Category Archives: News

Google Local Services Ads are now live in Ireland.

Ireland’s home service providers can now sign up for Google Local Services Ads, a pay‑per‑lead ad format that places your business at the very top of Google Search—visible to customers exactly when they’re searching for services you provide

✅ What Are Local Services Ads and Why it Matters

Local businesses like plumbers, electricians, cleaners, and tree surgeons can appear in a specialised ad block above regular search results.
Businesses are only charged when a valid lead is generated—through a phone call, message, or booking—rather than per click.
The trust‑boosting ‘Google Guaranteed’ badge is awarded to vetted businesses, offering reassurance to customers.

Google Local Services Ads in Ireland currently support around 16 service categories, including appliance repair, plumbing, roofing, landscaping, pest control, and other home service professions. To get started, eligible businesses should first check their category’s availability and apply through the Local Services Ads platform. Once applied, they’ll need to complete Google’s screening and verification process, which includes checks for licensing, insurance, and background details. After approval, businesses can set a weekly budget based on how many leads they want to receive, and then begin managing incoming leads through their dashboard—responding promptly, requesting reviews, and optimising their profile to improve visibility and performance. Contact us today for help in setting up your account!

Google Local Services Ads now offer Irish businesses a powerful, performance‑based way to generate qualified leads and stand out in search. With the Google Guaranteed badge, pay‑only‑for‑leads pricing, and high search visibility, LSAs can be a valuable addition to your marketing toolkit.

If you’re a local trades or home service provider in Ireland, this is your moment to get seen, build trust, and grow your customer base. Ready to get started with Google Local Services Ads? Contact us today for help with setting up your Local Services Ads.

Download Your Free Accessibility Statement Template Here

Website accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about inclusion. Millions of people worldwide live with disabilities that affect how they access the web. As regulations like the European Accessibility Act come into force, businesses of all sizes are expected to take website accessibility seriously.

One simple but important step is to publish an Accessibility Statement on your website. To make this easy, we’re offering a free, ready-to-use Accessibility Statement template that you can download and customise for your business.

What Is an Accessibility Statement?

An accessibility statement is a public declaration outlining your website’s commitment to accessibility. It explains the steps you’ve taken (or are planning to take) to ensure your website is usable for as many people as possible, including those with disabilities.

Download Your Free Accessibility Statement Template

To help you get started, we’ve created a free Accessibility Statement template that you can easily adapt for your own website.

👉 [Download the Free Accessibility Statement Template]

Preparing Your Website for ChatGPT and AI-Powered Search

The rise of AI-powered search engines and tools like ChatGPT is changing the way people find information online. More and more users are turning to large language models (LLMs) and AI chatbots to get quick, conversational answers — and that means businesses need to rethink their digital strategies to be found in these new kinds of searches.

Why AI Search and ChatGPT Matter for Your Business

AI chatbots like ChatGPT pull from vast amounts of data to answer user queries in a conversational way. Unlike typical search engines that list links, these AI tools provide direct answers, which can affect how much traffic websites get.

If your website content isn’t structured or detailed enough, your business might not even be referenced in these AI responses. That’s a huge opportunity to lose potential customers!

Ways to get found by AI and LLM traffic

To make sure your business stays visible and authoritative in this new AI-driven search landscape, here are key steps you can take:

Add FAQs to Your Pages: AI models prioritize well-structured questions and answers. Including FAQs helps capture natural language queries your customers might ask AI tools like ChatGPT.
Create Detailed, Clear Content: The more relevant and helpful information you provide, the better the chance AI platforms will reference your website.
Optimize for Conversational Search: Adapt your content style to reflect how people naturally speak and ask questions. This helps AI understand and recommend your site more easily.
Stay Up to Date: Keep an eye on emerging AI search trends and update your content regularly to maintain relevance and visibility.

Is a Membership Website right for you?

Businesses are increasingly turning to membership websites to provide exclusive content and offer a deeper engagement with users. These types of websites are very useful for educators, consultants or content creators. A well designed membership website offers extra ways to monetise and have content hidden behind paywalls or registration. At 2Cubed, our bespoke membership website solutions are tailored to your ethos and branding.

Membership websites allow companies to offer members exclusive content, webinars and much more. They also offer valuable insight into user behavior—allowing you to track who accesses what, making them ideal for gated downloads, premium articles, and tailored member experiences.

Some great real world applications for membership websites include online courses and learning communities that can benefit from structured modules, live Q&A sessions, and resource libraries. Likewise, businesses offering premium reports, toolkits, or content can easily manage access through paywalls or tiered memberships.

