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When my app loads I need to establish the membership "status" of a user. Their "status" will determine how the app behaves. Do I query the database for the "status" value each time the app loads, or can it be sourced from cache? The "status" could change for a user, not not very often. Thanks.
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What’s in a word? Actions. In the realm of user interfaces, a word is construed as the telltale of a control’s action. Sometimes it points us in the correct direction, and sometimes it leads us astray. We talk a lot about semantics in front-end web development, but outside of code, semantics are at the heart of copywriting where each word we convey can mean different things to different people. Words, if done right, add clarity and direction.
As a web user, I’ve come across words in user interfaces that have misled me. And not necessarily by design, either. Some words are synonymous with others and their true meaning depends entirely on context. Some words are easy to mistake for an unintended meaning because they are packed with so much meaning. A word might belong to a fellowship of interchangeable words.
Although I’m quite riled up when I misread content on a page — upset at the lack of clarity more than anything — as a developer, I can’t say I’ve always chosen the best possible words or combination of words for all the user interfaces I’ve ever made. But experience, both as a user and a developer, has elevated my commonsense when it comes to some of the literary choices I make while coding.
This article covers the words I choose for endings, to help users move away, and move on, without any confusion from the current process they are at on the screen. I went down this rabbit hole because I often find that ending something can mean many things — whether it be canceling an action, quitting an application, closing an element, navigating back, exiting a chat interaction… You get the idea. There are many ways to say that something is done, complete, and ready to move on to something else. I want to add clarity to that.
If there’s a Hall of Fame for button labels, this is the Babe Ruth of them all. “Cancel” is a widely used word to indicate an action that ends something. Cancel is a sharp, tenacious action. The person wants to bail on some process that didn’t go the way they expected it to. Maybe the page reveals a form that the person didn’t realize would be so long, so they want to back off. It could be something you have no control over whatsoever, like that person realizing they do not have their credit card information handy during checkout and they have to come back another time.
Cancel can feel personal at times, right? Don’t like the shipping costs calculated at checkout? Cancel the payment. Don’t like the newsletter? Cancel The Subscription. But really, the person only wants to undo an incorrect action or decision leaving no trace of it behind in favor of a clean slate to try again… or not.
The only times I feel betrayed by the word cancel is when the process I’m trying to end continues anyway. That comes up most when submitting forms with incorrect information. I enter something inadvertently, hit a big red Cancel button, yet the information I’ve “saved” persists to the extent that I either need to contact customer support or start looking for alternatives.
That’s the bottom line: Use “cancel” as an opportunity to confirm. It’s the person telling you, “Hey, that’s not actually what I meant to do,” and you get to step in and be the hero to wipe the mistake clean and set things up for a second chance. We’re not technically “ending” anything but rather starting clean and picking things back up for a better go. Think about that the next time you find yourself needing a label that encourages the user to try again. You might even consider synonyms that are less closely associated with closed endings, such as reset or retry.
Quit window, quit tab, quit app — now we’re talking about finality. When we “quit” or “exit” something, we’re changing course. We’ve made progress in one direction and decide it’s time to chart a different path. If we’re thinking about it in terms of freeway traffic, you might say that “quitting” is akin to pulling over and killing the engine, and “exiting” is taking leaving the freeway for another road. There’s a difference, although the two terms are closely related.
As far as we’re concerned as developers, quit and exit are hard stop points in an application. It’s been put to rest. Nothing else beyond this should be possible except its rebirth when the service is restarted or reopened. So, if your page is capable of nuking the current experience and the user takes it, then quit is the better label to make that point. We’re quitting and have no plans to restart or re-engage. If you were to “quit” your job, it’s not like your employer is expecting you to report for duty on Monday… or any other day for that matter.
But here’s my general advice about the word quit: only use it if you have to. I see very few use cases where we actually want to offer someone a true way to quit something. It’s so effective at conveying finality in web interfaces that it shuts the door on any future actions. For instance, I find that cancel often works in its place. And, personally, I find that saying “cancel payment” is more widely applicable. It’s softer and less rigid in the sense that it leaves the possibility to resume a process down the road.
Quit is also a simple process. Just clear everything and be gone. But if quitting means the user might lose some valuable data or progress, then that’s something they have to be warned about. In that case, exit and save may be better guidance.
I consider Exit the gentler twin of Quit. I prefer Quit just for the ultimatum of it. I see Exit used less frequently in interfaces than I see Quit. In rare cases, I might see Exit used specifically because of its softer nature to Quit even though “quitting” is the correct semantic choice given that the user really wants to wipe things clean and the assurance that nothing is left behind. Sometimes a “tougher” term is more reassuring.
Exit, however, is an excellent choice for actions that represent the end of human-to-human interactions — things like Exit Group, Exit Chat, Exit Streaming, Exit Class. If this person is kindly saying goodbye to someone or something but open to future interactions, allow them to exit when they’re done. They’re not quitting anything and we aren’t shoving them out the door.
Let’s talk about navigation. That’s the way we describe moving around the internet. We navigate from one place to another, to another, to another, and so on. It’s a journey of putting one digital foot in front of the other on the way to somewhere. That journey comes to an end when we get to our destination… or when we “quit” or “exit” the journey as we discussed above.
But the journey may take twists and turns. Not all movement is linear on the web. That’s why we often leave breadcrumbs in interfaces, right? It’s wayfinding on the web and provides people with a way to go “back” where they came from. Maybe that person forgot a step and needs to head back in order to move forward again.
In other words, back displaces people — laterally and hierarchically. Laterally, back (and its synonym, previous), backtracks across the same level in a process, for instance, between two sections of the same form, or two pages of the same document. Hierarchically, back — not to mention more explicit variants like “home” — is a level above that in the navigation hierarchy.
I like the explicit nature of saying something like “Home” when it comes to navigating someone “back” to a location or state. There’s no ambiguity there: hey, let’s go back home. Being explicit opens you up to more verbose labels but brevity isn’t always the goal. Even in iconography, adding more detail to a visual can help add clarity. The same is true with content in user interfaces. My favorite example is the classic “Back to Top” button on many pages that navigate you to the “top” of the page. We’re going “back to the top” which would not have been clear if we had used “Back” alone. Back where? That’s an important question — particularly when working with in-page anchors — and the answer may not be as obvious to others as it is to you. Communicating that level of hierarchy explicitly is a navigational feature.
While the “Back to Top” example I gave is a better illustration of lateral displacement than hierarchical displacement, I tend to avoid the label back with any sort of lateral navigation because moving laterally typically involves navigating between states more than navigating between pages. For example, the user may be navigating from a “logged in” state to a “logged out” state. In this case, I prefer being even more explicit — e.g., Save and Go Back, or Cancel and Go Home — than hierarchical navigation because we’re changing states on top of moving away from something.
Close is yet another term you’ll find in the wild for conveying the “end” of something. It’s quite similar to Back in the sense that it serves dual purposes. It can be for navigation — close the current page and go back — or it can be for canceling an action — close the current page, and either discard or save all the data entered so far.
I prefer Close for neither of those cases. If we’re in the context of navigation, I like the clarity of the more explicit guidance we discussed above, e.g., Go Back, Previous, or Go Home. Giving someone an instruction to Close doesn’t say where that person is going to land once navigating away from the current page. And if we’re dealing with actions, Save and Close affirms the person that their data will be saved, rather than simply “closing” it out. If we were to simply say “cancel” instead, the insinuation is that the user is quitting the action and can expect to lose their work.
The one time I do feel that “Close” is the ideal label is working with pop-up dialogues and modals. Placing “Close” at the top-right (or the block-start, inline-end edge if we’re talking logical directions) corner is more than clear enough about what happens to the pop-up or modal when clicking it. We can afford to be a little less explicit with our semantics when someone’s focus is trapped in a specific context.
I’ve saved the best for last, right? There’s no better way to connote an ending than simply calling it the “end”. It works well when we pair it with what’s ending.
End Chat. End Stream. End Webinar.
You’re terminating an established connection, not with a process, but with a human. And this is not some abrupt termination like Quit or Cancel. It’s more of a proper goodbye. Consider it also a synonym to Exit because the person ending the interaction may simply be taking a break. They’re not necessarily quitting something for good. Let’s leave the light on the front patio for them to return later and pick things back up..
And speaking of end, we’ve reached the end of this article. That’s the tricky, but liberating, thing about content semantics — some words may technically be correct but still mislead site visitors. It’s not that we’re ever trying to give someone bad directions, but it can still happen because this is a world where there are many ways of saying the same thing. Our goal is to be unambiguous and the milestone is clarity. Settling on the right word or combination of words takes effort. Anyone who has struggled with naming things in code knows about this. It’s the same for naming things outside of code.
I did not make an attempt to cover each and every word or way to convey endings. The point is that our words matter and we have all the choice and freedom in the world to find the best fit. But maybe you’ve recently run into a situation where you needed to “end” something and communicate that in an interface. Did you rely on something definitive and permanent (e.g. quit) or did you find that softer language (e.g. exit) was the better direction? What other synonyms did you consider? I’d love to know!
End Article.
Close, Exit, Cancel: How to End User Interactions Well originally published on CSS-Tricks, which is part of the DigitalOcean family. You should get the newsletter.
Having a mobile app for your brand has become a necessity. A well-designed app can improve customer engagement, brand loyalty, and provide a competitive edge in your industry. Whether you’re a small business owner or a marketer in a large corporation, building an app can seem scary. However, by following a structured approach, you can create an app that not only meets your needs but also delights your users.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to build a mobile app for your brand.
Before you get into the technical aspects, take a moment to define the purpose of your app. Ask yourself:
Clearly outlining your goals will help you stay focused throughout the development process and guide decisions about design and functionality.
Understanding your competition and market trends is crucial. Analyze existing apps in your niche to identify strengths and weaknesses. Look for opportunities where your app can stand out. Conduct surveys or interviews with potential users to gather insights into their preferences and pain points. This research will inform your app’s features and design.
If you’re targeting a global audience, you will want to conduct surveys that include as wide a range of customers as possible. In that case, using VPN for Chrome will help you reach worldwide customers and secure the data you collect through surveys and interviews.
