Use QR codes more effectively than Tesco

Tesco is always quick to pick up on any marketing trend. Unfortunately that does not always mean that they do it well. Yesterday I noticed this QR code on a 2 for £3 pound offer on fruit. Initially I was quite impressed.

How to present the ‘you’ in your business

Creating creative content

It has been proven again and again that a genuine human face to your business can make it more approachable to clients and customers alike. How do you to strike a balance between personality and the fear of being too personal?

Why is your website slow?

Slow websites

Website speed is becoming a major issue as speed has an increasing effect on search engine optimisation. Google is now actively penalising slow sites in their rankings. Visitors are expecting fast responses. If your page takes more than 3 seconds to load, unless you are Amazon or the BBC, visitors may just give up and […]

Top 5 reasons for hiring a freelancer

Hire a freelancer

I freely admit this is not an unbiased point of view. However, I have in the past worked as part of an in-house web team and as a freelancer, so feel I can look at this subject with some knowledge, if not total impartiality. Here are my top 5 reasons why you should consider a freelancer for your next project.

Resources and reading for student web designers – part one

As many will know, if you follow my tweets, I’m a little busy this week. So this is a bit of a short post, at least in writing, if not content. I’ve been asked many times for my recommended reading list for student web designers, so here is the first part.

Why social media will not replace your website

Social media, facebook, Linked, twitterin,

With social media getting so much attention, many of my clients are beginning to ask if they still need a website. I believe your website is still an important part of your marketing plan and an essential tool for your brand.

What start-ups talk about on a bus

Get on the start-up bus

I had a great experience on the start-up bus when it arrived in Nottingham. Parked outside Antenna I carefully dodged traffic to claim my place aboard the already buzzing atmosphere. I think what was exciting for me was finding some new ideas, but also finding people who were experiencing the same issues.

So what do start-ups talk about if you trap them on a double-decker bus for two hours. Obviously I can’t tell you everything, but here are my highlights.

Do you really need a professional copy writer for your site?

Creating creative content

This is not a simple yes or no question. Often you are your best advocate. No one is more qualified or should have more enthusiasm than you to extol the virtues of you or your business. However, you are also busy and often have to run a business as well as all your personal responsibilities. So what is the best approach?

Your website needs a business plan

Take some time to write

It is amazing how many people come to me to design a website with only a vague notion of why they want one…You will build a website without doing any real research, no plan, and often no real idea of how your website will support your business.