We build secure, scalable membership websites and intranet platforms using modern technologies such as WordPress, PHP, JavaScript, and Next.js with React. Our solutions integrate seamlessly with third-party services like Stripe and Zoom to enhance user experience and functionality. From private client portals to internal intranet systems, we’ve delivered tailored platforms for organisations including Mind and Body Works and Citizens Information Service. All solutions are built to meet GDPR requirements and adhere to the latest web security standards.

At 2Cubed, we design and develop custom membership websites that go beyond the basics. We build custom solutions tailored to your goals, audience and brand. Whether its integrating a learning management system into your site, multiple membership tiers or providing a custom backend booking system we will ensure your site meets your specifications.

Web Design Mistakes Irish Businesses Make — And How to Avoid Them

A business’s website is often a customer’s first impression. Yet many companies make costly web design mistakes on their site that turn visitors away and result in fewer leads than expected.

Ignoring mobile responsiveness

Over 60% of Irish web traffic is through mobile. Websites that don’t prioritise this are losing out to competitors. Common issues that show are zoomed out layouts, broken variations and hard-to-tap buttons. Here at 2Cubed websites are designed with mobile responsiveness at the forefront. If you have an existing website with issues contact us today to see how we can help!

Slow Load Times

Delays on websites reduce conversions; it’s that simple. Unoptimised images, bloated plugins and bad hosting all contribute to slow load times. It’s important to compress images, use lazy loading and invest in good website hosting to keep your website loading fast.

Poor Navigation & Structure

Visitors leave quickly if they can’t find what they are looking for easily. Websites which have overloaded menus, no clear call to actions and inconsistent structure all contribute to this. It’s important to simplify menus, include a clear path to important pages and use breadcrumbs on the site.

Overcomplicating the Design

Often, less is more. A clean, focused design leads to better engagement and conversions. Too many different fonts and colours make it hard for the website to stay on brand, a cluttered layout and distracting animations lead to visitors leaving your website. At 2Cubed our bespoke Web Design service focuses on creating a unique website based on your brand and business. More information check it out here!

By avoiding these web design mistakes your website can improve its performance, grow your business online and help build trust with customers. Here at 2Cubed we can help you build or revamp your site the right way!

Is Your Hosting Holding Your Website Back? – Optimal Web Hosting Explained

When it comes to running successful websites, choosing the right hosting package can go a long way and is just as important as a great website design and content. Poor hosting leads to slow load times, frequent downtime and security vulnerabilities. These negatively impact user experience, search engine rankings and business performance.

What should you look for in a hosting provider?

Speed and Performance – A good hosting provider uses high performance servers and content delivery networks to ensure your website loads quickly.
Reliable Uptime Guarantee – It is important to look for a provider that guarantees as close to 10% uptime as possible to ensure your website remains accessible around the clock.
Security Measures – SSL certificates, firewalls, DDoS protection and automated backups are all essential to keep your website secure.
Customer Support – A hosting provider with 24/7 customer support with knowledgeable representatives can help your business when you run into technical issues.

The costs of bad hosting.

Bad website hosting can cause your website to become slow or unreliable and lose customers without even realising. Visitors expect pages to load within seconds and will cause visitors to leave even before your content loads. Frequent downtime makes your website inaccessible at crucial times, and poor hosting can also lead to security vulnerabilities and make your site susceptible to hacking and data breaches.

Invest in the right hosting.

The correct hosting provider plays a crucial role in the overall success of your website. If your site is experiencing issues it may be time to upgrade and invest in a better hosting plan that ensures a fast, secure and scalable online website that gives your visitors the best possible experience. Reach out to us today if you’re interested in upgrading your website hosting packages and we can offer our expertise to determine what would suit you best.

European Accessibility Act 2025

The European Accessibility Act is a directive from the European Union, which seeks to improve the functioning of the internal market for accessible products and services by removing barriers created by divergent legislation. In essence, the goal of the act is to make certain key products and services more accessible to people with disabilities. Set to be effective from 28th June 2025, the ample lead time provided ensures that substantial adjustments can be made prior to its full enforcement throughout the EU.

Enforcement Date: Takes effect on June 28, 2025, requiring businesses to comply with accessibility standards.
Purpose: Aims to improve accessibility for people with disabilities across the EU, ensuring equal access to key products and services.
Who It Affects: Applies to businesses providing digital and physical products/services, including e-commerce, banking, transport, and ICT (Information & Communication Technology).
E-Commerce Compliance: Online stores must be accessible, including clear navigation, screen reader compatibility, and keyboard usability.
Legal Consequences: Non-compliance may result in fines, restrictions, or legal action at the national level.

