DKIM: The Digital Signature That Could Save Your Business

If you’ve ever received an email from your bank, your lawyer, or your web design team (like us), chances are it passed through a security check called DKIM. And if you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’ve run into a DKIM error trying to send mail to one of our servers, and you’re wondering why we’re making life difficult. Here’s the truth: we’re not trying to frustrate you, we’re trying to protect our clients. Because when email security fails, people don’t just get spammed, they get scammed. Let’s unpack what DKIM is, why it matters, how to fix it, and what’s really at stake.

What is DKIM and Why Do You Need It?
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) is like a digital wax seal for your emails. It proves that the message really came from your domain, and that it wasn’t tampered with in transit. When your email system signs an outgoing message with DKIM, it tells the receiving server:
“This message hasn’t been forged, spoofed, or altered. You can trust it.”
Without a successful DKIM check, our mail servers will not allow your message.
It’s not personal, it’s protocol. And about 1% of all emails sent in South Africa fail DKIM checks, leading to bounced messages, spam filtering, or worse: opportunity for fraudsters to step in.

How to Fix Your DKIM Error (in cPanel)
If you’re hosting your mail with cPanel (most domains in SA do), here’s how to check and fix your DKIM setup:

Step 1: Log into cPanel
Go to yourdomain.co.za/cpanel and log in.

Step 2: Open the “Email Deliverability” Tool
Search for “Email Deliverability” in the cPanel search bar. Click it.

Step 3: Find Your Domain
You’ll see a list of domains with their status. If your domain has issues, it will show as “Problems Exist”.

Step 4: Click “Repair”
If DKIM is missing or broken, cPanel can usually auto-fix it. Click the “Repair” button.

Step 5: Copy the Suggested DKIM Record
If auto-repair fails, cPanel will give you a TXT record to manually add.

Step 6: Add the Record to Your DNS
If your DNS is managed elsewhere (like Cloudflare, Afrihost, or GoDaddy):

• Go to your DNS settings
• Create a new TXT record
• Name: default._domainkey.yourdomain.co.za
• Value: (paste the full DKIM key from cPanel)
• TTL: 3600 seconds (1 hour) is fine

Step 7: Wait for Propagation
DNS updates can take 1 to 24 hours. You can test it with:

• mxtoolbox.com
• mail-tester.com

If you’re still stuck, let us know, we’re happy to help.

Why This Matters: Invoice Fraud is a Real Threat
Let’s say you email a client an invoice for R150,000. Somewhere between “send” and “receive”, a cybercriminal intercepts that message, changes the banking details, and forwards it along. The email looks 100% legit, your name, your wording, your footer.
Your client pays. But not to you.
This kind of attack is called Business Email Compromise (BEC) or Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) fraud, and it’s on the rise.
It’s especially dangerous in industries where:

• Large payments are made via EFT
• Invoices are emailed
• Staff assume “if it looks right, it must be right”

DKIM helps stop this by making sure the email truly comes from you and hasn’t been silently edited en route.

The Cost of Email Fraud in 2024
Here’s the reality, according to 2024 cybercrime reports:

• $2.9 billion USD lost globally to BEC fraud (FBI IC3 Report)
• Over R200 million lost in South Africa alone to email-based scams (SABRIC estimate)
• More than 90% of successful attacks started with a spoofed or manipulated email

And yet, less than 60% of South African businesses have proper SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records in place.

What Webnova Is Doing (and Why)?
We run strict DKIM validation on our hosting platform, because we’ve committed to protecting our clients.
Yes, it might block the odd email that doesn’t meet the standard, but those same standards could save you hundreds of thousands.

Final Thoughts: Security First, Always
We get it. DNS changes, mail setups, error messages, it’s all a pain when you just want to send a message. But email is no longer just a communication tool, it’s a potential security gateway.
DKIM is not an inconvenience. It’s your first line of defence.
And we’re here to help you get it right.

