In recent memory, the world has never experienced a singular event with such a far-reaching impact on social, economic, and political systems as the current COVID-19 pandemic. It seems like literally overnight, our personal and professional lives have been turned upside down through the adoption of measures to try and slow down the spread of this disease.

With uncertainty as to how long these measures will remain in place, many organizations have had to adapt to ensure the long-term viability of their businesses. 

Webware is no exception. At Webware, our foremost concern was for the health and welfare of our most important asset - our employees. The organization was early to adopt social distancing measures and mandated our entire workforce to vacate our offices on two different continents. Within 48 hours, our ‘work from home’ strategy was deployed, and the organization was set up and operational. In all fairness, this effort was made easier as Webware is digital and this has been a core tenet of the organization since its inception.

This new mode of operation has illuminated new opportunities that previously Webware did not explore until our hand was forced to adapt. Now that we understand that our people can productively work remotely, our organization is no longer bound to geographic boundaries to source great talent.

And similar to the speed in which the organization pivoted to move to a ‘work from home’ strategy, we are going to extend this function and begin to reach out to the global talent pool. Inside of a week, our internal team has established online video training and playbooks that will enable us to on-board and ramp up self-starters from around the world. Webware is growing, and we are looking for great new team members.

What we are looking for:

Self-starter individuals who understand how to hustle and get stuff done. We’re looking for those rare individuals who are driven and want to be a part of a positive dynamic culture helping small businesses throughout North America with their digital marketing. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and relational skills, an entrepreneurial spirit and strong, persuasive closing abilities. Sales experience is a plus, but not required. Primary responsibilities include marketing business-to-business digital marketing solutions.

What we provide:

All of our team members receive extensive training and access to support of the leadership team via defined processes and apps.

What’s in it for you?

On the job training is an eight-step system that produces more entrepreneurs than any other system. You will be exposed to unparalleled opportunities to make money and to grow personally and professionally. Interact with top-performers on a daily basis learning from the best. A performance-based compensation that is commensurate with your ability to deliver. An organization that moves at the ‘new’ speed of business, constantly adapting to meet the real-world needs in real-time.

If working for a progressive organization where your success is only limited by your desire to learn, execute, adapt, and deliver - we want to hear from you. Send us a cover letter and your resumé to work@webware.io.

Dear valued customers,
 
In light of the escalating situation regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic Webware is taking various steps to manage and respond to the evolving circumstances around this pandemic, while following the guidance of local health agencies who are monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
In order to assist in the prevention of further spread of the virus, Webware is currently undertaking social distancing measures to ensure the safety of our employees and continuity in service to our customers through employing a ‘work from home’ strategy. 
 
Webware will strive to ensure that these measures cause little to no disruption in expected service levels, but ask for your patience as we transition into this temporary working arrangement.
 
The team at Webware also requests that our customers and partners look to see how they can be good corporate citizens going above and beyond to assist your customers and partners to the best of your ability in these challenging times.
 

View a message from Cory York, CEO & Co-founder - Webware

At Webware our greatest asset is our people and in an effort to be of greater assistance to our customers, we are going to unleash the power of our people through the COVID Support Hotline.
 
In the last 24 hours we have established a 24 hour/7 day a week hotline for Webware customers who may require assistance during this time. If the service can be performed over the phone or internet, we are here to help. 
 
Whether it’s arranging a doctor’s appointment, getting updates on the Covid virus in your area or waiting on hold to change travel arrangements we are here to assist. If you have any questions or require our assistance, please feel free to reach out to covid19@webware.io or on our Toll Free Support Line at 1.844.WEBWARE ext. 5
 
As circumstances evolve, please know that Webware is doing everything we can to manage and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the safety of our employees, customers and partners in mind. At Webware our goal is not only to deliver the same level of great service that our customers have become accustomed to, but to go above and beyond to assist you.

What’s the easiest way to get in touch with the Webware team to manage and update your digital marketing strategy? The Webware Concierge App!

Webware recently launched our Concierge App, a fast and easy way to reach your digital marketing team.

Your Digital Marketing Team in your Pocket

It’s never been easier to manage your digital marketing strategy. With one click, you’ll be instantly connected to Webware’s team to make changes, updates, or discuss strategy with our experts.

