The Beginners Guide To Dealing With Website Downtime

26 September 2019

According to recent research, the average website is down for about three hours per month as a result of downtime to web hosting servers. The 99.9% uptime guarantee and refund policies offered by most to hosting provider, won’t matter if you have lost traffic as a result of downtime. On average businesses can lose $10.6 million a year as a result of website downtime.

What Are The Major Causes Of Website Downtime?

Website downtime occur for reasons,some of them include:

Website code issues: poor programming can cause heavy loads on servers which leads to database error then eventually, makes the site unresponsive

Hacker attacks: a website can be brought down by attack from hackers in various ways – the server can be overloaded with DOS attacks, or malicious code is injected to steal security credentials – either way, the website owners are often forced to shut down the site in order to resolve the problem.

Data Centre issues: downtime can be caused by the hosting company itself. In this instance, uptime monitoring tools come in handy because they allow you to track the reliability of your web hosting company.

Increased traffic: increased traffic is probably one of the leading causes of website downtime. The only way to keep your site up and running even when there is a traffic surge is to engage the services of a reliable web hosting provider – a fully functional optimized website would be useless if your web host is unreliable.

How To Protect Your Website From Downtime

It’s been established, website downtime can negatively impact an online business bottom line, therefore it is important to have protective measures in place to safeguard your business. Some of these methods include:

DNS management: is a service that automatically reroutes traffic from the affected server to a secondary server.

Backup recovery: setting up a secondary hosting account with a different hosting provider on a different server is a great backup option, that makes it easy for you to get your website online if your primary server experiences downtime

CDN: this network will basically store and deliver all cached content from your website and will protect it, in the occurrence of any short time downtime.

The combination of DNS management, a content delivery network (CDN) and a backup host- backup listing will go a long way in protecting your website from experiencing short or long-term downtime.

How To Avoid Prolonged Downtime With A Great Website Recovery Plan

Website downtime is unavoidable -site updates, extreme weather or equipment upgrade can cause website downtime. A website recovery plan and backup are are important to keep unplanned downtime from adversely affecting your business. Before setting up a website backup and recovery plan, you would need to put up – website monitoring systems in place to track website uptime. These monitoring tools provide vital information regarding website performance and availability.

With these tools, you can create a different test (checks on your website), to accurately narrow down the root cause of the problem and take adequate steps to correct it. These checks have to be set up outside of the basic HTTPS check the include-checking against known databases of virus and malware sources, record changes to DNS records and so on.

Set up a downtime page

The best time to set up a downtime page is when you still have access to your website. It comes in handy when there unplanned downtime or planned downtime. This page informs your visitor that you are on top of the situation. Putting up a ‘service unavailable’ or a ‘website undergoing maintenance’ message on a page is a great way to keep credibility and show that you have control of the situation.

How To Handle Website Downtime

1. Confirm site downtime: before taking any major step, you need to verify that your website is really down – that is, make sure it isn’t a problem with your Internet connection or browser. To be extra certain, use a different computer to test out your website.

2. Find the cause: you should try to ascertain what caused the downtime -hardware issues, a programming error, expired domain or a DNS problem?

3. Get in touch with IT support: get in touch with the support of your web host and get assistance for the issue. if you choose a great web host, you should have ready support available.

4. Inform your website users about the downtime: it is imperative that your website visitors are not left in the dark. Put out messages on your social media account to keep your customers informed about what is going on and that your business is taking steps to address the problem. If it is a planned all downtime, it is good practice to send out a warning message detailing the date and time of site maintenance.

5. Check-in with IT: communicate regularly with IT and offer any information they may need regarding the web server or your website. You should also get an estimate of how long it would take for the problem to be solved.

6. Remain calm: this is tough to do but it is important to remember that website downtime can affect anyone and it is not the end of the world. Keeping calm is a great way to stay on top of the situation and resolve it quickly.

In Conclusion

A website is an integral part of a business’s online success. Because of the great number of website downtime, it is imperative that downtime is dealt with swiftly to avoid long-term repercussions -loss of clients loyalty, the revenue.

Thankfully, major search engine websites like Google have put measures in place to help website owners mitigate SEO ranking damage by providing a way out.