The European Accessibility Act fosters inclusivity for those facing accessibility challenges, especially persons with disabilities and the elderly. It addresses barriers they commonly face. As the European population ages, these provisions become even more significant, ensuring active participation in societal activities and enhancing their overall quality of life.

For businesses, the Act paves the way for accessing a broader market by catering to millions of EU citizens with disabilities. Standards across member states mean that businesses no longer need to adjust for country-specific regulations, leading to cost savings. Furthermore, the directive drives innovation, pushing companies to design universally appealing products, enhancing their brand image as socially responsible entities. Compliance not only reduces legal risks but also opens doors to new business models and collaborations centred on accessibility. In essence, the Act, while promoting inclusivity, also positions businesses strategically for growth and market leadership.

Businesses are mandated to ensure their products and services align with the Act’s accessibility standards. If they adhere to the European standards, they are automatically deemed compliant, streamlining the process. Each EU member state is entrusted with the directive’s enforcement, potentially involving penalties for any breach.

The directive requires transposition into the national legislation of each EU member state within a stipulated time frame. While the Act provides overarching rules, nuances might emerge in its implementation across countries due to local adaptations or interpretations.

For more information on the European Accessibility Act Click Here.

Why Choose a Progressive Web App (PWA)?

A Progressive Web App delivers an app-like experience on the web. Some features PWAs have include functioning smoothly across all devices, quick load times, and can even work offline. They also offer push notifications and home screen access without requiring a download from an app store. Below are some reasons why you might choose a PWA for your business.

Faster Loading Speeds & Improved Performance

PWAs reduce load times ensuring that users experience seamless navigation even when the user is on a slow network. This not only boosts user satisfaction but also enhances SEO rankings as the site will be prioritised due to its fast loading times.

Offline Access & Enhanced Reliability

By chasing essential resources, PWAs allow users to access the content even when not connected to the internet itself or with limited connectivity. Its perfect for businesses that want to ensure accessibility at all times.

Cost-Effective Alternative to Native Apps

Native mobile apps require separate versions for both iOS and Android. PWAs reduce the cost by offering a single solution that works across all devices. This helps reduce development costs while maintaining a high quality user experience.

No App Store hassles

PWAs do not require approval from app stores and this can reduce the hassle in getting approval. Users can access the app directly from the web browser or even add it to the home screens without downloading from the app store.

If you want to imp[rove your website’s performance, increase user engagement and reduce costs then a Progressive Web App is a good choice for your business. They are also particularly beneficial for ecommerce sites and service based businesses. If you’re interested in creating a PWA for your business get in touch with us today!

Importance of Website Security and Maintenance

Websites are no longer just an online digital presence – they are critical assets for businesses and organisations. Without proper security and maintenance, websites can become vulnerable to performance issues, data breaches, and cyber threats. Regular updates, backups, and security measures are essential to ensure your website remains safe, functional, and effective.

Regular Updates

Keeping your website’s software, plugins, and themes up to date is one of the most effective ways to prevent security vulnerabilities. Outdated software can be exploited by hackers, leading to potential breaches or downtime. By updating these components regularly, you patch vulnerabilities, enhance performance, and ensure compatibility with the latest technologies and browsers.

Backups

Regular backups act as a safety net in the event of data loss due to cyberattacks, user errors, or server failures. With consistent backups, you can restore your website quickly and minimise disruption to your business. Automated backup solutions ensure your data is constantly saved, reducing downtime and giving you peace of mind. At 2Cubed, we provide our clients with comprehensive website security and backup plans.

Security Measures

In addition to updates and backups, implementing robust security measures is essential. These include using SSL encryption to protect data transfers, setting up firewalls to block malicious traffic, and ensuring strong passwords are used throughout your site. Malware scanning and two-factor authentication add further layers of security, helping to detect and prevent potential threats before they gain access.

Routine Maintenance

Regular website maintenance plays a key role in ensuring your website’s security, performance, and user experience. Routine maintenance includes fixing broken links, updating content, optimising load speeds, and checking site functionality across devices. A well-maintained website is more likely to rank highly in search engines and generate leads and conversions. At 2Cubed, we offer comprehensive website maintenance services to keep your site running smoothly.

Whether you need professional website maintenance or security measures put in place, contact 2Cubed today to ensure your website remains secure, up to date, and performing at its best.

How the Grow Digital Voucher Can Transform Your Digital Strategy

The Grow Digital Voucher is a new digital voucher from Local Enterprise Office that offers small and medium sized businesses support to embrace digital technology. The digital voucher requires the business to have completed a digital for business project report within the previous 2 years. If you are thinking about applying for the voucher here at 2Cubed we can help you implement numerous changes to your website.

