Comments for Web Consultancy UK http://www.webconsultancy.uk.com All things Emarketing! Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:07:35 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Comment on What’s the big deal about Google’s search plus your world? by Andrew Nicholson http://www.webconsultancy.uk.com/online/social-networking/whats-the-big-deal-about-googles-search-plus-your-world/#comment-128 Andrew Nicholson Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:07:35 +0000 http://www.webconsultancy.uk.com/?p=316#comment-128 Actually, it's not bad at all Dan. Google+ has lots of functionality that Facebook doesn't have and I'd recommend setting yourself up with a profile and giving it a whirl. The problem Google+ has is that it is yet to gain critical mass. 50 mln might sound like a lot of users, but compared to Facebook's 500 mln it's a drop in the ocean. That said, the 50 Mln are early adoptor types who tend to lead trends, rather that follow them, so expect to see numbers significantly increase in 2012. My gripe isn't with Google+, just the way Google have promoted it Actually, it’s not bad at all Dan. Google+ has lots of functionality that Facebook doesn’t have and I’d recommend setting yourself up with a profile and giving it a whirl. The problem Google+ has is that it is yet to gain critical mass. 50 mln might sound like a lot of users, but compared to Facebook’s 500 mln it’s a drop in the ocean. That said, the 50 Mln are early adoptor types who tend to lead trends, rather that follow them, so expect to see numbers significantly increase in 2012.

My gripe isn’t with Google+, just the way Google have promoted it

]]> Comment on What’s the big deal about Google’s search plus your world? by Dan Bostock http://www.webconsultancy.uk.com/online/social-networking/whats-the-big-deal-about-googles-search-plus-your-world/#comment-127 Dan Bostock Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:51:21 +0000 http://www.webconsultancy.uk.com/?p=316#comment-127 Interesting article I take google plus is no good then? Interesting article I take google plus is no good then?

]]> Comment on What’s the big deal about Google’s search plus your world? by Alastair http://www.webconsultancy.uk.com/online/social-networking/whats-the-big-deal-about-googles-search-plus-your-world/#comment-126 Alastair Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:42:57 +0000 http://www.webconsultancy.uk.com/?p=316#comment-126 I couldn't agree more - summed up very well. Google in its current form offers me information, advice, research, et al. and even the slightest change will steer me away.....laters google! I couldn’t agree more – summed up very well. Google in its current form offers me information, advice, research, et al. and even the slightest change will steer me away…..laters google!

]]> Comment on Can big agencies ‘do’ digital? by Andrew Nicholson http://www.webconsultancy.uk.com/online/techtalk/can-big-agencies-do-digital/#comment-49 Andrew Nicholson Fri, 14 Oct 2011 13:52:45 +0000 http://www.webconsultancy.uk.com/?p=221#comment-49 You know me Yann. I have no issues with paying good people (whether they be creative or technical) fair wages. It just erks me when so much of what gets paid goes into the pockets of middle men and people at the top. This is why something like Motion Collective sounds really exciting. By going straight to the source for technical and creative skills you're getting quality and value; a winning combination. I'll be very interested in seeing how this progresses. You know me Yann. I have no issues with paying good people (whether they be creative or technical) fair wages. It just erks me when so much of what gets paid goes into the pockets of middle men and people at the top. This is why something like Motion Collective sounds really exciting. By going straight to the source for technical and creative skills you’re getting quality and value; a winning combination. I’ll be very interested in seeing how this progresses.

]]> Comment on Can big agencies ‘do’ digital? by Yann http://www.webconsultancy.uk.com/online/techtalk/can-big-agencies-do-digital/#comment-47 Yann Fri, 14 Oct 2011 11:45:58 +0000 http://www.webconsultancy.uk.com/?p=221#comment-47 It always seems to end up as a dig at agencies for being over priced on production with you my friend ;) ..but it's the same story for most industries which bring together creative & technical under one roof. Provided the culture is right and the organization is efficient, you are paying for the unlikely marriage between, procedural, technical - do-ers and lateral, creative - thinkers. They should work side by side, share knowledge, debate, and push the boundaries of feasibility, all in an effort to generate measurable value, build on brand values and engage the end-user. - that's why you pay a premium. If you think you're not getting value then I would argue you haven't been working with the right team of people. ..so there! This is not the first time this criticism of agency culture has come up.. so a team of us have decided to do something about it and are setting up: Motion Collective www.motioncollective.co.uk basically, we are a union of independent sole-traders, both experienced creative and producer types, working together to offer clients & agencies with digital communications, in particular one of the most expensive agency out-cost; video production and motion-graphics. Same creative and technical types as you'd find in award winning agencies, expect; - we choose to work together (rather then be selected via HR..) - no expensive postcode to work from - no share-holders - no sales dept - no expensive Xmas party (only downfall.. ) Still setting up, so comments appreciated :) It always seems to end up as a dig at agencies for being over priced on production with you my friend ;)

..but it’s the same story for most industries which bring together creative & technical under one roof.

Provided the culture is right and the organization is efficient, you are paying for the unlikely marriage between, procedural, technical – do-ers and lateral, creative – thinkers. They should work side by side, share knowledge, debate, and push the boundaries of feasibility, all in an effort to generate measurable value, build on brand values and engage the end-user.

- that’s why you pay a premium.

If you think you’re not getting value then I would argue you haven’t been working with the right team of people.

..so there!

This is not the first time this criticism of agency culture has come up.. so a team of us have decided to do something about it and are setting up:

Motion Collective

http://www.motioncollective.co.uk

basically, we are a union of independent sole-traders, both experienced creative and producer types, working together to offer clients & agencies with digital communications, in particular one of the most expensive agency out-cost; video production and motion-graphics.