Webware clients can request website changes, Facebook and Twitter posts, email newsletters, Google Ads, and more easily through the Concierge App.

It’s never been easier to control your digital destiny! Download our app today to receive VIP service and support with a single click.

Download it on the Apple Store here! 

Get it on Google Play here!

Webware is always working to improve our Digital Services Plan to help our clients reach more potential customers and improve their bottom line through Digital Marketing.

This week, we are excited to announce Instagram images for your blog posts.

Starting in March 2019, all Webware Digital Service clients who participate in the blog program will receive social media images they can use on their Instagram account.

The Instagram images will include a professionally designed social media image that includes the title and the main points of the blog post. We will provide one main image for a post and subsequent images breaking down the blog post points for your Instagram story. For example, the image seen below.

By adding this feature to our blog program, you’ll be able to reach a larger audience by posting your blog link on Instagram with an eye-catching image and share your blog post through Instagram stories. Click here to view an example of how this new feature will look on your Instagram.

This new blog feature is included for all Webware clients participating in the blog program as part of the Digital Services Plan.

Webware will start rolling out Instagram images over the next couple of weeks so keep an eye out for them in your blog draft email soon!

If you haven’t taken advantage of our blog service, now is a great time to get started! Once you receive your monthly blog email, choose a topic and fill out the form to get started!

This feature is only available to Digital Service customers. If you are not enrolled for our Digital Service Plan, click here to join.

If you have any questions, please email support@webware.io

Staples Canada has become The Working and Learning Company and as part of the transformation, a new concept store is ready to be unveiled at 375 University Avenue, Toronto. Local media and the community are invited to take part in a grand opening celebration on Thursday, January 10 which will begin with a ribbon cutting at 8:30 a.m., and conclude at 5:30 pm with a spotlight with Canadian fashion designer and entrepreneur Joe Mimran.

Webware CEO Cory York and our Digital Marketing Specialists will be also on the ground to celebrate the opening of the new store concept and talk to the local media and customers about the services we offer to make small businesses succeed online. 

For more information, click on https://digitalmarketing.staplesprint.ca/pages/book-a-demo

When you have to balance your personal and professional life - you miss out on opportunities to present your brand in the best light possible. 

Small and medium-sized businesses most often opt to stick to their in-house staff rather than seeking a professional digital marketing consultant.

They believe that learning digital marketing is a better use of their budget than hiring experts who have had repeated success.

However, given the complexities of the digital world, a digital consultant will navigate the internet in a way that makes the most sense for your business.

Apart from technical expertise…

A digital consultant knows the process of providing value to consumers.

With tools and resources, they evaluate your existing marketing and set well-defined methods that expand your customer base and increase your chance of success.

While there are several reasons you should hire a digital consultant, picking the right one can be an overwhelming task.

It seems like there is an overwhelming amount of marketing agencies out there these days, that are ever-ready to help. However, not every company suits your business needs.

Here are top five things to look for.

1. Knowledge of pain points of small and medium businesses.

Most businesses and startups have to deal with countless pain points on a daily basis. A digital consultant should have an idea of the pain points of your business. An effective digital partner can identify solutions that can improve the customers’ experience, free up the business owner's time, and increase the bottom line.

2. Marketing experience.

Digital consultants today are skilled in diverse fields of marketing and business; SEO, social media, email, content, mobile marketing and so on. Marketers with high work experience can create more effective strategies that will not only engage existing customers but attract new ones.

3. Focus on client industry.

Make sure the professional you hire has sufficient knowledge in your area of expertise. If you are searching for a firm to create brand awareness on your mortgage brokerage, consider a digital consultant who has specialized in providing marketing solutions for the mortgage industry.

4. Latest marketing trends.

With new tools and evolving social media platforms, it is crucial for digital consultants to stay on top of the most recent technologies and trends to know how it will affect and serve your small and medium business. Your digital partner should know and be ready to implement the most valuable marketing strategies to positively affect your bottom line.

5. Accessible platform.

The most effective way to manage your small and medium business' digital needs is to have everything in one place.

Does your digital partner enable you to manage your email marketing, blog, website, online store, social media accounts, and customer communication - in one place?

As a business owner, hopping from platform to platform is not an effective use of your time.

