http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/linkedin/how-linkedin-drive-revenue-with-their-optimised-email.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/linkedin/how-linkedin-drive-revenue-with-their-optimised-email.php Sun, 13 May 2012 15:11:37 UT This guest blog has been written by Tim Watson In the last quarter LinkedIn earned $33.3 million from Premium membership subscriptions. That's 20% of LinkedIn revenues and its grown 87% in the last year. Persuading more of the 90% of free members to upgrade is a major revenue opportunity for LinkedIn. LinkedIn are using email to convert members, sending a free one month trial offer. I am a LinkedIn member and after many years still on the free package. As an early adopter of LinkedIn this makes me a target for Premium membership upgrade. Just as I was putting the finishing touches to a new email copy & creative training deck of 87 slides a LinkedIn upgrade offer dropped into my inbox. It demonstrates several of the principles I'd just covered in the slide deck. LinkedIn have optimised What happened next was even better. I found a copy of the same offer from last November in one of my email folders (LinkedIn have tried a few times to convert me). The difference between the email now and from last November is an excellent case study in email optimisation, so let me share the key elements of what changed and why. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/now-you-can-attend-our-social-media-seminars-without-leaving-the-office.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/now-you-can-attend-our-social-media-seminars-without-leaving-the-office.php Wed, 09 May 2012 11:14:00 UT With many of us working full schedules, we know how difficult it can be for you to get out of the office. With this in mind, Brainstorm Digital are proud to announce our first online social media seminars. Like a real seminar, you'll be able to interact with me, ask any questions you have and even talk to other delegates. All you need is an internet connection and a webcam. To give you a taste of what we have in store for you.... Wed 9 May: How to engage with customers and build loyalty on Facebook Thu 10 May: Using LinkedIn groups to connect with potential clients Mon 14 May: How to convert Twitter followers into clients Mon 14 May: How to develop a Twitter strategy for your brand Tue 15 May: How to use LinkedIn to get introduced to new clients Fri 25 May: How to promote your brand on your LinkedIn company page Tue 29 May: Optimising your LinkedIn profile to get you noticed Thu 31 May: How to promote your brand on Facebook Tue 12 June: How to convert Twitter followers into clients Thu 14 June: Developing a Twitter strategy for your brand Thu 14 June: How to use LinkedIn to get introduced to new clients Tue 19 June: How to promote your brand through your LinkedIn company page Thu 21 June: How to use Youtube to promote your brand If you would like to view our full list of seminars, click on the button below (site requires registration). Alternatively, please call us on 020 8953 8820 or email us at info@brainstormdesignltd.com. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/linkedin/which-social-media-platform-generates-the-most-leads-for-you.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/linkedin/which-social-media-platform-generates-the-most-leads-for-you.php Mon, 07 May 2012 19:01:14 UT In a recent study of over 5,000 businesses, HubSpot found that traffic from LinkedIn generated the highest visitor-to-lead conversion rate at 2.74%, almost 3 times higher (277%) than both Twitter (.69%) and Facebook (.77%). Which social media platform generates the most business for you? Why not take part in our poll! http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/what-s-the-secret-weapon-of-top-social-media-experts.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/what-s-the-secret-weapon-of-top-social-media-experts.php Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:36:18 UT This guest blog has been written by Tim Watson There are many excellent social media blogs providing great content to keep you up-to-date with the latest social media marketing trends and advice. SocialMediaExaminer is one of these sources of great information. So its no surprise they have 47,513 followers on Twitter and 76,391 people have liked them on Facebook, however they have a secret weapon. In fact this same secret weapon is used by the top 7 of the top ten best Social Media experts as judged by SocialMediaExaminer themselves that they picked from over 600 nominations. So, what is the secret weapon? Email communications! Whilst their Twitter and Facebook stats are impressive, their email following is bigger at 129,329 people. They are so keen to have you as a subscriber that the email sign up gets the prime real estate on their home page. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/linkedin/find-out-why-linkedin-is-277--more-successful-than-facebook---twitter-at-lead-generation.