At the May 9th Oceanside City Council meeting, Chamber CEO, Scott Ashton, addressed councilmembers on issues of importance to the local business community. The first issue was regarding the SOAR initiative which recently gathered the signatures needed to appear on the November ballot.

The chamber has opposed this initiative from early on due to its implementation of "ballot-box zoning" and its attack on private property rights.  The council had the option of adopting SOAR as ordinance, placing it on the November ballot, or ordering a 30 day impact study before formally placing the initiative on the ballot.

Ashton requested the option of the 30 day study. In addressing the council, he said "With the unknown financial impacts to the City of Oceanside, we request that City staff, with the help of outside consultants, prepare a 30 day study on the economic impacts of SOAR so our community will have true insight as to what they are voting on."

​At its May 9th meeting, the Oceanside City Council voted in favor of the Fairfield Inn Hotel project, slated for Oceanside Blvd, just west of I-5. The project had originally been denied by the planning commission, but was supported in a 3-2 vote of the council, with Mayor Peter Weiss and councilmembers Jerry Kern and Jack Feller voting in favor of the project.

The 99-room hotel project, which is supported by the Chamber,  would provide an estimated $500,000 annually of additional TOT revenue to the City, along with the potential of increased sales tax revenue.  

On May 2nd, the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce Business and Community Political Action Committee (BACPAC) hosted a candidate forum for the 76th Assembly District, the seat currently held by Assemblymember Rocky Chavez.

The event was co-hosted by the MiraCosta College Associated Student Government (ASG), Vista Chamber of Commerce, Carlsbad Chamber, Encinitas Chamber and the Fallbrook Chamber and was sponsored by Genentech.

Six of the eight candidates were in attendance to answer a dozen questions posed from the business community, audience members and ASG members. The event video was produced by MiraCosta College and includes the complete forum.

If you have a website then you may have heard that Google is planning some BIG changes in the coming months that will impact every website owner. These changes are part of Google's efforts to get website owners to implement recommendations to make the internet more secure, faster and easier to use.
 
While Google is constantly updating their search ranking factors, these upcoming changes will have a much greater affect and require pro-active attention in order to avoid some fairly drastic outcomes.
 
What are these BIG Google changes?
 
- Google HTTPS Security Deadline
* Google Mobile-First Index
* Google Maps Platform
* GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)
 
Below is an overview of each of the coming changes, plus suggestions for what you should do about it.

Google deadline for HTTPS Security - Is your site ready?

Starting in July, Google plans to mark all HTTP sites as non-secure! That's because Google wants all websites to use the HTTPS protocol instead of HTTP. That ‘S’ on the end stands for secure. The HTTPS protocol helps protect your website from hackers trying to cause harm or divert traffic, plus it helps protect visitors to your website.

Google is actively working to get websites to adopt the HTTPS protocol. Websites that do not comply will be penalized with a BIG WARNING when people attempt to visit any non-HTTPS websites. Can you imagine having your website flagged by Google with a big "NOT SECURE" warning?
Here is more info directly from Google: https://security.googleblog.com/2018/02/a-secure-web-is-here-to-stay.html
 
What should you do? The good news is that it requires minimal time and cost to implement the HTTPS change. Plus there are other benefits, from boosting Search Engine Rankings to making visitors feel safer on your website and more importantly when providing their information. The easiest fix is to call your website hosting company, purchase an SSL certificate and ask them to install it. (Cost will vary depending on your host, but typical cost is $99 a year.)  
 
The clock is ticking... July 2018 is the deadline for when prominent warnings will begin to show to Chrome users. Don't delay!
 
PRO TIP: After upgrading to HTTPS remember to TEST every page on your site to ensure the upgrade did not affect the layout or content. Also, set-up a redirect from the HTTP version and update every online profile and primary links with the new URL. It's also a great time to refresh and update profiles, add photos, test new ads and keywords, etc.
 
If you would like assistance to ensure a smooth HTTPS upgrade process, we can help you develop an upgrade plan or handle the entire process for you. Contact us

Mobile Responsive - Is your site ready for Google's Mobile-First index?

Google has been moving towards mobile-first indexing for over a year. Not surprising, since mobile now outpaces desktop for web searches. Any website that does not perform as well on a mobile device as it does on desktop is already at a huge disadvantage. But Google's official announcement that mobile-first indexing is underway makes it of vital importance that your website is mobile-first focused.
 
