You already know your business needs a website, but the best-kept secrets don’t show up in the standard how-to guides. The real difference comes from the quieter moves, the ones that build momentum behind the scenes. This isn’t about slick graphics or copy-paste templates. It's about getting under the hood and making your site do some heavy lifting. Whether you’re building from scratch or fixing what’s already out there, these lesser-known strategies can push your online presence from decent to indispensable. So let’s sidestep the obvious and dig into the overlooked.

Start with a Smart Domain

It’s shocking how often people rush the domain decision like it’s just a formality. But this small slice of your digital identity carries a heavy load, shaping how customers remember and search for you. Think clean, not clever. Avoid cutesy spellings that look like typos and stick with something intuitive that passes the radio test—meaning if you said it out loud, someone could spell it. A little research into how to choose a good domain name can save you from brand confusion later. Think of your domain as your handshake with the internet—make it firm and memorable.

Invest in Your Skills

Here’s the truth: even if you’re outsourcing web development, knowing the basics makes you harder to fool and better at decision-making. One way to level up without pausing your business is to pursue a bachelor of computer science. By earning a computer science degree, you can build a deeper understanding of coding, site architecture, cybersecurity, and AI. You’ll be able to see through the tech jargon and know when someone’s trying to upsell you on nonsense. Plus, earning an online degree makes it easier to balance running your business while you learn. It’s not about becoming a coder, it’s about becoming unshakably competent.

Design for Every Screen

People aren’t browsing your site from a desk anymore, they’re tapping through it with their thumbs on the train or scrolling in line at the grocery store. If your design doesn’t adapt, your visitors bounce. Responsive design is the behind-the-scenes MVP, making sure your site adjusts smoothly across devices without you having to create multiple versions. This isn’t just about shrinking content, it’s about reorganizing it so it still feels usable and polished on a phone. A deep dive into how responsive web design focuses on making websites look good and function well on any device can transform your site from clunky to clean. You’ll lose people fast if they have to pinch and zoom to find your hours.

SEO: Beyond the Basics

Sure, you’ve heard of search engine optimization, but too many people treat it like a one-time checklist. SEO is a living, shifting game, especially for small businesses trying to punch above their weight. Think local directories, alt text on images, loading speed, and keywords that sound like how people actually talk. It takes patience—your blog post about handmade soaps won’t go viral overnight. An SEO strategy is effective, but not instant, and playing the long game means making updates a part of your monthly routine. If you ghost your site, Google will too.

User Experience Matters

UX might sound like design lingo, but for small businesses, it’s the silent sales rep on your homepage. If your customer can’t find what they need in under ten seconds, they’re gone. Great UX means fewer clicks to the right answer, a simple checkout flow, and buttons that do what they say they’ll do. It's subtle stuff—line spacing, intuitive menus, color contrasts that don’t strain the eyes—but it adds up. If you're unsure what needs fixing, look at your site from a stranger’s perspective or better yet, watch someone else use it. There’s no guesswork in this if you explore the key elements of good UX for small business websites.

Secure Your Site

Most small businesses think they’re too small to get hacked. They’re wrong. If you’re collecting emails, processing payments, or using a content management system like WordPress, you’re a target. A few basic protections can prevent a world of pain—SSL certificates, two-factor authentication, and regular software updates. Don’t wait until you’re locked out of your own site. Take thirty minutes to brush up on cybersecurity for small businesses and patch those holes before someone else finds them. Customers trust you with their info, don’t treat that lightly.

Stay Updated

What worked two years ago might now get you penalized or buried in search results. Google’s algorithms shift like sand, and lately AI is rewriting the whole playbook. Staying current doesn’t mean chasing every trend, but you do need a basic awareness of how the game is changing. For instance, optimizing your content for tools like ChatGPT means rethinking how you write and structure your pages. There’s a growing need to understand generative engine optimization (GEO), where content is crafted not just for people, but for machines that now curate and summarize. Adapt or fade—it’s that blunt.

Building a website isn’t a project you finish and forget. It’s a living, shifting asset that can either work for you around the clock or sit there gathering dust. The best sites aren’t always the flashiest, but the smartest—the ones that anticipate needs, earn trust, and stay just a step ahead of the pack. If you treat your website like a second storefront, one that never closes, it’ll reward you with real attention and real revenue. So go ahead, polish the buttons and write the copy, but don’t sleep on the deeper tweaks.