Need help fixing your DKIM or checking your domain security?
Reach out to our support team, we’ll make sure your emails are not just delivered, but trusted.

Look inside Webnova’s Proven Process for Digital Success

When most people think of a website, they imagine a digital brochure. A few images, a bit of text, maybe a contact form. But that’s not what we build.
At Webnova, we design websites that grow businesses. Every site we craft is a carefully engineered tool designed to attract, convert, and retain customers. It’s not just about what your website looks like. It’s about what it does for your business.
This is our process.

Phase 1: Discovery and Digital Strategy
Before we ever open a design file, we listen. Every business is different. Your goals, your clients, your pain points, all of it matters.
In our discovery phase, we dig deep. We ask the right questions and map out your customer journey. We look at what is working, what is not, and what opportunities are sitting untapped.
This is not a generic onboarding questionnaire. It is a collaborative session that allows us to align our thinking with yours. Because without the right strategy, beautiful design is just decoration.

Phase 2: User Experience by Design
Once we understand your business, we build the foundation of a powerful user experience.
Our design philosophy is simple. Clear. Clean. Minimal. Every element must earn its place. Every scroll must feel natural. Every section must lead somewhere.
The result? A site that feels effortless to use. Visitors stay longer. They click more. They find what they came for without frustration. And because we map out how different users interact with your content, every journey leads toward action.
This is design with purpose. It is more than visual appeal, it is trust built through clarity.

Phase 3: Engineered for Conversion
Here is where most websites fail. They look great, but they do not convert.
At Webnova, conversion is built into the design from the start. We apply real-world principles of behaviour and psychology. Where your call-to-action is placed. How much space surrounds it. The words used to invite a user to act.
We look at each page like a funnel. Where does it start? Where does it end? What steps must a visitor take to become a lead or a customer?
Everything is intentional. Nothing is left to chance.

Phase 4: Visibility through SEO and Local Search
A beautiful, high-converting site is useless if no one finds it.
That is why we do not just hand over a website and wish you luck. We build it for visibility from day one.
Our team uses advanced tools like Agency Analytics to monitor, track, and refine your performance. We conduct local keyword research, implement schema markup, optimise metadata, and structure your content for relevance and reach.
Most importantly, we build for speed, security, and mobile performance. Search engines reward that. Customers expect it.
We do not guess. We measure. We adapt. And we get you found.

Phase 5: Ongoing Growth and Support
Launching the site is not the end of our process. It is the beginning.
With Webnova, you do not just get a web designer. You get a digital partner. One who monitors how your site performs, who reviews your analytics, and who offers real, practical suggestions based on data.
We do monthly reporting, conversion reviews, and SEO audits. Not because it is part of a package, but because growth is not a one-time event. It is a process.
The businesses that win are the ones who improve, adjust, and evolve. We help you do that.

Results That Speak for Themselves
We have helped small service businesses double their inbound leads. We have increased average time-on-site by over 60 percent. And we have taken websites from the third page of Google to the top three results in their niche.
This is not luck. It is process. And it works.

Why Webnova?
We are not the cheapest. We are not the fastest. But we are relentless about results.
When you work with us, you are not getting a site that looks good today and becomes outdated tomorrow. You are investing in a digital tool designed to grow with your business, adapt to your customers, and perform in the real world.
This is not just design. It is engineering. It is strategy. It is growth.

Let’s Build Your Growth Engine
If your current site is not performing or you are starting fresh and want to do it right, schedule a discovery session. Let’s unpack your goals, identify your gaps, and build something that earns its keep.
We do not just build websites.
We build digital tools that grow your business.

We see it all the time. More and more small businesses pop up, advertising a “fully functional 5-page website” for R 2000 or less. Meanwhile, established companies like Webnova are suddenly seen as overpriced. But let’s break this down, because the truth is: that cheap website might be the most expensive mistake a business can make.