A wireframe is a blueprint of your app, showcasing its layout and navigation. This step lets you visualize the user experience without getting bogged down in design details. Use simple tools to create wireframes that outline each screen and how users will interact with your app. Focus on the flow from one screen to another, ensuring it’s intuitive and user-friendly.
Once you have a wireframe, it’s time to bring your app to life with a user-friendly design. Choose a color scheme, typography, and icons that align with your brand identity. Tools like Adobe XD or Figma can help you design stunning interfaces. Keep the following design principles in mind:
Simplicity : A clean and straightforward design helps users navigate easily.
Consistency : Use the same styles and elements throughout the app for a cohesive look.
Feedback : Provide visual feedback for user actions (like button presses) to enhance the experience.
At this stage, you can either code the app yourself or hire a developer. If you’re not tech-savvy, consider using app builders like Appy Pie or Adalo, which allow you to create apps without extensive coding knowledge. If you choose to hire a developer, ensure they understand your vision and requirements.
Testing is a critical phase in the app development process. It helps you identify bugs and usability issues before launching. Conduct various tests, including:
Functionality Testing : Ensure all features work as intended.
Usability Testing : Gather feedback from real users to identify areas for improvement.
Performance Testing : Check the app’s speed and responsiveness on different devices.
Once you’re satisfied with the app’s performance, it’s time to launch it on app stores. Prepare a marketing strategy to promote your app using social media, email newsletters, and your website. Engaging visuals and clear descriptions in the app store will attract potential users.
After launching your app, encourage users to provide feedback. Monitor reviews and analytics to understand user behavior. Use this information to make improvements in future updates. Continuous iteration is key to keeping your app relevant and engaging.
Remember, this process takes time, so be patient and open to learning along the way. With dedication and the right approach, your app can become a powerful tool for connecting with customers and improving your brand’s presence in the digital space.
The post Essential Steps for Building a Mobile App for Your Brand appeared first on CSS Author.
Adobe After Effects is one of the most popular and effective tools for making attractive motion graphics. With the ability to use pre-made templates, After Effects can be a powerful tool even at the hands of a beginner.
Especially when making wedding photo album videos, presentations, and promotional campaigns, After Effects is quite useful in turning ordinary photos and videos into gorgeously animated slideshows.
To help you find inspiration, we handpicked a collection of After Effects slideshow templates you can use to easily make professional motion graphics without an effort.
All you have to do is edit the template and drop the images into the placeholders.
This After Effects slideshow template features a beautifully minimalist design that allows you to create modern and elegant slideshow videos for all kinds of creative projects, startups, businesses, and more.
The template is easily customizable and features stylish melodic animations that will make your videos more entertaining to watch.
The multipurpose and minimal design of this After Effects template allows you to create various types of slideshows with ease. The melodic transitions and the creative effects also add more value to the template.
This After Effects template is a stunningly contemporary design ideal for assembling your photo slideshows. It brings together visual expertise and cutting-edge effects to present your images in the most captivating manner, effortlessly transforming ordinary photo collections into visually gripping masterpieces.
A creative After Effects slideshow template that levels up your photo presentations. With a collage-style layout, this After Effects slideshow template allows you to weave together multiple images in a visually captivating manner. It’s perfect for an engaging display of personal, professional, or event photos.
Explore the timeless beauty of simplicity with this creative paper-style After Effects slideshow template. This template allows you to forge paper-style slideshows, providing an organic and artistic touch to your digital creations. It’s a fantastic solution for adding unique personality and depth to your visual presentations, videos, and more.
This is a unique template designed for creating striking Halloween-themed promotional slideshows. This aesthetically engaging asset allows you to unleash your creativity and carve out an unforgettable visual experience for your audience. It’s a brilliant resource that saves time without compromising on quality and effect.
A brilliantly designed After Effects slideshow template ideal for showcasing fashion sale promos. Its engaging visual effects and smooth transitions ensure an appealing user journey, making it a valuable resource for retailers wanting to add some creative flair to their promotional pursuits.
This is an innovative After Effects slideshow template designed to energize your Instagram videos. It employs a multi-frame layout that allows you to share multiple visuals simultaneously, creating a vibrant, dynamic, and engaging viewer experience. This template is an excellent tool to make your Instagram content stand out.
This stylish After Effects slideshow template is specially designed for showcasing fashion and apparel design photos. It comes with vibrant and colorful designs that make your photos look like pages out of a fashion magazine.
Chrono is a professionally designed After Effects slideshow template you can use to create company profile, startup pitch, and other videos related to business and corporations.
If you’re working on a promotional video for a product or a fashion brand, this After Effects template will come in handy. It features a creative layout for effectively showcasing different products like gadgets, clothing, and more. The template is quite useful for Instagram promotions.
This slideshow template comes with a modern and hipster-style layout design featuring multiple transition animations. The template can be easily customized to add your own text, audio, and change colors as well.
Whether you’re making a slideshow for a startup or a corporate agency, this free After Effect template will help you design a more professional slideshow without an effort.
This free slideshow template comes with an easily editable layout you can use to create a dynamic slideshow for a YouTube video or a social media promotional video. It’s available in Full HD resolution.
This After Effects template is perfect for designing an attractive slideshow for creating education-themed videos. It’s especially suitable for college presentations, exhibitions, and events. It features modern slide designs with editable elements. You can change text and colors to your preference.
Want to create a slideshow with colorful and trendy designs? Then this After Effects template is perfect for you. It features a multi-slide layout where you can showcase multiple images or video clips at the same time. There are lots of different transition animations and effects in the template as well.
Be sure to download this After Effects template to make your seasonal promo videos look more attractive. The template has a multipurpose layout that you can use to promote various products and businesses for different seasons.
If you’re looking for an After Effects slideshow to create a Christmas-themed video, this template is made just for you. It features a beautiful slide design that’s suitable for everything from Christmas sale promos to photo albums and more.
This free After Effects template allows you to make a simple slideshow video with a creative grid overlay effect. It also features simple fall-out animation that will give a professional look to your videos.
This is a very colorful and creative slideshow template for After Effects. It features multiple slides with bright colors with an attractive design for promoting your marketing agency services. You can easily customize it to your preference as well.
This slideshow template comes with lots of different styles of slides, animated effects, and transitions to help you make slideshow videos for all kinds of purposes. It has 56 media placeholders and 11 different scenes with grid layouts. Each scene features cool brush-style effects too.
The beautiful aesthetic feel of this slideshow design makes it a great choice for making videos related to fashion, beauty, and cosmetics. The template includes multiple slide layouts with editable colors, fonts, and media placeholders. It’s great for Instagram and Facebook promo videos.
You can design a beautiful photo frame slideshow for wedding videos using this After Effects slideshow template. It includes multiple styles of slide layouts with attractive animations, particle effects, and much more.
This free Slideshow template for After Effects features a simple glass fade animation that will make your videos look much more beautiful and romantic. It’s perfect for weddings and romantic photo slideshow videos.
This After Effects template is perfect for creating beautiful slideshows with a grunge vintage look and feel. It includes 15 animated titles with 29 placeholders for showcasing images and video clips. The template is compatible with After Effects CC.
If you want to add creative frames to your photo slideshows, this template is made just for you. It allows you to create video slideshows with a photobook-style design. The template comes with 29 placeholders and multiple styles of animations.
You can add a magical fantasy look to your slideshow videos with this amazing After Effects template. It features mesmerizing animations that create a beautiful fantasy look. The template includes 17 media placeholders.
A simple yet effective slideshow template for After Effects. This template features a clean slideshow layout with subtle animations for showcasing your images and video footage.
This free After Effects template is a great choice for designing simple slideshows for corporate and business videos. It features a letterbox-style design with creative slide transitions.
This After Effects template comes with a vintage design that allows you to create documentary timelines and slideshows for history-related videos. It includes multiples styles of slide layouts with creative animations for showcasing images and video clips.
A creative After Effects slideshow template featuring page-flipping animations. This slideshow template is perfect for showcasing product features as well as creating photo albums. The template comes in both short and long versions.
You can create beautiful slideshows with a cinematic look and feel using this After Effects template. It features a magic-themed slideshow design that also comes in short and long versions. There are 31 placeholders in each template as well.
Create fast and simple slideshows with particle effects using this slideshow template. It features a clean slideshow design with simple animations and text placeholders. It’s compatible with After Effects CS5 and higher.
Another free After Effects slideshow template with photo frame slide designs. This template works great for creating photo album videos as well as for product showcase videos.
Ink Titles comes with an amazing slideshow design featuring creative ink-themed effects. The After Effects template can be easily customized to add up to 19 images or videos. It’s also available in 5 different colors presets.
Aquavitae is a minimalist and a modern After Effects slideshow template that comes with 30 placeholders for making a slideshow of photos or video clips. The template also supports color controls for all the elements and includes a video tutorial on how to edit the template as well.
Ultimate Slideshow is a complete bundle of After Effects templates that allows you to make your own unique slideshow videos. The template provides you with unlimited placeholders and includes automatic text animations.
This After Effects slideshow template features a modern design with an urban theme, which makes it ideal for photography, fashion, and documentary style slideshow videos and title scenes.
This free slideshow template features a colorful summer-inspired slideshow design. You can use it to create and promote your travel photos, Instagram videos, and much more.
The clean and minimal design of this slideshow template makes it a great choice for crafting creative design, fashion, and photography slideshows. The template is available in Full HD resolution.
Featuring a unique retro-themed design, this After Effects slideshow template will help you create a professional video opener or a slideshow that stands out from the crowd. The template is available in Full HD resolution.
This creative After Effects slideshow template lets you showcase your photos in an amazing way with its floating image placeholders. It will also give your slideshow a 3D-like look and feel.
Another creative After Effects slideshow template that features a complete After Effects environment and with dynamic camera movements. It includes 12 main scenes and 300 image placeholders.
This After Effects slideshow template is designed specifically for making presentation videos for business and corporate events. It features modern transition effects and designs fit for professional purposes. The template is available in Full HD resolution.