Your website should be working for you—not stressing you out. Let Waking Girl give your online presence the same care and clarity you bring to your real-world business. One step at a time. 

Ready to transform your online presence? Let Reno Waking Girl build you a website that turns your dreams into reality!

A professional, well-designed website is the cornerstone of a successful business in today’s digital landscape. At Waking Girl Web Design, we specialize in creating custom websites tailored to your unique industry needs. Whether you’re a small business owner, contractor, medical professional, or creative entrepreneur, we make it easy to build, manage, and optimize your online presence. Explore how we can help your business thrive online!

1. Owner-Operated Businesses – Custom, Easy-to-Manage Sites
​Your business is unique, and your website should be too! We design fully customizable, user-friendly sites that make managing content and updates simple—so you can focus on running your business.
2. Contractors & Tradesmen – Websites That Bring in Leads
Need more local leads? Our contractor websites are built with SEO strategies that attract homeowners searching for services like yours. Get found, get hired, and grow your business effortlessly.
3. Property Management Companies – Showcase Listings & Streamline Operations
We create professional websites that integrate with property listing tools, online applications, and tenant portals—keeping your operations seamless and efficient.
4. Daycares & Preschools – Keep Parents Informed & Engaged
Make communication easy with an informative website that includes calendars, enrollment forms, and real-time updates. Keep parents in the loop and attract new families with a site that reflects your center’s values.
5. Clubs & Nonprofits – Attract Members & Donors with a Professional Site
Boost membership and increase donations with an engaging website that tells your organization’s story, offers easy donation options, and simplifies event management.
6. Dentists & Medical Offices – HIPAA-Compliant, Patient-Friendly Websites
Our medical websites are designed to be secure, accessible, and user-friendly, ensuring compliance with industry standards while providing a smooth experience for patients booking appointments or accessing resources.
7. Fitness & Yoga Studios – Memberships, Scheduling, and More
From online class schedules to membership sign-ups, we build websites that enhance customer engagement and streamline bookings, helping you grow your fitness community.
8. Photographers & Creatives – Showcase Your Portfolio Beautifully
Your work deserves to shine! We design visually stunning websites with seamless portfolio integration, ensuring that potential clients can easily browse and book your services.
9. Event Planners & Venues – Bookings, Schedules, and Promotions
Whether you host events or plan them, we create sites that feature interactive calendars, booking systems, and promotional tools to keep your event business thriving.
10. Pet Services & Grooming – Make It Easy for Customers to Book
Pet parents love convenience! Our websites include online booking, pricing pages, and customer testimonials to attract more clients to your pet grooming or boarding business.
11. Restaurants & Cafés – Online Menus, Reservations, and Marketing
Make a lasting impression with a stylish, easy-to-navigate website that features your menu, online ordering, reservation systems, and promotional offers.
12. Interior Designers & Home Services – Stunning Visuals to Showcase Your Work
Attract high-end clients with a visually compelling website that showcases your past projects, services, and testimonials to establish trust and credibility.
13. Authors & Coaches – Personal Branding & Engagement
Build your audience with a website that highlights your books, courses, and coaching services, while integrating email marketing and social media connections.
14. Public Speakers & Consultants – A Professional Online Presence
Establish authority in your field with a sleek, professional website that includes speaking schedules, testimonials, and easy contact forms for booking inquiries.
15. Wellness & Holistic Practitioners – Functional, Calming Websites for Clients
Create a soothing online experience for your clients with appointment scheduling, wellness resources, and a serene design that aligns with your holistic practice.
16. E-Commerce & Retail Shops – Sell Anything, Anywhere, with Ease
We design robust e-commerce websites with secure payment gateways, inventory management, and seamless shopping experiences to maximize sales.
17. Auto Shops & Dealerships – Promote Services & Generate Leads
Showcase your services, customer reviews, and vehicle inventory while making it easy for potential customers to schedule appointments or request quotes.
18. Personal Brands & Blogs – Build an Audience & Establish Authority
Whether you’re an influencer, lifestyle blogger, or industry expert, we design websites that amplify your voice and connect you with your audience.

