Development - Page 2 of 4 - Coffee Creative Studio

Understanding Content Delivery Networks & Why They’re Awesome

We’ve all used a slow internet connection in the past and experienced snail’s pace loading and connection times that would make most developers cringe. Nowadays, even large applications can have fast loading times and high data usage and it’s all thanks to Content Delivery Networks.

What Is a Content Delivery Network?

Imagine being able to deliver all of your content to your users, wherever they are in the world. This would be equivalent to having the entire Internet itself delivering content to your users. That’s what a CDN does. It refers to a geographically distributed group of servers which work together to provide the fastest delivery of Internet content so that it can be delivered to your users around the world.

CDNs are popularly known as internet-based “offshore data centres.” They allow for the quick transfer of assets needed for loading Internet content, including HTML pages, JavaScript files, stylesheets, images and videos. This helps with scaling and improving a website’s user experience. For some sites and industries, CDNs are a critical part of their infrastructure, particularly sites that are content-heavy. CDNs also allow you to make more efficient use of your network capacity by distributing static data that doesn’t change over time.

How Do CDNs Work?

Three basic elements make up a Content Delivery Network:

The CDN server: This is the computer or machine that resides in the data centre and is responsible for serving requests. This is also called an ‘edge server; because it is the edge of the CDN, closest to the user.
The content cache: This is a system that keeps copies of website or web application content to quickly serve requests to a user when the content is requested. This is typically achieved through the use of “caching” content.
The content distribution network: This is where the physical data is kept. This is typically stored in a data centre and accessed via a protocol such as HTTP. A CDN is responsible for managing the physical delivery of the content to users.

Caching is the most efficient method of storing a web page, as it does not need to retrieve content from the server every time a user requests a page. However, content delivery networks don’t deliver or cache anything directly. Instead, they forward (proximate) the requested content to the client. In other words, the CDN acts as a cache, which in this case is the closest server to the origin server. Rather than storing content on an end user’s computer, CDNs store it on the network of servers in public or private cloud infrastructure.

Why Use a CDN?

Whether downloading files or setting up websites internationally, there are several advantages to using a CDN. These include:

Improved site speed and performance
Reduced latency on websites and web services
Improved user experiences
Increased conversion to new customers
Higher Google page ranking
Increased customer retention
Increased conversion to new customers
Decreased server load
Advanced website security
Cost-saving through reduced bandwidth
Increased audience reach
More efficient use of resources
More sophisticated deployment levels

Content delivery networks are the best solution for customer retention and acquisition, and ensure the delivery of a seamless, simplified and speedy web experience. Get in touch with us to learn more about our web development services that support your business growth.

Unlocking Business Efficiency with Coffee Creative Studio’s Zoho and WordPress Integration

At Coffee Creative Studio, we specialise in seamlessly integrating various services with WordPress, enhancing the capabilities of businesses and driving operational efficiency. In this blog post, we will showcase our expertise in integrating Zoho with WordPress, demonstrating how our integrated agency offering can transform your business processes.

Streamlined Data Management

Integrating Zoho with WordPress allows you to streamline your data management processes and centralise your business operations. With our expertise, we seamlessly connect Zoho applications, such as Zoho CRM or Zoho Forms, with your WordPress website. This integration enables the automatic transfer of data, eliminating manual data entry and ensuring accurate and up-to-date information across platforms.

Enhanced Customer Relationship Management

Coffee Creative Studio understands the importance of effective customer relationship management (CRM). With our integration expertise, we can seamlessly synchronise customer data between Zoho CRM and your WordPress website. This enables you to capture leads, track customer interactions, and manage sales pipelines seamlessly. By integrating Zoho CRM with WordPress, you can deliver personalised experiences, nurture customer relationships, and drive business growth.

Targeted Email Marketing

Email marketing plays a crucial role in engaging customers and driving conversions. With our expertise in integrating Mailchimp with WordPress, we can help you create targeted email marketing campaigns. By seamlessly connecting your Mailchimp account with your WordPress website, you can capture email subscribers, segment your audience, and automate personalised email campaigns based on customer actions or preferences.