A bold and beautiful After Effects slideshow template featuring a creative design. This template is ideal for making fashion and photography slideshow videos. It’s available in Full HD resolution.
A professional and modern slideshow template for making creative videos for startups and corporate businesses. The template is easily customizable and works with both photo and video compositions.
This simple and minimal slideshow template is perfect for creating photo slideshows of your family photos and creative projects. The template comes in Full HD resolution and lets you showcase 6 images.
This unique After Effects slideshow template adds a colorful gradient overlay effect to your photos to make a colorful slideshow video while also highlight its text. It includes 10 image placeholders and 24 text holders.
This stylish After Effects slideshow template comes in two versions with short and long slideshows. It lets you feature up to 40 images or videos and includes 30 different ink and watercolor effects you can use to customizing the slideshow design.
Atmospheric is a creative After Effects slideshow template featuring simple and minimalist effects and transitions for making a professional slideshow video. It’s available in 3 versions with up to 45 image placeholders.
This After Effects slideshow template is perfect for making a montage video for romantic events, weddings, and Valentine’s Day. The template is available in Full HD resolution.
A multipurpose After Effects slideshow template that can be used to make all kinds of slideshows and presentations. It can be easily customized to your preference and the template is available in Full HD.
Another creative After Effects slideshow template that comes with colorful and vibrant effects that let you make an attractive slideshow video. The template supports both videos and images.
This After Effects slideshow template features a creative presentation design filled with abstract shapes and transitions. It’s ideal for photography, fashion, and other slideshow videos.
This beautiful and elegant After Effects slideshow template is designed specifically for romantic-themed videos. It’s most suitable for making wedding album videos and presentations. The template can be customized with After Effects CS4 and higher.
Refraction is a two-in-one After Effects slideshow template that comes with customizable slideshow designs and transition effects. It’s available in Full HD resolution.
If you’re looking for a template to make a travel-themed video, this After Effects slideshow template will come in handy. It’s perfect for showcasing travel destinations and journeys.
When I think back to my school days when we were asked to complete research papers using good old-fashioned books from the library, and I genuinely don’t think I could do that today.
I’ve become so accustomed to the wide accessibility of information on the Internet that I’m willing to do anything to maintain that access, including risking inaccurate information or an inefficient experience.
And I’m not the only one who feels this way.
![Download Now: The State of U.S. Consumer Trends [Free Report]](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/53/ebf9ec8e-a468-455a-943e-80aa4e6be694.png)
In HubSpot’s Consumer Trends study surveying more than 700 consumers in January 2024, 78% of consumers said they search for brands online using a search engine like Google, and 79% use search engines like Google to search for answers to questions, as opposed to AI chatbots or social media.
However, only 51% find search engines like Google very effective at answering their questions.
This means many of us blindly use Google because it’s what we know best and not because we think it’s good at what we need it to do. But we don’t need to suffer anymore — there are tons of great search engine options that aren’t Google.
Table of Contents
Google has become quite an oversaturated advertising platform, and it makes sense why. The platform can increase brand awareness by up to 80%, so it’s not shocking that 96% of brands use Google Pay-Per-Click Ads.
While it’s great as a business owner or marketer to use this strategy and can also be beneficial to consumers as a way to discover new brands, I can also sympathize with the frustration of struggling to find the best and quickest answer to a question because I’m bombarded with only slightly relevant links.
Therefore, looking for search engine alternatives that limit the ad experience or support no ads can be ideal to increase the efficiency and efficacy of your search journey.
It’s quite interesting to me that, as a society, we’ve developed such a habit of searching queries on Google. After all, in my experience, I rarely receive a direct answer to my questions on this search engine.
Yes, Google can direct me to countless resources that likely have the answers I’m looking for, but it only occasionally populates the best answer when using its AI model Gemini.
I’ve found that Gemini doesn’t always automatically weigh in on my search results, so I then need to skim through various links and select random websites to come to conclusions.
Top search engines should do this work for me by analyzing all the available resources online and offering high-quality answers to my questions.
Privacy is a real concern for many consumers. 75% of consumers agree that data privacy is a human right and that they should have complete control over how a company uses their data.
While 85% of adults globally want to do more to protect their online privacy using services like Google, 62% believe it’s impossible to go through their daily lives without companies like Google collecting their private data.
There is a way, though, to take more control over your privacy: by using a search engine that emphasizes and specializes in data protection. This is an important consideration when looking for Google alternatives.
While the main purpose of using a search engine is to search for answers and information, many other traits can set a platform apart from competitors.
For instance, some search engines have an environmental focus and will put ad revenue towards eco-friendly causes, and the same applies to all sorts of charitable causes.
There are also family-friendly search engines, AI search engines, news-focused search engines, and many more options that can align with your interests and needs.
Once you’ve assessed which of these considerations are most important in your review of new search engines, take a look at my list of the best Google alternatives.
Kagi stresses high-quality, accurate search results without any ads. To maintain its ad-free status, the platform charges a subscription fee of $5 per month which replaces the required revenue to run the platform that would otherwise come from advertising.
I set up my account and opted for the free trial which allows for 100 search results. Then, I was able to customize the appearance of the search engine in many ways.
After I updated some of these settings, I searched for my first test question.
Mojeek is not completely ad-free as it does display some text ads in search results. However, the ads on this platform are based only on search keywords and location and not on any data pulled from the user search engine.
Mojeek is also much less ad-intensive than other search engines, like Google. It has its own web crawler and information index. Unlike Google, Mojeek has an independent ad platform where brands can place ads directly on and separately from major search engines.
Perplexity is an AI search engine that collects, analyzes, and deconstructs information from various sources to provide a high-quality, human-like response to any question or prompt. It’s more than a regular search engine as its AI power means you don’t need to scroll through and skim various links to answers.
Perplexity combines the communication and synthesis abilities of a chatbot like ChatGPT with a search engine’s web crawling and information-gathering capabilities to provide precise and detailed responses to any prompt.
What makes it a strong Google alternative is that it, too, doesn’t rely on an innate knowledge base but can quickly scour the internet for relevant, related sources to pull together its findings.
Wolfram Alpha is a search engine that specializes in computational knowledge. It can provide very detailed responses to questions related to data, math, sciences, and other factual topics. For instance, I selected the topic “Food & Nutrition,” as seen below.
As you can see, this powerful engine can access very specific, detailed information about a wide variety of topics. There is information on this search engine that I never would have even thought to search for.
Since this search engine is so intelligent, I did try searching some basic questions to see how it would handle them. First up, I checked the average rent in New York City.
Next, I tried a more niche question that I felt was still computational:
Lastly, I tried something I might most commonly lookup on a search engine like Google, but was left empty-handed:
Startpage is unique because it doesn’t have its own index of websites or web crawler. Instead, it acts as a middleman between users and other search engines like Google.
How it works is that it submits your question on your behalf to other search engines, so that you can protect your anonymity. Therefore, you will receive Google and Bing search results while maintaining your privacy from the data tracking practices from which those search engines profit.
It’s basically the equivalent of searching in “incognito mode,” but without the hassle of having to remember to switch that mode on.
Brave Search boasts security and privacy while browsing the internet, which it manages to do by not tracking users or any of their searches. Brave Search can’t share or sell personal data because it never gets collected in the first place.
This is helpful for those who work from public computers or networks. It can also be attractive to those interested in both privacy and AI, as the platform introduced Answer with AI earlier this year. This feature has quickly become one of the largest AI solutions.
OceanHero is an incredible search engine with an environmental purpose. It generates revenue through search ads and donates the proceeds to organizations like PlasticBank who are dedicated to collecting plastic to clean up oceans.
OceanHero turns searching into a challenge. You can work towards earning as many shells as possible. Once you’ve collected 100 shells, your bottle counter increases by one to reveal how many ocean-bound plastic bottles you’ve helped rescue.
On average, five searches or 17 new tabs in the browser extension contribute to recovering one plastic bottle.
First, I had to add OceanHero as a Google Chrome extension.
Then, I followed the instructions to begin using OceanHero as my primary search engine.
Swisscows is unique in that it boasts family-friendly content, so users can feel confident in allowing their kids to use the search engine freely. In addition, this search engine has a charitable edge.
The heart icon at the top of the browser keeps track of a user’s number of searches. The search engine states that, on average, 50 searches help finance a meal for a child. You can read more about Swisscows’ social projects, impact, and donation opportunities here.
While I’ve gone over the pros and cons of using these eight search engines as a consumer, it’s equally important to know how best to operate them as a brand.
Read on for some of my tips on successfully optimizing for these Google alternatives.
It may seem obvious, but the most important part of your search engine strategy should be creating content worthy of a search. In such a crowded marketplace, with users having to decide between dozens of sources with near-identical information, it’s difficult to stand out without quality content.
Employ search engine optimization (SEO) to ensure you’re creating content around topics that users are interested in. And, while it’s important to incorporate those keywords, make sure the language on your websites, blog posts, or other platforms feels authentic and natural.
For instance, when I write my HubSpot blog posts, I integrate my opinions and experience, while still hitting keywords, which results in personalized and useful content. I also always write in my natural tone of voice to sound like my authentic self and not a robot.
Speaking of keywords, it’s important to broaden the types of keywords referenced in your content. While it’s easier to plug single-word keywords into any piece of content, it can be more profitable to incorporate longer phrases.
Long-tail keywords are typically three or more words and have lower search volumes. However, they make up a larger percentage of searches when combined and are more likely to result in conversions, since the keywords are so specific.
Backlinks are created when another website links to your website. As an example, this is now a backlink for Backlinko.
Backlinks are important as they can show users that your content is reputable. The best way to get backlinks is by giving them back to other trusted sources. Build important partnerships with brands for a mutually beneficial relationship.
As seen in this post, each search engine has a different appearance and format. This will impact how your content shows up in users’ search results. Therefore, when targeting a new search engine, you must update your content’s web experience.
For instance, some search engines like Kagi show the date of publication upfront in search results, which encourages me to refresh my content regularly so it appears recent and reliable.