Not all Websites are created equal

Here’s the thing: anyone can throw together a website these days. There are drag-and-drop builders, free templates, AI tools—you name it. But just being online isn’t enough anymore.

A website should be more than a digital brochure. It should be:

• Strategic – aligned with your business goals
• Responsive – mobile-friendly and fast
• Optimised – built with SEO and conversions in mind
• Secure – protected from hacks and data breaches
• Professional – reflecting your brand’s value and credibility

Unfortunately that’s not what you get when paying for a cheap website.

What do you get for a professional quote?

Let’s be clear: we’re not charging higher quotes because we feel like it. We’re charging for the level of work, thought, and detail that goes into crafting something that actually works.

Here’s what our professional quote typically includes:

• Discovery & Strategy Session
  We ask real questions. What’s the goal of the site? Who’s your audience? What actions do we want them to take?
• Custom Design (No Templates)
  We design around your brand—not force you into a layout meant for someone else.
• Mobile-First Development
  Your site looks and works perfectly on every device, from phones to desktops.
• Speed & SEO Optimisation
  We build for Google from the start—clean code, fast load times, proper meta tags.
• Content Structure & Guidance
  We help you communicate your value clearly and effectively.
• Quality Assurance & Testing
  We test your site across browsers and devices. No broken layouts, no dodgy buttons.
• Post-Launch Support
  You don’t just get a “bye and good luck.” We’re here to help after launch.

The Hidden Cost of a Cheap Website

Let’s say you get that R2000 site. Here’s what could go wrong:

• The site loads slowly and loses visitors.
• It breaks on mobile.
• You’re nowhere near page 1 on Google.
• It looks amateurish—and so does your business.
• It’s hacked because it was built with outdated plugins.
• You end up paying someone else (like us) to rebuild it from scratch.

Cheap becomes expensive—fast.

You’re Not Paying for the Page. You’re Paying for the Process.

Think of it like this: you don’t pay a chef for the ingredients. You pay for the recipe, the skill, the years of experience, and the final presentation.

We’re not charging for “just a web page.” We’re delivering a carefully crafted, high-performing brand asset designed to move your business forward.

Our Promise: Quality First

We’re not in this to rip people off. We’re not chasing quick wins. We take pride in our work, and we believe in giving every client real value.

Our sites don’t just look good—they work. And our clients? They don’t come back for fixes. They come back for more.

Final Word

If you’re shopping around for the cheapest option, we’re probably not the right fit. But if you want something that actually helps grow your business, something built with purpose, clarity, and care—then let’s talk.

Your website is your first impression. Make it count!

How to Encourage Clients to Reach Out

In the digital age, a well-designed online contact form can be a powerful tool for converting visitors into leads. But what motivates a client to fill out your contact form? Understanding the psychology behind this decision can help you optimise your form to encourage more interactions. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key factors that make clients feel comfortable and compelled to fill in your online contact form, ensuring they see it as the right choice.

**1. Simplicity and Clarity

• Clear Purpose: Ensure your contact form has a clear and concise headline that states its purpose. Clients should immediately understand why they are filling it out.
• Minimal Fields: Keep the form simple by only asking for essential information. Too many fields can overwhelm potential clients and deter them from completing the form.

**2. Trust and Credibility

• Professional Design: A clean, professional design builds trust. Avoid clutter and ensure the form aligns with your overall website aesthetics.
• Security Assurance: Clearly state that their information is safe and won’t be shared. Adding a privacy policy link can reassure clients about data security.

**3. Social Proof

• Testimonials and Reviews: Displaying positive client testimonials or reviews near the contact form can build trust and encourage others to reach out.
• Client Logos: Showcasing logos of well-known clients you’ve worked with can enhance credibility and make potential clients feel confident in reaching out.