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A Look At The Many Benefits Of EMS Scheduling Software

With a high volume of calls and constantly changing schedules, it's easy for the work done by emergency medical services to get chaotic. As such, EMS providers are constantly searching for ways to improve their operations and provide better patient care. One area where technology has proven to be particularly useful is in scheduling and dispatching EMS personnel. EMS scheduling software is specifically designed to help EMS providers manage their schedules more effectively, reducing the chances of missed shifts, double bookings, and other scheduling mistakes. But that's not all, as this software offers a multitude of other benefits that we shall discuss below. That said, let’s take a closer look at EMS scheduling software and explore the many ways Paramediq can help EMS providers streamline their operations, improve response times, and ultimately save lives. Dispatch Calls Efficiently & Quickly In the past, EMS providers relied on phone calls and pagers to receive dispatches. This process was often slow and unreliable, and it could take several minutes to reach a provider. But with EMS scheduling software, dispatchers can send out alerts to EMS providers in seconds, allowing them to respond to emergencies much faster than before. This saves valuable time and can mean the difference between life and death for a patient. Additionally, EMS scheduling software can be integrated with GPS technology, which allows dispatchers to track the location of EMS providers in real time. This helps dispatchers to make more informed decisions about which provider to dispatch based on their proximity to the emergency. Thus, patients can receive care as quickly as possible, without having to wait for a provider who is further away. Get Real-time Updates and Notifications EMS scheduling software also offers real-time updates and notifications about the status of an emergency in real-time. For example, they can receive notifications about the patient's condition, any changes in the situation, and any updates from other team members. This helps to keep everyone on the same page and ensures that EMS providers have the information they need to provide the best possible care. Moreover, real-time notifications can also help EMS providers manage their schedules and stay organized. This can help to prevent double bookings or scheduling conflicts, which can be stressful for EMS providers and impact patient care negatively. Smooth Billing Process EMS agencies must manage a range of billing and invoicing tasks, which can be time-consuming and stressful. Fortunately, EMS scheduling software offers a range of features that can help to simplify the billing process. For example, agencies can use the software to track the time spent on each call, ensuring that they bill accurately for their services. Furthermore, EMS scheduling software can help automate the billing or claims process, which can save time and reduce errors. This can ultimately lead to faster payments and improved cash flow for EMS agencies. Compliance With Labor Laws and Regulations EMS agencies must comply with a range of labor laws and regulations regarding certain facets of patient care such as working hours, how sensitive patient information is handled, and insurance data, which can be challenging without EMS scheduling software. However, EMS agencies can use the software to track employee hours and ensure that they are not working beyond their allotted hours. This can help to prevent burnout and ensure that EMS providers are well-rested and ready to respond to emergencies. Similarly, software with tight security features and protocols can ensure patient information is securely stored and accessed by the right people. Real-time Analytics Finally, EMS scheduling software offers real-time analytics. This means that EMS agencies can track their performance and identify areas for improvement in real-time. For example, they can use the software to track response times and identify any delays in their operations. This can help agencies to make more informed decisions about how to improve their operations and ultimately provide better patient care. Moreover, the software can help EMS agencies to identify trends and patterns in their operations. They can use the software to track the types of emergencies they respond to, which can help to inform training and resource allocation decisions. The Bottom Line As you can see, EMS scheduling software offers a range of benefits for improved efficiency, better accuracy, and enhanced communication between team members. However, to get the most out of these benefits you must be proactive by involving your team in the process to ensure that everyone is on board and that the software meets the needs of your team. You must also provide adequate training as some features can be complex. By following these tips and leveraging the many benefits of EMS scheduling software, EMS agencies can improve their operations, enhance patient care, and ultimately save the lives of many people. Read Also: Delegating And Prioritizing: Tools For Managing Multiple Scheduling Demands How You Can Manage Your Business with Scheduling Software? Home Maintenance Tips To Keep Your Home In Good Condition