What is mobile-first indexing?
Previously, when Google crawled the pages of your website to determine your ranking, it did so from a desktop perspective. Mobile-first indexing simply means Google will now crawl using a mobile perspective. If your website is mobile-friendly and has mobile-optimized content (images, links, forms, etc) then you are set. Just make sure that what you think is "mobile friendly" is the same as Google!
 
What should you do?
Even if Google had not started the shift towards mobile-first indexing, any site that is not mobile optimized has a huge disadvantage against the competition. The most important thing is not to delay. Today's websites need to be mobile optimized for many reasons, but Google's mobile-first indexing is among the highest priority. You can learn more about the Google mobile first rollout here: https://searchengineland.com/google-begins-rolling-out-mobile-first-indexing-to-more-sites-295095
 
PRO TIP: If you are not sure your website is mobile-friendly, the first step is to test your site using Google's free mobile-friendly testing tool: https://search.google.com/test/mobile-friendly. Make sure to check the VIEW DETAILS link on the test results page or you could miss important details. If you do need to update your website for mobile, consider a design refresh at the same time. Also make sure to update any themes, plugins or scripts used on your website as these cause security risks if outdated. Lastly, make sure to TEST your site on multiple mobile browsers for speed, look and user experience.
 
If you need help with your mobile first strategy to ensure maximum results, we can help you develop a mobile plan or handle the entire process for you. Contact us
 
Google Maps Platform - Does your site use Google Maps?
 
Beginning June 11th, Google is changing their Google Maps platform and launching a new pricing plan. You’ll need to enable billing with a credit card and have a valid API key for all projects using any of these three products: Maps, Routes, and Places. This applies to your website if you are using Google Maps or any type of Google phone app. Since most businesses with a public location use Google Maps, this likely applies to most websites.
 
What should you do?
While this change is not nearly as important as the HTTPS and Mobile changes, it still affects any website owner that uses any of the Google Maps Platform products or services. Here is a guide for more info and to check if your website is affected: https://cloud.google.com/maps-platform/user-guide/
 
Since Google is offering a $200 monthly credit for any Maps account, it is unlikely that most websites will ever incur a cost. In fact Google estimates only 2% of accounts will exceed their monthly credit limit. While you do not have to create an account, it will limit your usage of Google Maps products if you do not.
 
PRO TIP: By creating an account for the Google Maps Platform you are issued a valid API Key. API keys are the preferred authentication method for accessing Google Maps Platform APIs. Having a valid API key not only provides more customization options for your map, but it serves as a Google security credential for your map location. In this era of such concern over security being authenticated by Google has many value-added benefits.
 
If you need help with your Google Maps Platform, we can help assess your needs and recommend an action plan or manage the entire process for you. Contact us

The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce is seeking donations for a silent auction for the Oceanside Heroes Reception that will be held on June 13, 2018 at the Oceanside Museum of Art.
This event is an opportunity to honor and pay tribute to Oceanside's dedicated and deserving firefighters, police officers, teachers and lifeguards. These men and women are in fact among Oceanside's greatest unsung heroes. Representatives from the Oceanside Police Department, Oceanside Fire Department, Oceanside Lifeguards and Teachers from the local school district(s) will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to the well-being and advancement of our wonderful city.
​
Proceeds from the silent auction will allow us to continue to award vocational and educational scholarships for local high school students who are college bound. In appreciation of your donation, the Chamber will publicize your business at the event in our printed event program. 
If you would like to donate, please your items to the Chamber at 928 North Coast Highway, Oceanside CA 92054 or contact Tracy Millero-Chin, at the Oceanside Chamber at (760) 722-1534, Ext: 103. Tracy will also be available to pick the item(s) up from your location.

​An attractive web design and creative content do not guarantee a higher ranking across search engines. SEO creates order in the online landscape, making it easier for search engines to figure out your website.
 
search-engines-cant-figure-out-website-without-seo
 
Why Search Engines Can’t Figure Out Your Site without SEO
 
If you are a business owner with a website, you know how important it is for people to find you online. Millions of people use search engines every day, and most often they click on the first few results. For a business trying to gain customers, being on the first search engine results page is crucial. There is nothing more frustrating than the competition gaining customers because they have a higher search engine ranking. This is where SEO, or search engine optimization, comes into play. Experts at Saba SEO, a leading Oceanside SEO agency, share a few reasons search engines can’t figure out a website without SEO.

What Is SEO?

SEO is the use of analytics and algorithms to rank websites using keywords, backlinks, images, and a host of other tools. Businesses and internet marketers use SEO to increase the rank of a website. The purpose of using SEO is to drive more users to the intended website. The more users who view a website, the higher the likelihood they are converted into customers.