**4. Compelling Call to Action (CTA)

• Strong CTA: Use a compelling and action-oriented CTA button. Phrases like “Get a Free Quote,” “Request a Consultation,” or “Contact Us Today” can be more engaging than a simple “Submit.”
• Urgency and Benefits: Highlight the benefits of filling out the form and create a sense of urgency. For example, “Contact us today to receive a special discount!”

**5. User Experience

• Mobile Optimization: Ensure the form is mobile-friendly. Many users will access your site from mobile devices, and a form that is difficult to use on a phone can lead to drop-offs.
• Quick Loading Time: The form should load quickly and function smoothly. Any delays can frustrate users and lead them to abandon the process.

**6. Transparency

• Clear Next Steps: Let clients know what will happen after they submit the form. Will they receive a confirmation email, a call from your team, or a downloadable resource? Transparency builds trust.
• Personal Touch: If possible, include a personal touch, like a photo and a brief bio of the person they’ll be contacting, to humanize the interaction.

Understanding what motivates clients to fill in your online contact form is crucial for optimizing conversions. By focusing on simplicity, trust, social proof, a compelling CTA, user experience, and transparency, you can make clients feel confident that reaching out is the right choice. Implement these strategies to enhance your contact form and turn more visitors into valuable leads.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s a present-day reality transforming various industries, including web design. As businesses strive to stay ahead in a competitive market, embracing AI can provide a significant edge. In this blog post, we’ll explore how AI is revolutionising everyday business operations, with a special focus on the web design industry.

The Impact of AI on Web Design

1. Enhanced User Experience

AI-driven tools can analyse user behaviour and preferences, allowing web designers to create more personalized and intuitive websites. For example, AI can suggest design elements that align with the target audience’s preferences, leading to higher engagement and satisfaction.

2. Automated Design Processes

AI can automate repetitive design tasks, such as resizing images, generating layouts, and testing different design variations. This not only saves time but also ensures consistency across the website, allowing designers to focus on more creative and strategic aspects of the project.

3. Chatbots and Virtual Assistants

Incorporating AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants into websites can enhance customer service by providing instant responses to queries, guiding users through the site, and even assisting with purchases. This leads to improved user experience and increased conversions.

AI in Everyday Business Operations

1. Data Analysis and Decision Making

AI can process vast amounts of data quickly and accurately, providing valuable insights that inform business decisions. For web design companies, this means understanding client needs better and predicting market trends to offer innovative solutions.

2. Marketing and SEO Optimization

AI tools can optimize marketing campaigns by analysing user data and identifying the most effective strategies. For SEO, AI can help in keyword research, content optimization, and tracking performance, ensuring that websites rank higher in search engine results.

3.Project Management

AI can streamline project management by predicting project timelines, allocating resources efficiently, and identifying potential risks. This ensures that projects are completed on time and within budget, enhancing client satisfaction.

Embracing AI in everyday business is no longer optional; it’s a necessity for staying competitive and innovative. For web design companies, AI offers numerous benefits, from enhancing user experience to optimizing business operations. By integrating AI into their workflows, businesses can achieve greater efficiency, creativity, and success.

Outsourcing your website’s marketing to a third-party company can seem like a smart move to leverage their expertise and save time. However, what happens when the chosen company mishandles your website, leading to broken links, poor user experience, and a drop in performance? This blog explores the potential pitfalls of outsourcing website marketing and offers tips on how to choose the right partner to avoid these issues.

The Appeal of Outsourcing Marketing

• Benefits of outsourcing: expertise, time-saving, access to advanced tools.
• Common reasons businesses choose to outsource.

Potential Risks of Outsourcing

• Loss of Control: How giving up control over your website can lead to misaligned goals and priorities.
• Technical Issues: Examples of common technical problems, such as broken links, slow load times, and poor mobile optimization.
• SEO Mistakes: How inexperienced or negligent companies can damage your SEO efforts, leading to lower search engine rankings.
• User Experience (UX) Problems: How a lack of understanding of your target audience can result in a less intuitive and user-friendly website.

