Over the past few months, it seems like online marketing (social media) has been turned upside down. From the latest (infuriating) Meta updates to the TikTok ban, to the possibility of breaking up Google’s search and advertising tools, major changes seem to be hiding around every corner.

For small businesses that rely on these tools to connect with clients, big shifts like this can feel overwhelming. But what’s causing these sudden changes, and how can you prepare for what’s next? Let’s break it down.

Why Are These Big Changes Happening Now?

Government Pressure

Governments around the world have been scrutinizing the tech industry for monopolistic practices and privacy concerns. In the U.S., we’ve been working to break up companies like Google to cultivate more competition in the tech industry. Similarly, TikTok has been banned in other countries like Afghanistan, India, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, and Somalia due to “data security concerns” – and the U.S. is following suit. 

Politics

With tech giants like Zuckerberg and Musk getting more involved in questionable politics every day, they’ve zeroed in on social media’s ability to spread information. They’ve made it their mission to silence those speaking up, keep us isolated and in the dark, and prevent us from organizing further.

How Can Small Businesses Roll With the Changes?

1. Diversify Your Online Presence

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Do your best to show up on multiple platforms – but remember to put the most focus on where your audience is now or is headed next. 

While you’re at it, you’ll want to re-engage with or start building your email list, and make sure your website and SEO are dialed in, so your small business won’t be entirely reliant on a single external platform. Heck – maybe it’s even time to give Bluesky a go! 

2. Explore Video and Experiment With Trends 

Platforms are prioritizing short-form video, live streaming, and other content trends. If a given trend or format makes sense for your business, giving them a test drive can give you a competitive edge. 

Signs are pointing towards a video-centric social media world, so think about what video content would look like for your small business. (if the thought of video makes you cringe, we have a few tips to make it easier!)

3. Choose Community

Platforms may change, but folks will always value connection and quality content. Build a loyal online community by being genuine, telling your story, and using your unique skills and knowledge to help them through their struggles.

The Gist 

Yes, the digital landscape has been shifting faster lately. But small business owners are no strangers to adapting and being resourceful. You’ll need to mix up your strategies, try out new content formats, and focus on nurturing your audience to navigate the changes ahead effectively. Big changes are inevitable, but the silver lining is that they’re also opportunities to experiment with and nurture new ideas.

Ready to future-proof your online marketing strategy? Let’s start planning for what’s next together.

Maybe you didn’t even get the details, and you just heard that “something” was happening between WP Engine and WordPress.

Tech folks like me had some Big Feelings about it. (nerds having strong opinions? Who could’ve predicted?! ) For business owners, however, it all probably just sounded like another potential stressor that you don’t need!

So, let’s just get this out of the way now: no, you don’t need to panic!

…okay, now that you’re breathing a bit easier, let’s distill all the mess down into what matters for You, a human whose organization may just happen to have a WordPress website:

A longtime beef between WP Engine and WordPress came to a head.

If not, here’s the abbreviated version: the co-founder of WordPress (Matt Mullenweig) has been big mad at WP Engine, a dedicated WordPress webhost. Mullenweig doesn’t love that WP Engine is, essentially, making big bucks because of WordPress, without giving more back to the open-source community. 

(side note: if you’re like, “what’s the deal with web hosting?” here’s an oldie-but-goodie where I explain what a web host is, and what makes a good one)

After Mullenweig called out WP Engine publicly, they hit back with a lawsuit claiming defamation, and even extortion.

So, long story made very short, WordPress.org blocked WP Engine from accessing their servers. This meant that, if your website was hosted by WP Engine, all of those quick-and-easy “Update Now” buttons on your Plugins page stopped working.

If you love other people’s drama and want to know the full story, here’s the top of the rabbit hole: WordPress’ post stating that WP Engine is banned from their servers.

“Wait, do I need to quit WordPress forever now?!”

I’ve talked for a loooong time about how outdated plugins can leave your website vulnerable to hacking. Not being able to easily update plugins is a big deal! Understandably, a lot of folks wondered what they should do in response to this drama. 

Is it time to run screaming from WordPress altogether?! In my humble opinion: no, you don’t need to cut WordPress from your tech stack.

• If your web host is anyone but WP Engine (or Flywheel, which is owned by WP Engine), none of that drama affects you at all!
  
• If you are on WP Engine and still feel concerned about this dust-up, you do have the option to move your website elsewhere.
  
• Hosting aside, WordPress is still a completely FREE platform, which lets you update content without knowing how to code, and it’s a powerful, extensible platform that can offer a lot of helpful functions for your business. 