Find a digital partner that enables you to see and manage everything from one platform…

Allowing you to focus on making money, and what you do best - running your business.

If you are looking for a complete digital toolkit, just chat with us in the chat box on this page! Our platform enables small and medium businesses to easily access multiple tools needed to manage and grow a beautiful, successful online presence.

What are some of your experiences on hiring a digital marketing consultant?

At Webware, we create and send out thousands of email campaigns a month for our customers. After building newsletters on the usual email marketing platforms, we felt the options available out there were too complicated. So we decided to make our own. 

Today, we are announcing the launch of "Newsletter".

"Newsletter" is the easiest email marketing platform you have ever used and it's available for free to every Webware customer right now!

Say goodbye to using those other complicated email marketing tools. Webware’s Newsletter platform makes it easier than ever to send out beautiful, engaging email newsletters. Stay in touch with your customers using our user-friendly newsletter platform right from the Webware dashboard.

First and foremost, it's simple to use. With "Newsletter", you can select the customers you would like to send an email to, write your email, upload images, style your text and click send. You can use an existing template or build your own format with "click and drag" boxes. Or if you know HTML, you can customize away. 

Once you've sent out the email, you can track the success of your newsletter. With Webware’s Newsletter, it’s simple to see if your newsletter is reaching clients and how effective it is. Easily keep track of how many people have opened your newsletter, clicked on the content in the email, or unsubscribed. Easily create a follow-up campaign to customers who showed the most interest by creating a new list based on clicks.

To learn more about how to use Webware's "Newsletter" email tool, please click here. To learn more about Webware's complete digital toolkit for business, please click here. 

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One of the things that makes Google the most popular online search engine is its endless mission to put users first. Their goal is to give you, the user, the most reliable, accurate and up-to-date information available anywhere on the World Wide Web.  Google’s steadfast commitment to the user-experience has sparked another update to its Search Engine Results Page (SERP) ranking factors. 

Google recently announced that starting in January 2017, websites with interstitials will rank lower in search engine results than websites without. 

What’s an interstitial?

Interstitial is the official name for a full-page (or mostly full-page), intrusive popup that prevents a website visitor from accessing the webpage content underneath. Many of them come in the form of advertisements or email newsletter signup prompts. Other types include interstitials that are required by law for age verification, “You must be 18 to enter this website” or to inform visitors that a website uses cookies. Interstitials for legal purposes will not affect search ranking results. 

Google firmly believes these annoying popups hinder users’ access to information. This is especially true for mobile devices where screens are generally smaller. This new update should urge websites to eliminate popup ads to keep their ranking high in search engine results. 

According to Google, “Here are some examples of techniques that make content less accessible to a user:

• Showing a popup that covers the main content, either immediately after the user navigates to a page from the search results, or while they are looking through the page.
• Displaying a standalone interstitial that the user has to dismiss before accessing the main content.
• Using a layout where the above-the-fold portion of the page appears similar to a standalone interstitial, but the original content has been inlined underneath the fold.

By contrast, here are some examples of techniques that, used responsibly, would not be affected by the new signal:

• Interstitials that appear to be in response to a legal obligation, such as for cookie usage or for age verification.
• Login dialogs on sites where content is not publicly indexable. For example, this would include private content such as email or unindexable content that is behind a paywall.
• Banners that use a reasonable amount of screen space and are easily dismissible. For example, the app install banners provided by Safari and Chrome are examples of banners that use a reasonable amount of screen space”.

If your website uses a popup to gather email newsletter signups or likes on social media or something else, this new ranking signal is directed at you. Though it won’t come into full effect until January 2017, now is the best time to get rid of those popups to give your customers the best possible user experience.

You can read the full update on the Google Webmaster Forum here.

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The trend of mobile search shows no signs of slowing down soon. Following the path that Google began in April of last year, the mobile-friendliness ranking signal will be updated in May 2016 to further improve mobile search results.

According to TechCrunch, “Google’s search chief Amit Singhal said for the first time this summer [2015], more Google searches were completed on mobile devices than desktop computers”. There are 100 billion searches performed on Google each month with more than half happening on mobile phones! 

With more and more people relying on Google’s mobile search, this update to further penalize non-mobile friendly websites is the next natural step for the search giant. 