Social Media Integration

In today’s digital landscape, social media presence is essential for businesses. At Coffee Creative Studio, we excel in integrating social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube with WordPress. This integration allows you to seamlessly embed social media feeds, share content across platforms, and enhance your brand’s online visibility.

Secure Payment Processing

Coffee Creative Studio understands the importance of secure and seamless payment processing. Our integration expertise enables you to seamlessly connect payment gateways like Paygate, PayPal, and Payfast with your WordPress website. This integration ensures secure online transactions, enhances customer trust, and streamlines the checkout process.

Coffee Creative Studio’s integrated agency offering showcases our expertise in seamlessly integrating Zoho with WordPress. By harnessing the power of this integration, we streamline data management, enhance customer relationship management, facilitate targeted email marketing, integrate social media platforms, and provide secure payment processing. If you are looking to unlock business efficiency and drive growth, our integration capabilities can revolutionise your operations. Contact Coffee Creative Studio today to experience the seamless synergy of Zoho and WordPress.

Streamline Your Finances: Coffee Creative Studio’s Expertise in Integrating QuickBooks with WordPress

Efficient financial management is essential for the success of any business. At Coffee Creative Studio, we specialise in seamlessly integrating QuickBooks, a leading accounting software, with WordPress. By integrating QuickBooks with WordPress, we enable businesses to streamline their financial processes, gain real-time insights, and make informed decisions. In this blog post, we will showcase our expertise in integrating QuickBooks with WordPress, highlighting the benefits for your organisation.

Automated Data Syncing

Coffee Creative Studio excels in integrating QuickBooks with WordPress, enabling automated data syncing between the two platforms. This integration eliminates the need for manual data entry and reduces the risk of errors. Any updates made in QuickBooks, such as invoices, transactions, or customer information, are automatically synchronised with your WordPress website. This ensures that your financial data is accurate and up to date across all platforms.

Seamless Invoicing and Payment Processing

By integrating QuickBooks with WordPress, Coffee Creative Studio streamlines your invoicing and payment processing workflows. You can generate professional-looking invoices directly from QuickBooks and send them to clients or customers through your WordPress website. This integration also enables convenient online payment options, allowing your customers to make payments securely and easily. This automation saves time, improves cash flow, and enhances the overall customer experience.

Real-time Financial Insights

QuickBooks offers powerful reporting and analytics capabilities that provide valuable insights into your business’s financial health. By integrating QuickBooks with WordPress, Coffee Creative Studio ensures that you have real-time access to these insights directly from your WordPress dashboard. You can track revenue, expenses, profitability, and other key financial metrics, empowering you to make data-driven decisions and drive business growth.

Secure Data Handling

Coffee Creative Studio understands the importance of data security and privacy. Our integration of QuickBooks with WordPress ensures that your financial data is protected. We implement robust security measures to safeguard sensitive information, such as encryption protocols and user access controls. This integration gives you peace of mind knowing that your financial data is handled securely and in compliance with industry standards.

Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity

Automating financial processes through the integration of QuickBooks and WordPress significantly improves efficiency and productivity. By eliminating manual data entry and reducing administrative tasks, your team can focus on more strategic initiatives. This integration also minimises the risk of errors and improves accuracy in financial reporting, saving time and effort that can be better utilised elsewhere in your business.

Coffee Creative Studio’s integrated agency offering showcases our expertise in seamlessly integrating QuickBooks with WordPress. By harnessing the power of this leading accounting software, we empower businesses to streamline their financial management processes, gain valuable insights, and make informed decisions. Whether you need automated data syncing, streamlined invoicing, or real-time financial reporting, our integration capabilities can help you optimise your financial workflows. Contact Coffee Creative Studio today to experience the seamless synergy of QuickBooks and WordPress.

Clear Out the Cobs: 7 Must-Have Web Design Trends for 2022

What are the current trends in web design? Technology is advancing so fast that it can leave even a seasoned web design pro feeling like it’s the ‘90s.

The one constant in web design is that nothing is constant. Design trends change, new technologies provide more opportunities for creative expression and the industry moves in various directions each year. Websites have to be tweaked and updated regularly to sustain an audience’s interest and attention. Simply put, keeping a website at the forefront of design and search engine rankings requires staying up to date with the pace of change.

