Tag Archives: website development
Is your business Christmas proofed
The question is, when is it time to start thinking about Christmas if you are an entrepreneur, running a business, owner of an online shop or any other enterprise that provides a service, training or goods to the public or other businesses and are be affected by Christmas ?
Some really forward looking people start planning Christmas and all of the logistical necessities that this extra busy time can entail in January, in fact the minute the door is closing on one festive season, the window of opportunity is just beginning to open for the following season of good cheer with its looser wallets and purses.
Some businesses rely so much on Christmas, it would be a complete dereliction to ignore this prime time of the year. It is incredibly important to plan as much of your business activity as possible during this extra busy time of year, especially if you are a company that requires training for its workforce, making sure that all plans are in place in good time can avoid disastrous consequences and lost revenue, not to mention loss of consumer confidence.
Let’s look at some facts that might help put into perspective the very real proposition that the Christmas period is ultimately the only important time of year and all other times are simply rehearsing for it.
At least half of small businesses rely so entirely on this seasonal trading that without it there would be no growth, almost 25% of the entire yearly revenue is taken during the festive trading period.
The average household in Britain spends around £800 at this time of year, this is a conservative estimate. This distils into a figure of around £40 for each present that UK shoppers buy for and on average we all buy 14 or 15 presents, this is in stark contrast to shoppers on the continent who spend around £20 per gift and buy only six or seven gifts each year.
Online shopping has rocketed over the years and peaked in 2017 at an all-time high of around £30 billion, this trend looks set to continue over the coming years with a massive 80% of shoppers in Britain saying that they purchase their gifts online. It is also a fact that 70% of the U.K.’s male population state that they are unlikely to buy gifts in a shop when they can obtain them online.
An incredible £7 billion was spent by shoppers using their mobiles in 2017, bringing into sharp focus the necessity for any forward-looking business to have an online presence that is easy to use and navigate the most up-to-date version possible to make the shopping experience as easy and quick as it can be, those businesses lagging behind the online technology will suffer the consequences as consumers will most certainly make them pay a heavy price by taking their online footfall elsewhere.
40% of discerning gift buyers in UK go online as early as August and September looking for festive bargains that will look good for them when handed over on that very important morning in December.
The lesson in this for all businesses is to start capturing those clients as early as possible with Christmas offers and bargains to tempt them in.
The truly smart business manager or entrepreneur will never leave their Christmas planning until November and December when the decorations are going up, the most successful entrepreneurs will have their plans laid in stone and the nets out to capture this most lucrative of times way, way in advance, Certainly by the end of summer Christmas will loom large in their thoughts and absolutely the wheels of their plan will be grinding into motion by the end of September and no later.
Being ready for the logistical demands that the festive period puts on businesses of all sorts it’s not just a case of hiring the extra staff paying for training courses or even ensuring that the extra stock that will be required is indeed available in your warehouse, you have to look Christmas ready, you have to make your clients feel Christmassy the minute they encounter you on any level, be it in person, in the training room or even, and probably more importantly, on your website and in your social media images and messages on your website should truly reflect the fact that Christmas is coming and make your visitors feel the most welcome that they can be.
Now that the summer has gone by and we are all subjected to grey days and drizzly rain a true lift to the spirit of all human beings is to look forward and imagine ourselves in a winter wonderland themed with Father Christmas, Christmas trees, rosy chested Robbins and wondrous winter snowy landscapes, all images that we should be putting out over the Internet.
It really does not matter what you’re selling or what your service is, you will definitely do better and increase spend by your consumer if they feel jolly and nothing creates jolly better than to identify with the jolly, rotund bringer of Christmas himself with his glowing cheeks flowing white hair & beard and his shiny red suit.
making your clients feel good will invariably result in more revenue, this may sound very cynical but if you don’t do it someone else will and that someone else will take the benefit that could’ve been yours.
Not only is the festive season a time for storing away profits to keep you going through the lean times of the year but it is also time for you to free your inner Santa Claus, if you become the embodiment of Christmas and all of the cheer that that brings with it, you will invariably create a feeling in your workplace and in your customers that will definitely set an atmosphere conducive to higher profits.
Outsourcing for professionalism
Why outsourcing to a marketing company is a no brainer ?
- Feeling lost by the digital marketplace ?
- Need your time to be more productive ?
- Want much less stress in your life ?
- Really need help but can’t afford a new employee full time?