From the official Google Webmaster blog,

“Getting good, relevant answers when you search shouldn’t depend on what device you’re using. You should get the best answer possible, whether you’re on a phone, desktop or tablet. Last year, we started using mobile-friendliness as a ranking signal on mobile searches. Today we’re announcing that beginning in May, we’ll start rolling out an update to mobile search results that increases the effect of the ranking signal to help our users find even more pages that are relevant and mobile-friendly.”

With this update to its search algorithm, Google continues to confirm the mobile-first industry standard. If your business website is not mobile friendly, now is the best time for a redesign. Not sure if your website is mobile-friendly? Click here to test your website.

This is great news for Webware customers! Our mobile-friendly, responsive designs will continue to be favoured by Google and give our customers great search results ranking. 

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We’re pleased to announce that Butch Langlois is joining Webware as Chief Operating Officer to support our North American expansion.

Butch brings a wealth of experience to the Webware team. He is a widely respected leader in the technology industry known for leading great companies and helping shape them into successful businesses.

Joining Webware was an easy choice for Butch, because “it has the best and most comprehensive product for the worldwide SMB audience,” he says. From his experience working at Rogers Ventures and launching companies targeted at SMBs, Butch immediately recognized Webware’s potential to fill a gap in the existing digital services market in North America. “Webware is already supporting thousands of customers in Asia and we’re excited to duplicate that success in North America.”

Butch’s plan includes refining the sales model to reach as many potential customers as possible and helping them understand how the Webware platform and services team can profit their SMB. “In 2016, we aim to continue the momentum we’ve built through the end of 2015, and focus on the key elements that will allow us to achieve the 10x growth we expect to reach this year,” says Butch.

In addition to driving sales success, Butch aims to build a corporate culture where the team is excited to come to work each day and contribute to our customers’ success.

Prior to joining Webware, he was Vice President of Local Operations & Portfolio Development at Rogers Communications. He was responsible for launching Roger’s Local Digital portfolio companies: Rogers Outrank, Vicinity by Rogers, Zoocasa and Rogers Alerts.

Before joining Rogers, Butch was the President and CEO of three Toronto based start-ups securing over $25M in venture capital during the 2000s:

• Planeteye, a travel planning website that was named as a “2008 Company to Watch” in the Deloitte Technology Fast 50, one of Canada’s Top 10 Canadian Web 2.0 Companies by IDC, “One of Canada’s Hottest 20 Innovative Companies” by the Canadian Innovation Exchange, and as one of the “100 Most Useful Web Sites” by PC World magazine
• Truition Inc. acquired by CDC Software. During his four-year tenure, Truition was named to the 2007 Deloitte Technology Fast 50, by achieving five-year revenue growth of 565%.
• BuyBuddy.com, a Web and wireless comparative shopping destination.

Butch is a CPA and began his internet-focused career as Vice President, Finance & Operations for Rogers New Media in the late 1990s.

We are incredibly excited to work with Butch and to learn from all his experience. Welcome aboard!

For immediate release

POWERSTORES FUELS NORTH AMERICAN LAUNCH WITH REBRAND TO WEBWARE.IO AND NEW ROUND OF FUNDING

Asia’s leading web building platform and service provider to disrupt North American DIY website market with do-it-for-me model 

December 5, 2015 (TORONTO, ON) - PowerStores Ecommerce Ltd. is ready to take on North America with a new name and a fresh round of capital investment to fuel its rapid growth. Rebranded as Webware.io, the company has closed a new round of funding led by Toronto-based Extreme Venture Partners and William Bissell, who made the investment in his personal capacity through his family office. Webware offers a DIY website platform that is now complemented with robust do-it-for-me set up and support services to ensure businesses become competitive in the online world.

“There are four billion-dollar web platform companies in the market, yet according to a joint Google and Ipsos survey in 2013, 55 percent of businesses in North America are still not online,” says Cory York, co-founder and CEO of Webware. “We know why. Small businesses are looking for a reasonably-priced, do-it-for-me platform and service company to take care of their online needs. And that’s what our company offers.” Founded in India by Cory York and Indrajit Chowdhury in 2012 as PowerStores, the company established a Toronto office this past summer and already has 10 employees and 500 customers there.