Here are 7 of the biggest web design features and elements to watch and incorporate into your website in 2022. Remember, each trend may not work for every website. Always choose those that benefit and best suit your brand aesthetic.

Scrollytelling Transformations

Imagine having users who look forward to scrolling. It’s possible with scrollytelling – a visually and aurally striking design technique used to engage audiences more and enhance their experience.

Scrollytelling is a portmanteau of the words “scroll” and “storytelling.” The technique is used to reveal or change content (usually a graphic) as the user scrolls. It does not alter scroll behaviour, but simply monitors it. This design approach uses imagery, video and copywriting to tell compelling brand and product/service stories, which a user can engage with by *drum roll please* swiping. The ability to scroll gives audiences a sense of control and exploration.

Through scrollytelling, brands can tell stories through chronological visuals with smaller chunks of information that is easier to digest.

Scrollytelling aims to increase the time a visitor spends on a website, to make page content appear limitless and to encourage the user to visit other pages or different sections, like contact form, pricing pages and so forth.

Illustrations and Iconography Make a Comeback

During the early days of advertising and marketing illustrations were the dominant medium used to tell brand stories, from cover art for magazines, product labels, flyers and more. In 2022, web design will make its way down memory lane, as the trend switches from less photography-based imagery to illustrations and iconography characters. Expect a digital evolution in illustration design, with more illustrations being incorporated to give life to design that lingers in the mind.

Minimalism Out. Maximalism In

More is more as trends move from away minimalism to creative excess in design; integrating video, audio, imagery, layering, a mix of typography styles, oversized fonts and colour intricacies to create visuals that are more striking and in your face. The maximalism design style is all about splitting from convention and breaking the rules to stand out.

Oversized Typography

Fortune favours the bold font. Typography of unusual sizes will be a fresh trend this year. Large fonts are not only unavoidable to the eye, they can really help to reinforce a message, headline or call to action. By oversizing singular words, for example, fonts can become graphic elements that are more than just part of a message. They emphasize and reinforce.

Get Colourful

Colour trends over the past few years have favoured softer colours and neutrals. While these colours are still perfect for brands who require a softer look, 2022 is the year to go bright! Loud colours are difficult to ignore like loud neon, contrast shades and standout colour blocking. Keeping design minimal with pops of standout brightness against whitespace adds energy and makes a design feel alive. We expect to see more and more complex gradients creating illusions of movement and adding more texture, depth and excitement to a webpage while keeping designs minimal. eCommerce in particular benefits from bold colour choices.

Mobile Responsive Design

Are you reading this blog on desktop or your smartphone? This is an important question for you and your brand. As of January 2022, accessing the web via mobile exceeded 55% of global internet usage in comparison to desktop devices taking up 42%. As audiences favour the availability of faster internet on the go, mobile responsive design will continue to be a heavy hitter this year.

Mobile vs Desktop Insights for 2022

sourced from TechJury

Mobile vs desktop usage stats in 2022 reveals 50% of B2B inquiries were made via mobile last year.
Social media takes 25% of all digital media consumption and it is mainly accessed on mobile.
In 2021 mobile generated 54.25% of traffic and desktops 42.9%.
55% of page views in 2021 came from mobile phones.

Retro Fonts

Old school is making another comeback. Typography is so much more than just Times New Roman and Helvetica. Retro fonts add a vintage feel that taps into an older audience’s longing for nostalgia, while younger target markets are drawn to the originality. A trend we are seeing is designers reinterpreting and updating retro fonts by adding futuristic shapes, different stylisation and brighter colours.

The year 2022 will be a year in which we see significant disruption in how websites are designed. Get in touch with Coffee Creative Studio to see how we can design your website with the latest design trends that get target markets clicking.

Is DIVI website builder short for DIVINE? Here’s What We Think

Since the COVID-19 pandemic emerged and accelerated e-business adoption, most notably via website and ecommerce channels, you might have spotted a lot more self-building website tools popping up online. You know the type that read: “no coding? no problem” … “create a professional website in minutes” and our personal favourite, “build websites like the pros.”