Other search engines like Swisscows include a photo icon in search results, so I would want to confirm I have a high-quality, clear, relevant photo chosen alongside the URL.
I mentioned that there are search engines with special features and purposes, like OceanHero and Swisscows. It can be to your benefit to include search engines in your strategy if their niches align with your brand’s niche.
I work at Nickelodeon, so I’d assume our team has optimized our content for family-friendly search engines like Swisscows. If I were to work at a nonprofit or AI company, I’d similarly want to include search engines in those niches in my strategy.
While Google was not the first search engine, it was an early contender and unique because its founders, two PhD students from Stanford University, developed PageRank, an algorithm that listed sites in order of the number of links to them.
Since then, dozens of new search engines have emerged with different focuses, algorithms, and solutions to problems. It’s imperative, as a brand owner, to stay on top of this ever-changing landscape and accordingly update your SEO strategy.
After all, Google introduced its first AI system, RankBrain, in 2015. Less than ten years later, there are countless AI search engines and standard search engines with AI capabilities. Having an eye on trends and improving user experience will always be a necessity.
When diving into this post, I was aware of some of these non-Google search engines, but my mind is truly blown at how many options there are.
While Google still has more than 90% market share, other search engines can provide unique, individualized experiences for those willing to give them a chance.
In particular, my favorites from this list are Perplexity, which I’ve already integrated into my routine, and OceanHero.
I think both show how search engines can take the common human action of searching queries and take that to the next level to improve users’ lives or the greater world.
Google may seem like the easy, obvious choice, but there is a lot of value in incorporating some of these other search engines to better optimize your content for search.
Between shifts in technology, the economy, and consumer behavior, 2024 has brought marketers a new level of uncertainty. I’m right there with you, and I’ve bought stock in Pepto Bismal.
So when I got the chance to chat with Christophe Combette, a director of product management at Google, I wanted to know what there is to be excited about in marketing.
His surprising answer? Data privacy and first-party data.
I know, I know. Mentioning those things to marketers right now is like kicking a hornet’s nest. Core updates. iOS changes. GDPR and CCPA. The unknown future of 3rd-party cookies. It’s like a wild, marketing-themed cover of that one Billy Joel song.
![Download Now: Introduction to Data Analytics [Free Guide]](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/53/8982b6b5-d870-4c07-9ccd-49a31e661036.png)
But Combette shared how these changes are making marketing better for consumers AND marketers alike — if you start soon and play your cards thoughtfully.
And guess what? I’ve got some data-backed tips on how to do just that.
Below, you’ll learn Combette’s perspective on how first-party data will help you crush your marketing goals while earning your customers’ trust by preserving their privacy. But first, let’s jump back to what first-party data even means.
“First-party data is the data your customers are knowingly sharing with your business,” Combette explained.
When I hear from marketers that haven’t tried a first-party approach, it’s usually because they don’t truly know what it is. And, consequently, they worry that they can’t leverage it for the kinds of strategies they’re used to.
Close your eyes and imagine building a high-performance campaign using all of the following, while still respecting your customers’ consent and privacy:
Chances are, you’ve already got some good ideas in mind (you rockstar, you), and it wouldn’t take that much to get started.
With that data you could build a lookalike audience, run a re-engagement email, or create all sorts of clever segmentation or personalization. Since it’s all consentfully given, it respects your audience’s privacy. And since it comes from the source, you know it’s accurate.
And that isn’t even close to an exhaustive list.
(Side note: You’ll sometimes see a distinction made where data you gather is considered first-party, while data you’re given by customers is called “zero-party data.” To be honest, I find little value in separating the two. You should be using both and you’ll be combining them anyway.)
“You have this wealth of insights from your customers that’s aligned to your business outcomes,” Combette said. “And that combination together is one of the most powerful constructs.”
Let’s take a look at just how powerful.
When I referred to switching to first-party data as a challenge, Combette took a moment to gently correct me.
“I wouldn’t necessarily call it a challenge as much as it is a big shift in the industry,” He told me, adding with a grin, “Which comes with a big opportunity, and a competitive differentiator, if you nail it.”
And, in truth, that shift is more one of focus, rather than application. First-party data has been there all along, and many marketing teams are already using it to drive deep growth.
What’s shifting is that more businesses are getting on board.
“Some marketers have been very successful in building marketing strategies based on third-party identifiers, and first-party data is a shift for them,” he goes on. “But it’s an important one because you can derive a lot more insights from it.”
And chances are, you’ve already got the ingredients. All you need to unlock their insights are the right tools and a plan.
“It’s the data you’re already using to drive the business outcomes you want.”
Whether you’re switching strategies, or just getting started for the first time, here are some data-backed reasons to believe:
Marketers using first-party data are 93% more likely to say their team is outperforming their goals in 2024 than those who don’t use it, according to HubSpot research.
And 77% of marketers who use first-party data say it results in more personalized content and performs better than external data.
Combette counts off some use cases that really illustrate the value:
“You want to drive new customer acquisition? That information is one you can only see from first-party insights. You want to optimize towards lifetime value? It requires deep analysis of your first-party data. It’s not something you could do with third-party identifiers.”
It turns out most marketers are missing critical information on their audience—just 42% know their basic demographic information, and even fewer know their shopping habits, purchase history, and which channels they consume content/media on.
First-party data like that can be used to gain high-quality insights and deliver a highly personalized experience to your customers.
And since it's collected directly from your customers, first-party data is highly accurate and unique to your company while still respecting privacy.
But for customers to give you their personal information, they need to trust you first.
It’s no secret that folks are tired of seeing ads on every platform for something they casually looked up once.
Our Consumer Trends survey shows that close to half (45%) of consumers distrust companies with their website behavior and cookie data.
Using first-party data can make consumers feel safer sharing their personal information because it’s gathered with both their knowledge and consent — and used only by those they’ve shared it with.
Leveraging first-party sources will allow marketers to get higher-quality data while respecting consumers’ privacy, mutually benefiting both parties.
Both government regulators and consumers are demanding data privacy changes, and marketers are getting tossed around in the waves.
Luckily, execs are paying attention and giving marketers the budget they need to explore alternative measuring and advertising solutions.
Almost half (48%) of marketers say their budget has changed this year to compensate for data privacy, with 71% reporting an increase in their marketing budget.
But, to paraphrase the wise old sage, Uncle Ben: With great budget comes great responsibility. And sometimes, a few challenges.
“Building and deploying your data across environments has not always been easy or seamless,” Combette admits.
Oftentimes, marketers have to gather data with one set of tools, analyze it with another set, and then actually use those insights in yet a third set of tools.
So perhaps it's no surprise that our research shows:
So, while marketers are looking to gather high-quality data, their audiences are less likely to give it. And even when marketers find it, it lives in 10 places, and they’re not sure what to do with it.
Thankfully, we’ve got a roadmap — laid out by Christophe Combette and our own data — for how to make gathering and utilizing first-party data fast, powerful, and easy-peasy. (Lemon squeazy optional, but encouraged.)
Don’t scroll past this. This isn’t filler. This is the most important step.
If you’re familiar with using third-party identifiers to guide your marketing, you know you don’t just gather them in the hopes that you’ll somehow know what to do later. You had a use case in mind when you started.
Maybe it was targeted social ads. Maybe it was cross-platform tracking. But the data you collected was informed by a goal.
Why should first-party data be any different just because it’s freely available?
In fact, if you gather all of the first-party data you can without regard for use case, you’re more likely to overstep on privacy issues. And you’ll end up with a data puke that helps nobody.
Instead, start with your business outcomes in mind, and work backward to what data you’ll actually need.
Now that you know what data you need, it’s time to consider where it’s coming from.
“We’re all consumers ourselves. We use the app, the web, we call, we text. I do online chat sometimes,” Combette says. “We have this wealth of online touchpoints.”
And each touchpoint represents something unique about your prospect or customer.
“So the key is to have a tech stack that has a 360-view of the customer.”
That means gathering data from multiple high-quality sources. Here are the touchpoints that marketers in our survey agree are the highest quality sources of first-party data:
You’ll notice the highest-quality sources tend to come with the highest level of buy-in. That means you’ve got some convincing to do. Which brings me to …
“One of the rarest commodities out there for any of us is time. We’re constantly trying to get stuff done, and that comes with a lot of touchpoints, too,” Combette says.
Most marketers will see “touchpoints” as the subject of that sentence, and start thinking about the value they can extract. But value isn’t a one-way street. If your content isn’t worth your audiences’ limited time, then it isn’t worth their data, and those touchpoints will dry up quickly.
At HubSpot, we find a lot of success with templates, calculators, and free tools. Other businesses may choose whitepapers or webinars. For a B2C business, it may look like coupons and giveaways.
The exact offer will depend on what your particular audience values, but it absolutely must offer value.
Here’s what marketers in our survey reported as the most effective ways to incentivize customers to share data:
So now you know what data you need, you’ve identified high-quality sources, and you’ve convinced your customers to share it. Great! Now where do you put it?
In a CRM? A CDP? GGT? WQE? If you don’t know which of those acronyms I just made up on the spot, then it’s time to brush up on the different types of data platform software.
The type of software you need will depend heavily on your business model, but every business needs a single source of truth.
Our research shows that marketers with a single source of truth are 94% more likely to say their team is outperforming their goals.
Yet, only 60% of marketers have a single source of truth for all marketing data.
Collecting the data is point A, and your business goal is point B. Now the trick is: How do you get your customers from point A to point B?
You just run an ad, and then they buy, right? If you build it, they will come? Unfortunately, it’s rarely that simple.
“All of our customer journeys are becoming more complicated and fragmented. We see it on our end, too, so it’s not the purchase channel,” Combette shares. “Consumers are using five or more online sources before they buy. That could be a search, a video, going to Google maps.”
And each of those steps is a decision point where your customers could choose you… or someone else.
Only 16% of marketers have full visibility into their customer journey, yet those who do are 200% more likely to say their team is outperforming their goals.
So, if you’re looking for the competitive differentiator that Combette mentioned, you just found it. Take time to learn about customer journey analytics.