Same creative and technical types as you’d find in award winning agencies, expect;

- we choose to work together (rather then be selected via HR..)
- no expensive postcode to work from
- no share-holders
- no sales dept
- no expensive Xmas party (only downfall.. )

Still setting up, so comments appreciated :)

]]> Comment on Social wars – Google plus Vs Facebook by Chris Rodbourne http://www.webconsultancy.uk.com/online/social-networking/social-wars-google-plus-vs-facebook/#comment-42 Chris Rodbourne Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:23:39 +0000 http://www.webconsultancy.uk.com/?p=131#comment-42 Incisive discussion Andrew - interesting read! My bet is long term plus will win out... (but that's looooong) Incisive discussion Andrew – interesting read!

My bet is long term plus will win out… (but that’s looooong)

]]> Comment on If you love your brand, set it free by Andrew Nicholson http://www.webconsultancy.uk.com/online/google/if-you-love-your-brand-set-it-free/#comment-41 Andrew Nicholson Tue, 06 Sep 2011 21:03:59 +0000 http://www.webconsultancy.uk.com/?p=216#comment-41 Happy to help Adam - I've done a fair bit of research into what makes a website trustworthy. Certainly in the case of ecommerce sites there are multiple aspects involved. Brand is obviously a significant factor. Brands are built on trust. In fact, many would say that that trust is the defining feature of a brand. So a recognised brand sitting behind your website will be a strong catalyst for sales. Even if you don't have a strong brand yourself, you can still piggyback on others. Visa and MasterCard provide trustmarks that can be used on your site. In the case of BateauxLondon.com we used the Enjoy England logo on every page to engender trust. Awards and industry body logos can be used in the same way. Another strong aspect of building trust that most people don't recognise (at least on a conscious level) is design. A well designed site that pays heed to the customer journey builds trust. Bad syntax, spelling and poorly thought out font use also acts as a warning sign to consumers, so be sure to employ an educated copy writer. I use extended Verisign class 3 verification on all my sites. This costs a little bit more to implement (£1000 per site) but is worth it as a visible trust guarantee (it appears as a green padlock in the url bar of Explorer 8). Finally, and without giving away all my secrets, checkout visibility is essential. The checkout process should be well mapped out, with the journey easily navigated through the use of a breadcrumb trail. At any point in the checkout journey the customer should be able to review their details/purchases, and amend them. Simples. Hope that helps. Happy to help Adam – I’ve done a fair bit of research into what makes a website trustworthy.

Certainly in the case of ecommerce sites there are multiple aspects involved. Brand is obviously a significant factor. Brands are built on trust. In fact, many would say that that trust is the defining feature of a brand. So a recognised brand sitting behind your website will be a strong catalyst for sales. Even if you don’t have a strong brand yourself, you can still piggyback on others. Visa and MasterCard provide trustmarks that can be used on your site. In the case of BateauxLondon.com we used the Enjoy England logo on every page to engender trust. Awards and industry body logos can be used in the same way.

Another strong aspect of building trust that most people don’t recognise (at least on a conscious level) is design. A well designed site that pays heed to the customer journey builds trust. Bad syntax, spelling and poorly thought out font use also acts as a warning sign to consumers, so be sure to employ an educated copy writer.

I use extended Verisign class 3 verification on all my sites. This costs a little bit more to implement (£1000 per site) but is worth it as a visible trust guarantee (it appears as a green padlock in the url bar of Explorer 8).

Finally, and without giving away all my secrets, checkout visibility is essential. The checkout process should be well mapped out, with the journey easily navigated through the use of a breadcrumb trail. At any point in the checkout journey the customer should be able to review their details/purchases, and amend them. Simples.

Hope that helps.

]]> Comment on Google drop’s their wallet by Adam Diamantides http://www.webconsultancy.uk.com/online/google/google-drops-their-wallet/#comment-40 Adam Diamantides Tue, 06 Sep 2011 18:47:01 +0000 http://www.webconsultancy.uk.com/?p=116#comment-40 The UK needs to catch up with tech in many ways. e.g. Running a web design business in the small town of Totnes with 8meg max speed broadband is a bit frustrating at times to say the least. South Korea are miles ahead with the net . . . but then they do have clinics for internet addicts too ;-/ NFC... ? . . . well it might be ready whet they fix the railways. Ha ha! I have to say I still like the look of that phone though. The UK needs to catch up with tech in many ways. e.g. Running a web design business in the small town of Totnes with 8meg max speed broadband is a bit frustrating at times to say the least. South Korea are miles ahead with the net . . . but then they do have clinics for internet addicts too ;-/

NFC… ? . . . well it might be ready whet they fix the railways. Ha ha! I have to say I still like the look of that phone though.

]]> Comment on If you love your brand, set it free by Adam http://www.webconsultancy.uk.com/online/google/if-you-love-your-brand-set-it-free/#comment-39 Adam Tue, 06 Sep 2011 18:21:39 +0000 http://www.webconsultancy.uk.com/?p=216#comment-39 How to build trust on the internet is an interesting topic! Google are certainly conecting with people with their doodles. Would love to hear more of your thoughts on what makes a wesite trustworthy. How to build trust on the internet is an interesting topic! Google are certainly conecting with people with their doodles. Would love to hear more of your thoughts on what makes a wesite trustworthy.

]]> Comment on If you love your brand, set it free by Caroline http://www.webconsultancy.uk.com/online/google/if-you-love-your-brand-set-it-free/#comment-31 Caroline Mon, 05 Sep 2011 20:07:39 +0000 http://www.webconsultancy.uk.com/?p=216#comment-31 Googles doodles always teach me something new and keep me coming back for more just to see what going on that day. A whole new take on the old school of thought on branding I guess. Googles doodles always teach me something new and keep me coming back for more just to see what going on that day. A whole new take on the old school of thought on branding I guess.

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