For Businesses in the retail sector this voucher will help you enhance your eCommerce Website. You can invest this voucher in eCommerce Web Design by integrating different secure payment gateways or to develop a new and improved checkout system to expand your audience and business. We have vast experience in eCommerce Web Design and this voucher will help provide some financial support to grow.

Implementing an EPOS software would also be a great way to use the Grow Digital Voucher. EPOS systems allow a business to have better inventory management and quicker transactions aimed at giving the customer a smoother transaction process. |If you think that an EPOS system is something you may need, contact us today and we would be happy to help.

Alternatively if you feel like your website has been lacking behind the competition now with this voucher is a great time to look at developing your site further. Professional Web Development helps to ensure your site is fast and secure. Here at 2Cubed we can also look at adding essential software plugins to help improve your site’s functionality whether it’s through a new booking system or backend plugins to improve the performance of the site.

Some benefits of the Grow Digital Voucher:

Up to €5,000 to invest in software and training/ IT configuration.
Enhance productivity with new tools.
Reach new customers and connect with a wider audience online.
Stay competitive by growing your digital presence.

Funding is in the form of a grant and the grant will be 50% of eligible costs up to a maximum of €5000. This Grow Digital voucher is a great way for businesses to improve their digital presence.

This is a great opportunity for businesses to get work done on their website or to have training or It integrations done. Here at 2Cubed we are proud to work with businesses who utilise these vouchers.

For more information on the voucher please visit https://www.localenterprise.ie/Growdigital/

Essential practices for a User-Friendly eCommerce Website.

When it comes to eCommerce Websites user friendliness is critical to keeping visitors engaged and converting them into paying customers. Below we will cover some key elements that make for an enjoyable and smooth shopping experience for visitors.

Intuitive Navigation

The first step in improving your eCommerce Website is an intuitive navigation to improve their user experience. Clear menus and well structured categories ensures users can quickly find the products that they are looking for. It is important to avoid overwhelming users with too many choices and keep navigation clean and simple to use. Also by inserting a search bar it allows users to search directly for the product that they wish.

Streamlined Checkout Process

For website visitors a complicated checkout process is one of the main issues that cause cart abandonment. Some good ideas to ensure customers complete their purchases offer guest checkouts so customers do not need to create an account, keep the number of fields to a minimum and provide multiple payment options including Apple and Google Pay, Revolut, Stripe and Klarna for payment in three instalments.

Cross-Selling and Upselling Opportunities

To boost sales and enhance the shopping experience websites should also have sections for products bought together or part of a set. Unlike related products these suggestions should be placed to show customers how they can enhance their initial purchase. Many clothing websites will have this for example as a “Shop the Look” under the initial product or a compatible accessory to a tech product. This type of cross selling opportunities leads to increased cart value and encourages customers to explore more.

Vouchers and Discounts

Another way to encourage higher spending is the use of vouchers and discounts. E-commerce websites allow you to easily create vouchers for redemption on certain products or with certain parameters and discount categories or certain products. It must be easy to enter promo codes at checkout and offering free shipping or gifts for reaching a specific cart value encourages spending. A dynamic prompt like “Add €10 more for free shipping” helps create a sense of urgency.

Visual Hierarchy and Layout

Good design is essential in guiding a user’s attention throughout the website. Ensure key elements such as product images, pricing and add to cart buttons are prominent and easy to read. By utilising high quality images and clear calls to actions you can naturally lead customers through the buying process.

Security and Trust Signals:

Finally one other essential component for eCommerce websites is to ensure shoppers feel confident that their information is safe and security is paramount here. Security features such as SSL certificates, secure payment features such as paypal and credit cards and customer reviews feature prominently throughout the site. Furthermore, showing your return policies, contact information and customer support will further reinforce your site’s credibility.

If you’re interested in learning more or wanting to upgrade your eCommerce Website contact 2Cubed today!

How to Improve Website Accessibility: A Guide for Inclusive Design

Website Accessibility is vital for creating an online environment that is inclusive and where anyone regardless of their ability can easily navigate and interact with your website and content. To help reach a broader audience you must ensure your site meets the accessibility standards and ensure that the website complies with laws such as WCAG or the European Accessibility Act.Below are some guidelines to help you improve website accessibility. This is not a full list and more information can be found at WCAG Official Website

1. Use Clear and Consistent Navigation

Ensure your website’s layout and navigation is intuitive and easy to use and provides the user with clear navigation. Users should be able to find what they need quickly, regardless of their ability. Some examples of these are a consistent menu structure, descriptive labels for links and including a search bar in the navigation for easy access.