One of the biggest challenges with first-party data is using it to thoughtfully measure those five or more touchpoints Combette mentioned.
If, for example, you take an audience you built in your CRM and manually rebuild it in Google Ads, you’re going to lose a lot of time to busywork. (Time that would be more productive, say, watching paint dry.) And you’ll do it every time that audience is updated.
And that’s just one channel.
Instead, look for software solutions that automate the integration with your marketing tools.
Pro tip: Marketing Hub+ users can automatically integrate their smart CRM data straight into Google Ads Data Manager.
That means you can instantly find your audience on Search, Shopping, Youtube, Display, and more. And it works in the other direction, too, so you can instantly sync new leads back into your CRM.
And since the sync respects user preference, your advertising is automatically both privacy-compliant and consent-driven.
I took a moment to geek out with Combette about the integration, because how often do you get a chance to geek out with a Google exec?
“Our aim was to make the integration easy,” he says. “Easy to build first-party data in HubSpot and put it to use in Google Ads. Advertisers don’t have to worry about moving data and can focus on the business outcomes and strategies they want to deploy.”
And if I can humblebrag for a moment, marketers who use HubSpot and Google Ads together see an average increase of 31% more leads.
“And those leads are also cheaper. We see a 12% decrease in cost per lead within the first 90 days of linking those two products,” he adds.
To make your data truly work for you, you’ll want to apply it to as many of your marketing efforts as you can.
The trade-off for that has historically been that it requires a lot of repeat labor. (Hellooooo, building the same audiences in Facebook, LinkedIn, Display, etc., etc.)
No matter what tools you use to gather or store your data, putting it to work is where the new Google Ads Data Manager really shines.
“We want to make sure advertisers can bring in data once, and power a number of downstream use cases,” Combette says.
Through one point-and-click interface, you’re able to leverage a number of Google Ads tools and features, such as Enhanced Conversions and Customer Match—with even more coming down the pipeline.
And if you’re not familiar with those tools, Data Manager will actually walk you through setting up workflows.
“Just through 5 or 6 clicks, you can start bringing in that data for use cases we’ve guided you through,” he says. “We built Data Manager for busy marketers that want to rely on first-party data but aren’t necessarily experts in data. They don’t have a developer to write custom code.”
Then Combette smiled excitedly as he gave me a sneak peek of something Google was just getting ready to launch. A brand-new feature that ensures privacy is at the very core of the marketing process:
“We’re building confidential matching, which uses special software and hardware known as confidential computing, which enables advertisers to control their data before it even hits any Google environment. This is the first use of the technology in our Ads products, and we plan to bring this privacy-enhancing tech to more products over time.”
Which translates to more data in more use cases without worries about overstepping privacy boundaries.
Adapting to first-party data can be challenging because regulations and public opinion around data privacy are actively developing.
But if you follow these steps, you’ll be ahead of the curve on nailing a first-party data strategy that crushes your goals and delights your customers.
The most important thing marketers can do is to get started with first-party data now, and explore new marketing solutions so they are ready to adapt their data strategy when the time comes.
I can’t remember the last time I discovered a new brand by shopping in person … I know, it’s mind-boggling.
While I do enjoy a Saturday shopping spree with friends, nothing beats the convenience of browsing a company’s website for the same (and many more!) items.
I also never make a purchase without first reading reviews — and 91% of U.S. online shoppers surveyed in 2023 agree, saying they always or regularly read reviews — which are much easier to find on a company’s website.
While in-store shopping is still the overall most popular form of shopping (64% of surveyed consumers prefer shopping in-store), shopping through an online retailer like Amazon (50%) and a company’s website (30%) are the second and third most preferred methods of shopping.
Having an updated, user-friendly website is a key aspect of any business if you want to continue to attract sales.
Whether you’re starting a new business venture, developing a personal brand, or updating an outdated website, there’s no need to build web pages from scratch, which can be complicated and expensive.
I’ve shared some tips below on how to make a website using a website builder or CMS.
Table of Contents
Use the following comprehensive, step-by-step guide to create a website without the need for a coder, web designer, or big budget.
In general, carry out these steps before launching the site. But first, choose a platform.
The first thing you’ll need to decide is whether you want to create a website using a website builder or a CMS.
Let’s take a look at the definitions of each below.
| Website Builder |
Content Management System (CMS) |
| A website builder is a solution that offers domain names, SSL certificates, and templates in one package, typically at a monthly or yearly subscription fee. |
A content management system is a platform where you place your website’s content and media files. Domain names, SSL certificates, and hosting are typically purchased separately. |
Both website builders and CMS platforms provide the out-of-the-box features, pre-designed templates, and extensions required to create a custom site without coding but offer different experiences for creating and managing a website.
| Website Builders |
CMS Platforms |
|
|
Here are some examples of website builders and CMS platforms you could use.
| Website Builder Examples |
CMS Examples |
|
|
A website builder is the easiest way to make a website if you’re a beginner.
I myself have used free website builders such as Wix and WordPress.com in college when writing for campus blogs and magazines, and I felt the interfaces were always straightforward for newcomers to learn.
Follow the below steps to create a site using a website builder.
First up, choose a website builder that fits your needs and budget. Consider the following:
No matter what, always start with a free trial. I enjoy using free plans or trials to create a generic “test” website. This may not end up being your official business web page, but it’s a great way to test out some of the website builder’s features before committing.
I recommend checking out HubSpot's Website Builder for free.
While most website builders come with a free subscription tier, they typically won’t offer a free domain name or the advanced features needed to produce a strong, consumer-facing website. I recommend opting for a paid subscription once you have decided which platform you prefer.
| Website Builder |
Plans |
Good Fit For: |
| WordPress.com |
Blogs |
|
| Wix |
General Websites |
|
| Weebly |
General Websites |
|
| Shopify |
Ecommerce Stores |
|
| Squarespace |
Creative Websites |
|
| HubSpot |
General Websites |
A free plan is a good way to build your business while navigating a new platform. But as you grow, I suggest upgrading to a subscription, as free plans typically don’t include enough features to scale and maintain a professional website.
Before upgrading, look at the features included in each tier to choose the best subscription.
Consider the following questions before choosing a subscription plan:
Most website builders have a pricing page that lays out the differences between plans in an easy-to-scan list. Consider starting with the simplest subscription and upgrading if and when you require more features and functionalities.
Some of the best website builders offer a free subdomain for your site, but upgrading to a paid subscription will get you a custom domain.
A custom domain name is one of the easiest ways to appear more professional and legitimate as a company. Imagine if, as a freelance writer, I was trying to share my portfolio website with potential employers. Which domain sounds more professional: swethaamaresan.weebly.com or swethaamaresan.com?
The good news is that after you upgrade, your premium website builder subscription will include a domain name for free, at least for the first year. You’ll be able to choose it as you’re setting up the site, or do it later.
It can be difficult to come up with website name ideas, so consider short, descriptive, and unique options. Use website name generators like 10Web AI Business Name Generator to yield ideas, or check if original domain ideas are available by using a service such as GoDaddy.
During the setup process, the website builder will take you to a template library, where you can choose a premade layout to set up your site. Most website builders will suggest a different template depending on the type of business or brand you run. For instance, you can choose a template that’s specifically made for:
Every template should have essential features such as a built-in responsive setting and drag-and-drop page editor. The website builder should also allow demo data import, so you only have to replace the images and text and not tinker with anything else during the setup process.
The issue with a template is that someone may have already used the same one. My advice is to use a premade template to save some time, but customize it to your liking.
On most platforms, you can change the color palette, replace images, insert social media icons, add personalized forms and menus, and change the size, colors, and fonts of buttons.
For beautiful templates that are easy to customize, check out some of the best free Content Hub themes.
Next, it’s time to add pages to your site. You’ll need to create, at a minimum:
You’ll also want to create specific service pages. For instance, if I were selling “Digital Marketing Services,” I would create pages titled “Social Media Marketing Packages” and “Search Engine Marketing Services” under the digital marketing services umbrella.
Titles show up in search results, so it’s important to put the topic of each page, or target keywords, into the title of each page and subpage to optimize for search.
The arguably most important step (and my personal favorite!) is writing optimized content to put on all of the pages you’ve created. Get content inspiration from competitors or use an AI tool like Jasper.ai or HubSpot’s AI Content Writer to help you come up with ideas, create an outline, or optimize existing content.
Aim for at least 600 words per page to provide quality content to visitors. Write the text in an editor such as Google Docs and use a grammar checker like Grammarly to ensure the copy is error-free.
Lastly, compress images before uploading with a tool such as Toolur or TinyJPG. These steps will ensure your content helps you rank on Google and other search engines.
Before pushing your site live, fill in the general settings. This is the same list you would run through if you were setting up your site on a CMS platform.
Here’s what you’ll want to adjust:
Include a site title and tagline in the “Settings” of the website builder. Check out the URLs — are those optimized for search? Any website builder should make it easy to optimize these elements on every post and page.
With HubSpot, for example, I can add image alt-text, meta descriptions, headings, and custom URLs right in the CMS.
Last but not least, install add-ons from the website builder’s library of extensions and add-ons to increase your website’s functionality. For instance, in the HubSpot App Marketplace, I can filter for, browse, and add a number of different CMS apps and integrations.
Once all the pages, content, and plugins are in place, it’s time to push your site live. After that, simply watch your organic traffic grow.
And remember: If a website builder doesn’t work for you, you’ll always be able to switch over to a CMS. Speaking of CMS, let's review the steps involved in creating a website with a CMS.
Creating a website with a CMS is a little different than setting up a site with a website builder — mainly because you’ll have to buy a domain name and web hosting on your own. But the process is just as simple, and the powerful customization options make the extra steps worth it.
Here’s some advice from HubSpot’s Content Hub Senior Product Marketing Manager, Alex Girard, “When building a website, you want to make sure your content helps your customers achieve their goal with your business.”
For example:
“Interview your customers about their experience on your website, and don’t be afraid to run experiments on your copy or on other elements of your website,” Girard says. “Constantly iterating on the experience you provide your customers will help you perfect your website over time."