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/linkedin/find-out-why-linkedin-is-277--more-successful-than-facebook---twitter-at-lead-generation.php Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:25:31 UT On Wednesday 25th April, I will be at Regus Borehamwood discussing the various ways that LinkedIn can be used to sell to other businesses. I will be demonstrating why LinkedIn is 277% more successful than Facebook and Twitter at lead generation. The briefing will cover... How to promote your business on your LinkedIn profile Using LinkedIn company pages LinkedIn Events Promoting your business on LinkedIn groups LinkedIn advertising The session will end with a Q&A session. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/twitter/twitter-is-not-a-popularity-contest.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/twitter/twitter-is-not-a-popularity-contest.php Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:19:43 UT The other day, I initiated a forum discussion asking people how they attracted followers on Twitter. One participant proudly explained how he went from 230 to 2300 followers in just a couple of months. Well I have news for you. It really doesn't matter how many followers you have. It's the quality of followers that counts, not quantity. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/website-usability/if-you-want-more-enquiries--keep-your-enquiry-forms-simple.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/website-usability/if-you-want-more-enquiries--keep-your-enquiry-forms-simple.php Mon, 26 Mar 2012 08:52:29 UT Do you have an enquiry form on your website? Here is a tip to help you increase the number of enquiries...keep it simple! I am amazed by the number of websites that have complicated forms with lots of compulsory fields: your address, what time would you like an appointment, how would you like us to contact you...etc. The longer the form, the less likely it is that visitors will bother filling it in. All that really matters are three things: A name An email address A phone number As long as you have some basic contact details, you can call / email the client back and get all the other information you need. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/mobile/so-what-s-your-excuse-for-having-an-0800--0845-or-0870-number.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/mobile/so-what-s-your-excuse-for-having-an-0800--0845-or-0870-number.php Sun, 18 Mar 2012 21:53:36 UT Like many of us, I spend a lot of my time on the move, either out at meetings or travelling between meetings, so I rarely use a landline. Ever needed to call a "freephone" 0800 number whilst on the move? That's 20p a minute if you're an O2 customer. And the charge is the same for a "non-geographic" 0845 or 0870 number. What's even more frustrating is that a lot of "customer service" departments employ these exorbitant phone numbers. These are the usual two excuses I hear from companies that employ "non-geographic" phone numbers.... "We want to give the impression of being a larger company than we really are" - But there are so many one-man bands out there that use 0870 / 0845 numbers, that argument no longer washes. People are no longer fooled by a phone number. "We serve the whole of the UK, not just a a local area" - But with increased mobility and use of the internet, how many companies these days only serve a local area? In fact, most callers have no idea which local area your dialling code represents unless they actually live in the area. And even if you have a "local" phone number, it's increasingly meaningless as more and more numbers are virtual. There are offshore businesses that have a London dialling code. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/look-out-facebook--here-comes-pinterest.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/look-out-facebook--here-comes-pinterest.php Thu, 15 Mar 2012 09:54:35 UT In the world of social media, a few months is a long time, so it may come as something of a surprise if I told you that Pinterest is the next big social media phenomenon, and that it has already celebrated its 2nd birthday. Help, what's Pinterest?! Pinterest is a social photo sharing website. It allows users to create and manage theme-based image collections of photos of any subject. The sites mission statement is to "connect everyone in the world through the 'things' they find interesting." Development of Pinterest began in December 2009, and the site launched as a closed beta in March 2010. By February of this year, Pinterest had over 10 million users. The majority of Pinterest's users are women. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/business-blogs/facebook-timeline-is-coming....what-you-need-to-know.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/business-blogs/facebook-timeline-is-coming....what-you-need-to-know.php Thu, 08 Mar 2012 10:05:03 UT On 30th March, all business Facebook pages will use Timeline. https://www.facebook.com/about/timeline . Here are the key ways that it will affect your Facebook page: http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/business-blogs/having-trouble-finding-content-for-your-blog--what-not-use-a-guest-blogger.