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Where Should I Host My Website?

Sherman · Apr 7, 2020 ·

Sherman just can't keep his hand away from his face...

Howdy folks! It’s Sherman again. Don’t worry, I’m working from home and obeying the social distancing guidelines. As a robot, I try to avoid washing my hands, but I’ve still been using plenty of Clorox wipes! I’m having a hard time not touching my face though.

Anywho… Even though the world seems to have come to a standstill, the internet is still up and running! We are all increasingly reliant on websites now as we do what needs to be done from where we are. That brings me to today’s question: “Where should I host my website?”

Before we talk about who should host your website, let’s talk about why web hosting is so important. It is true that every website needs a web hosting service provider (web host) in order to live on the internet. Just like your closet, which protects that Goonies shirt you can’t live without, a web host stores all the files necessary for your website to function properly. As such, the web host you choose should be properly equipped to support the site you want you to have.

If you’re a newbie to this whole website-building thing, let’s clarify some other terms you might hear. Be sure not to mix up hosting and domain. Your website’s domain is its location, or URL, on the internet. Think of it as the street address for your site, while the web host is the house itself. Another thing to be aware of is that web hosting is different from website building, so if you use WordPress or something similar to build your site, you will still need a web host. There are many options for where to host your site. A few web hosts that we have worked with before include GoDaddy, Network Solutions, Namecheap, and WP Engine. You can see how several of the top web hosts compare here. More recently, we have started using SiteGround. With their plans, they provide free SSL, Cloudflare integration, email addresses, and more!

Speaking of SiteGround, we can host multiple websites there. So if you’re a DKS client, we can hook you up for no extra cost. 😉

Do you have a question for Sherman? If so, please send it to us.

Client Spotlight: High View Strategies

David · Feb 15, 2020 ·

Winning in California is hard. No one understands that more than Capitol insider Russell Lowery, founder and managing partner of High View Strategies (HVS). With more than 25 years of senior legislative, political, public affairs, and lobbying experience, Lowery has seen how the convoluted regulatory process can make it nearly impossible for some voices to be heard by legislators with any real impact. He launched HVS, a political advocacy firm, with the mission of bridging that gap.

Russell Lowery

“I understand that legislators respond differently to corporations, small businesses, unions, and other interest groups,” Lowery said. “I knew that if groups could be mobilized with a stronger messaging strategy, they could become real influencers on the issues that matter to them most.”

Prior to launching HVS, Lowery was Chief Deputy for a California State Board of Equalization (BOE) member. He’s also been a lobbyist for a Fortune 200 company and Chief of Staff in a number of legislative offices, as well as for a California Constitutional Officer. His partner, Therese Twomey, has served as Director of State Tax Affairs and chief lobbyist for the California Taxpayers Association. With 20 years of fiscal and public policy experience, Twomey is known and respected by a large network of elected officials, Governor’s Office staff, regulatory board/commission members, and state agency staff.

Therese Twomey

With a diverse team of policy experts, HVS is not another public affairs firm, but a powerhouse of political puzzle solvers. Through their individual relationships and experience within the influential, eight-block radius of the Capitol, HVS is uniquely equipped to develop digital advocacy strategies that help groups create a stronger message, as well as identify the specific influencers who need to hear it. This also includes developing web content and social media campaigns to engage and mobilize group members, bolstering public and financial support for their cause. In-house real estate development experts can also support clients through the project approval process with an innovative approach that minimizes costs while securing the approvals necessary to move their project forward.

“Our favorite clients are those that have a specific challenge that requires a regulatory result,” Lowery said. “If we can’t figure out a path forward to successful completion for a potential client, we’ll tell them up front. HVS isn’t concerned with having a lot of clients for the sake of numbers. We want to focus on the people we can help the most, so that they can garner the greatest impact.”

With that business strategy, HVS helped a number of clients achieve their goals in 2019 by orchestrating amendments to bills, defeating proposals that would directly affect their client’s industry, and getting various projects approved. Several associations also contracted with HVS to develop their member recruitment and retention strategies, as well as to generate more fundraising opportunities.

The company’s projections for 2020 show no signs of slowing down. With big policy issues and political fights on the horizon, HVS is poised to take on all the challenges an election year will bring for its clients, which are so diverse in their interests and goals that no two days look the same. In order to navigate California’s legislative machine on behalf of those interests, HVS needs the freedom to focus all their resources on developing tailored strategies to help each of their clients reach their goals. To afford them that freedom, Duran Kinst Strategies has had the privilege of providing digital and communications support on some of their projects.

“I appreciate Duran Kinst’s flexibility and enthusiasm,” Lowery said. “The work that HVS does looks so different from day to day, so they’ve been able to support us on a variety of projects that have benefited our clients. I truly feel that we have their full attention anytime we need it.”

For more information on how High View Strategies can turn policy ideas into action, visit highviewstrat.com.

Would you like to be featured in a future client spotlight? Send us a note.

Is It Okay to Use Other People’s Photos?

Sherman · Dec 7, 2019 ·

Sherman is computing an answer for today's question.

Hiya folks! It’s Sherman, the robot mascot of DKS, and I’m back today with the next question in our “Stump Sherman” series: “Is it okay to use other people’s photos and images without their permission? How do I get free photos, images, etc.?”

This is a biggie. It is important to use nice images. A sloppy photo makes for an unprofessional-looking business, but an eye-catching image may be just what you need for your project.

Let’s see… My database says the answer to the first question is “no”. Most images are copyrighted, so stealing those images is actually against the law. Big no-no. You can even be fined for taking a photo without the owner’s permission if you are caught. I do NOT recommend doing Google searches and stealing whatever you want.

However, certain images are A-OK to take without permission. You’ll see them labeled as “copyright-free,” “public domain,” “creative commons,” or simply “free”. There are actually many sites where you can find these images. Here are just a few:

We also use Envato Elements for our clients, though it is a paid subscription. It gives DKS access to a huge collection of high-quality stock photos, as well as videos, fonts, templates, and more – all without needing to credit the original creator.

Do you have a question for Sherman? If so, please send it to us.

Should I Have a Website?

Sherman · Nov 11, 2019 ·

Sherman, the DKS robot mascot, is ready to talk about websites!

Hiya folks! I’m Sherman and today I’ll be answering the first question of our new “Stump Sherman” series: “Should I have a website?”

Computing… Hmm, this is a tricky question. According to my calculations, there are numerous reasons for having a well-built website.

A website can be a wonderful showcase for your business. In this digital age, if someone is considering making a large investment in what you sell, they will want to see your site first. It provides easy access to important information, such as details about your goods or services.

A well-designed website can also help potential customers find you when they search for the types of services you provide. Instead of going to your competitors, they can go to your website!

A website may be a wonderful investment for your business if you choose to put in the time and resources. While there are options to create websites for free, you may find that the quality of the product is lacking. And if you don’t have enough experience, you may need to hire someone to design it for you (ahem, we may know someone).

Between that, the domain name and its platform, building a site for your business can be costly. However, if you want your business to look professional, slapping a sloppy site together for free isn’t an option.

In addition to potential costs, once you have made your website, you may find it time-consuming to maintain. If you don’t post regularly, your company may begin to look outdated, and, just like social media, you will need to respond to comments and answer questions in a timely manner.

Yes, a professional website requires some time and money, but consider the long-term benefits of making a place for yourself in the digital marketplace. If you are feeling overwhelmed or confused, or need help building your website, feel free to contact us. We are happy to help!

Do you have a question for Sherman? If so, please send it to us.