As professionals who actually build WordPress-powered sites for our clients from scratch with our own plugins, we were left wondering: “How do you build and design a professional website like a professional, when you aren’t a professional?” For some developers (and rightly so) it’s the equivalent of selling Michelin-star cuisine from a box that sits in the mass-produced frozen food section. To put this oxymoron to the test, we decided to check out DIVI, one of the original theme & page builder combos for WordPress.

DIVI is marketed as a “website building framework that makes it possible to design beautiful websites without ever touching a single line of code and without installing and configuring dozens of disjointed plugins.” It has some good design elements and templates which can be appealing for businesses who want a site that looks and behaves like every other. But a cookie-cutter solution rarely works for many businesses looking to establish a web and Google presence that is brand-centric and caters for its unique set of requirements, functionally and aesthetically.

Loading Speed

One of the reasons we raised eyebrows with DIVI is its slow page loading times. This arises because websites built with DIVI are often bloated with unnecessary code, which affects page speeds. DIVI undergoes updates all the time – a little too much if you ask us, which may be attempts to rectify design flaws that users pick up. It works with large swaths of data that can make its software slower, resulting in a slower website overall.

Google has found that 53% of mobile website visitors will leave if a webpage doesn’t load within three seconds, which for us, does not position DIVI favourably in this regard. It is especially worrisome when you consider that Google and other search engines rank websites partly on the load speed of the site. Slower sites will fall low in the search engine results page as compared to their faster ones. This will harm their visibility which in turn negatively affects their traffic numbers.

Site Infrastructure

From a user-friendly point of view, DIVI falls short when trying to edit page layouts for enhanced UX in that it:

Has too many icons that hinder navigation
Makes editing difficult with its rows and grids
Drag and drop to where you want content to appear may violate the template layout
The ability to “undo a change” is not seamless and can only be done from an edit history window.

Customisation

The process of adding content to a single DIVI theme if you aren’t code-blooded isn’t the easiest. It’s like creating an online CV with a free template, and not having information or images sit where you need them to in the layout. It is also difficult to customise multiple web pages with a universal page template without the use of DIVI’s Post Content Modules, which can go unnoticed as a page building requirement. We have also found that the layout does not automatically transfer to mobile and other devices.

Site Migration

Switching a theme from DIVI isn’t the simplest process as you may not be able to move non-supported DIVI functionality to a non-DIVI website. Each theme – Divi included – has its own features, so switching from DIVI could prove problematic in the long run and may require the building of a whole new site.

In summary, we can’t say that we’re fans of Divi. Not because the web building platform is terrible, but because our site building from scratch approach is a knowledgeable and problem-free way to build websites that clients ultimately love, and so does Google.

Reasons Why Website Development Timeframes (and Costs) Can Fluctuate

It might sound surprising, but estimating the exact time it will take to build a website isn’t always the easiest thing to do, even for the best of web developers. Ultimately, proper time estimations come down to two things: breaking a project into its bite-sized chunks, and the developer drawing from his or her experience to understand how long each chunk will take to complete.

Today a web development project could take nine hours to complete. Tomorrow another might take 59 hours. This is because some websites require designs, features and functionalities that require more intensive coding and development complexities than others, which take longer to build and incorporate.

Coffee Creative Studio follows an extensive, multi-phase process when benchmarking development times and costs. Our Account Executives have several meetings with clients to understand their respective needs and expectations, and to determine feasible deadlines based on the wants and needs expressed throughout the development process. As with every agency, when any new complexity or functionality is requested beyond the initial site quotation or revert allowances, timeframes and ultimately costs change.

A few common causes behind time lags and costing requotes stem from client requests to add/remove functionalities, change approved designs, rework content, the addition of page tabs, alternative technology requirements, or a desire for unique features that a developer might have not built before. These time-affecting tasks apply to sites built from scratch and to redevelopments. They fall into four categories, viz Known Knowns; Known Unknowns, Unknown Knowns and Unknown Unknowns.

Known Knowns

A “known known” refers to features that a developer has built several times in the past for different websites. The developer is well-versed in the process of building that requirement, and as a result, can get it done quickly. Time and cost estimates are easier to determine in this regard, with developers rarely (if ever) requiring additional time to build a functionality, unless the request comes after final revert approval. “Known knowns” found across our standard websites include Galleries, Slideshows, Accordions, Contact Forms and so forth.