So, yeah, take a deep breath and relax. WordPress is still a reliable tool, and you don’t have to completely rebuild your website anytime soon. (well, unless you want to)

You don’t really need to worry about moving to another web host, either (yet).

If you’re on WP Engine and you’re stressed about it, never fear: WP Engine has already created and deployed a workaround so they’re able to run automatic software updates again. That means things are basically back to normal from a customer perspective.

If you still feel uneasy after hearing all of this, though, I don’t blame you. I’m a longtime Flywheel fangirl from the days before they were acquired by WP Engine, and I feel wobbly about this situation, too.

The main thing to remember is that, if you were already thinking about changing things up, this could be a good excuse to start exploring alternatives. And, better yet, you have some time to think about and test those other options, and determine if they’re the right fit.

“So wait, how do I protect my website in the future?”

I believe that your website should be YOURS once it’s built, and there’s a lot to be said for being able to take your website wherever you want. There are a couple of things you should make sure are happening, so you can move house when it’s time:

• Regular backups. Most any decent web host will do nightly backups of your website, in case anything goes wrong, so if yours doesn’t, it’s time for an upgrade.
  
• Regular plugin updates. So many websites get hacked or break down entirely because their plugins weren’t updated regularly. You’re keeping your website more stable, secure, and easier to move by doing those updates–and some web hosts will do this for you.

If reading those two bullet points made you start sweating, I’ll point you towards Kronda at Karvel Digital, who wrote up an awesome overview of updating your plugins manually, setting up backups, and even migrating your entire website. Her Automation Club is a great resource for this and other time-saving integrations in your business tech!

If you just don’t want to tangle with ANY of this, however, you can always find a website pro to handle it all for you. As a starting point, take a peek at our very affordable and all-around-awesome WordPress Website Maintenance Plans.

Overall, I’m annoyed that this kerfuffle between WP Engine and WordPress caused so many small business owners to panic over something they may not even fully understand. But, hopefully this helps you make sense of it all, and breathe easier!

Find us on DesignRush: Discover web design services here.

Want the tips you need to attract more followers, and build a powerful online presence that truly reflects your business? We’ve got ‘em! Let’s get started!

Wait… what’s the difference between an Instagram name, username, and bio?

Great question! Here’s a quick anatomy lesson for your instagram profile.

Instagram user name: Your Instagram user name is your digital identity on the platform. It’s the name you pick when you sign up for an account and what people use to find and tag you in posts and stories. Your username also appears in your profile’s URL. Keep in mind that you only have 30 characters to work with, and no spaces or emojis are allowed. You can change this every few weeks, but if you change it too often, you might confuse your followers or break backlinks to your profile.

Instagram name: Your Instagram name is what appears at the top of your profile, just below your username. It can be your real name, business name, or nickname, and it’s separate from your username. Your name is an essential part of your brand identity on Instagram, and it’s one of the first things people will see when they visit your profile. You can have up to 30 characters, but Instagram may limit how often you can change it. The best part? Your name can contain emojis and special characters, so feel free to get creative!

Instagram bio: Your Instagram bio is like a mini-introduction to your brand or personality, so it’s super important to make it count! Keep it short and sweet – no more than 150 characters – and highlight who you serve, what you do, and any impressive accomplishments. Use emojis to add some personality and emphasize key brand elements or values. And don’t forget to include a call-to-action to your business links – let your followers know how they can take the next step with you!

…so how do I choose the best user name for me?

A few quick tips for choosing your instagram user name:

There are some basics to keep in mind when picking an Instagram user name: 

• keep it simple and memorable. 
• avoid using numbers or special characters that might confuse your audience
• stick to letters and short, catchy names that people can easily remember. 

It’s also a good idea to check if your username is available on other social media platforms, to maintain consistency across all profiles. 

Use keywords related to your niche or industry.

Using keywords in your Instagram user name is a great way to attract the right followers and grow your biz. Suppose you’re a master gardener, using keywords like “seed” or “plant” in your name can increase your visibility to people searching for those topics on social media platforms like Instagram.

But, don’t go overboard! Too many keywords can make your username too complicated. So, keep it short, sweet, and memorable.

Why keyword research is important before you choose your instagram user name

Before you jump into picking a name, let’s talk about why keyword research matters. By finding the right keywords and using them in your username, you’ll be more easily discovered by your ideal audience, leading to more followers and a stronger online presence. Plus, keeping up with popular hashtags and industry trends can give your profile that extra oomph. 

