So, we all use Facebook, Twitter and Instagram probably on a daily basis but do you know how they all started? We’d like to give you some cool facts about the history behind these popular social networks.

Continue reading →

Have you seen a small dip in the number of page likes on your Facebook business page? Please don’t worry! Continue reading →

Bruce says… Continue reading →

Bruce says…

Having a well-built website that promotes your company professionally and effectively is one thing. Having a website that is properly marketed through well implemented digital strategies is another.

It is essential that you market your website, brand and business in order to get people talking about you and noticing what it is you’re doing and why it is different.

As web specialists, we very much believe in the power of web marketing as opposed to traditional marketing methods. I have whipped together 5 reasons why I think this is the case:

1. Time

In this day and age, we all want everything to have been done yesterday to constantly keep ahead of the times. Web marketing allows you to get your company’s message across to thousands in a matter of seconds. Take Twitter, for example. It takes no time at all to post a tweet that can then be viewed by a huge audience, thanks to the powers of hash-tagging and retweeting alike. This makes social media campaigns, quite frankly, a time saving no-brainer when compared to a traditional marketing campaign.

1. Market Size

Distributing marketing materials physically is limited by cost. You can only print out so many flyers and post them through so many doors, therefore limiting your potential market size. On the other hand, posting a blog on your website can be seen by absolutely anyone if the correct digital marketing strategies are applied.

1. Search Engines

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) allows any online marketing material to be optimised in several relevant key search terms, something that traditional marketing simply cannot do. Once optimised, blogs, content, newsletters and brochures can appear in Google feeds through various relevant keyword link ups – now, can you do that with a your printed newspaper advert?

1. Competition

Web marketing also has the competitive advantage over traditional marketing as it allows you to publish a blog, for example, immediately with no time or geographical constraints. An idea can quite literally go from inside your head and onto the screens of millions all over the world within a matter of moments.

1. Cost

All of the processes involved with traditional marketing, such as print and distribution management, come at a price. And, although web marketing is by no means free, it is cheaper and provides a much greater return on investment. For example, investing in a PayPerClick advertising strategy will drive traffic to your website, resulting in an increase in sales and/or enquiries.

So, which method of marketing would you rather use?

For more information or to find out how we can help you market your business through the wonderful world of web, give us a call on 01325 311 909 or email us at sales@design365.co.uk.

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimisation, making your website search engine friendly so it lists higher on the major search engines such as Google and Yahoo. SEO can be done in-house but can be very time consuming and there are a lot of considerations, including how the site is built, what keywords are researched and used, and number of back links to name a few.

Design365 use SEO to:

Promote websites online allowing your target market to find it!

We research the most popular keywords so your website can be found when customers search for certain words or phrases.

Identify correct titles and descriptions and adding in internal and external links

Add products to shopping feeds to increase the number of people viewing the products.

For help with search engine optimisation please contact us....

New site launched for Sparkle People and Development. They are a coaching, training and development company based in the North East of England, putting the Sparkle into your staff and your business.

Design365 have designed a bespoke e-commerce website for Sparkle People and Development to sell their coaching material online.

Sparkle people and development's site includes a signup form enabling the company to build up a customer database, send out future event information, links to social media pages and a company blog to send out useful tips, articles and to promote events.

Sash Hardware are based in Shildon, County Durham and have been supplying the trade community for over 10 years. Selling quality door and window hardware.

Sash Hardware required an e-commerce website with on-going support, allowing them to sell their extensive range of products online throughout the UK. Receiving marketing advice, monthly design updates, search engine optimisation and monthly reports to show how the site is appearing on search engines.

Take a look at their extensive range today.

Marketing tips of the week

1) Loyalty - building loyalty gives your customers a reason to return

2) Competitors - dont be afraid to use techniques used by your competitors

3) Email Signature - use this as a marketing tool, add links to your social media pages, links to your website, add your mission statement or company strap line

4) Testimonials - Adding client testimonials to your site builds confidence

5) Comment - Comment on associated blogs and social media

6) Data capture - Use offline and online techniques to increase your mailing list

7) Stakeholders - build a relationship with local businesses and members of the community

8) PR - Send out press releases when a new product is launched

9) Awards / Accreditations - List any awards or accreditations your company has on marketing literature, this will build confidence to the customer

10) Layout - Keep marketing material clear and easy to understand

Social Media
Social Media allows users to interact with others via social websites, commenting on information they find and sharing information. It has changed the way people use the Internet, Social Media is now an important marketing tool for every business. The 10 most popular social media sites are: 

Blogging
Blogs are a popular medium for people to express both opinions and knowledge online. Blogs are usually the work of a single individual, occasionally a small group, and often are themed on a single subject. More and more companies are also writting blogs for their clients and other individuals with similar interests. It allows them to stay up to date with the company, find out about events and special promotions. Blogs allow others to contribute; commenting on others’ blogs can be a good way of:

Videos
Google has now started to include video results, on search engine result pages, so a well optimised video could land you a good position on Google. Here are 4 different ideas for the use of video on your website: 

Once you have your video you can upload it to video sharing sites including the most popular YouTube. Make sure that your video is high quality a poor video may have a negative impact on your services or products.