2. Provide Alt Text for Images

Alternative text is crucial for users who rely on screen readers to describe the content of an image to those who cannot see. Websites should use alt text on images and describe these images accurately and as detailed as possible. Spamming keywords or keyphrases into the alt text will negatively affect your SEO.

3. Use Accessible Forms

Forms are essential for every website, but if not designed properly they can be frustrating for users. To ensure that forms comply with accessibility standards each field should be labelled clearly, and related fields grouped together. Furthermore, website forms should also offer clear instructions and show error messages that are easy to use and let the user know exactly what is wrong.

4. Website Accessibility Plugins

There are several plugins which can also help you to improve website accessibility. These can be integrated into your website through its CMS like WordPress, Shopify and more. Some examples of these plugins include WP accessibility or EqualWeb. These types of plugins provide helpful tools to ensure your website is accessible to all users and help automate some parts of accessibility compliance. At 2Cubed we have experience in implementing these plugins for websites.

5. Follow WCAG Guidelines

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provides a list of standards for making web content more accessible to all users. Your website should follow key principles to meet these standards. By following these guidelines they have set out you can ensure compliance with the relevant laws.

By implementing the above practices and following the WCAG guidelines around website accessibility you can ensure your website is welcoming to all users regardless of their ability. It can also help boost your website’s reputation and positively affect your Google Ranking and SEO. If you have any questions regarding implementing these measures please contact us today and see how we can help!

5 Common Website Mistakes That Are Hurting Your Online Business (And How to Fix Them)

Slow loading times hinder user retention.

Slow loading times can be one of the quickest ways to lose website visitors. Over half of website users will leave a website if it takes more than three seconds to load. Common issues such as optimised images, inefficient coding, server issues or too many plugins can cause slow loading times. A Web Design Company can help you identify these issues and provide support to fix these. It could be very beneficial to have a Website Care Plan in place to keep your website working smoothly.

Poor Mobile Optimisation and how it can affect user experience and search rankings.

A mobile friendly website is now essential for companies as global web traffic is now coming from mobile devices more than desktop. Users will get frustrated by poor mobile optimisation and it can also affect negatively on your search engine rankings. Improving mobile layout or getting a mobile layout professionally designed can help fix this issue.

How an outdated design can damage your brand perception.

An outdated website can make your company look out of touch or untrustworthy. Designs of websites evolve over time and after a few years your website may seem outdated. This can turn users off your website and for eCommerce websites this results in loss of sales. It is important to maintain a modern, appealing web design that helps reflect your business and keeps your audience engaged.

SEO and how it can hinder visibility

Businesses can overlook the importance of SEO which results in low visibility on search engines. No matter how well designed your website is, if you have not implemented the key elements of SEO then you will not generate the amount of views and business your website should be getting. Implementing SEO is essential for your website to reach its full potential.

Why regular updates are needed for security.

Regular updates are crucial for your business to avoid any complications or security risks. Security vulnerabilities such as outdated software, plugins or SSL certificates can lead to data breaches or lack of customer trust. To prevent these issues it’s essential to keep your website up to date. 2Cubed Website Maintenance service offers this support to take control over your security and to make sure your website stays fully protected.

By addressing these common website issues businesses can improve user experience and boost their online presence and enhance the customers experience which in turn leads to more leads or sales. It’s important to consider professional assistance for your web design and development needs. If you need more information contact us today.

eCommerce Websites Ireland – 2025 Update

Category: News

August 20, 2024

2Cubed offer bespoke, flexible, and user-friendly eCommerce websites for businesses across Ireland. Now more than ever, eCommerce is booming! It’s estimated that in 2025 the Irish eCommerce market will be valued at over $18 billion (source).

Selling Online

eCommerce websites allow you to sell your products to a global audience. Whether you’re looking to build a new online store or optimise your current website, we provide tailored solutions to suit your needs. We know that selling your products or services online can be a daunting experience. 2Cubed are here to help you grow your business online, supporting you at every step of the process. You can find out how we work by checking out our process.

Payment Integration

Payment gateways are an essential component of any eCommerce website. They facilitate the secure transfer of payment information to ensure safety and efficiency. We will advise you on which payment gateway or provider best suits your needs. With years of experience working with Stripe, Global Payments, Sage Pay, and custom integrations, we’re ready to help – just ask us for guidance.

eCommerce Solutions

It’s essential to choose the platform that best aligns with your goals, expertise, and scalability requirements. Whether it’s WooCommerce, Shopify, or another platform, we’re here to answer your questions and ensure you choose the best fit. 2Cubed have designed and developed websites for a wide range of industries. You can see some of our work in our portfolio.

