Google Tips

Due to the increasing number of security vulnerabilities being discovered in outdated website software, and subsequently exploited by attackers, regular security & software updates are now an essential part of maintaining a secure website. 

As part of our hosting service, from July 1, 2026, websites hosted with Artful will be enrolled in a quarterly security update program unless alternative maintenance arrangements have been agreed in writing.

There will be 3 options available:

1. Priority Quarterly updates – set price of $240 charged annually in addition to hosting -find out more here.
2. Standard Quarterly updates – charged at our hourly rate for all time taken (minimum 30min charge will apply per quarter) - find out more here.
3. External updates – opting out of Artful performing quarterly updates (additional fees apply) - find out more here.

All hosted websites must have an active update strategy. Clients may choose Artful's Priority Plan, Standard Plan, or nominate a third-party provider responsible for updates.

Where are you ranking on your preferred search phrase in Google?
If you find yourself on page 3 or beyond you can consider your website dead!
These days no-one looks beyond page 3, but don't fret, all is not lost. Here are some simple tips to help your Google Search ranking.

Create a Google Account to access the free tools below provided from Google.

Please note: You do not need to have a gmail email address in order to setup a Google Account. You can select the option to use your own email.

Google Analytics - www.google.com/analytics/
Google My Business - www.google.com/business/
Google Search Console - www.google.com/webmasters/tools/home?
Google Webmasters - www.google.com/webmasters/
Google Alerts - www.google.ie/alerts

The purpose of this article is to give you all the information you need to claim your Google Places listing for your business.  If either of the following are true, then you need to 'claim' your listing:

• When you go to Google Maps and look up your business, it is not there; or
• When you click on your business within Google Maps, a link above the top-right corner of the map asks if you're the "Business Owner?".

Its easy to win with Google. The sad thing is most businesses don't even bother...

This Google stuff; is it nerdy and hard?

No not at all. We speak to a lot of businesses about Google. Nine times out of ten when we look at what they need to do to rank more highly in Google its pretty basic. Most of it is fairly common sense and we are adding articles with more detail all the time.