The Impact Of Automation On Payroll And Compliance

In the rapidly evolving business environment, automation has emerged as a transformative force, reshaping various operational aspects, including payroll and compliance processes. This technological advancement has significantly impacted how businesses manage their financial obligations and adhere to regulatory standards, much like workforce management systems have revolutionized employee scheduling and task allocation. Automation in payroll and compliance offers many benefits, ranging from enhanced accuracy to improved efficiency. This article dives into the impact of automation on these critical business functions, shedding light on its benefits and the future it heralds for organizations. Streamlining Payroll Processing The advent of automation in payroll processing has revolutionized the way businesses approach this critical function. Beyond merely automating calculations, sophisticated software solutions offer integrated time tracking, direct deposit setups, and even mobile access for on-the-go management. This ensures that every aspect of payroll—from initial hours worked to final payment—is handled precisely and efficiently. Automated systems adeptly manage varying tax rates and legal requirements for businesses operating across different states or countries, ensuring compliance and accuracy regardless of geographic complexities. The result is a streamlined process that saves time and significantly reduces the administrative burden on staff, allowing businesses to allocate resources to areas that drive growth and innovation. Enhancing Accuracy And Reducing Errors Automated payroll systems have become invaluable in enhancing the accuracy of financial transactions and reducing errors. By removing manual data entry, the risk of human error significantly decreases, leading to more reliable payroll outcomes. These systems are designed to automatically update in response to changes in tax laws, employee benefits, and other variables, ensuring that every payment is calculated based on the most current information. Furthermore, they offer detailed records and reports that can be quickly reviewed and audited, providing additional oversight. This meticulous approach to payroll not only safeguards against compliance issues but also builds trust among employees, who can be confident in the accuracy and reliability of their paychecks. Improving Compliance With Regulatory Changes The dynamic nature of tax laws and employment regulations makes compliance a moving target for many businesses. Automated payroll systems are equipped to handle these changes seamlessly by incorporating updates directly into their calculations and reporting features. This automation ensures that businesses remain compliant without needing to monitor and adjust to new regulations manually. It also provides a significant advantage in risk management, as the system can alert businesses to potential compliance issues before they become problematic. By leveraging automation, companies can navigate the complex regulatory compliance landscape more quickly and confidently, minimizing exposure to penalties and legal issues. Enhancing Employee Self-Service Capabilities Implementing employee self-service capabilities through automation has transformed the employee experience regarding payroll and benefits management. These platforms empower employees to take charge of their personal information, view detailed pay histories, and access year-end tax documents independently. This level of transparency and control is a convenience for employees and fosters a sense of empowerment and engagement. Additionally, by decentralizing these tasks, HR departments are relieved of routine inquiries, allowing them to concentrate on strategic initiatives that contribute to the company's culture and growth. This shift improves operational efficiency and enhances the overall workplace environment by promoting a culture of transparency and self-sufficiency. Facilitating Data-Driven Decision Making In payroll and compliance, automation provides more than just operational efficiencies; it offers strategic insights. The data collected and analyzed by automated systems can inform various business decisions, from budgeting and financial planning to workforce development strategies. This wealth of data enables companies to identify trends, such as overtime usage or departmental labor costs, allowing for more informed decision-making. By knowing the financial implications of these trends, businesses can optimize their operations, forecast future costs more accurately, and strategically plan for growth. This level of analysis was previously unattainable with manual processes, highlighting how automation not only streamlines administrative tasks but also provides a strategic advantage. Prioritising Cybersecurity In Automated Systems An additional point to consider in the context of automation in payroll and compliance is the critical importance of prioritizing cybersecurity. As businesses rely increasingly on digital platforms to manage sensitive employee information and financial data, the potential for cyber threats grows. Implementing robust security measures, including encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits, is essential to protect this data from breaches. Furthermore, educating employees about cybersecurity best practices can help mitigate risks associated with phishing scams and other digital threats. By prioritizing cybersecurity within automated payroll and compliance systems, businesses can safeguard their data, protect their employees' information, and maintain the integrity of their financial operations in the digital age. Conclusion In conclusion, the impact of automation on payroll and compliance is profound, offering businesses the opportunity to streamline processes, enhance accuracy, improve regulatory compliance, empower employees, and make informed decisions. As technology advances, automation will likely play an increasingly central role in these areas, much like workforce management systems have become integral to managing modern workplaces. The benefits of automation in payroll and compliance are clear, promising a future where businesses can operate more efficiently, accurately, and compliantly, ultimately contributing to their overall success and sustainability. Read Also: Common IT Security Risks in the Workplace Everything You Need To Know About PKI In Cybersecurity Would Your E-commerce Website Pass the Cybersecurity Test? Here are 3 Things You Could be Doing Wrong