Support & Maintenance

Maintaining an eCommerce website is crucial for its long-term success. From security to performance, regular maintenance prevents technical and customer issues. Once we launch your new eCommerce website, that’s just the beginning. We’re on hand to assist and support you moving forward. Our website maintenance service gives you peace of mind, knowing you’re not alone in building and growing your online store. We take care of updates, security, and patches, leaving you to focus on what’s important.

Contact Us

Get in touch today by filling out our contact form, or call us on 01 905 8114, and a member of our expert team will be happy to help.

5 ways you can improve your SEO ranking 2024

Focus on the User experience

Your business’s online presence is arguably its most valuable asset. In a time where online presence is key to business growth and increased revenue, the focus is firmly on the User Experience. In order to provide this you must have a good understanding of the user intent. What are your customers looking for when they visit your website? Are you providing a product or service? Are you a non-profit organisation? Does your site purely provide information? Understanding the user intent will allow you to work with a web development agency to design the perfect website for your business. You will have the knowledge to create a positive User experience, know what your customers are looking for and what they need and provide it for them in an easy and functional way, this positive User experience will ensure they return to your website.

Providing a positive user experience is key to growing and the success of your business. SEO targets search engines and UX targets visitors, they work symbiotically to improve the overall User Experience and drive the success of your website. An important factor that must be considered in terms of User Experience is the speed of your site, it is important that your website plug-ins are updated regularly to ensure that the site is functioning and performing at the highest possible level. It is important that your page speed is fast and not sluggish, and that your site is optimised and uses responsive design adaptable for all screens. Aside from the functionality of the site, the incorporation of the site’s branding and content is equally as important.

Quality of Content

How you communicate your business message to your visitors is an essential part of the overall User Experience. It is important to update your website content regularly with relevant, engaging material that is on brand, original and appeals to your audience. A great way of doing this is by posting regular blogs. Blogs allow you to focus on events and topics that are relevant to your brand and they are a great way of engaging with your audience. When writing blogs or refreshing/updating your website content. It is essential that you carry out keyword analysis. Keyword analysis allows you to research keywords and phrases that will increase traffic on your website through both organic and paid search. It is more important than ever to incorporate keywords and create new relevant content since the introduction of Google’s MUM in May 2021, this multimodal algorithm is designed to provide answers to complex queries. Recognising and understanding Google’s focus on new SERP features and optimising your content and keywords along with including more backlinks in your content will help your overall ranking.

Images & Video Content

Video is a fantastic way of boosting your SEO. If used correctly it can play a huge role in outranking your competitors online. You should design your video content with a goal in mind, including a call to action and a lead capture method. You should incorporate keywords into your video and into your video title. When using videos and images to accompany your website it is important to ensure that they have been optimised and will not slow down your site. With videos in particular using larger files can often slow down your page’s load time and will directly influence the User Experience. If your page takes too long to load, chances are your visitors may find what they are looking for on a competitor’s site if they don’t have to wait as long to access the page.

AI will play a huge role in your ranking in 2024

It is 2024, there are huge advancements in all areas of technology including computing power, datafication and 3D Printing and on a smaller scale the role of AI in SEO and content generation is increasing. Google uses various AI systems to help them detect spam and set their ever-changing algorithms. Using AI tools for your online marketing is important to guide SEO, content creation, optimisation and keyword research. This does not mean you should fire your marketing team and rely solely on AI. However, it does mean that the incorporation of AI tools means that SEO keyword research is no longer the time-consuming tedious task it once was and can greatly benefit your marketing strategy and content creation and improve the amount of SEO related traffic to your website. The use of AI technologies will allow you to explore trending topics, relevant keywords and point you in the right direction for your content creation.

Backlinks & Indexing

Backlinks are a very valuable aspect of SEO, they help your website rank higher for target keywords in SERPs. A great way to feature backlinks on your website if you provide a product or service is to feature testimonials or reviews linking to external sites. To get high-ranking backlinks to your site you could contact or collaborate with a journalist, blogger or influencer allowing them to backlink to your website. The more backlinks linked to your website are seen by Google as having high-ranking quality content and more trustworthy.

Indexing

When you create new content or refresh the content on your website it is essential that you submit that page to Google Search Console for indexing. Once you do this it appears on Google’s list and is analysed by Google for content and meaning and it is then stored in the Google index to appear in search results.

Here at 2Cubed, we offer a Digital Marketing & SEO service, a website maintenance and management service as well as a content writing service. We would love to work with you and help you improve your SEO. Contact us today!