Real-Life Examples

• Case studies or anecdotes of businesses that suffered from poor outsourcing decisions.
• Highlight the impact on user experience, website traffic, and conversions.

How to Choose the Right Third-Party Marketing Company

• Research and Reviews: Importance of checking credentials, past work, and client reviews.
• Clear Communication: Setting clear expectations, goals, and KPIs from the start.
• Trial Periods and Contracts: Starting with a trial period or short-term contract to assess performance before committing long-term.
• Ongoing Monitoring and Feedback: Regularly reviewing performance and providing feedback to ensure alignment with your goals.

Steps to Take if Your Website Becomes Broken

• Immediate Actions: Steps to take if you notice your website has been negatively affected, such as reverting to a previous version or seeking emergency technical support.
• Long-Term Solutions: How to address the root causes and prevent future issues, including possibly switching to a more reliable marketing partner.

Outsourcing your website’s marketing can be beneficial, but it comes with risks if not done carefully. By understanding the potential pitfalls and taking steps to choose the right partner, you can protect your website from becoming broken and user-unfriendly. Always stay proactive in monitoring and maintaining control over your online presence to ensure it continues to serve your business goals effectively.

As we step into February, the initial buzz of the new year might be starting to wane, but it’s crucial to keep that spark of motivation alight. With the first month behind us, now is the perfect time to reassess our goals and strategies, ensuring we’re on track to make 2024 a year of significant achievements and growth.

The new year brought us a clean slate, and February is our chance to keep the momentum going, to reignite our passion for our business ventures. It’s time to reflect on the progress made so far and push forward with even more determination. This month symbolizes persistence and the continuous effort to thrive, moving beyond the survival mode that has marked the recent past. It’s about building on the optimism that the start of the year brought us, embracing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

This period is an excellent opportunity to reignite the smoldering passion for your business that might have faced challenges in tumultuous times. Let’s not forget that survival mode, while necessary, is not where dreams flourish. Innovation and growth stem from the courage to pursue our goals relentlessly.

Reflect on the progress made in January, no matter how small it might seem. Every step forward is a step in the right direction. Update your achievements, client testimonials, and portfolio to remind yourself and your audience of the impact your business has had. These reflections serve as a foundation for the ambitions we aim to achieve this year.

Setting ambitious goals is more important than ever. If January was about planning and setting intentions, February is about taking action. It’s time to bring those business ideas to life, to explore new avenues for growth, and to enhance your digital presence. Our array of services, from custom software development to innovative marketing strategies, is designed to help you turn your vision into reality.

Updating your online presence is crucial at this stage. Your digital footprint should reflect your growth and the evolving narrative of your business. Share your success stories, engage with your audience on social media, and showcase the tangible results of your hard work. Let’s make your business’s digital presence a vibrant showcase of your achievements.

At Webnova, we believe in collaboration and support. We’re not just service providers; we’re partners committed to your success. Our adaptability ensures our services evolve alongside your business, helping you to achieve your goals. As we move forward into February, let’s continue to work together to transform aspirations into tangible achievements. Let’s make the most of 2024, ensuring it’s filled with progress, success, and unparalleled achievements.

In the vast world of web hosting options, finding the right partner can feel like a digital odyssey. Page loading times, security concerns, and server stability are not just buzzwords—they’re the pillars on which your online presence stands. Let’s delve into how Webnova not only understands these concerns but turns them into our hosting strengths.

1. The Need for Speed: Nova LightSpeed Unleashed

Picture this scenario: a potential customer lands on your website, intrigued by what you offer. Excitement builds, anticipation heightens…and then, they wait. And wait. The page takes forever to load, and just like that, the magic is lost. Studies show that a mere one-second delay can lead to a 7% drop in conversions. Now, imagine the impact of a 12-second wait time—customers gone in a digital blink.