Below, I cover making a website using a CMS from start to finish.
The best CMS system will align with your business’s needs and goals.
Let’s talk about some of the features you’d get from using HubSpot Content Hub to give you an idea of some of the benefits of using content management software.
HubSpot Content Hub is a web content management system that's built on HubSpot’s all-in-one CRM Platform. As a result, your team will have the tools necessary to offer a delightful and modern digital experience.
Pro tip: Get HubSpot Content Hub, the content platform for marketers, developers, and IT teams that's built on your all-in-one CRM platform.
Below, I broke down some of the most popular website builders to choose from, including Content Hub.
| CMS |
Plans |
Good Fit For |
| Content Hub |
Scaling Businesses |
|
| WordPress.org |
Free |
General Websites |
| Adobe Experience Manager |
Enterprise Businesses |
|
| Joomla |
Free |
General Websites (Recommended for Advanced Users) |
| Drupal |
Free |
General Websites (Recommended for Advanced Users) |
It’s worth noting that while WordPress.org, Joomla, and Drupal are free, you’ll have to pay for domain names, SSL certificates, hosting, and premium themes and templates, adding to your set-up costs. You might also need the help of a developer if you opt for Joomla and Drupal.
It’s helpful to narrow down the many CMS options by considering the following questions:
Web hosting is a service that enables individuals or businesses to run a website on the internet. The service provider, known as a web host, will store your website files on a secure server that it keeps up and running, then deliver and display that web content to visitors who type your URL in their browser.
Website builders include hosting in their packages, but many content management systems don’t work this way. However, HubSpot’s CMS software offers website hosting for free and doesn’t charge extra for usage.
With other CMS software, you'll have to find your own hosting provider. There are hundreds of web hosts on the market offering different types of hosting, including shared hosting, VPS, and dedicated hosting.
Let’s briefly look at the differences below:
Once you've decided what hosting you need, pick a provider. DreamHost, HostGator, and Bluehost are among the most popular third-party providers and offer free domain registration for the first year.
After this step, you can essentially follow the same steps listed for using a website builder.
Now, I will walk you through how to make a website with Content Hub. If you’re already using HubSpot’s CRM platform, it makes sense to develop a website within HubSpot to integrate all your sales and marketing needs in one place.
Content Hub offers a variety of plugins and extensions, themed templates, and sophisticated tools for SEO analysis.
Using Content Hub is easy and intuitive. Don’t forget to get a domain name and hosting before starting to build your site.
Here’s how.
Within your HubSpot portal, click Marketing on the dashboard at the top of your screen. Navigate down to Website, then click Website Pages.
After that, click the orange Create button and choose Website Page from the drop-down.
Now, you’ll be taken to this Choose a theme page. Scroll through your options, search page templates, or check out the Marketplace. When you’ve found a template you like, select it.
This is your web page. Scroll over text boxes, images, or other modules to edit them. In the below picture, I scrolled over the “Practice Yoga” Banner Text, and when I click it, it allows me to edit that text.
Alternatively, click the Contents tool on the left side of the screen and edit from there. For instance, I selected one Rich Text option, which directed me to the “Vinyasa” paragraph on the page.
Then, add text, images, sections, forms, and more in the expanded view.
When you’re happy with your homepage, return to the dashboard and click Marketing in the top bar, and then Website Pages again.
Here, you’ll click the orange Create button and name your page, just like your homepage. Then, you’ll be taken through a similar process of choosing a template and adding content.
If you want a more in-depth tutorial, check out a quick tour of building web pages.
I highly recommend connecting your social media accounts to your website. Since one in four people prefer searching for brands by using social media, it’s helpful if your websites and social media accounts backlink to each other.
To do this, go to Marketing > Social on your dashboard. Monitor all social media accounts and publish X posts, Facebook statuses and comments, Instagram posts, and other content straight from your HubSpot dashboard.
To view your site analytics, go to Reports > Analytics Tools. You’ll need to install the tracking code, which is easy to do within the HubSpot platform by clicking the orange Install the tracking code button.
If you’re still unsure, check out how to install the HubSpot tracking code.
If you want to write blog posts, which I highly recommend as a way to provide direct value to consumers while optimizing for search, go to Marketing > Website > Blog on your dashboard to create, publish, and monitor your website’s blog posts.
Lastly, it’s time to install an app from the HubSpot App Marketplace to extend the functionality of your website. Here’s how:
Once you’ve completed these steps, click Publish and your site will be ready for use!
This is a broad and general overview to get you started building a website with Content Hub. However, there are plenty of more in-depth features and tools I suggest exploring with a HubSpot specialist or by checking out HubSpot’s Help Center.
Once you’ve double and triple-checked your work and feel prepared for the website launch, check out our website launch checklist for a final, detailed list of steps to run through before actually publishing.
The cost of building a small business website can range from $500 to $2,500, but the price can be higher if you’re working with a developer.
You should also take into account recurring costs such as hosting, domain name registration, website migration, and SSL certification.
Creating a website isn’t hard if you use a website builder that packages everything for you. In general, you won’t need to touch a single line of code.
You can create a website for free by signing up for a free subscription on a website builder platform such as HubSpot, Wix, or Weebly.
However, you will have a branded subdomain from the provider (e.g., yourname.weebly.com), branding on the website, and limitations in design, features, and functionalities. Therefore, I recommend upgrading to a paid subscription once you get started and are ready to scale.
You can build a website from scratch using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and sometimes PHP. Combine these files and upload them to your web host’s file manager. (You’ll still need to purchase a hosting service and register a domain.)
Freelance web designers have an average rate of $25/hour. On average, a simple website can cost a couple thousand dollars, a corporate website with multiple pages can cost $3,000-5,000, and a premium, custom website design will cost $10,000 at minimum.
It depends on how complex it is. Building your own website can take a matter of weeks, whereas hiring a website developer can result in a five- to six-month project.
Ready to put your new skills to the test? Take a look at some tips you can use to guide the creation of your site.
Building a website is a must-do for anyone who wants to be online. Not only does it help your business appear more professional and established, but it’s also one of the main ways consumers can discover your brand.
I primarily use brand websites to discover and purchase products, but I didn’t realize how challenging and costly it can be to develop and maintain a website from scratch.
It’s amazing that we have access to intuitive website builders and CMS products that establish a more efficient and effective website creation process.
This step-by-step guide will help you create a truly special website that accurately represents the brand you care so much about.
Editor's note: This post was originally published in May 2018 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.
Creating social media strategies can be overwhelming — especially when launching a new brand or building an online presence from scratch.
I remember looking at all the channels, tools, and features, thinking, “How am I supposed to fit all of this into a marketing strategy?” And if you don’t have a dedicated social media team, it gets even tougher.
But here's what I learned: Success online comes down to having a strategy that’s simple, realistic, and works with the resources you have.
I recently sat down with three top-tier social media experts and dove into HubSpot's 2024 State of Social Media Report. Together, we explored how to develop a strategy that drives traffic and delivers real ROI to your brand.
Think of your social media strategy as the master plan for how you create, post, and engage with your social media content.
It encompasses social content guidelines, posting cadence, social media marketing campaigns, target audience, and engagement strategy that promote your business and brand.
To track and analyze your social media marketing performance, HubSpot’s Marketing Analytics and Dashboard Software can help you get insights, including customer lifecycle.
Many companies use social media to connect with customers, provide support, advertise new products and features, and promote special offers.
According to our most recent State of Social Media Report, social media marketers' top challenges are:
While these are some of the trickiest challenges, they‘re also the items you’ll want to think about most when making an effective plan.
Ultimately, well-thought-out social media strategies equip you to set goals and guardrails, track performance, and tweak your benchmarks over time.
“One of the biggest challenges, I think, social media marketers face is saturation and competition. There's so much content on social media that sometimes it makes it challenging to stand out from the crowd.
Having a robust strategy that understands the target audience includes strong copy and unique content can help to cut through the noise,” says Ellie Nash, social community executive at Kurago.
Without a starting point, you can‘t measure what’s working and how to shift your activity to hit your goals.
A social media strategy also helps you set expectations for broader team involvement and get everyone aligned on what they should and shouldn't do on your social networks.
If you haven’t already identified and documented your buyer personas, start by defining the key demographics of the audience you’re trying to reach — such as age, gender, occupation, income, hobbies, and interests.
To reach your audience without annoying them, you must first understand what they want and why.
Are social media users visiting these apps to learn, explore, shop, or just have a good time?
In our most recent State of Consumer Trends Survey, we asked over 500 general consumers to pick the three most common reasons they use social media.
While 65% actually use it socially to keep up with friends, 53% just want to be entertained while 50% want to learn new things. Unfortunately, 28% say they prefer to go on social media to learn about new products or brands.
The good news?
Later in the survey, when we asked consumers how they prefer to research and learn about brands and products, a whopping 41% said they like to do this on social media channels (a slight increase from a similar survey we ran six months prior).
While Gen X and Boomers skew lower on this average, Gen Z and Millennial generations are using social for brand research more often — which is not surprising due to their hyper-connectedness to the web.
As you might be able to tell from our data above, your target audience plays a role in how successful the right strategy will be. And, better catering to them helps you create focused advertising that addresses your ideal consumer’s specific needs.
For instance, the sponsored post below by Monday.com, a project management platform, highlights the platform’s flexibility and workflow customization feature.
The post targets business owners and project managers who may feel limited by other project management software.
What does this mean for you?
Consider your ideal consumer’s challenges and what problems they're solving daily. Focus on no more than four types of people representing most of your buyers. Don’t get hung up on the exceptions or outliers, or you’ll never get started.
Once you start creating content for your audience, prioritize engaging your audience at every level.
Pay close attention to any questions or comments your audience posts. And be quick to address them, as that engagement could make or break a conversion or purchase.
Consumers like feeling like they’re part of a community when they’re on your social media pages. More than 1 in 5 social media users joined or participated in an online community in the last year.
Speaking of communities, creating social media groups is a smart move to attract, keep, and engage the audience, with 90% of marketers agreeing.