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/business-blogs/having-trouble-finding-content-for-your-blog--what-not-use-a-guest-blogger.php Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:19:38 UT It can sometimes be frustrating finding content for your blog. Week in, week out you have to spend time looking for new topics to write about and then write the post. So why not make life easier for yourself and invite a guest contributor to write on your blog. There are several benefits: The writer will be looking at a topic from a different perspective. E.g. They will be an expert in sales strategy and will have unique insights. Your audience will be attracted to a blog that has a diversity of writers and viewpoints. By having a number of contributors, you will have an abundance of blog content to share on social media. Your site will also benefit from an SEO perspective if it's rich in relevant content. You'll save yourself a lot of time! Remember, guest contributors will be delighted to write for you, provided you give them credit. e.g. Allow them to include a link back to their website. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/facebook/your-facebook-brand-page-will-have-a-new-look-from-30th-march---is-your-business-ready.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/facebook/your-facebook-brand-page-will-have-a-new-look-from-30th-march---is-your-business-ready.php Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:18:56 UT It's finally been announced! - the Facebook Timeline will be rolling out for Facebook business pages over the coming months. This will give your business the ability to showcase your history, events & content in a more visually attractive way. From today, if you manage a business page on Facebook you'll be able to preview your new Facebook Timeline & begin making changes. You can already see this on our Facebook page! A major feature of your Facebook page will be the new 'cover photo' - This is a great opportunity to introduce users to your brand and/or campaigns. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/linkedin/do-you-encourage-your-staff-to-promote-your-business-on-linkedin--take-part-in-our-poll.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/linkedin/do-you-encourage-your-staff-to-promote-your-business-on-linkedin--take-part-in-our-poll.php Wed, 29 Feb 2012 16:20:53 UT http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/linkedin/by-combining-linkedin-with-networking--you-can-turn-your-employees-into-your-sales-team.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/linkedin/by-combining-linkedin-with-networking--you-can-turn-your-employees-into-your-sales-team.php Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:57:22 UT With the recession continuing and bank loans ever harder to come by, even firms lacking a marketing or sales budget can attract new clients. Straightened economic times may seem to constrain business opportunities - yet there are solutions around, and one is to get on LinkedIn. Not only is it (mostly) free but it enables you to make direct contact with your target audience. Described as the "Facebook for business people", LinkedIn has over 100 million users in more than 200 countries, and it enables you to get introduced to new clients without having to make cold calls or advertise. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/networking/the-mexican-fisherman.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/networking/the-mexican-fisherman.php Sun, 12 Feb 2012 21:58:52 UT This guest blog post has been written by Clive Mulligan This well-known story was sent to me by a friend recently and made me think about how you can get things in perspective about your ambitions and goals, have a read, its an interesting story; Be completely clear about what you want - and what you'll get from having it. Ask yourself, "What purpose does this goal serve?" This acts as a reality check. Is it for the greater good, or just your ego speaking? There's nothing wrong in wanting an expensive sports car if you have a passion for cars. But if you want to show people that you can afford an expensive sports car, then this is not wise. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/like--our-facebook-page-and-you-could-win-a-place-on-social-media-seminar.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/like--our-facebook-page-and-you-could-win-a-place-on-social-media-seminar.php Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:03:42 UT Want to learn more about how to use social media to promote your business? Our 1-day training seminar will show you how to promote your business on social media and why it takes as little as 15 minutes of your time each day. This hands-on workshop will show you how to set up and use the main social media tools, focusing on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. We will show you real-life case studies of how social media can be used to engage with potential as well as existing customers. And for a limited time only, you have the opportunity to attend one of our courses worth 199 for free! Click here if you would like to be entered for our prize draw http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/seo/question-and-answer-sessions-are-a-great-way-to-attract-traffic-to-your-blog.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/seo/question-and-answer-sessions-are-a-great-way-to-attract-traffic-to-your-blog.php Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:15:55 UT Whatever profession you are in, there must be questions that you are frequently asked by clients. So why not feature these on your blog? For example, if you're a car mechanic, you may have been asked by clients which tyres are best for winter, or how can they improve their fuel economy. If you're a personal injury lawyer, you may have had a client who sustained an injury at work but doesn't know whether they have the right to sue. By publishing these questions and answers you are coming across as accessible. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/there-are-less-than-6-months-to-go-till-the-olympics--is-your-business-ready.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/there-are-less-than-6-months-to-go-till-the-olympics--is-your-business-ready.php Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:13:27 UT With London 2012 less than six months away, do you have a strategy to exploit the likely business opportunities? Here are just a few random examples of services that spectators will be looking for: Tours of London Accommodation near the venues Umbrellas for spectators Food for spectators that have special dietary needs e.g. Kosher or Halal food Many of the visitors coming from overseas will be social media savvy. They will be using Twitter and Facebook to find the services they need. Are you ready? http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/linkedin/make-business-cards-redundant--put-linkedin-on-your-mobile.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/linkedin/make-business-cards-redundant--put-linkedin-on-your-mobile.php Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:30:54 UT For several years, I was a BNI member. I was given a business card folder with the business cards of all the people in my chapter. If I had a meeting with a client, I would present the client with my folder and ask them if they needed the services of anyone listed there. Now I do the same thing, but using my iPhone. Typically, I will have one to one meeting with a client and they will list a particular problem e.g. they are unhappy with their accountant, they are looking for a courier, they need legal advice. All I need to do is get my iPhone out, switch on my LinkedIn app and look up the details of trusted suppliers who can help them. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/brainstorm-design-is-now-brainstorm-digital.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/brainstorm-design-is-now-brainstorm-digital.php Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:07:08 UT We are excited to announce an important change in our company. From now on, Brainstorm Design is going to be known as Brainstorm Digital. This reflects the new and exciting direction in which we have evolved over the past few years. From a beginning purely designing websites, we now focus on helping clients with a broader online strategy, showing them how to use digital marketing to bring in new business. We have become experts in search engine optimisation, pay-per-click campaigns, email campaigns, and social media such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. And of course, the websites that we build are designed with one purpose in mind: converting visitors into paying clients. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/linkedin/is-it-ok-to-promote-my-business-on-linkedin-group-discussions.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/linkedin/is-it-ok-to-promote-my-business-on-linkedin-group-discussions.php Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:38:46 UT Dear Danny, I would like to promote my business on LinkedIn. I am a member of a number of LinkedIn groups that include people I would like to do business with. Is it ok to promote my services on LinkedIn group discussions? Best regards, Brian http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/need-advice-on-social-media--come-and-see-me-at-the-city-business-library.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/need-advice-on-social-media--come-and-see-me-at-the-city-business-library.php Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:31:46 UT Social media crash course at the City Business Library Friday 27 January 10 - 11.30 Whittington Room Heard about Social Media but not sure how to use it? Or don't know how it can benefit your business? Danny Bermant will show you how to promote your business on social media and why it takes as little as 15 minutes each day. He'll introduce you to the main social media tools, focusing on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, and take you through a step-by-step guide how to set up your business profile on each of these. We'll show you examples of how social media can be used to engage with potential customers as well as your existing audience. Free, but you must book in advance 020 7332 1858; cblevents@cityoflondon.gov.uk Fore more events, please visit the City Business Library wbsite http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/seo/if-you-re-thinking-of-getting-your-seo-done-offshore--make-sure-you-do-the-email-test.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/seo/if-you-re-thinking-of-getting-your-seo-done-offshore--make-sure-you-do-the-email-test.php Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:12:41 UT When your marketing budget is tight, it's tempting to consider having your SEO done by an offshore company. But if you have to go down this route, at least take the trouble to ensure your SEO consultant has a good command of English. A major part of SEO involves writing copy on other websites that will link back to you. E.g. If you run a website about outdoor sports and someone has written a blog about Skiing, you can comment on that blog and also include a link back to your website. Blog comments have high credibility on Google, but if they're not well written, the blogger won't publish them. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/networking/the-advantage-of-lunchtime-networking.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/networking/the-advantage-of-lunchtime-networking.php Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:25:28 UT Over the last year, I have attended a number of networking meetings hosted by various organisations and have noticed a similar pattern with all of them in that I build better contacts at lunchtime meetings compared to early morning breakfast meetings. I think there is a very good reason for this. Lunchtime meetings usually take up the best part of an afternoon and anyone who is willing to give up this amount of time is serious about networking. In contrast, the early morning meetings (where everything is over by 9) feel rushed. Everyone is in a hurry to get to work. No one has time to talk. But that is the wrong attitude. You can't rush networking. You need time to talk to people. Do you go to breakfast or lunchtime networking meetings? What works for you? http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/seasons-greetings-from-brainstorm-design--please-note-our-opening-hours-during-the-christmas-holidays.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/seasons-greetings-from-brainstorm-design--please-note-our-opening-hours-during-the-christmas-holidays.php Fri, 23 Dec 2011 09:29:55 UT Brainstorm Design will be closed between Christmas Eve and New Years Day. We close on Friday 23rd December at 2.30pm and re-open on Tuesday 3rd January at 9am. In the event of an urgent enquiry, please call our out of hours emergency number, 07958 358793. We wish our customers a Merry Christmas and a successful new year. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/how-to-repeat-your-tweets-without-boring-your-audience.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/how-to-repeat-your-tweets-without-boring-your-audience.php Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:56:57 UT Are you running a competition or special offer? How do you remind your audience on Twitter without boring them? Well the good news is that tweets have a very short shelf life, so anything you tweeted about yesterday has probably been forgotten. Nevertheless, some members of your audience will be inquisitive and will read through all the recent tweets on your timeline. You don't want them to see that you're repeating yourself. They way to deal with this is to rewrite the tweet so it appears that you are saying something slightly different each time. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/can-the-uk-really-afford-a-four-week-christmas-break.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/can-the-uk-really-afford-a-four-week-christmas-break.php Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:40:22 UT Is it me or does the Christmas shutdown get longer each year? Christmas day is still ten days away and it has already gone quiet. The phone has stopped ringing. The deluge of emails has gone down to a trickle. People have either gone on holiday or are in party mode. I can understand people taking the week off between Christmas and new year, but many businesses have effectively shut down till the 9th January as many employees won't be getting back from their holidays till the week following new year. Even in supposedly "lazy" France, they work between Christmas and New Year. I remember visiting Paris for the Millenium and was surprised to discover that most people spent new year's eve at work. I love this time of the year, and I'm looking forward to putting my feet up for a few days, but with the UK facing the worst economic conditions since the war, can the UK really afford to close down for the best part of a month?! http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/twitter/how-to-follow-people-on-twitter.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/twitter/how-to-follow-people-on-twitter.php Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:38:29 UT http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/networking/why-you-should-go-to-networking-meetings-that-include-your-competitors.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/networking/why-you-should-go-to-networking-meetings-that-include-your-competitors.php Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:38:12 UT When you go to a networking meeting that has competitors in the room, how do you feel? Are you worried? Do you feel threatened? Well you shouldn't be! Some networking groups promote the members benefit of being the only business in the room that fits a particular category. e.g. the sole graphic designer, the sole architect. But let's be honest, how beneficial is that for your business? I run an internet consultancy but rarely do I find two consultancies that do exactly the same thing, and I think it's the similar case for most businesses. In fact, I often do business with competitors because I find there are gaps that we both fill for each other. One internet consultancy may be limited to large websites, another may be focused on low value websites, another may be focused on web programming but isn't interested in design. So when meeting competitors, remember (a) your skills might actually overlap (b) you can learn a lot from each other. e.g. new technologies, marketing techniques. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/networking/when-you-network--do-you-remember-to-follow-up.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/networking/when-you-network--do-you-remember-to-follow-up.php Fri, 02 Dec 2011 09:36:50 UT When people complain they've been to networking meetings and got no business, I ask them one simple question: Did you follow up? Yes, you may have swapped business cards, yes you may have met up already, but did you follow up your meeting? We are all very busy, but if we fail to stay in touch, it's all a waste of time. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/twitter/if-you-want-more-followers-on-twitter--you-need-to-follow-people-too.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/twitter/if-you-want-more-followers-on-twitter--you-need-to-follow-people-too.php Wed, 30 Nov 2011 06:55:16 UT If you want followers on Twitter, you need to follow people first. And you need to make sure they are the right people. If your tweets are interesting, some of these people will follow you back. For example, if you're a Dermatologist, think about who will be interested in what you have to say. You may want to follow health & beauty bloggers, Eczema charities, beauty bloggers, and Psoriasis support groups. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/how-can-i-promote-my-business-on-social-media-without-selling.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/how-can-i-promote-my-business-on-social-media-without-selling.php Sun, 27 Nov 2011 20:17:27 UT How can I promote by business on social media without blatantly selling my services? Most of us realise that a sales pitch is an instant turn-off. One effective solution is to ask (and then answer) the questions you know your target audience will be asking. E.g. If you're a high-end graphic designer, post a tweet starting with a question e.g. "Why would I pay 3000 for a logo when I can get one done for 1000?" http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/linkedin/how-can-linkedin-help-my-business--why-not-ask-the-expert.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/linkedin/how-can-linkedin-help-my-business--why-not-ask-the-expert.php Tue, 22 Nov 2011 09:10:46 UT How can LinkedIn work for my business? How do I use LinkedIn to attract new clients? How can LinkedIn help us find the top candidates? If you would like these and other questions, I will be online Thursday 30th November between 2.00 and 4.00pm and waiting to answer your questions.You can either tweet me (@brainstormdsgn) or post your questions to our Facebook page. You can also post questions on our LinkedIn group "Brainstorm Design". I look froward to hearing from you! http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/email-marketing/email-scam-of-the-week....love-these.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/email-marketing/email-scam-of-the-week....love-these.php Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:46:11 UT Hello, This message is from Federal ministry of finance office,we are to let you know that We have finally concluded with Bank of Africa Benin Republic to release your payment worth US$800.000 00 Dollars to you through Western Union which total payment going to be receive each day is $5,000.00 and First payment has been send ;MTCN: 751 096 0585 but you have to Re-new Your Payment File today before you will final receive your first installment. I told him to keep sending you $5,000.00 daily until the payment of US$800.000 00 Dollars is completed, again re-confirm your address to avoid sending it to wrong person, so that they will be sure; http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/linkedin/do-you-find-linkedin-discussions-pointless.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/linkedin/do-you-find-linkedin-discussions-pointless.php Mon, 21 Nov 2011 08:59:32 UT Do you find that a lot of the discussions on LinkedIn are pointless? Or little more than excuses to attract attention? I've recently noticed that many of the articles that pose as "discussions" are just links to people's blogs or advertisements for business. Many LinkedIn group members are suffering from "discussion fatigue" and most of these discussions are ignored. The whole point of a discussion is to attract feedback to what you are saying, so think carefully about what you can say that will get a reaction. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/how-to-add-friends-on-facebook.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/how-to-add-friends-on-facebook.php Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:43:25 UT For those who are new to Facebook, this basic tutorial will show you how to add friends. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/use-photos-and-video-to-show-your-followers-what-you-re-up-to.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/use-photos-and-video-to-show-your-followers-what-you-re-up-to.php Mon, 14 Nov 2011 20:49:00 UT If you're running a social media campaign, ask yourself one simple question: Do your clients know what you're up to? The more insights you can give them into what you do, the more they can relate to you. Take a camera with you wherever you go, and keep a record of your activities. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/how-to-set-up-a-facebook-account.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/how-to-set-up-a-facebook-account.php Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:16:20 UT If you anyone who isn't (yet) on Facebook, please forward this to them! http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/website-design/think-very-carefully-before-adding-an-0800--0845-or-0870-number-to-your-website.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/website-design/think-very-carefully-before-adding-an-0800--0845-or-0870-number-to-your-website.php Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:14:47 UT If you thinking of adding an 0800, 0845 or 0870 number to your website, remember that many of your customers will be using a mobile phone to call you You may have valid reasons for deciding on an "08" number for your website: You may have nationwide coverage and may not want customers to think you are limited to a single geographical area. You may want to offer a "freephone" service as an incentive for people to call you. You may want an 0845 number to give the impression of being a larger company than you actually are. My advice is, think very carefully before adding an "08" number to your site. More often than not, your customers will be calling from a mobile and will be paying as much as 20p/minute, even when it's an 0800 number! They will not appreciate having to pay inflated call rates. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/twitter/how-to-retweet.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/twitter/how-to-retweet.php Sun, 09 Oct 2011 22:04:15 UT A retweet is when you want to publicize a post that someone has made on Twitter. This may be because somebody has said something interesting or because you simply want to promote somebody else. My video below shows you how to retweet. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/linkedin/how-to-delete-a-linkedin-account.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/linkedin/how-to-delete-a-linkedin-account.php Mon, 03 Oct 2011 19:33:02 UT Do you have a duplicate LinkedIn account? We recommend you delete one of them to avoid confusing your customers. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/how-to-connect-with-people-you-know--and-people-you-don-t-know--on-linkedin.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/how-to-connect-with-people-you-know--and-people-you-don-t-know--on-linkedin.php Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:04:22 UT LinkedIn makes it very easy for you to network with other people. At the simplest level, you can simply type in the name of people who you might know in the search box. At a more advanced level you can search for people by profession, keyword and location. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/our-facebook-prize-draw-has-now-been-extended-till-31st-october.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/our-facebook-prize-draw-has-now-been-extended-till-31st-october.php Tue, 27 Sep 2011 17:57:08 UT Heard about Social Media but not sure how to use it? Or don't know how it can benefit your business? Now you have an opportunity to gain this valuable knowledge for FREE...by liking our Facebook page! Our competition has now been extended 31st October. After that date, we will randomly pick a fan to attend our social media crash course. The course will introduce you to the main social media tools, focusing on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, and taking you through a step by step guide how to set up your business profile on each of the above. We will show you examples of how social media can be used to engage with potential customers as well as your existing audience.The course is run by our Director, Danny Bermant, who has over 10 years experience of digital marketing. So what have you go to lose? Visit our Facebook page today! http://www.facebook.com/BrainstormDesignLtd http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/social-media-is-a-lot-more-effective-when-you-re-funny.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/social-media-is-a-lot-more-effective-when-you-re-funny.php Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:26:23 UT If you want more followers on Twitter, remember this golden rule: "People are attracted to people who have a great sense of humour" Humour makes you look human, especially if you can laugh at yourself. So here are a few pointers to help you be more humorous on social media. Share a humorous quote. Share humorous videos. It doesn't have to be related to your work: e.g. Just for Laughs gags. Humorous observations from your work. E.g. I posted a blog article about illiterate SEO consultants, by publishing some sample comments I found on my blog. Describe humorous things that have happened to you. Most importantly, never make a joke at someone else's expense. It's not funny, it makes you look unprofessional, and it will probably backfire. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/linkedin/how-to-be-proactive-on-linkedin.