There are some great free tools out there, like Instagram’s search feature or Google Trends, but if you’re looking for more in-depth information, you could check out paid options like Ubersuggest and VidIQ. 

The key is to know your customers and their needs, and make sure your username reflects the solution you’re offering. So, let’s get searching and make your Instagram profile shine!

How to find the right keywords to target

Think of keywords as the secret code people use to find what they’re looking for online. By doing some keyword research and choosing the best ones for your business, you can make it easier for potential customers to find you. 

But here’s the catch: you need to be strategic. Don’t go for those broad and competitive keywords that everyone else is using. Instead, focus on specific keywords that have low competition and high search volume. That way, you’ll stand out from the crowd and attract the right people to your business. 

How to use use keywords in your Instagram user name

Ready to optimize your Instagram username and attract your ideal audience? One simple tip is to use relevant keywords in your username. Try incorporating one or two high-traffic keywords that represent your brand and keep it catchy and easy to remember. For example, if you’re a fitness coach for young women, a username like “FitGirlCoach” or “HealthyHabitsHQ” could be effective. 

In conclusion…

I hope this article has left you feeling inspired and ready to take on the world of social media and SEO! Remember, using keywords strategically can truly make all the difference in getting your business noticed by potential customers.

But, if you’re ready to widen your audience on social media, but you’re feeling overwhelmed at the possibilities, don’t hesitate to reach out to Upswept Creative! We’re here to help and would be thrilled to work with you.

Or, if you’re not quite ready to make the jump to done-for-you management, you can get our bite-sized tips in your inbox every Tuesday with our weekly series, Social Media Snack Break.

Keep shining bright, and go get ’em!

You can follow us on Instagram @upsweptcreative for all of our thoughts about social media for modern entrepreneurs

That’s a LOT of communication. How much of it is truly effective, though?

There are plenty of resources out there about professional email etiquette, and I’m sure you already know about proper salutations, proofreading, and signatures. I’d like to focus on writing better emails, to bring more ease into your everyday communication.

Set Your Intention

Don’t worry: we’re talking effective communication here, not manifestation. Being mindful and intentional about the reason for your email can help you get to, and stay on, your point.

Most of your professional communications will involve asking questions and getting answers to items relevant to your ongoing projects. Be clear about your own objective for your email before you start writing it.

Questions to ask yourself as you draft your email: What’s the main thing I’m hoping to achieve with this email? What’s the main action I want my reader to take?

Having clarity around your intentions can help you get to the heart of the matter more quickly.

One Thing At A Time

You may feel compelled to stuff your email with numerous questions. I’m here to tell you: DON’T.

Yes, it may seem like a time-saver to load up on all the requests at once. But people’s attention spans are short, and their inboxes are full. Stay focused on the one main action you want your recipient to take.

You’re also more likely to receive a useful response. Folks tend to get overwhelmed by too many options, and may be less likely to reply–or send a response that doesn’t give you everything you need. If you really needed those answers, now you’ve got to follow up again. There goes the time you thought you saved!

A question to ask yourself here: how can I make it easier for them to take that action?

If there are several options, narrow them down to the two most effective responses. Make those options clear and concise. You may even consider a straightforward A/B format.

Remember: the goal is to keep things simple, and make it even easier for your reader to reply.

Less is More

Numerous studies suggest that the ideal length of an email varies between 50-200 words.

Of course, the intention of your email can help you determine if you’ll need more content to achieve your objective. While an email that’s too short may come across as terse or ineloquent, a too-long email may turn off your recipient from the get-go.

It’s also important to remember that many of us check email on smartphones. Between a smaller screen and the likelihood that someone is on-the-go, brevity can be the difference between getting a reply and getting ignored.

You’re already proofreading your email for spelling and grammar (you are proofreading, right?). Take another pass for directness.

Avoid cliches and overused words. No need for corporate word salad!

Remember your initial intention. What is the main action you want your reader to take? Does your email include all the information for them to take that action? Anything beyond that may be better suited for another send. 

No matter what you do for work, you almost certainly don’t want to spend all day in your inbox! By taking a few extra minutes to bring thought and intention to the emails you do write, you can save yourself a wealth of time and frustration in the long run.

You don’t have to know everything about it, but having a basic understanding will help you make the right choice!

What is Web Hosting?

Web hosting is a bit like renting an apartment. Once your website is ready to be born, it needs a place to live on the web, and it needs an address where folks can easily find it.

You can think of your domain name–as in, the .com, .org, etc. address you purchase–as the address that lets visitors know where to find you.