That’s just a tiny few of the many many reasons you should and could talk to us today, there are just so many ways in which Gleave Media can help your company.
From a practical perspective we can do so much for you in the Digital space and our services go far beyond merely writing a few email campaigns for you, our services here are geared to specifically take the marketing workload off your shoulders in every way you can imagine, so we can nail down to driving your business in the right direction generating sales leads and enquiries for your business.
Ask yourself how many more clients you could take on or would win with our marketing strategy help?
Make the decision today and call us here at to discuss your specific requirements , I am sure we can help you and at the end of the day it’s just a phone call !
We would be delighted to listen to your goals and help you realise them, please get in touch today on 01392 241653 or contact us through our website here, we’d be delighted to have a no obligation chat to see if we can help your business grow.
Why Content Marketing is Crucial in 2017
Any amount of research on the current online marketing climate will tell you that content marketing is key when building a website. When it comes to growing a successful business, generating well articulated, accurate, and target content is crucial to drawing in your target customers. Without well written content, you may find your business stagnating in the competitive markets of the modern age. Here are a few tips to help keep your website’s content marketing the center of attention.
Pay attention to your target audience
In recent years, online consumers are less and less likely to spend their time searching through websites to find the information they need. Instead, the majority of internet users rely on search engines, and target specific keywords in order to find the content they are looking for. On top of this, more customers are less likely to stick around through a long article that weighs them down with over the top information. This means that, while a few years ago running a website with pages and pages of information may have been the best way to gain customers, in today’s market that kind of strategy will end up weighing your business down. Instead, it is crucial to invest in concise content for your website.
Content Targeting
When it comes to content for your website, make sure to hone your content in such a way to draw in specific consumers. For example, it is important to present your potential customers with facts about your industry, as well as with concise articles about your methods and any other information pertaining to your field.
With the specificity of search engine results, and the lack of interest modern-day consumers have in spending long amounts of time looking for information, it is imperative to know your audience. Making sure your website ranks for your business type is one of the best ways to ensure constant traffic to your site, and content is one of the main ways to prove to the variety of search engines out there that your site is worth showing their visitors.
Content Influx
Today’s consumers are used to a barrage of daily information, from Facebook feeds to Twitter posts to Emails. The best way to reach out through this information fog is to make sure your website updates with new content regularly. If your website offers no new content for weeks on end, you’re well on your way to losing website traffic, which means less customers. Of course, while keeping your website constantly updated is key to standing out in the information storm of the internet, the quality of your content is as important as the quantity. If your articles are poorly written, or merely rehashed versions of previous content on your site, your customers will notice, as will the search engines.
At the end of the day, creating good content is the key to marketing your business in the modern world. Content is one of the main ways your website gains renown on the internet, and without it you’ll find yourself high and dry wondering where the customers went. However, once your content is of good quality, and your website offers a wide array of regularly updated information, you’re well on your way to thriving in the online business world.
Developing a content plan shouldn’t be an afterthought – the businesses that succeed will be the ones that make it integral to their strategy from the start. Now the sales bit, if you need help in creating your digital plan please call us on 01392 241653 or contact us through the website here for a no obligation conversation.
New Website for Photobooth Select
We are delighted to announce the launch of a new website for local business Photobooth Select. This new website offers quick and easy access to essential information and features that offers a more comprehensive understanding of Photobooth Select’s products and services.
Photobooth Select booths automated touch screen computer system utilises the latest state of the art photographic technology, which along with a very clever printer produces a touch dry top quality photograph in just a few seconds. They specialise in the hire of fun Photo booths for all occasions, including weddings, corporate events, charity dinners, private functions, promotional events, school proms or simply just a fun party, the possibilities are endless.
The new website has a clean uncluttered design, highlighting the fun aspect of a Photobooth and as you would expect it is fully responsive so it can work in all devices – a must for a new website development – you can find the website here www.photoboothselect.co.uk.
“ We have recently had our Photo Booth Entertainment Website done by Gleave Media and were very impressed by the level of professionalism and attention to detail. Nothing was too much trouble for Alistair and his team of designers and we wouldn’t hesitate in recommending them. Many thanks Gleave Media” Mandy and Paul Photo Booth Select
Why your website needs to be mobile friendly
With the continual change of advanced phone technology, websites are in effect continually going from desktop browsers to tablets and mobile phones. This means that your website needs to change to suit the distinctive screen sizes and be cross browser perfect with the plethora of mobile gadgets now available in the business sector. The experience that a mobile client receives is so critical in your business and if you’re in any doubt then this article clarifies why you ought to make your site responsive / mobile friendly.