Why Choose Waking Girl Web Design?✅ SEO-optimized sites that drive traffic and improve rankings
✅ Mobile-friendly, modern designs that look great on any device
✅ Secure, fast, and easy-to-manage websites
✅ Custom features tailored to your industry needs
✅ Ongoing support and maintenance for long-term success
Let’s build the perfect website for your business! Contact Waking Girl Web Design today to get started on your custom web solution. 🚀

Running a daycare or preschool is more than just managing children—it’s about building trust with parents, streamlining operations, and keeping families informed. In today’s digital world, a professional website is essential for attracting new families and maintaining clear communication with existing ones. At Waking Girl, we specialize in creating daycare and preschool websites that are easy to use, mobile-friendly, and packed with the features you need.

The Benefits of a Well-Designed Daycare WebsiteA great daycare website isn’t just a place to list your hours—it’s a powerful tool that can:
✅ Showcase Your Programs & Facilities – Give parents a glimpse of what makes your daycare special through photos, program descriptions, and testimonials.
✅ Simplify Enrollment & Scheduling – Allow parents to access registration forms, waitlists, and schedules with ease.
✅ Keep Parents Informed – Post updates, calendars, and important announcements to reduce phone calls and improve communication.
✅ Improve Your Online Presence – A well-optimized website helps your daycare appear in local search results, making it easier for families to find you.
✅ Build Trust & Credibility – Professional design and testimonials reassure parents that their children are in good hands.

Essential Features for a Daycare or Preschool Website
At Waking Girl, we build websites with all the key features to support daycare owners and parents alike, including:
1. Mobile-Friendly DesignMost parents browse on their phones—your website needs to be easy to navigate on any device.
2. Online Registration & FormsSave time by offering downloadable forms or online registration options.
3. Parent Portal & AnnouncementsA secure space for parents to check schedules, events, meal plans, and important news.
4. Photo & Video GalleriesShowcase your classrooms, outdoor play areas, and daily activities to give parents confidence in your facility.
5. SEO Optimization for Local SearchesWe ensure your site is search engine optimized so parents in your area can easily find you when searching for ‘daycare near me.’
6. Testimonials & ReviewsHighlight positive feedback from happy parents to build trust and credibility.
7. Safety & Security InformationProvide parents with details on safety measures, emergency contacts, and policies.

Why Choose Waking Girl for Your Daycare Website?
At Waking Girl, we understand the unique needs of childcare providers. We create websites that:
✔ Are easy for you to update with new information
✔ Offer a beautiful, engaging design that reflects your daycare’s warmth and professionalism
✔ Include features that simplify your day-to-day operations
✔ Are built with SEO best practices to attract more local families

📞 Ready to Upgrade Your Website?
Let’s make it happen! Call 775-544-6612 to get started today.

Let’s Build a Website That Works for Your Daycare!
Your website should work as hard as you do. Whether you need a fresh new site or updates to your existing one, Waking Girl is here to help. Contact us today, and let’s build something amazing together!
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📍 Serving Daycares & Preschools Across the U.S. Call 775-544-6612 today to discuss your needs!

In today's dynamic digital environment, small businesses face significant opportunities and formidable challenges. To succeed, they must leverage innovative web-based tools that enhance engagement, streamline operations, and strengthen their competitive edge. With the right tools, businesses can turn every customer interaction into a valuable exchange that builds loyalty and trust, while advanced project management resources can drive team productivity and creativity. As digital solutions continue to evolve, so do the possibilities for small businesses to achieve growth and excellence.

Engage Effortlessly and Enhance Customer Loyalty
In today’s fast-paced digital world, small businesses need to be quick on their feet to keep up with customer expectations. Engaging with your audience on social media isn’t just about posting content; it’s about fostering genuine connections through timely interactions. Imagine a customer leaving a comment or sending a message and receiving a thoughtful response within an hour. This kind of promptness is not only expected by many consumers but also builds trust and loyalty. Responding quickly and personally shows your audience that you value their input, which can significantly boost your business’s reputation and customer relationships. 

Transforming Questions into Content Gold
Every question your customers ask is an opportunity for growth. By transforming these inquiries into informative blog posts, you can provide valuable resources that resonate with your audience. Analyze your customers' common questions or challenges and create content that addresses these needs. This approach helps reduce the workload on your support team by directing customers to readily available solutions and enhances your blog’s relevance. 
 