Known Unknowns

This is when a developer knows what needs to be done, but the time it takes to achieve it is harder to predict. Depending on the nature of the requirement, a rough estimate is provided. Fixing bugs is a common “known unknown.” Developers know what needs to be done to fix the bug, but the nature of the fix makes determining the time to complete it a little harder to predict.

For example: A recent server software update is not compatible with a particular part of a website site. That bug has to be identified and researched to rewrite it to conform to new standards. It also pertains to functionality we have an understanding of how to do because it is an adaption of a Known Known, and there is an element to it that is new, which would create its own amount of troubleshooting.

It’s not uncommon for “known unknowns” to take a little longer to build.

Unknown Knowns

“Unknown Knowns” refers to elements our developers know how to do, but were not aware would be required within the development process. These cannot be planned for. They are identified while development is underway. They affect build time as they need to be resolved or actioned for the website to be developed as needed and function at its best. As with bugs and new feature development, whilst troubleshooting and building, it can become a known path to solve the current issue. This can either shorten the route, or extend it based on the discovery.

Unknown Unknowns

Pretty much everything you didn’t even know you didn’t know is characterised as an unknown unknown. Newly launched functionalities that require solving for the first time fall into this category. In the case of bugs, these unknown unknowns come to incompatibility or primarily conflicts that have no verbose errors that make solving an issue close to impossible.

Most web development unknown unknowns are difficult to imagine in advance and thus require much more time to build. When faced with these, our developers embrace the scrum principle i.e. put their heads together to think about solutions to achieve the task. In so doing, they convert “unknown unknowns” into “known unknowns” and utilise the appropriate team members skillset to achieve it.

Ultimately, building a professional website takes time. How long? That is determined by what your website needs to include and the skill required to achieve them. Contact us today for an obligation-free web development quote or learn more by checking out our blog on What You Should Be Paying for Your Website.

Engage and Entertain: Our Expertise in Integrating YouTube and Vimeo with WordPress

In today’s digital landscape, video content has become a powerful tool for engaging audiences and conveying messages effectively. At Coffee Creative Studio, we specialise in seamlessly integrating video platforms like YouTube and Vimeo with WordPress, enabling businesses to harness the power of visual storytelling. In this blog post, we will showcase our expertise in integrating YouTube and Vimeo with WordPress, highlighting the benefits for your business.

YouTube Integration

Coffee Creative Studio excels in integrating YouTube, the world’s largest video-sharing platform, with WordPress. By seamlessly connecting YouTube with your website, we enable you to showcase your video content effortlessly. You can embed YouTube videos directly into your WordPress posts, pages, or widgets, providing an immersive and engaging experience for your visitors. This integration expands your reach, encourages user engagement, and enhances your brand’s online presence.

Vimeo Integration

Our integrated agency offering includes expertise in integrating Vimeo, a popular video hosting platform, with WordPress. By seamlessly connecting Vimeo with your website, you can showcase high-quality videos in a professional manner. Whether you are a filmmaker, a creative agency, or a business looking to display video content, our integration ensures a seamless display of Vimeo videos on your WordPress website. Vimeo integration offers customization options, password-protected videos, and advanced privacy settings, allowing you to control the viewing experience.

Video Content Management

Managing and organising video content can be a complex task. With our integration capabilities, Coffee Creative Studio empowers you to efficiently manage your video library. By integrating YouTube or Vimeo with WordPress, you can categorise and organise your videos using playlists or tags, making it easier for visitors to navigate and discover your content. This integration enhances user experience, ensures content relevance, and boosts engagement on your website.

Mobile-Friendly Video Playback

Coffee Creative Studio understands the importance of mobile-friendly experiences. With our expertise in integrating YouTube and Vimeo with WordPress, we ensure that your videos are responsive and optimised for viewing on mobile devices. This integration allows your audience to enjoy your video content seamlessly, regardless of the device they are using, creating a positive user experience and maximising engagement.