​Starting and running a small business is no small task, as any business owner will tell you. There are a million things to think about when you get your company up and running, and whether you run it out of your home or from a storefront, it can be difficult to grow and expand when you have limited means.
 
Many new business owners don’t see a profit for months or even years after opening, and while this can definitely be a hindrance when you want to expand, it doesn’t have to be the final word. There are several simple ways you can grow your business without laying out too much money; you just have to be creative with your thinking.
 
"Sit down and look at the three primary areas where growth will occur. There are a lot of things you can do on a one-time basis, but before they can work, you need to ask yourself what you want this business to be. Have a vision that's real," says business coach Steve Smith.
 
Here are a few of the best tips on expanding your small business when you have limited means.
 
Hire interns
 
Many companies make use of interns, who will work for little to no pay in exchange for experience and/or college credit. If you have something you can offer other than money, market your company to young people so you can work together to make your business a success. Even if you offer interns some compensation, it will likely be less than the cost of hiring a regularly paid employee. This investment might pay itself back over time as you’ll already have invested in some training, and you’ll know if the intern is a candidate for any full-time opportunities that emerge.
 
Create an online presence
 
These days, the majority of commerce is done online, and social media can have a huge impact on your customer base. Growing your business means not only keeping the customers you have and creating a reason for them to come back, but finding new customers who can spread the word about the excellent service or product they receive from you. If your company doesn’t have a website, get on it and then make sure you have business profiles on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. 

Join forces with Oceanside Chamber Members, City of Oceanside businesses, and the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, to celebrate Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 19, 2018, at the 17th Annual Operation Appreciation event for our troops and military families at the Pier Amphitheatre in Oceanside, by sponsoring your business listing in the Chamber’s official Operation Appreciation Guide. Featured business listings will publish on a two-page spread titled "We Support Our Troops!"
 
Thousands of local active duty military and family members will be treated to a day of food, fun and entertainment, courtesy of the local business community.
 
Oceanside Chamber Media partner, Military Guides USA, will produce the official 40,000 copy Operation Appreciation Guide distributed around Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, and at the event.
 
Take this Exclusive Opportunity to showcase your Oceanside business by sponsoring inclusion of your business listing,
 
If you are an Operation Appreciation sponsor, your listing is already included.
 
Deadline for inclusion is Wednesday, April 11, 2018, 12 NOON
 
Click the link below to download the PDF, complete your registration information and solidify your participation through the registration link above or contact Pam Rumer, Vice President of Business Development, pam@oceansidechamber.com or 760-722-1534, ext. 105.

2018_wesupportourtroops_businesslistings.update03.28.if.pdf

USA Beach Handball hosted the 2018 Pan American Beach Handball Championships in Oceanside last week.  The competition took place from March 6 – 11 on the Oceanside Harbor Beach.  The tournament was open to men’s and women’s senior National Teams from North, Central, and South America as well as Caribbean countries. A total of 20 teams competed, 12 men and 8 women, with the top four teams in each division advancing to the World Beach Handball Championships in Kazan, Russia, July 2018. 
The top three winners in the women’s division:
Gold medalist - Brazil
Silver medalist - Uruguay
Bronze Medalist - Paraguay
Top three winners in the men’s division:
Gold medalist - Brazil
Silver medalist - Uruguay
Bronze medalist - USA

​

 TOP 4 REASONS TO USE RESPONSIVE WEB DESIGN BY SABA SEO

To ensure websites are usable by and appealing to most internet users, companies should embrace a responsive design that allows content to be viewed as intended no matter what type of screen it's being viewed on. Here are four advantages of responsive web design.
 
benefits-of-responsive-web-design
 
4 Reasons to Use Responsive Website Design
 
Mobile browsing becomes more and more popular every year, so it's essential to use responsive web design. A mobile-friendly site looks nice on mobile devices, but it may experience glitches or be harder to navigate. A responsive web design, on the other hand, lets your site adapt to the size of whatever screen it's viewed on. Users can easily navigate a responsive site on a phone, tablet, desktop, or any other device. It may take some time and money to switch to a responsive web design, but it will benefit you in the long run.  Oceanside web design professionals at Saba SEO share a few benefits of responsive web design. 

1. More Traffic from Mobile Browsers

People will quickly give up on a site that's difficult to view or navigate on a mobile device. A responsive website will attract more mobile users, and they'll be more likely to visit your site again in the future.