Here's why:
In 2020, HubSpot made a small Facebook Group called Marketer to Marketer with 4.9k followers. It‘s not as big as our Facebook page, but conversions prove it’s worth it.
💡 Pro tip: To reach the right audience, use social listening tools. These tools check social media for keywords, assess if the talk is positive or negative, and give you reports. I often use this info to create buyer personas for better targeting.
Social media isn’t just for discovering products anymore — it’s becoming a place to buy them, too. People love the convenience of shopping directly in the app where they first see something they like.
In fact, a quarter of social media marketers already say social shopping tools are more effective than traditional ecommerce sites. And looking ahead, 80% of them believe consumers will eventually shop more within apps than on brand websites or through third-party platforms.
By mid-2023, 25% of users aged 18 to 44 had already bought something via social media. I’m betting that number will climb in 2024.
And this isn’t just happening in one part of the world. If we look at how this trend is fairing across the globe, several other countries have already made social media shopping a norm.
For example, check out this comparison of data from the U.K., China, and the U.S.:
So what’s the takeaway?
If you sell products, social media should be a key part of your ecommerce strategy in 2024. It doesn't matter where you are. Social selling is a big deal — so it’s time to take it seriously.
Most platforms offer built-in ecommerce features like shoppable posts, and almost half (47%) of social media marketers are already selling directly within apps.
The most popular social selling tools for marketers are:
(Psst: Need help building a Facebook page for your business? We have you covered.)
If you need inspiration for incorporating ecommerce into your social strategy, take a cue from Sephora.
Whenever the beauty brand posts a product image, it includes a product tag that links directly to its shoppable page. It’s seamless — followers can make a purchase without ever leaving the app.
The key to social selling success is trust. While Sephora has an established reputation, you can build trust by sharing customer reviews, user-generated content (UGC), and product info.
💡 Pro tip: Go with image, video, and carousel ads for brand awareness to emphasize store visits, ad impressions, and engagement. For increased sales, select product, collection, or shopping ads to drive direct purchases and product page visits.
Social search is on the rise.
As more people turn to social with their queries instead of search engines, 89% of social media marketers agree that social search is important to their overall social media strategies in 2023.
Nearly 24% of consumers aged 18-54 use social media first to search for brands.
For marketers, this means your social channels must be optimized for search. Prioritize social SEO if you want your social channels to show up in the results when your audience searches for your brand.
Similar to optimizing for search engines like Google, you can optimize your social presence.
Here's how:
When adding alt-text, avoid stuffing keywords, says Annie-Mai Hodge, director and founder of Girl Power Marketing.
“This feature describes the image on a page for the visually impaired, so it’s important you describe the image accurately. In doing that, you’re providing extra context for the social platform too, which can, in turn, get your content more visibility in search results,” says Hodge.
Over 30% of U.S. desktop searches on Google feature video carousels and video results, according to Semrush Sensor.
For instance, I searched for “best gaming laptops in 2024,” and the second result was a YouTube video. So, being active on YouTube to promote your brand is worth considering.
💡 Pro tip: You don’t need to film an hour-long video. Even short videos — think YouTube Shorts — can help you rank higher in SERP. You can use UGC videos and testimonials for that purpose.
Most small businesses or social teams don’t have the bandwidth to establish and sustain a quality social media presence on every single channel. And learning the ins and outs of each one? Totally overwhelming.
That’s why it makes sense to focus on the platforms that will bring the best ROI. For many brands, that’s Instagram.
Instagram has proven to be the best source of ROI, engagement, and quality leads. Additionally, 23% of marketers believe Instagram offers brands the most potential to grow their audiences in 2023.
Plus, adding an Instagram feed to your website keeps things fresh and can even nudge more people towards making a purchase — social media content has been shown to boost conversions by up to 29%.
If you’re not tech-savvy, no worries. With tools like Flockler, you can easily embed your Instagram feed and make your website more dynamic. See their easy guide on how to embed an Instagram feed on a website.
Brands also need to be strategic about where they show up.
“The platform can say a lot about the brand itself. With more and more consumers being more in tune with how they spend their money and whether corporations' ideals align with theirs, this is becoming more of a consideration for brands in the long run,” says Tameka Bazile, social media strategy manager at TIME.
If you want to create a strong social media strategy from scratch, start small.
If you're just starting out, don’t stretch yourself thin. Research where your target audience hangs out. For example, if you’re aiming for business professionals, LinkedIn might be a better fit than Instagram.
Bazile says brands should also consider the following when it comes to expanding across multiple platforms:
I recently read insightful expert perspectives on this LinkedIn article about picking the right social media platform.
Amidst all the chatter, Roel Timmermans' comment caught my attention:
Or as Annie-Mai Hodge says, “You don’t need to be on every single social media platform, full stop—for most businesses, it’s a waste of time and resources to be on platforms where your audience isn’t active.”
When creating your strategy, Hodge says, “You would’ve looked at where your audience is, what your competitors are doing, and what you’re aiming to achieve with social media — all of this will help inform you as to what social media channels you should be focusing on.”
💡 Pro tip: Check where your competitors are most active and what kind of content they post. You’ll see what works or doesn't and how engaged their audience is. Don’t copy them — just use that info to make smart decisions for your strategy.
As I mentioned, every social media platform has its own vibe.
The way people engage, the type of content they expect — it all varies. So, if you want your posts to land, you've got to adapt your content to fit each platform’s style and tone.
For example:
When you get it right, content tailored to the platform builds trust and boosts engagement.
Take Instagram, where you should focus on crisp images or short videos with punchy captions. On LinkedIn, you’ll want to lean into thought leadership and industry expertise. And for TikTok, it’s humor, challenges, or fun behind-the-scenes moments that humanize your brand.
Wendy’s is a great example of this.
The brand's Twitter game is sharp and sarcastic — perfect for the platform’s fast-paced nature.
But on Instagram, Wendy switches gears with polished posts featuring new menu items and vibrant photography.
💡 Pro tip: Instagram stories and TikTok challenges are perfect for casual, day-in-the-life content. Save the deep dives for YouTube and LinkedIn, where people are looking for more in-depth insights.
Why stress over creating different content for each platform?
Keep it simple: repurpose and use the same awesome content in different places — within reason, of course.
According to our research, most marketers repurpose content in some way, shape, or form, while 19% consider it one of their key strategies. Meanwhile, 40% plan to invest more in content repurposing in 2024.
This makes sense. By recycling content, you can:
We at HubSpot love repurposing content — from simple LinkedIn posts like this …
… to hilarious TikTok video:
However, one word to the wise: Don’t lean on it for every single campaign.
Although most marketers do it, only 7% told us it yields them substantial ROI compared to content that's more catered to platforms.
If you’re short on time or trying out a new platform similar to the one you already use, go ahead and make small tweaks to optimize content across channels. I’d say it’s worth experimenting, as long as you’re delivering what your audience wants.
Just be careful not to spam them with the same content over and over again — that’s a quick way to lose their attention.
💡 Pro tip: Looking for a creative content idea that feels more personal than repurposed? Make catchy quote pictures from customer thoughts, share email insights on X or LinkedIn, and whip up quick videos from podcasts — people love that kind of stuff.
When putting together your social media strategy, consider how you’ll use your channels for customer service.
Social media is so ingrained in our day-to-day lives, so it’s no surprise that people turn to these platforms for everything, from brand discovery to customer service.
According to our State of Social Media and Consumer Trends research, 1 in 5 social media users contact a brand through social DMs for customer service each quarter.
43% of marketers use customer service reps, 41% rely on platform managers, and 13% employ automated tools like chatbots.
Whether you create a separate account dedicated to customer service or have an auto-reply set up when people DM you on Instagram, have a plan for how you’ll handle customer support through social media.
You can add working hours in the Support page’s bio so people know when to expect help. Consider what Twitch did in its X profile:
Now, let’s talk a little bit about the importance of good customer service on social media.
According to Khoros research:
💡 Pro tip: Apart from clearly stating working hours, let customers know the expected response time and inform them about quicker alternative resources if available.
Social media isn’t an exact science, and it definitely doesn’t work the same for every business or industry.
To make it work for you, create a clear posting schedule that helps your team stay consistent with content.
HubSpot offers some great social media tools and templates that help you plan your content and build a solid posting schedule and social media calendar.
One method I’ve found effective is from Tameka Bazile, who shared a neat way to categorize social media content:
Here’s how she categorizes it:
“Breaking down content into these buckets allows social teams to maintain regular presences online while also separating content data into easily trackable pieces,” she says.
Set realistic goals for how often you'll post and engage, and stick to the posting schedule you’ve created. It’s all about consistency!
💡 Pro tip: Choose platforms that allow easy editing and content management within your team. This ensures smooth collaboration and calendar updates.
In our latest Consumer Trends research, 41% of consumers pointed to relatability as the most memorable aspect of posts from brands or companies on social or the web.
Friendly brands win more followers (and hearts). So, skip the self-promotion overload. Instead, get into conversations and respond to comments authentically.
People love it when you chat with them, not just throw information their way. It makes them feel special, creating a genuine affection for your brand.
And no, you don't have to sound super professional. Casual talk works even better on social media. Just take a cue from McDonald’s:
I personally can’t get enough of BMW and its fantastic relationship with fans and followers. They always try to respond to every comment on social media:
And here’s something interesting to remember — very few people, less than one percent, interact with brands’ posts.
Here are the platform breakdowns.
So, once you get a comment, find the right way to interact and show that you care.
Don't just ghost and ignore. These comments boost your post higher in algorithms and make it more visible.
💡 Pro tip: Never delete negative comments unless they’re super offensive or inappropriate. Instead, use them as an opportunity for constructive engagement and improvement.
It’s hard to know what to focus on if you don’t have goals, a roadmap, or a clear brand strategy. You’ll end up lost in the noise of social media, unsure of what’s working or what to prioritize.
As Bazile says, “Without goals, a product roadmap, or even a full brand strategy, social media managers will struggle to know what to prioritize in the social space, what metrics to measure to convey progress, and what sort of content or social presence is ideal for the brand.”