Enhance Marketing Prowess Through Online Learning
Gaining a deeper understanding of marketing can be a game-changer for your business. An online marketing degree equips you with the skills to identify social trends and craft compelling digital campaigns. This flexible learning option allows you to balance education with running your business, providing you with the expertise needed to captivate your audience. As the demand for marketing professionals rises, an online degree can open new doors for web-based projects and contribute to your business’s success (go here for more information).

Amplify Your Reach with Winning SEO Tactics
Optimizing your website for search engines is crucial to stand out in the crowded online marketplace. Implementing effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategies can enhance your site’s visibility, drawing more organic traffic. Focus on optimizing your webpage elements, such as content and meta tags, and utilize long-tail keywords specific to your niche. This targets a more qualified audience and aligns your content with user search intents. Additionally, ensure your website is technically sound by optimizing its speed and mobile compatibility, improving user experience and search engine rankings.  

Delivering Success with Smart Logistics Solutions
Efficiency in logistics can make a significant difference in your business operations. By leveraging advanced logistics and shipping optimization tools, you can streamline your delivery processes, reducing costs and enhancing customer satisfaction. These tools assist in planning optimal routes and choosing economical shipping methods, which minimizes fuel consumption and handling times. Embracing innovative technologies like automated shipping and AI-driven recommendations boosts operational efficiency and appeals to eco-conscious consumers by supporting sustainable practices.  

Elevate Customer Relations with Cloud CRM Solutions
Cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) solutions can revolutionize how you engage with your clients. These tools offer seamless access to vital customer data anytime, anywhere, allowing you to manage client interactions effectively. The flexibility of accessing information on the go, combined with reduced IT infrastructure needs, results in significant savings and reduced operational risks. As the cloud computing market expands, more advanced CRM options become available, enabling you to provide personalized and consistent customer service across various channels.

Streamline Projects with Collaborative Web Tools
For small businesses aiming to scale, efficient project management is essential. Web-based project management tools offer centralized platforms where team members can collaborate seamlessly. With user-friendly interfaces, you can assign tasks, set timelines, and prioritize effectively, ensuring everyone is aligned with their responsibilities. Features like Gantt charts and dashboards provide real-time insights into project progress, allowing you to stay on top of deadlines and adjust workflows as needed. Integrating such tools fosters a collaborative work environment that enhances productivity and quality outputs.

Incorporating these web-based resources and strategies can significantly elevate your small business by marrying innovation with tradition crafting a digital narrative that encourages your brand’s unique voice. It’s not just about keeping pace with technology; it’s about leveraging it to forge stronger connections, streamline operations, and, ultimately, create a sustainable path to success. As you continue to navigate this dynamic digital age, remember that the true power of web-based resources lies not only in their technological capabilities but in their ability to inspire transformation and growth. 

Transform your website into a powerful business tool with Reno Waking Girl and watch your visitors become loyal customers!

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​Ever since Al Gore "invented" the internet, people have been figuring out ways to make money from it. That's part of capitalism and there is nothing wrong with looking for ways to meet the demands of consumers. The internet has provided many ways to generate revenue that we couldn't have imagined before 1994. One of the ways is called "cybersquatting." This is the word that has been coined to describe someone that has acquired a web domain with the hopes that someone will want that domain in the future. It's a fairly inexpensive gamble and can be highly profitable. As the internet has grown the availability of domain names has changed dramatically. There are several important considerations when choosing a domain for your business or organization:
1. Is it memorable? Use the KISS (keep it simple silly) method for best results.
2. Don't get too cute. Using a creative spelling of your name can often work against you as generic searches typically don't include words spelled outside of the norm.
3. Does the name reflect what you do or the product you sell? Unless you have an unlimited budget for marketing to drive traffic to your site, it is usually best to use a domain name that helps Google find you by including one or two keywords that either explain what you sell, or where you sell it.
4. What if the domain I want is already owned by a cybersquatter? Like anything else, everything is negotiable. Your web designer may be able to negotiate a price or suggest alternative domain names that will satisfy your requirements. If you have your heart set on a domain that is already owned, you may have to pony up or keep an eye on the domain to see if the owner loses interest in it.
5. Think about variations of your domain name that you might want to acquire that will forward to your website. Many businesses have multiple domains. Tracking which domains are being used to find you can be useful in determining your overall marketing strategy. Who knows, someone might want to purchase one of your domains in the future!

