At SPARKS!, we are often asked about the inner workings of websites. Like, “What is MySql?”, for example. Although WordPress has an easy to use user interface (UI), it is a robust platform requiring many elements that make it one of the most popular content management systems (CMS) in use today. So exactly what is […]
Launchpad Blog
What is PHP?
There are a lot of ingredients in a recipe for web development. One question we often get here at SPARKS! is, what is PHP? PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor, technically) is a widely-used open-source scripting language that is used in web development. Like an engine powers a car, PHP is used to create dynamic web pages and […]
GPDR Compliance and Reaching Customers in the EU
Many of our clients do business with customers outside of the United States. The European Union (EU) has data privacy regulations that have been enacted to protect the personal data of individuals. Here’s a brief explanation of GPDR and a few suggestions for GPDR compliance. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a regulation in […]
Considerations When Creating a Membership Website and Portal
Creating a membership website and portal for your association offers numerous benefits. It’s essential to consider several factors before starting the development process. SPARKS! helps membership-based organizations of all sizes, from small clubs to international associations. In many cases, the responsibility of managing the membership functions, events and finances begins with a founder or group […]
How Can Ecommerce Help My Business?
E-commerce can offer numerous benefits to your business, regardless of its size or industry. Here are some of the ways e-commerce can help your business. SPARKS! works with many retailers and service providers to help their brick-and-mortar business increase visibility and sales. Often, one key strategy they lack is the opportunity to sell their products […]
Google Analytics Is Changing. What Is GA4?
By now, most website owners and managers are familiar with Google Analytics and its extensive data reporting capabilities. But times-are-a-changing! The old Universal Analytics data collection system is being replaced. So what is GA4? Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is the latest version of Google Analytics, the free, industry standard platform for website data collection and […]
BBB & SPARKS! Present SEO Webinar
SPARKS! and the Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland will be teaming up on Thursday, April 20th at 8.30 AM to present “Search Engine Optimization: Simple Strategies to Improve Web Performance“. The event is part of BBB’s Trusted Advisor Series designed to provide business owners and their employees with current information about a variety of […]
What is Search Engine Optimization?
What is Search Engine Optimization (SEO)? Many organizations have invested in designing a beautiful website only to have it lost in the forest, er, Interwebs. So what is Search Engine Optimization and why is SEO important? Is Search Engine Optimization (SEO) important? If a website launches on the internet and nobody sees it does it […]
BBB & SPARKS! Present Digital Marketing Seminar
SPARKS! and the Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland will be teaming up on Thursday, April 6th at 8.30 to present “Reaching Your Customers Online: A Digital Marketing Primer”. The event is part of BBB’s Trusted Advisor Series designed to provide business owners and their employees with current information about a variety of topics. To […]
What Is Digital Marketing?
So, to answer a question we often get at SPARKS! – “what exactly is digital marketing?” – here’s a quick-and-dirty summary of the key elements. Businesses and organizations must rely on some type of marketing in order to grow. Traditional tactics – advertising and trade shows, for example – are stalwarts and an important part […]