The Best WordPress Plugins For Marketers

With over 3 billion online users, businesses should resort to social media sites and search engines to enhance awareness and interact with customers and prospects. Ever wonder what makes the brand websites and platforms user-friendly and accessible? It is the use of plugins. A plugin is a software with functions that can be added to websites such as WordPress. One of the most sought-after content management systems (CMS), WordPress web design helps elevate your engagement and website functionality. So profound is the WordPress system that it has over 25000 plugins and is in the PHP language. WordPress is a unifying force across walks of life and business corporations, including small businesses and internationally renowned brands such as the National Football League. With that said, below are some WordPress plugins. WordPress plugins that should make it to your website: 1. SiteGround: One of the most renowned website hosting brands, SiteGround hosts millions of websites. A standout feature is The one-click WordPress install that makes it easy to run and integrate. It is user-friendly and offers a 24 x 7 support service. What makes Siteground a top choice for brands and businesses is its security and safety. Siteground understands that web hosting is the first level of security measure for your business. Get this right, and unruly predators will be at a safe distance. With Siteground, your company and brand website are managed and safeguarded from the server and the application levels. Any instances and their plugins automatically update to the latest version. A standout feature is that SiteGround is built on the Google Cloud Platform. Users get a free CDN and SG Optimizer plugin. 2. Yoast SEO: With voluminous content published by businesses through blog posts, content pages, and others, a lot of it likely gets dissolved into oblivion. But, there is a way to get your posts and pages noticed by your target audience. The tactic is SEO or Search Engine Optimization. Among the many SEO plugins, Yoast SEO features among the top-ranked ones. It thrives on-page analysis functionality and helps augment blog posts and website pages for increasing search visibility. Yoast SEO does this by taking care of nitty-gritty such as alt text descriptions. It makes your content search engine friendly through Advanced XML sitemaps. Another standout aspect is its in-depth integration with Schema.org that helps increase the chances of getting relevant results. Furthermore, Yoast SEO helps curate high-quality content through features such as Readability analysis, Multilingual options, Google preview, and others. 3. MonsterInsights: Another profound WordPress plugin is MonsterInsights. It is excellent for businesses looking to reach the next leap of sales and content traffic. More often than not, brands find it challenging to assess user behavior and activity. What makes MonsterInsights a cut-above-the-rest is its seamless integration through a quick and easy setup with Google Analytics. MonsterInsights helps you trim the fat and beat the noise to get to the statistics. Several reports assist MonsterInsights in this endeavor. The Audience Report provides a breakdown of visitors by offering information such as location, age, hobbies and interests, and others. The Behaviour Report shows how browsers arrive at the website, the keyword searches, and the pages visited. The Content Report reveals what content pieces get the highest visits and traffic. 4. Broken Link Checker: Among the several mishaps that can hamper rankings and search engine visibility are broken links. The WordPress Broken Link Checker plugin comes to the rescue. The plugin works by scanning your posts, pages, and comments to seek out broken links. You have the choice of being notified via email or the WordPress Dashboard. It even enables you to edit the broken link. Moreover, you can also check your website for broken links using brokenlinkcheck.com. 5. Sucuri: A cloud-based platform, Sucuri is a WordPress plugin that helps enhance the security and safety of all your websites and their content. Through its robust Website Firewall, your website stays secure and away from hackers and suspicious activities like Distributed Denial of Service (DDOS) attacks. The plugin incorporates real-time monitoring and checks to identify indicators that are deemed suspicious. More so, the incident response feature helps with malware removal. Furthermore, it has a backup feature that performs secure automated backups. 6. WP Review: If you are a company that sells products and services, then reviews are an integral part. Reviews are among the primary parameters that customers look at for making informed decisions. WP Review allows your brand to create product reviews. There are several ways to put forth reviews such as star ratings, percentages, or a custom scale incorporating performance, user-friendliness, quality, and other aspects. 7. Click to Tweet: With Twitter becoming a holy grail for brand engagement and content consumption, WordPress has in store a designated plugin for you, Click to Tweet. The plugin allows brands to curate tweetable content for followers, customers, and prospects. It works by enabling businesses to create a “Click to Tweet” box anywhere in the post, enhancing its shareability through retweets. 8. Akismet: While social media sites and search engines render convenience and accessibility, they can also get monstrous through spam. Cometh spam comments or malicious links, Akismet comes to the rescue. The plugin automatically filters and reviews all your comments and eliminates unwanted messages. The Words That Matter: The online community comprises over 3 billion users. It is paramount that businesses tap on the online space to enhance their awareness and engagement. There is a barrage of plugins available. Plugins are software having several functionalities that help make your website accessible and user-friendly. However, there are several types of plugins serving different purposes. SiteGround helps with web hosting, Yoast SEO helps augment search visibility, MonsterInsights helps drive up online traffic and sales, Sucuri helps with website security through its firewall. Also available are Broken Link Checker, Click to Tweet, Akismet, and a plethora of other plugins to help with awareness, safety, engagement, analytics, hosting, and others. Read Also: 4 WordPress Plugins to Make Your Blog More Powerful

The Beginners Guide To Dealing With Website Downtime

What Are The Major Causes Of Website Downtime?

How To Protect Your Website From Downtime