This is where Nova LightSpeed hosting from Webnova takes center stage. Our servers boast incredibly powerful hardware, coupled with the latest hosting software technology. The result? A staggering 96% improvement in page loading speed. Your website isn’t just fast; it’s a digital sprinter leaving the competition in the dust.

2. Security Beyond Compare: Fort Knox for Your Digital Kingdom

The internet is accessible to everyone and sometimes threats lurk around every virtual corner. A hacked website isn’t just a data breach; it’s a blow to your brand’s credibility. At Webnova, we’ve taken a page from Fort Knox’s playbook and fortified our servers with security measures that go above and beyond. Brute force attacks? Blocked. Suspicious activity? Flagged and reported. Someone trying to guess a password, permanently banned from access. Your website and email accounts becomes a virtual fortress, standing resilient against digital intruders.

3. Stability Redefined: Say Goodbye to Downtime Dramas

Server hardware failures are the unwelcome guests that no one wants. The stress of extended downtime? A nightmare for any business to sit without mail or website access for several days if not longer. Webnova tackles this head-on by redefining server stability. Our servers are not overcrowded; they’re meticulously monitored and generously scaled. Each account is securely isolated, preventing any potential issues from spreading. The result? Your website stays online, always ready for action.

Why Webnova?

• Nova LightSpeed Unleashed: A 96% improvement in page loading time.
• Security Beyond Compare: Fort Knox-level protection for your brand.
• Stability Redefined: Say goodbye to server-induced stress and downtime.

In a digital landscape where every second counts, choosing Webnova isn’t just a decision; it’s a strategic advantage. Elevate your online presence with hosting that goes beyond the ordinary. Nova LightSpeed isn’t just a service; it’s a commitment to excellence. Ready to experience the difference? Choose Webnova and let your website shine in the digital spotlight.

Design trends can evolve rapidly but some design trends are here to stay because of the simplicity and minimalist feeling it creates for users. Here are some design trends that are prominent in the digital and graphic design landscape. It’s always a good idea to stay updated with the latest developments.

1. Neomorphism:

Neomorphism is a design trend that involves creating elements that mimic the appearance of real objects. This often involves soft shadows, gradients, and highlights to give a tactile feel to the design.

2. Dark Mode:

Dark mode or dark theme designs have become increasingly popular. This not only reduces eye strain but also adds a sleek and modern look to websites and applications.

3. 3D Design and Illustrations:

The use of 3D elements and illustrations in design has been on the rise. This includes 3D graphics, product mockups, and dynamic illustrations that add depth and realism to the visual experience.

4. Surreal and Abstract Art:

Designers are exploring more surreal and abstract art in branding and digital design. This trend often involves dreamlike or fantastical elements that capture attention and convey a unique brand personality.

5. Minimalistic and Clean Designs:

Minimalism continues to be a strong trend, focusing on simplicity, clean lines, and ample white space. It enhances readability and user experience.

6. Biophilic Design:

Biophilic design incorporates natural elements into digital design, connecting users with the natural world. This can include organic shapes, earthy colors, and nature-inspired patterns.

7. Bold and Contrasting Typography:

Designers are experimenting with bold and contrasting typography to create visually striking layouts. This can involve unique font choices, oversized type, and creative text arrangements.

8. Microinteractions:

Microinteractions are subtle animations or feedback elements that respond to user actions. These small details enhance user experience and engagement.

9. Gradients and Duotones:

Gradients and duotones remain popular for adding depth and visual interest to designs. Vibrant color combinations are often used to create eye-catching effects.

10. Augmented Reality (AR) in Design:

With the advancement of AR technology, designers are incorporating augmented reality elements into their work to provide interactive and immersive experiences.

Remember that design trends can vary across different industries and regions. It’s also essential to balance following trends with creating designs that align with the brand identity and user experience goals. Always stay curious and keep an eye on design communities and industry publications for the latest trends or contact Webnova Designs for the best advice regarding design trends for your business or product.