Your web host, on the other hand, is who you’re renting space from. Web hosts store your website on a server that’s online 24/7. That means it’s ready to serve up your website whenever someone asks for it.

How Do I Choose A Good Web Host?

There are a few big considerations when you’re deciding on web hosting:

Speed and Reliability. It may seem like a no-brainer, but the web host you choose should be fast and reliable! That means it should load your website quickly, and it should very rarely have downtime–even when a lot of people are visiting. Some low-cost web hosting plans will have tight limits on traffic, because they hope you’ll upgrade to a more expensive plan.

Customer Support. If your website does go down for some reason, your web host could be the reason. If your web host simply tries to sell you an upgrade every time something goes wrong, however, they may not have your best interests in mind.  When you contact their customer support team, do you get prompt responses? Do they offer you useful, easy-to-understand details? Do they actually resolve the problem?

Control Over Your Website. Some web hosting companies will insist you get all of your services through them, or they’ll make you pay additional fees for add-ons that are free elsewhere. Do they require you to buy your domain name through them? Do they require you to use their page builder, or pay for extra email addresses? If there are a lot of restrictions on what you can do, chances are there are hidden fees waiting in the wings.

Shopping Your Values. The tech industry has a history of being, well, pretty problematic. Web hosts are no exception, so you may want to keep an eye on what they’re putting out there (anybody remember GoDaddy’s cringe-y Super Bowl ad? CW: gross kissing audio) to see if they reflect values that you’re comfortable with.

Why Does Website Maintenance Matter?

Every website needs a bit of regular maintenance, such as software and plugin updates, to make sure it stays up-to-date and secure. Maintenance plans can vary wildly from one provider to the next, however, and your web host may or may not offer the right service at a reasonable cost. Before you dive in with the first option that seems easy, consider this:

Don’t get scared into overpaying. Unless something in your website gets seriously broken, it should not cost you $1000/month just to keep your plugins updated. Some website companies will intimidate you with tech jargon to sell you an expensive package, but hold steady and make sure to do a little research before you commit.

…But don’t skip out, either. On the other end of the spectrum, it’s tempting to skip a maintenance plan altogether, especially if you’re a newer business on a tight budget. The trouble is, ignoring maintenance could easily lead to security vulnerabilities (leaving you open to hacking!) or cause issues with how your website looks and functions–especially if your website uses a lot of plugins.

Using WordPress? Look for managed hosting. If your website is built in WordPress, managed WordPress hosting is the way to go. It’ll cost a bit more per month than standard hosting, but the web host will also install software updates for you, so you’ll always be up-to-date.

Hopefully, you’re now more confident about finding the right home for your website, but if you’re still feeling nervous, you can always ask your web designer for recommendations. They may even have a hosting partner they can set you up with, like we do!

Or, if you’re ready to shift your WordPress site away from an underwhelming web host, let us take care of you with one of our Maintenance Plans. That means one less thing for you to worry about, which I’ll wager sounds like a sweet deal to most any business owner.

If you’re a beginner, or if you’re peeking under the hood of a WordPress website you’ve paid to have built, you might ask: What exactly is going on with that Plugins panel?

What is a WordPress plugin?

In short, a plugin is an add-on that serves a specific function on your website, which isn’t normally included in WordPress core software. Not everybody needs every single functionality under the sun, so developers have created little modules that you can “plug in” to your website when you need them.

Some WordPress plugins are completely free, while others have “lite” versions with paid upgrades, and still others are available for a fee.

Just as it is with everything else in life, you get what you pay for with plugins. That free plugin you have your eye on may be less powerful or harder to use than a paid plugin that serves the same function.

Why should I use WordPress plugins?

There’s a lot to like about WordPress plugins, whether you’re a website pro like me, or you’re just getting your feet wet.

Plugins are a huge time-saver. Custom development is really valuable for solving specific website problems! For more common functions, however, there’s no reason to waste time reinventing the wheel. Just take a spin through the WordPress plugins directory, and see if someone’s already created a plugin to handle that functions for you!

Plugins give you flexibility. Not only can they make life easier for developers, they can also give regular users more control. Instead of dealing with code every time you want to add or change a web form, for example, the right forms plugin will let you build and make changes in an easy drag-and-drop interface.

Plugins are actively maintained by developers! “Actively maintained” means that the plugin is regularly updated to ensure it works with the most current version of WordPress. That means less potential for problems, inconsistencies, or security issues as the WordPress core evolves and improves.