Monetization Opportunities

For businesses looking to monetize their video content, Coffee Creative Studio can help you leverage the monetization features provided by YouTube or Vimeo. With our integration expertise, you can seamlessly integrate advertising solutions, such as YouTube’s Partner Program or Vimeo’s monetization options, to generate revenue from your videos. This integration unlocks additional revenue streams and enables you to monetize your creative efforts effectively.

Coffee Creative Studio’s integrated agency offering showcases our expertise in seamlessly integrating YouTube and Vimeo with WordPress. By leveraging the power of these video platforms, we empower businesses to engage and entertain their audiences effectively. Whether you want to showcase promotional videos, educational content, or creative projects, our integration capabilities can enhance your video strategy. Contact Coffee Creative Studio today to experience the seamless synergy of YouTube, Vimeo, and WordPress.

Streamline Your Workflow: Coffee Creative Studio’s Expertise in Integrating Airtable with WordPress

Efficiently managing data and streamlining workflows are crucial for businesses to thrive in today’s fast-paced digital world. At Coffee Creative Studio, we specialise in seamlessly integrating Airtable, a powerful cloud-based database and collaboration platform, with WordPress. By integrating Airtable with WordPress, we enable businesses to centralise their data, improve productivity, and enhance collaboration. In this blog post, we will showcase our expertise in integrating Airtable with WordPress, highlighting the benefits for your organisation.

Centralised Data Management

Coffee Creative Studio excels in integrating Airtable with WordPress, allowing you to centralise and manage your data effectively. With Airtable’s flexible and customizable database structure, we can create tailored data management solutions that meet your specific business needs. Whether you need to store customer information, track project progress, or manage inventory, our integration ensures that your data is organised and easily accessible within your WordPress website.

Seamless Data Syncing

By integrating Airtable with WordPress, Coffee Creative Studio enables seamless data syncing between the two platforms. This integration allows you to connect your Airtable databases to your WordPress website, ensuring that changes made in Airtable are automatically reflected on your website and vice versa. Whether you’re updating content, adding new records, or modifying existing data, our integration ensures that your website stays up to date without manual intervention.

Enhanced Collaboration and Workflow

Airtable’s collaborative features enable teams to work together seamlessly. By integrating Airtable with WordPress, Coffee Creative Studio enhances collaboration and streamlines workflows within your organisation. Multiple team members can access and edit data simultaneously, assign tasks, leave comments, and track progress. This integration fosters efficient collaboration, promotes transparency, and ensures that everyone is working with the most up-to-date information.

Customised Data Display

Our integrated agency offering includes expertise in customising the display of Airtable data on your WordPress website. Whether you want to showcase specific records, filter data based on criteria, or display data in a visually appealing format, our integration capabilities allow for flexible customization. This ensures that your website presents your Airtable data in a user-friendly and visually engaging manner, enhancing the overall user experience.

Automation and Workflow Optimization

Coffee Creative Studio can help you leverage Airtable automation features to streamline your workflow and increase efficiency. By integrating Airtable with WordPress, you can automate repetitive tasks, trigger actions based on specific conditions, and create custom workflows. This integration eliminates manual data entry, reduces errors, and frees up valuable time for your team to focus on more strategic initiatives.

Coffee Creative Studio’s integrated agency offering showcases our expertise in seamlessly integrating Airtable with WordPress. By leveraging the power of Airtable, we empower businesses to centralise data management, enhance collaboration, and streamline workflows. Whether you need to manage customer information, track projects, or streamline inventory management, our integration capabilities can help you optimise your processes and boost productivity. Contact Coffee Creative Studio today to experience the seamless synergy of Airtable and WordPress.

Get Your Website POPIA Compliant before 1 July 2021

Time is running out for South African businesses that are yet to comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), a consumer data privacy law which came into full effect on 1 July 2020. If you’ve been a little preoccupied with other things, now is time to kick-start your company’s POPIA compliance journey. Businesses that fail to comply with POPIA before 1 July 2021, whether intentional or accidental, may face administrative fines of up to R10 million.

Let’s avoid that, shall we?