“The name change to Webware.io reflects the company’s ability to serve more than just the e-commerce market with a shopping cart solution,” says York. “We know small businesses have limited time and resources, and an easy all-in-one system that covers everything they should be doing when it comes to the internet is what Webware is all about. We offer a complete digital tool kit that covers everything a business needs to be doing online - website, web store, social commerce, blogging, and more.

” The new round of funding will support Webware.io’s aggressive expansion across North America as it targets more than 30 million small and medium businesses that can benefit from its services. "There is a great opportunity for digital services within the small business market right now. We're investing in the proven team at Webware to bring a new dimension to the SaaS platform marketplace." Sunil Sharma Extreme Venture Partners ( www.evp.vc )

“Small- and medium-sized businesses know they need to be online, but so many of them just don’t know where to start,” says York. “They’re hair stylists, or chefs, or plumbers. You name it. But they don’t want to be web developers, nor should they be. That’s where Webware.io can help.” Webware.io will dramatically increase hiring for it's sales and marketing team in Toronto in the coming months to support its growth plans. Qualified candidates can apply at http://www.webware.io/pages/footer/careers

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About Webware.io: Webware.io is a complete tool kit designed to help small businesses easily and affordably navigate the digital world. Webware.io’s technology platform provides everything small businesses need to manage and grow a successful online presence, from designing and building websites and online stores, to SEO marketing services and creating loyalty programs. With services embedded into the Webware.io platform, businesses can access all the tools they need from one easy-to-use workspace.

MEDIA CONTACT: Cory York, Co-founder and CEO, Webware.io (formerly PowerStores) 416.931.9330

We are proud to announce that PowerStores is now Webware. 

For our customers and partners, rest assured that nothing will change. We still provide the best platform to suit all of the online needs of a business, including website content management, e-commerce and online payments, blog, social media, and more. We will continue to offer both a do-it-yourself option and a do-it-for-you service, to give you the flexibility to choose what works best for you.

Why the change from PowerStores? 

We started as PowerStores, offering a DIY e-commerce solution. The name “PowerStores” implies e-commerce only, and we create much more than just online stores. Many of the sites we build and host are for businesses such as clinics, hair salons, and interior designers - businesses who do not have a requirement to sell online.

In addition, through listening to our customers, we learned that DIY website platforms don't work for the average small business owner; they are difficult to build, more time-consuming than anticipated, and rarely produce the quality of website the business expects. Not to mention, a website is only one component of a successful digital strategy. Webware offers services to help our customers maintain a strong online presence, long after their initial website is live.

The name “Webware.io” reflects the company we have evolved into, and it's a brand that speaks to all our customers. 

What is Webware?

Webware means tools to help navigate the fast-paced, ever-evolving internet. 

Our new brand describes the functionality and diversity of our product plus services team. Webware’s easy-to-use, web-based tools provide small businesses with everything they need to be successful online. 

The took-kit includes: design and setup of content or commerce websites, embedded services to enhance websites (like designing a logo, a banner image, product updates, etc), a blogging tool, loyalty program, and extensive list of add-on marketing/SEO packages. 

The Webware team looks forward to continuing to help small businesses thrive in the new digital space. From easy-to-use technology and quality-built websites, to affordable services with exceptional customer service - Webware’s toolkit continues to be small businesses' best all-in-one online solution. 

Cory York
Co-founder, CEO
Webware.io

This Thursday, November 5^th, catch Webware.io at the Los Angeles Small Business Expo.

Webware.io is a complete tool kit designed to help small businesses easily navigate the digital world. Our technology platform provides everything small businesses need to design, manage and grow a successful online presence from designing logos and building online stores, to SEO Marketing services and creating loyalty programs.

Look for us in Booth 304 on the exhibitor floor, and we can provide a full demo of our services and show you how we can help your small business grow.

Also, catch Webware's CEO Cory York, in his workshop on small businesses and the web.  Cory will discuss why a website is a necessity for your business and how to get traffic to your website with SEO and content marketing strategies.

The session will also cover Google's new SEO guidelines, how to build a website that's favored by search engines, and a question and answer session on how to be successful online. Then, watch a demo of Webware's easy-to-use digital toolkit that provides everything you need to build a thriving online business.