Okay, what’s the down side?

There’s no perfect system, unfortunately, and while plugins can be a really powerful problem-solving tool for WordPress web design, there are also a few reasons why you might not want to go wild and install 20+ plugins on your website.

Not all plugins are actively maintained. One drawback of free plugins, in particular, is that their developers may not have the capacity to maintain them, and that can spell bad news over time. Updates to the WordPress core can cause outdated plugins to stop functioning correctly, leaving you scrambling to find an up-to-date solution when something breaks.

Luckily, paid plugins are almost always actively maintained, so a small investment up-front can buy you security in the longer term.

Too many plugins can slow down your website. This is mostly in more extreme cases, but think of it this way: each item you add to a process adds to how long it takes. A few plugins is 100% fine, but dozens of plugins can bog things down–and if your website takes forever to load, a lot of potential clients will leave before it does.

Not all plugins will play nicely together. Let’s think of your plugins like children on the playground: a group of just a few kids can have a totally fun and harmonious afternoon together, but as that group of kids gets bigger, so does the potential for conflicts! Your plugins are the same: the more plugins there are, the more

The key to WordPress website success? Moderation.

When I develop a WordPress website, I always aim for moderation with my plugins. I look for the ideal balance of saved time and overall site performance, which often means that I end up using fewer plugins than many other developers.

Still, not using any plugins at all would be a less effective use of our time and our clients’ resources overall—that would add up to extra coding time that could be better used on other aspects of the site. So, I always have some plugins in the mix, just not so many that it becomes unwieldy!

In short, choose wisely with your WordPress plugins. Think about what functionalities you really need, and which ones you could solve another way without much trouble. And, if you like a particular plugin, consider buying the paid version!

Still feel overwhelmed by your WordPress web design? Good thing you’re here, because design for WordPress is our jam! Book a consultation with Upswept, and let us take care of your website headaches for you.

But what about our digital space?

If you spend much of your workday on your computer, as I do, it may need the same attention to clarity as your physical space. Keeping things simple, uncluttered, and easy to access can help you stay focused and lessen the stress of your work day.

Patience Makes Perfect

Before we get into our virtual spring cleaning, make sure to give yourself enough time and space for the process. You likely didn’t accumulate all your digital “clutter” in one day. Be patient with yourself. Consider this an item on your to-do list and tackle it accordingly. Use a time management system, like the Pomodoro technique, to keep yourself focused on the task when you’re working and allow yourself time to take breaks.

Treat Your Computer Like Your Desk

To get started, ask yourself: are you using everything you see on your computer desktop? If not, get rid of files and programs that serve no purpose. Yes, that might mean deleting the drafts of that one blog post from seasons ago (I resemble this remark, by the way). You could even go Marie Kondo on things, in a way, and ask yourself if the file in question serves any purpose for you. If that incredibly adorable photo of your puppy sparks the most joy ever, then it can stay!

Use Names and Folders Wisely  

Speaking of files: how are your files named? Creating a naming convention for files will help you prioritize what’s needed and why, and will also make them easier to find. If you’re looking at an older file and wondering what to call it because you’re not quite sure of its usefulness, that might be a cue that it’s time for it to go.

I also recommend creating two (or three) folders for your desktop. Label one “personal” and another “work.” Place items in said folders accordingly. Remember: you’ve already named files appropriately thanks to your new naming convention, so you won’t lose things. Promise. A third folder might help for items that don’t quite fit into the two main categories. I have a “stuff-n-things” folder where my favorite fun images and GIFs live. Feel free to be creative with this extra folder, if it serves you!

Desktop Wallpaper: Pretty and  Purposeful?

Yes! You can get deeper into clearing your desktop by choosing a clean, simple image for your wallpaper. Some wallpapers can even help you stay organized!  Hiding your dock can also help you stay focused. Start slow; take whichever steps will help you in the here and now to avoid overwhelm.

Our digital spaces have become a big part of our lives, so it’s natural for them to feel stale or cluttered from time to time. By using strategies that we use in the real world, we can make our digital life feel that extra bit fresher.

One of the key pieces that’s often overlooked — or left until the last minute before site launch — is your web host.

What’s a Web Host, you ask?

Websites may seem like a bunch of intangible 1s and 0s, on a basic level, but you do still need a physical home for all of the code and data that comprise it. Your web host provides that home, so that visitors can see view and interact with your website at anytime, from anywhere.

Essentially, a web host sells space on their server for all of your website files. They keep this server connected for the public 24/7, so it can deliver your website to the visitor’s web browser when they visit your URL.

