Online articles with images every 75-100 words get double the amount of shares as articles with fewer images, according to Buzz Sumo. Even more interesting, Buffer revealed that images get 567% more inbound links than text-only content.

Insurance agents have a lot of options for getting new leads, from cold-calling to trade events, and paying for traditional advertising. The disadvantage of those methods (aside from time and cost) is that you are reaching a broad group, not necessarily people who are looking for what you offer. This is why the information you can obtain from your website is so valuable - these are visitors who are searching for information about the exact products and services that you offer.

Do you struggle with finding professional freelancers? This week’s flashback posts include LinkedIn’s new service to help identify reliable freelance help as well as tips for managing your fear of public speaking. You’ll also learn about a great tool to help manage Facebook groups, guidelines for creating websites focused on user experience and the best apps for work. Here are my favorite posts from this past week:

In part one of our must-have elements for an effective website, I focused on content. In part two, I’ll touch how we’ve come a long way from old school website design; although, some elements of modern sites give a nod to features from back in the day in regard to simplicity. While a lot of creative inspiration and functionality factors go in to good design, here are some current trends that have broad acceptance and appeal.

Over the last decade, the purpose and functionality of an organization’s website has changed drastically. Websites are now storefronts, sales representatives, customer service personnel and ultimately, an extension of your team. If your website doesn’t tell your company’s story and go above and beyond to address a visitor’s needs, you’re most likely missing out on opportunities to convert a prospect into a customer.

Is your website holding you back from capturing attention and sale conversions from prospective customers? Businesses are constantly challenged with providing the best online experience for visitors. This is the case not only in regard to becoming found, but also with respect to the functionality of your site.

If you’re like me, your inbox is flooded with post notifications and enewsletters filled with good articles that you’ve highlighted to read later. Most weeks, I try to at least scan the articles that are of greatest interest to me and I pass the best ones along to our team. These articles include everything from inbound strategies, digital marketing, social advertising, content production and promotion, web design, public relations, events and much more. I thought some of my favorites would be of interest to our clients and followers, so I’ve created The Weekly Roundup – a recap of the best posts I’ve come across. I’ll try to be consistent with posting, so be sure to check back every Friday to view my faves from the week.

Staying on top of the ever-changing world of digital marketing and online visibility can be exhausting for a marketer. Considering mobile usage, Google web search and algorithm changes, as well as being able to provide the best overall online experience for a visitor; businesses are constantly challenged with finding ways to improve the functionality of a company website. When considering a website redesign or refresh, one important factor to keep in mind is that new features should incorporate components that not only improve SEO, but the overall perception, interaction and awareness of your business.