Web Design Trends in 2024

As always new trends come along with the start of a New Year. Across every industry we see this happening, and Web Design is no different. More than ever businesses need to evolve and websites go through different stages of evolution constantly. Here we look at some of the trends that could happen in 2024:

Immersive and Interactive Websites:

Websites are already very interactive but this year could see even more interactive features throughout the websites. Immersive 3D worlds and experiences may be introduced to hold users’ attention for longer periods of time and increase user engagement on these websites. Some industries are better suited to these types of websites such as gaming, and technology companies. By going big with immersive interactive websites, companies can stand out from the competition and help their website is going viral. We have seen this in new technology such as the metaverse with more companies joining and creating virtual worlds.

Another way that many small and medium-sized companies that cannot afford more advanced technology and interactive features can capitalise on the increasing use of interactive websites is to make use of interactive products instead. More companies have recently used hyper movement, transitions and animations to showcase their products. These types of interactive elements help capture a user’s attention and help increase user engagement on the website page.

Alongside these additions to the interactive aspect of websites, web designers in 2024 may play around more with adding meaningful animations on website pages to hold user’s attention for a longer period of time. Animated or customised cursors could also become more common across the industry.

Nostalgia:

Web Design and Development have improved dramatically over the years. However old font and Web Designs may make a comeback with the added bonus of being able to work like a new website. Many companies have decided to get creative with their website as a throwback to the past with many designs based on the ’90s and ’00s. This can be very beneficial if your company focuses on retro products or you have a wide creative scope in your business.

Premium Content and Membership Websites:

More and more businesses are realising how profitable and how membership websites can be a great way to attract new clients and users. A Premium Content Experience creates a more unique experience to customers and offers a more premium experience to customers. This is a great way to make use of website content and is necessary for certain websites to have. We believe that throughout 2024 this will be a very major trend in the industry. Here at 2Cubed we offer this service.

More Efficient Websites:

Every website strives for a great user experience. In 2024 more and more companies will create more efficient websites that are optimised for the user to give them the best user experience they can and to have websites much quicker and lightweight.

Video Usage:

Web designers in 2024 could also change how video is used in web design. Video is a great way to capture the attention of your users and many users will prefer videos to text. On websites, it can be tricky to fully utilise videos and build a coherent website with the use of video. That’s why it is important to use it as a supplement to current content on the page and make sure the website identity is not changed and allowing for increased engagement across your pages. A simple play button on the video shows the user there is something to click there and allows you to improve web page loading times by getting rid of instant play.

So there you go, these are just some of the Web Design trends that we may see in 2024. The industry is always changing and throughout the year we may see different trends pop up and others may disappear.

Happy New Year,

From all of us at 2Cubed.

LEO Trading Online Voucher – 2025 update

The LEO Trading Online Voucher scheme has been in place for a number of years and has offered thousands of businesses the funding to start or help with trading online. The good news is that the scheme is continuing on into 2025.

Financial assistance for businesses to build a presence and trade more online
Up to €2,500 available or up to 50% of this coming from your business
Businesses that have already received an online trading voucher previously are eligible to apply for a second voucher

With Covid-19 hitting many businesses over the last four years, the last few years was a fantastic way to build online platforms as many businesses looked to get an eCommerce element in place. The LEO Trading vouchers are worth up to €2,500 or up to 50% of the total (whichever is less).

In order to apply and be eligible for the scheme this year, you must:

Be trading for at least six months
Employ between 1 and 10 staff
Attend a Trading Online Seminar with your Local Enterprise Office

How can the LEO Trading Online Voucher be used?

Launch your new online shop with an e-commerce website or upgrade your existing one
Get digitalisation consultancy and specialist IT advice
Add booking systems and online payments or to your existing website
Develop an app
Online advertising online
For a subscription to a retail platform solution

More information on the scheme can be found here.

You can apply online to the LEO Trading Online Voucher from your Local Enterprise Office.

Contacting us

If you have any questions on this scheme, please reach out to us in the same channels as you normally would:

Technical Support – support@2cubed.ie

General Enquiries – by using our contact form or by emailing hello@2cubed.ie. You can also avail of the LiveChat service on our website.

The Top 5 WordPress Website Trends To Watch Out For In 2024

Every time the new year rings in, new trends in website design and development emerge. From modern minimalist design, fonts, and colours to cinema-style full screen homepage video banners and everything in between, the new year brings change. We have put together our top 5 WordPress website trends to watch out for in 2024.