Higher Ranking in Google Search
Beginning April 2015, Google began offering giving preference to sites that are mobile friendly or have a mobile friendly version of their site, according to Google’s Webmaster Blog:
“When it comes to search on mobile devices, users should get the most relevant and timely results, no matter if the information lives on mobile-friendly web pages or apps. As more people use mobile devices to access the internet, our algorithms have to adapt to these usage patterns. In the past, we’ve made updates to ensure a site is configured properly and viewable on modern devices.”
Other internet search engines share a similar view with the inclination to favour mobile friendly websites. Yahoo and Bing for example have followed a similar path to Google requiring that you offer a mobile friendly / responsive website and if any any doubt then Google offer a free tool in which you can test your website mobile friendliness here https://www.google.com/webmasters/tools/mobile-friendly/.
Various Screen Sizes
The primary reason for any website ought to be to serve up what the user needs and how the user wishes to view your website on a device of their choice. The massive development of smart phones and tablet devices means that websites need to adjust to a variety of screen sizes accordingly. This is called Responsive Design and is utilized to get the website information used on any portable device by removing the irrelevant parts of the site and just concentrating on the essential viewpoints. Advanced website design must make conformities for various sorts of screens including mobile telephones, tablets, portable workstations, desktops, projectors and even window display and each screen needs the special components taking into account their use and in view of their usefulness to your business.
W3CSchools says that “RWD remains for Responsive Web Design; RWD can convey site pages in variable sizes; RWD is an absolute necessity for tablets and cell phones.”
Concentrate on essential features
Bigger buttons, bigger text dimension and a configuration upgraded for a portable screen are perfect in giving the best site experience to a mobile friendly client. Different components which are given need is component dispersing, particularly for things such as connections, popups, catches and even drop down records. The general purpose of this is to guarantee that the end client concentrates on precisely what they need and not the extravagant components of your site which are displayed to desktop clients.
Whatever your website need we can help identify and then help your business reach its customers on any device so that you can concentrate on managing and growing your business, to find out more please contact the team either through the website here or call us on 01392 241653.
Why put a human face on your business?
In 2016 developing your business is greatly helped by building personal relationships and engaging with your customers and prospects as this will help your business develop brand loyalty and a greater sense of trust. It then follows that people are more likely to trust your business if they know that real people work there, so how do you do that, these are are top tips to put a human face on your business.
1. Use genuine pictures of your team with bios where appropriate.
2. Why not conduct an interview with the MD or a key member of staff.
3. Collate and share images of your products and services that customers have shared with you.
4. Positive feedback from customers and people you work with is always good to share.
5. Why not include a thank you for something that a customer has done for you – could this be a long standing award.
6. Include any charity work any staff member has done, run a marathon for example.
So there you have it just a few examples of how you could put a human face on your business and so develop the trust in how your business is seen by your customers and prospects. How you get this out in front of your customers can be by things like blog posts or email marketing or maybe your audience is of a different demographic so Tumblr or Shapchat is more appropriate?
Whatever this is we can help identify and help your business reach its customers so you can concentrate on managing and growing your increasing enquiry levels, to find out more please contact the team either through the website here or call us on 01392 241653.
Small Business Management crucial for growth
For most Small Businesses the management of people is way down the list when compared to the other parts of the business operation, for example, revenue and sales which outweigh everything else. Notwithstanding, staff administration is a significant cost for small business as well as concentrating on different business functions as this is all important to drive business development.
There can be no doubt that any small business need good people to help them function correctly but what else is preventing Growth for Small Businesses?
As an entrepreneur you will be confronted with an awesome number of things to do to develop your business! It is likely that you will disregard a few while concentrating on others that maybe you might be more OK with performing, so what are the other areas that you need to be on top off? These are likely to include some of all of the following;
- Understanding your Customer Market – who are they and where are they, is your business positioned correctly to reach this customer?
- Satisfactory Planning – do you have a plan, is it written down anywhere and do all your staff have a buy in?
- Overseeing Cash Flow – the old adage cash is king is never more relevant these days, do you have a handle on your business cash flow?
- Working a Marketing and Sales Process – do you even have a sales process, who is the first point of contact for any potential customer?
- Focused on Marketing Campaigns and Programs – this is where we come in and can help your business focus on its customers with digital campaigns that directly reach out to them.
