing to do, because you are inviting your readers into conversation and giving them a way to stay connected and informed. 

Where do you use a  call-to-action?­­­­­­

call to action buttons

Place your call to action at the end of your commuication.  It is the most obvious place and is expected unconsciously by your audience.  The anticipation actually increases the probability that your readers will act.  Many bloggers rely on buttons.  Call to action buttons work and they are even more effective when you reinforce them with direction.  If you want your reaers to “SUBSCRIBE” to your blog, “LIKE” you or “FOLLOW” you, then guide your readers to those buttons and tell them to “CLICK.”  

When you sit down to write your next blog, remember this: You don’t get anything that you don’t ask for.  Don’t forget to ask!  Remember that question “Ultimately, what are they asking for?”  The answer is permission marketing and we will cover that in our next blog.

So here is my call to action:  Scroll to top of this blog.  Click on the SUCSCRIBE button.  Fill in your name and email address.  You will be entered to will a FREE registration to our Easy Blog Coach class in September and two 30 minute coaching sessions.