WordPress brings so much to the table as a website management platform, and is used by almost half of all sites on the internet. Keeping that in mind, which website trends are the best? And more importantly, which website trends will keep people on your site for longer?

A website’s bounce rate can be a real issue for small and large online businesses alike. However, a few key upgrades to the style and functionality of your website can make all the difference. Whenever considering an upgrade or two, think about the website and the search engine holistically. The goal of jumping on a WordPress website trend is to lower bounce rate and increase the time spent on your website. These trends for 2024 and beyond, will bring you the biggest bang for buck when considering an upgrade or newly developed website.

1 WooCommerce – an e-commerce solution that just keeps on giving

Woocommerce is an amazing plug-in that enables your website for e-commerce. Over the years it has developed into an all-in-one online shopping solution for products and services alike. Since 2020 the Irish online shopping market has grown exponentially and Woocommerce has helped increase revenue for businesses at an unprecedented rate. Partly due to the pandemic and partly due to its continued improvements making it easy-to-use. It is simple to add products, update services and adjust stock amounts. With the Local Enterprise Office continuing the Trading Online Voucher (TOV) of up to €2500 towards your e-commerce website, if your business is not online in 2024 you’re missing out on a piece of the e-commerce growth pie! Click here to read about the grant.

2 Improved Performance for Mobile

Your website being in tip top condition for mobile is more important than ever in 2024. With most searches taking place on mobile devices, a sharp rise in popularity of voice search and Google placing evermore focus on mobile performance we have listed some areas to improve on your website:

Interactivity
Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS). Fix it!
App like user experience
Thumb-friendly mobile navigation
Voice search optimised content
Page load speed
Compress videos

3 Web Progressive Apps (PWA)

If you want to go to the next level with your online mobile presence a web progressive app is the way forward. So, what is it and how will it benefit your business by having one developed? An app as we know it, is downloaded from the app store, accessed from the widget downloaded on your phone. A PWA is available across the web and accessible from multiple platforms. Its basic functionality includes working offline and device hard drive access, Here are list of some of the best benefits it has to offer for your business:

Speed. It is 2 to 3 times faster than regular websites.
Great for SEO.
Instant updates (No app store approval needed).
Works with a slow internet connection or offline!
Vastly improved user experience.
Available on all platforms

Major brands including Twitter, Pinterest and The Washington Post have reinforced their mobile efforts and released PWAs. Some of the most powerful examples of PWAs include those used by media companies, platforms for social news or music-sharing, travel services, and e-commerce solutions. Such as Uber, Starbucks, BMW and Spotify.

These are just a few of the fantastic benefits a PWA has to offer your business.

4 Visual Design Trends

Getting the visual design of a website right is one of the key ingredients to enticing potential customers to stay longer on your website. Gone are the days of static 2D design. Users want a visual experience they will remember. Here are five of the coolest and top website trends 2024 that will get your customers talking:

One-page Websites – Keep it simple for professional portfolios and digital CVs. Showcase what you have on offer with a single scrollable page.
Bold Fonts – Words can be much more than copy, they can be the main focal point. Bold minimalist fonts/text elements can also improve mobile user experience.
Interactive Elements – Why keep text static when WordPress’ best friend Elementor offers aesthetically pleasing animation versions.
Design Elements Overlapping – By adding a modern feel to the overall look of your website through overlapping elements, people are encouraged to stick around on your website for longer.
Bold Colours – Think big, bright and bold colours for 2024. Mix this with minimalism and showcase your brand in style.

5 AI Powered Human-Like Chatbots

Small businesses thrive on conversation fuelling conversion. Larger organisations can learn a thing or two about engagement from them. Unfortunately, larger organisations struggle to have authentic and real interactions with customers, causing a lot of frustration. The robotic answer system of chatbots that can annoy even the most patient of people, is going to be a thing of the past. AI is using Natural Language Processing (NLP) to decipher what a customer is actually asking. For example, the technology teaches itself how to reply based on what kind of response it gets. Not only can the human-like AI chatbot help save time and resources, it also improves your websites rankings on Google by using natural language.

6 Improved Accessibility

When talking about the top website trends of 2024 Accessibility has to be considered. It will continue to be a factor for not only ensuring your site is inclusive for people of all abilities but also for Google’s ever changing algorithm. Google loves to be told what an image or video is all about. Gutenberg, a popular WordPress editing plug-in has enabled the addition of subtitles and captions to videos by using the (WebVTT) in the Gutenberg video block. We hope this trend continues to make website content accessible to all.

Staying on top website trends and advancements is key to staying ahead of the competition. To find out more about getting your website developed or redesigned Contact 2Cubed today!