POPIA Compliance in a Nutshell

POPIA outlines a set of conditions for the lawful processing of people’s personal information. It was established to keep personal consumer information protected by providing conditions for how public and private bodies may lawfully collect, process and manage people’s personal information. In so doing, POPIA ensures no unauthorised sharing of third-party data, while also protecting consumers against identity theft, fraud and similar breaches of private information.

Personal information can include anything that can be used as an identifier, such as full names, addresses, photos, video footage, voice recordings, biometric data, education and employment information, religious and political views, criminal records, private correspondence and so forth.

How Coffee Creative Studio Can Help

As a website owner, POPIA affects how you may use cookies, digital information gathering and online tracking of visitors from inside South Africa. One of the easiest ways to ensure compliance is a review and update of your site’s Privacy Policy, with full transparency as to how you intend to store and use the personal information collected. These terms should be made easily accessible on your website via a popup or banner – much like GDPR on European websites. If you break your privacy policy, you break the POPI act. Here are a few examples of POPI non-compliance at play:

Scenario 1: Contact Forms

You are collecting customer information online via digital contact forms. You receive several personal email addresses, which you use at various times to send business newsletters and communicate special offers. If the recipient has not consented to receive that newsletter, by law you are not allowed to send it to them. If you do, you have broken POPIA, and could be held liable should a complaint be lodged against your business.

Scenario 2: Sharing Information with Third Parties

Visitors to your website have granted permissions to use their information for future correspondence sent by your company. You then enter into a joint partnership or campaign with a separate business and share your private database’s information with that company, who then markets to your network. If people have not agreed for their information to be shared and used by a third party, you will have broken POPIA. Thus websites must outline all uses of private consumer data.

POPIA compliance does not need to be an expensive or labour intensive process. Once you have successfully updated your Privacy Policies, Coffee Creative Studio can update your website with the necessary amendments.

Don’t miss the deadline!

No Templates: We Build WordPress-Powered Websites from Scratch

Imagine you’ve stepped into an overcrowded room with 50 strangers inside and each person is wearing black from head to toe. You, on the other hand, are dressed in an assortment of neon colours and a feather boa. All eyes will probably dart in your direction and you’re likely to be remembered a lot more than anyone else. The websites that we build for our clients work the same way: they get attention.

Coffee Creative Studio develops websites that cut through digital noise using WordPress, an open-source web creation platform written in PHP that uses a MySQL database. Over 455 million websites globally are powered by WordPress, which has a 39% market share of all websites and 63.8% of all CMS websites. It is precisely due to this popularity that the platform is always technologically advanced and up-to-date, and among the reasons why we choose to develop using WordPress software.

Private Plugins

From an SEO, Google ranking and server compatibility perspective, WordPress is vastly supported, along with the ability to scale websites with multiple plugins. But not every plugin out there is safe to use. Vulnerable plugins and those hiding malicious code can be exploited by hackers to attack a site. This is where Coffee Creative Studio sets itself apart. We design and build our own private plugins from the ground up. This ensures that the source code is entirely private – not accessible by third parties and not available for download. As such, the integrity of your website’s security remains intact while it delivers safe, enhanced user-experiences that contemporary audiences expect from online sources.

Themes Built from Scratch

Like plugins, we professionally design customised themes from scratch for our clients and do not use any pre-existing WordPress templates. After all, every business is special and deserves to present itself publicly with accuracy and originality. Templates, however, translate into hundreds, if not thousands of somewhat-identical looking websites. However, each custom design that Coffee Creative Studio creates is unique and singular, with bespoke colour palettes, layouts and style elements to ensure that visual aesthetics are 100% on-brand and 100% recognisable by target markets.

Easy Edits & Updates

The idea of editing a template theme may seem simple in theory but it can actually be a weighty task due to restrictions in its build and design. Our custom-builds make it easier for site owners and their employees to make surface edits without any prior coding knowledge. Change artwork, edit text, amend pricing and upload a blog without any assistance. On top of being faster, this trait also makes our custom themes more adaptable. This is important in the long run because a website can’t stay the same forever. It needs to be updated regularly to keep up with the growth of a business, the needs of consumers and emerging new technologies.

If you’d like to learn more about the possibilities of WordPress and what our team can creatively manifest to build your dream website, get in touch with us. There’s never been a more important time for businesses to be online.

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Category: Development