Are you thinking about moving to Reno, NV? Whether you’re a current or prospective entrepreneur, Reno is a fantastic location to run a business. The city and state boasts all kinds of wonderful opportunities for entrepreneurs. You’ll enjoy robust community support for small businesses, an educated workforce, and no shortage of local resources designed to help local businesses thrive. In a rocky economy, the value of launching a business in a supportive environment cannot be overstated. Below, Waking Girl explores the reasons you should consider setting up shop in Reno.

Availability of Rentals

If you’re not in a position to buy a home, renting is a great alternative, especially in Reno. The city has a variety of rental options at price points suited to various budgets. Look for homes in a neighborhood that fit the needs and wants of your family. 

Once you’ve chosen a few suitable areas, view online listings to find properties in your price range. Most online rental sites will allow you to filter your search results based on your desired number of bedrooms and bathrooms, so remember to take advantage of these tools!

Cost of Living

Living in Reno is more expensive than in many other areas of the country. The cost of housing in Reno is significantly above the national average. This cost of living leaves means your business will need to be more competitive on wages to attract talent.

Strong Sense of Community

The people of Reno have a strong sense of community. As a result, residents are eager to support small businesses, and city leaders prioritize policies that support local ventures. 

High Quality of Life

People in Reno generally enjoy a high quality of life. This is great for business! Community members with access to cultural opportunities, tasty food options, high-quality education, and beautiful green space make for happier, healthier employees. These well-known attractions draw new residents:

• National Automobile Museum
• Truckee River Walk
• Mt. Rose Ski Resort
• Nevada Museum of Art

Educated Workforce

Thanks to the number of reputable colleges nearby, the city workforce is well-educated. Good local colleges create a vast pool of local talent that benefit businesses like yours! Here are a few top-ranked schools in the Reno area:

• University of Nevada - Reno
• Multnomah University Nevada
• Sierra Nevada University

Proximity to Destination Resorts

Reno is just a short distance from Lake Tahoe. This makes it easy to find high earners and establish valuable business relationships. Plus, your proximity to high income clients will increase your customer base and offer opportunities to scale your business easily.

Your Reno Business Quick-Start Checklist

Are you ready to start a business in Reno? One of the biggest steps is setting up an LLC in Nevada. Once you’ve launched your official business entity, the following are a few organizations that can help you get off the ground:

• Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce
• Nevada Economic Development Corporation
• City of Reno Development Services

Reno could be the perfect home base for you and your business. If you’re interested in this beautiful city, start looking for available rentals, review cost of living considerations, and check out all the local resources that are available to support your business. You will thrive as an entrepreneur in Reno!

If you’re searching for help to wake up your business’s website, contact Waking Girl today!

​Image via Pixabay

In times of economic downturn, it's important to make sure that your website is up-to-date and working optimally. Making sure that your website looks great, has the most up-to-date content, runs quickly, and offers a great customer experience will help you weather the storm and come out on top. 

From the web design experts at Waking Girl Web Design, here are some tips on how to give your website a refresh in preparation for an economic downturn.

Prioritize Speed
Having a website that loads quickly is essential for success in any market condition. Slow sites can lead to frustrated customers who don't have the patience to wait for pages to load or search results to appear. Optimize your site by compressing images and using caching techniques to make sure that there are no delays when customers try to access your site.

Optimize for Mobile
In today's world, mobile optimization is essential. With more people accessing websites from their phones than ever before, you must make sure that your website looks great on all devices. Make sure that all fonts and images scale properly on smaller screens and use media queries if necessary so that everything looks great regardless of device size or type.

Create High-Quality Content
High-quality content can be the difference between success and failure during recessions. Make sure that all of the content on your website is relevant, accurate, and well-written so that customers trust what they are reading when they visit your site. You should also consider adding video content as well as graphics or photos to keep visitors engaged with your content.