There’s a lot you can track on social media with the right tools, but let’s not get overwhelmed.
Start with the basics. For example, how much traffic are your social channels driving to your website or blog?
Once you’ve got a handle on that, use tools like Facebook’s Page Insights, Instagram’s Account Insights, and LinkedIn’s Visitor Analytics to spot trends in engagement.
Look for patterns around what topics or keywords get the most attention.
Once you know what your average traffic and post performance look like, it’s time to set some goals.
Choose metrics that are simple and easy to track — otherwise, you’ll lose motivation fast. Things like total interactions, traffic to your site, and social-driven revenue are a great place to start.
“One of the most valuable indicators, in my opinion, is impressions,” Nash says, “Impressions measure the number of times a piece of content is displayed on users' screens and help to evaluate the effectiveness of your content strategy in terms of exposure and brand awareness.”
💡 Pro tip: Don’t only focus on platform numbers. Track the social sentiment as well. See if people express positive or negative feelings about you in online conversations. It takes a bit of manual work, but it's worth it. Check regularly for better insights.
Social media won't start working overnight.
Establishing a following, stabilizing your brand, and seeing the results of your efforts take time. So, experiment to find the right combination of channels, content, and messaging that works for your audience.
We can pick up some cool tricks from Victoria's Secret in this regard.
The company has shifted from using only professional photos and videos to incorporating more casual content. Now, VS’s Insta feed also includes UGC and interviews with random people on the street and in their stores.
Victoria‘s Secret proves that even as a high-end brand, you don’t lose anything by including everyday people.
Actually, you gain.
More followers. More engagement. More exposure.
Keep track of changes in your post views, audience demographics, and post interactions, and make changes as needed.
Over time, you can adjust your posting schedule, content, and personas based on the collected information, which will help you fine-tune your strategy and generate more consistent results.
I get it: trying new stuff might seem a bit daring, but sometimes, it's just necessary to “survive.”
For instance, try to use funny content whenever possible.
In our 2023 survey of over a thousand global social media marketers, 66% said funny content works best, followed by relatable (63%) and trendy (59%) content. While 45% talk only about their brand values, the key is to use humor for the most impact.
Don't believe that humor can pay the bills? One-third, or 34% of Consumer Trends respondents also told us funny content is most memorable to them.
I asked Hodge about a time when changing tactics improved social media results. She recalls that at the start of 2023, Girl Power Marketing stopped growing on social media and started losing engagement.
“It wasn’t until I sat down and reassessed my strategy that I was missing something, and that was humanization,” Hodge recounts. “Why should people trust my thoughts, opinions, and guidance if they have no clue who was behind GPM or the mission behind it?”
Hodge shares that she started showing up more intentionally. She created content that showed more of herself, her personality, and GPM’s mission.
“And a year later, GPM has grown to a community of 180k+ people — all because I switched up my tactics that no longer worked,” says Hodge.
💡 Pro tip: Tailor your content to match seasonal trends and holidays. This helps keep your brand messaging timely and relatable. And most importantly — people love it.
These tips will boost your ROI now, but make sure to stay prepared for the inevitable shifts as new tools, channels, and trends emerge.
To stay on top of things without feeling overwhelmed, I recommend following research like our State of Social Media Report. You can also check out our blog for real, actionable insights on the trends and strategies you need to keep on your radar.
Editor's note: This post was originally published in February 2016 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.
Hi,
I created lots of link for my websites but, they didn't generate as a backlink. What I can do to make them appear as backlinks?
Capture the timeless elegance and charm of Italy with our curated selection of the best Italian-style fonts.
Whether you’re designing for a luxury brand, a rustic restaurant, or a high-end fashion label, Italian-inspired fonts can bring a sense of sophistication and flair to your projects. These fonts reflect the rich heritage of Italian design, from the classic, ornate styles of old-world Italy to sleek, modern typefaces inspired by the country’s famous art, architecture, and fashion.
In this post, we’ve handpicked the best Italian-style fonts that embody the beauty, culture, and craftsmanship Italy is known for. From elegant serif fonts that channel the grandeur of Renaissance architecture to playful, script styles reminiscent of Italian cafés and boutiques, these typefaces will help you create a design with authentic Italian flavor. Have a look.
Marcopolo is a creative Italian-style font, featuring a striking contrast deco style. This unique uppercase typeface also offers intriguing lowercase designs and comprehensive multilingual support. From Afrikaans to Zulu, it effectively communicates in diverse languages, making it a versatile choice for global projects.
Fiorent Deco is an Italian-style display font that embodies Art Deco simplicity. With its clean, modern letterforms imbued with a classic, retro feel, this all-caps font is fitting for headlines, branding, or logotypes. Inspired by Italian cafes, it includes stylish alternatives for certain characters, like the letter ‘S’. This font is especially ideal for food product packaging, menu designs, or cafe and restaurant branding.
CA Capoli is a beautifully refined script typeface with an authentic vintage flair. Inspired by a 1950’s font found on an Italian ceramic ashtray during a trip, the creators aimed to fill in the blanks of the mystery alphabet. Featuring Regular and Stroke styles alongside a Central European character set and alternative options, CA Capoli is ideal for illustrative titles or logos needing a touch of Italian elegance.
Praline Amaretto is an Italian-style Serif Font complete with 91 unique, handcrafted glyphs. This inclusive font features both uppercase and lowercase glyphs along with numbers and punctuation. In the near future, this font will also support multilingual glyphs. Perfect for crafting aesthetically pleasing typography for personal or client-based projects.
Pesto is a sleek, light sans-serif typeface with a multilingual flair. Perfect for imbuing a vintage vibe into logos, branding, arts or text for articles, this versatile TTF font supports a broad spectrum of languages including Spanish, Portuguese, German, Danish, French, Italian, and even Cyrillic.
The Gallery is a modern and stylish font that adds a touch of sophistication to your designs. Available in both OTF and TTF files, it supports a wide variety of characters including uppercase, lowercase, numbers, punctuations, and ligatures. The font also offers expansive language support, making it a versatile choice for international projects.
Restaconme is an Italian-inspired modern script font ideal for creative projects. Its hand-lettering style design, inspired by Italian pianist Ludovico Einaudi, adds an elegant touch to any project. Making Restaconme a perfect choice for use on apparel, invitations, product packaging, headers, logotype, letterheads, posters, labels and more.
Check out Lico, a vintage Italian-inspired font with a fun retro pop twist. The stylistic alternates and ligatures in each letter lend uniqueness to your writing, making Lico ideal for a variety of visual projects ranging from branding and logos to social media content, and even weddings. Lico comes in uppercase, lowercase, punctuation, numerical, ligatures, alternates, and supports multiple languages.
Neretto Sans is a sleek Italian style font based on the Sensi Bold design by Valerio Dell’Edera. The name Neretto, an Italian term for thick, black type, perfectly describes this contemporary sans serif font. Ideal for magazine titles and logotypes, this font includes updated ligatures, along with a complete glyph set.
The Rigoletto is a sophisticated, monoline-style font. With its Sans Serif fonts amplifying the sleek script, it emanates an expensive and tidy elegance. Offering 70 alternates, Rigoletto provides substantial flexibility in design. It supports multiple languages, from English to Swedish, making it versatile for international use. This font is particularly suitable for logotypes, wedding invites, vintage labels, and romantic cards.
Matrole is a versatile, vintage Italian-style serif font with three unique styles: clean, rough, and stamp. Providing a comprehensive suite with multilingual characters and stylistic alternates, Matrole is well-suited for various applications including quotes, clothing designs, vintage logos, labels, posters, and packaging designs.
Montrelo is a chic, modern sans-serif font that emanates Italian elegance. Versatile for any size and medium, it is ideal for branding, social media content, wedding designs, advertisements and product packaging. Montrelo also includes a host of features like OTF, TTF, and WOFF formats, various glyphs, alternates, ligature and multilingual support.
This is a beautifully crafted, Italian-style font with a vintage, handmade appeal. Its versatility makes it suitable for an array of graphic design projects such as logos, posters, prints, business cards, and even clothing designs. This opentype feature-rich and PUA Encoded font also supports 23 languages, making it a globally friendly typeface.
Hopscotch is a charming Italian-style font with whimsical handwritten doodles. Its playful summer tone, complete with a bouncy baseline and full alternate set in uppercase letters, makes it an excellent choice for prints, invitations, greeting cards, and custom typography.
LATUNA, a modern Italian serif font that brings a distinctive and premium touch to any project. The package includes regular and italic versions, web font, ligatures, alternates, and multilingual support. It supports 65 languages from Afrikaans to Zulu.
Romaben is an elegant vintage Italian-styled font that exudes a nostalgic charm reminiscent of the 70s, 80s, and 90s. This font captures the timeless appeal of old-fashioned design, making it an ideal choice for a variety of projects – from logos, advertisements, and branding projects to invitation designs and product labels.
Nethan is an Italian-style font that gives a distinct, premium touch to your projects. The package includes regular and italic versions of the font in various formats, and comes with added ligatures, alternatives, and multilingual support for 65 languages.
DeMonte is an appealing sans serif millennial-generation font, delicately crafted for a soft visual impact. With its 10 weight variations, this diverse font family stylishly accommodates a multitude of languages, including French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and more.
Featuring thin lines and a minimalist look, this slab-serif font will allow you to craft beautiful titles, badges, and signage for various projects. The font features an Italian-inspired letter design. And it’s free for personal use.
This free font is perfect for crafting a bold title for your Italian restaurant or cafe shop. The font comes with a brush-style letter design inspired by Italian typography. It’s free to use with personal projects.
Mantey is a professional-looking font you can use for all sorts of business design needs. It features a clean letter design inspired by Italian style but with a simple and bold look. It’s free for personal use only.
Marcione is another great free font you can use to craft Italian-themed typography. It comes with a tall and narrow letter design that will fit perfectly with Italian restaurant and hotel branding designs. It’s free for personal use.
A stylish Italian script font that features creative curves and swirly letters. This font is ideal for more romantic-themed typography designs as well as greeting cards, T-shirts, and more. It’s free to use with personal projects.