And now the sales message, if your small business needs help focusing its marketing activity and needs a clear defined plan then why not call us on 01392 241653 or contact us through the website here for a no obligation chat, what have you for to loose?
Optimizing for organic search
Optimizing for organic search and refining for SEO is something we’ve alot of experience with and something that as digital marketers we’re always working on to give our customers the best possible service, this is especially important when you consider how competitive and expensive paid search is getting.
In the UK we are pretty much focused on Google as the number one point of call as you dont want to pay Google for every click to your website. So doing the right thing by optimizing for organic search to drive traffic to your website has to be the way forward.
So what are some of the most important strategies that we can work on right away – these are our top three?
The central starting point has to be your website and ensuring that it is mobile-friendly this means that it is responsive. A responsive website scales to fit any device a user is accessing the site from, whether it be a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or mobile phone. Since Google launched its change to the mobile algorithm in an update in Spring 2015, this will list your site below a competitor in organic rankings if your competitor is better optimized for mobile search compared to your website.
Look at your content, Google’s algorithms and updates ensure that organic rankings are largely driven by the amount of quality content on your website or associated to your business, this can be by news feeds, blogs or even white papers. You need to ensure that the content is quality content and can help the searcher in being relevant and informative.
Dont neglect your local search presence on the Google Business database, you need to make sure that your address is correct and that you have it verified by Google—either via postcard or phone call—so that your business is eligible to be shown in map and local search results. Google, and other search engines, knowing exactly where your business is located can do wonders for your local search.
These are the very basics of SEO that can ensure your website is seen by the widest possible audience for a far more detailed consultation why not call us on 01392 241653 or contact us through the website here, we’d love to help your business perform better online.
We believe in responsive web design, is your site responsive?
As a company we believe in responsive web design and were pleased that as from 21st April following changes to their search algorithm Google have said they will prioritise mobile-friendly websites. So if your website is not fully responsive to screen size, this will lead to a drop in rankings, visits etc – this means it needs to work in smart phones, tablets etc all with differing screen dimensions.
On one hand, you wonder what gives Google the right to specify what type of website you must have? However, the reality is that if you don’t have a responsive website, you’re not offering a smooth user experience and this is what they’re optimising for – they want to prioritise websites that offer the best experience. We have for some time strongly recommended all websites are built for responsive web design and as we’ve already said this means that pages adjust or “respond” according to screen size. This means that for customers on a mobile device, accessing a responsive website is a pleasure – they are more likely to visit more pages, and therefore conversions are likely yo increase. Take our site for example, the image above is taken from a smart phone, but open the site on a tablet or for that matter any internet connected device and the site will resize accordingly giving the user a seamless experience.
Google do have an online tool that you can check your website https://www.google.co.uk/webmasters/tools/mobile-friendly/ and see if its compatible, if not they also offer some helpful tips and advice so you can go about making it compatible, so their really is no excuse.
If you need help or advice in getting your site compliant, please get in touch through the website here.
five top tips for creating great content
The importance of creating great content about your business or products you offer at the right time has been shown to have a direct benefit to drive demand for this offering and at the same time improve the all important bottom line. To make sure you get the most out of any content you create here are our top five tips;
- keep it relevant – don’t just write some generic mumbo jumbo, who is your audience, your target market? If you write with them in mind you will have far greater engagement and by its very nature a greater response rate, which is surely what you want isn’t it?
- don’t just promote – at the end of the day we all want to sell our products or services but if you do this all day every day then people will disengage with you (your business) and more than likely not welcome any future communication updates.
- quality of the content – what you create needs to be written, or at the very least ‘helped’ by the relevant person, so if you’re a hotel writing about the amazing meals you offer then get your chef to share and help – thats common sense surely?
- it is applicable to your business – we see this so many times, where a business creates content that is in no way relevant for your business, not even slightly – not only would this give poor results but it could also damage the businesses reputation.
- does it offer benefit to the reader – as with all content creation you need to think with your reader in mind, what are you offering them, think like a customer so don’t just promote, offer them something of value. To use the example of a hotel why not offer a small article on how to make amazing cranberry sauce this festive season
So in summary if you can offer a relevant targeted message about your business this will have a direct result on engagement and interest. make no doubt about it if you can create great content you will gain more sales leads and improve the quality of your website traffic further promoting your brand.
A short mention for GleaveMedia, we can help with your content creation needs and requirements and help your business achieve it’s targets, just get in touch here.