Focus on Customer Service
It's important during times of economic hardship for businesses to prioritize customer service above all else so as not to alienate potential customers who may already be feeling stressed due to financial circumstances outside of their control. Investing in customer service technology, such as live chat services or automated responses, will show customers that you care about their needs and are willing to go above and beyond to provide them with helpful solutions.

Learn the Ropes
One of the most effective ways to give your website a refresh is by improving your coding skills. After all, a website that looks aesthetically pleasing but doesn't do what it needs to do will fail to yield results. Once you have your design and branding in order, click here to brush up on changing coding languages, debugging basics, and more. Taking the time to learn coding can make a real difference in how well your website performs both during the downturn and beyond.

​If you're not familiar with coding languages such as HTML or CSS, consider investing time into learning these skills so you can enhance your website yourself without paying extra money for professional services.  Are you eager to pursue a CompTIA certification to enhance your website to its fullest potential? Investing time in IT courses is an exciting way to take control of your website and make sure it looks exactly how you want it to and does what it’s supposed to.

Work With the Pros
If you don't have the time or desire to learn coding languages yourself, partnering with a professional web designer will be beneficial during an economic downturn for the expert advice they can provide, ranging from how best to optimize your site to increasing your sales and conversions over time. Fill out this questionnaire and let Waking Girl Web Design do the rest!

As the economic landscape shifts, staying ahead of competitors and ensuring a strong online presence is key. For entrepreneurs looking to weather this storm in style, investing time into website optimization can make all the difference: think of loading speed upgrades, mobile compatibility, and comprehensive customer service solutions. Your business will be ready for anything coming its way.

Image via Pexels

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Maybe you’re excited about your company’s progress in recent months, but you’re curious about how you can push your business forward. Digital transformation might be the answer! By investing in digital innovation, like revamping your company’s website with Waking Girl Web Design, you can achieve and even exceed your business goals. Here’s how to take on digital transformation initiatives for your company.

Focus on Business Process Management

Your processes dictate the way your business runs - and if your processes are not as efficient as they could be, you’ll inevitably waste time and lose out on revenue. But what is business process management? Through business process management, you can automate and optimize processes and move your business forward through digital transformation. By explaining to your employees that this will allow them to tackle projects faster, you’ll be able to gain buy-in from your team. As you create your company’s BPM framework, you’ll need to continue monitoring its effectiveness as time goes on so that you can make changes if necessary.

Choose Tech With Great Support

No matter what kind of technology you’re thinking about investing in, you don’t want to choose programs that lack customer support. After all, if you’re having an issue with your software, you need to be able to get in touch with someone who can help you remedy the problem. Prior to purchasing any new software or hardware, connect with their customer service department and ask a few questions to gauge the effectiveness of their support services.

Explore Cloud Computing

Why are cloud systems so essential for businesses these days? They allow you to store and organize your digital files, and ensure that your team can access the documents they need even when they’re away from the office. Investing in a cloud storage system will definitely make it easier for your team to collaborate on projects. Centrilogic also states that cloud computing can support agile processes, help you cut overall costs, and allow you to scale your business since you can always purchase more storage space if necessary. 

Use Helpful Software

If you haven’t already onboarded your team onto project management software and customer relationship management software, now is the time to take care of it! Choosing the right versions of these software can be a complicated decision. It’s important to figure out exactly which functions and features your company will need, so talk to other business owners who run companies of a similar size. Ask them which programs they use, if they would recommend these systems, and which features their team relies on most heavily.

Apply Data Analytics

By using the right software, you can collect valuable data that allows you to make crucial decisions about your company’s future. How can data analytics benefit your business? Treehouse Technology Group states that your data can reveal which processes are actually supporting your business as intended, how your customers behave, where you need to make improvements, and what kinds of actions you can take to change your business for the better. 

When your business is run with technology, there is so much potential data that you can collect - and if you’re not already gathering this data, you might be missing out on key knowledge about your company. Therefore, data collection should be of the utmost importance.

Digital transformation is a major undertaking. But embracing digital innovation can help you rack up entrepreneurial accomplishments that you didn’t even realize were possible before. With these tips, you’ll be inspired to start incorporating innovative digital changes into your company!

​Are you ready to drive serious business growth? Turn to Waking Girl Web Design for support! Call us today at 775-544-6612 to learn more about what we can do for your company.

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