Hosts vary in security, load speed, customer service, and ancillary services, such as software updates and frequent backups. They may also only support certain website platforms. For example, while many web hosts support WordPress installations, there are a few that don’t–which is particularly important to us and our clients.

Your Selection Criteria May Vary

Whether you’re choosing your first web host, or are dissatisfied with one you have, it’s a good idea for you  to research and understand your options, and define and rank your priorities.

How important are these factors to you?

• annual fees
• automatic software updates
• bundled services, such as domain registration and email hosting
• comprehensive support documentation
• customer support
• ease of use and user interface
• site load speeds
• regular data backups

We Picked Flywheel

Upswept Creative is a proud agency partner with Flywheel, and with their help, we offer managed hosting for WordPress websites. Flywheel automatically updates WordPress core software, ensuring our clients are always running the most secure, fully-featured, and up-to-date software. Flywheel features quick load time and nightly backups, so if there is a data loss we always have yesterday’s website to restore today, not the backup from six months ago.

And maybe best of all, when you host your website with Upswept and Flywheel, we handle the set up and support, saving you time and mental energy so you can do more of what you do, while we do what we do.

Don’t love your WordPress host? Send us a message right now to start the conversation about hosting your website with us.

Contact Us »

That’s why, beginning this summer, Google Chrome and other major web browsers has started labeling all websites without SSL (secure socket layer) encryption (that is, http sites) as “not secure.” You may even have heard from your web host about enhancing your security to avoid losing website visitors–but what does it mean?

SSL Keeps Your Information Private

You’ll often see an HTTPS when you shop online. Seeing an HTTPS in that address bar lets you know that the website you’re using has an SSL certificate, and that your information is protected.

SSL is the standard in website security: it creates an encrypted link between your website and your customer’s web browser. That encryption ensures that any sensitive information that’s passed between their browser and your website stays private.

But Why Does My Website Need SSL?

Activities like e-commerce and online banking always use SSL, but there are also reasons why an HTTPS website with SSL-security is a good idea for the rest of us:

1. Keeping sensitive information safe. SSL encrypts any information you send through the Internet, so the only people who can read it are the ones you want to see it.

2. Protecting you (and your customers!) from info theft. Hackers look for weaknesses in your web presence, and encrypting details that are sent through your website (like credit card numbers!) will keep both you and your customers safe.

3. Building trust with new customers. New people who come to your website will see that your website is secured with SSL. That helps them feel safer when contacting or buying from you, and gives your business an added boost of credibility.

If you’d like to enable SSL security for your domain, we’re here to help! In most cases, it only takes an hour or two to enable SSL and replace internal HTTP links on your site to HTTPS.

If you’d like to help protect your customers and add SSL encryption to your website–or even if you just have questions about it–drop us a line and we’ll fill you in on what’s needed.

Contact Us »

As a company, we value the personal connection and efficient brainstorming that can come with in-person meetings. It’s one of the reasons that we make an effort to have initial consultations with new clients before we even write their project proposals. In a typical week, though, we may not see each other’s radiant faces in person. We’re busy making marketing magic at Upswept HQ, in coffee shops and home offices, or anywhere we find ourselves with a speedy internet connection and a job to do.

We felt confident we could meet these remote working challenges head-on, mostly due to our strong communication. To that end, we’re continually refining our process of internal communication. We use a handful of tools to help keep us all connected and knowledgeable about the work.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

If you’re looking for a task management system, we’re big fans of Freedcamp. Slack is great for multi-channel workplace chatter. Zoom Communications allows us to make eye contact over any distance, and share the documents we’re working on as easily as passing them across a table. We’re also big fans of the Google suite of apps that allow us to collaborate directly all in the same document. With all of these tools at our disposal, long-distance collaboration becomes much easier. Not to say that there hasn’t been a learning curve.

The best way for a team to use a tool or service effectively is to, well, use it! You’ll never know if the tool is right for your team if you don’t get everyone on board. On Team Upswept, we talk a lot about different protocols for setting up tasks and refining processes. This helps us all stay on the same page for how the service is meant to be used, and thus helps us use it more effectively.

We know that we can continue to collaborate with Josselyn because we already have an effective system of communication in place. Across town or across state lines, not a lot has to change. We credit the success of our communication plan first to a common dedication to openly collaborating and operating as a team. This is one of our core philosophies, both in working with each other and with our clients. So if you’re looking for more than an impersonal client/firm relationship, reach out to us and let’s get collaborating!