A year in review for marketing, design & tech: Our top blog posts of 2016

As we start a new year, it's always good to reflect on the year before. At ArcStone, we like to take a look at the posts that caught our readers' eyes. Below are ArcStone's top 10 blog posts of 2016, revealing trending ideas and tools in digital marketing. 

10. A Comparison of WordPress vs. Squarespace

WordPress and Squarespace offer two vastly different approaches to building websites. And each excel in different ways. Squarespace’s strength is in its simplicity, ease of entry, and strong customer support. WordPress is unmatched for its flexibility and advanced functionality. Let’s compare the platforms/tools in a bit more depth.

9. Tuesday Tidbit: Using Google Analytics Segments to Tailor Your Content Strategy for Each Audience

Welcome to Tuesday! I promise this post will be simpler than the title sounds. This week, I want to talk about giving your website users what they want, where they want it. How exactly will you be figuring this out? Why, Google Analytics, of course!

8. Review of Balsamiq Wireframing Software

Balsamiq bills itself as “rapid, effective and fun wireframing software.” But is it? I signed up for the free 30-day trial (no credit card required) and tested out how Balsamiq wireframing software helped my own work. As you'll read, I only ran into a couple negative qualities and mostly found the software to be a huge help...

7. The Co-Founder of Twitter and Medium Has Created a New Kind of Search Engine - What is AskJelly.com?

I was recently one of the lucky ones on the beta version of the new form of search, AskJelly.com. Read more on what this is and what I had to say after using it myself.  

6. Tuesday Tidbit: How to Use the New User Explorer Report in Google Analytics

Have you noticed that Google Analytics recently added a new report to their ever-evolving toolset? It’s called the User Explorer report. Let’s take a look.

5. Why is there a dip in traffic when a redesign goes live?

That moment when your brand new website goes live is really exciting. It's the pride and joy you've been working on for weeks or months, and it's finally ready. Finally, go-live day arrives! Everyone loves your new website. However, after a couple weeks or a month, you take a look at Google Analytics and see that your traffic has been down a little bit since your new site went live. What's up with that?

4. Minnesota Masonic Home: Nonprofit WordPress Case Study

As one of the top rated nursing homes in the U.S., and part of one of Minnesota's largest nonprofits - Minnesota Masonic Home needed a major web facelift. The old site was causing headaches not only for the internal team but for users as well. Similar to the other Masonic Charities sites, a clean design and usability were the focus, with WordPress being used as the CMS.

3. 5 Nonprofit Site Redesigns Later - Here Are a Few Things We Learned

This past year, ArcStone designed over 5 nonprofit websites and ran several marketing campaigns. Through the process, we've gathered some useful insight on this industry and its online presence - including what to focus on with a redesign, pitfalls to avoid and key features to consider.

2. Making a Targeted Content Marketing Strategy [Infographic]

Maybe it's that you can't figure out why your blog traffic is down, people aren't following you on social media, or people aren't calling up your company for your product. Or maybe you're seeing some success with your current audience, but want to target a different demographic. Let's take a few steps back before we can long jump forward; construct your targeted marketing strategy by building detailed audience personas.

1. A Comparison of Email Marketing Software | MailChimp vs. Constant Contact vs. Emma [Infographic]

Over the years, we've used several email systems, including building our own called eBrochure (later sold to Emma). Unfortunately no system is perfect, but they each have features that work best for different circumstances. What is the difference between MailChimp vs. Constant Contact vs. Emma? Which one fits your needs?

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