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/linkedin/how-to-be-proactive-on-linkedin.php Tue, 20 Sep 2011 07:25:00 UT I have posted a video on how to use LinkedIn effectively: http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/linkedin/some-useful-add-ons-to-your-linkedin-profile.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/linkedin/some-useful-add-ons-to-your-linkedin-profile.php Sun, 18 Sep 2011 20:47:42 UT Untitled Document Did you know that LinkedIn offer a whole load of additional features that you can add to your standard profile? When you edit your profile, look for an option near the top of the page called "add sections". Here are just a few worth noting: http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/twitter/how-to-search-for-tweets-by-geographical-area.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/twitter/how-to-search-for-tweets-by-geographical-area.php Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:40:33 UT Do you want to find Tweets within a certain geographical radius? Here is one way of doing it. Say you are looking for mentions of "Osteopath" within 20 miles of the centre of Manchester: 1. Go to http://maps.google.co.uk and find Manchester, UK - point to it on the map and right click. Select "whats here?". You should now see the geo location appear in the search box at the top e.g."53.490905,-2.235718". 2. Go to the search box on Twitter and type (without the quotes "osteopath geocode:53.490905,-2.235718,20mi" 3. If you want to change the radius, just change the "20mi" to the number of miles you want the range to be. It's not completely accurate, but it works far better than searching place names e.g. "Osteopath Manchester" where you often get no results at all. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/linkedin/how-to-set-up-your-linkedin-profile.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/linkedin/how-to-set-up-your-linkedin-profile.php Tue, 13 Sep 2011 10:30:35 UT I have posted a video on how to set up your LinkedIn profile. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/facebook/like--our-facebook-page-and-enter-a-prize-draw-to-win-a-free-social-media-crash-course.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/facebook/like--our-facebook-page-and-enter-a-prize-draw-to-win-a-free-social-media-crash-course.php Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:11:32 UT Heard about Social Media but not sure how to use it? Or don't know how it can benefit your business? Now you have an opportunity to gain this valuable knowledge for FREE...by liking our Facebook page! Our competition runs till 30th September. After that date, we will randomly pick a fan to attend our social media crash course. The course will introduce you to the main social media tools, focusing on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, and taking you through a step by step guide how to set up your business profile on each of the above. We will show you examples of how social media can be used to engage with potential customers as well as your existing audience.The course is run by our Director, Danny Bermant, who has over 10 years experience of digital marketing. So what have you go to lose? Visit our Facebook page today! http://www.facebook.com/BrainstormDesignLtd http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/how-to-set-up-a-linkedin-account.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/how-to-set-up-a-linkedin-account.php Mon, 05 Sep 2011 08:42:00 UT Not yet on LinkedIn? I have created a short video that will show you how to set up your LinkedIn account: http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/facebook/how-to-delete-a-facebook-group.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/facebook/how-to-delete-a-facebook-group.php Wed, 31 Aug 2011 04:54:32 UT Every wondered how to delete a Facebook group? This short video will show you how to do it. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/facebook/how-to-set-up-a-facebook-group.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/facebook/how-to-set-up-a-facebook-group.php Tue, 23 Aug 2011 13:58:04 UT Facebook Groups allow you to create a space to share different things with certain individuals or with different people. Here are the simple steps to create your own group. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/why-you-should-tear-up-your-social-media-plan-every-six-months.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/why-you-should-tear-up-your-social-media-plan-every-six-months.php Tue, 09 Aug 2011 09:48:49 UT Congratulations. After several months of work, your company has finally put together a social media plan, and started to put it into action. What do you do next? If you're sensible - tear it up. Well, not immediately. But every three-to-six months or so. The reason is simple: the technology, and the way people use it, changes so quickly that it necessitates frequent rethinks by businesses. There are frequent new arrivals on the scene. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/google/the-day-i-lost-all-faith-in-google.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/google/the-day-i-lost-all-faith-in-google.php Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:33:46 UT I use Google Apps for my managing my email accounts. Until recently, I had a Google account separate from my Google Apps Account that I used for products like Reader and Analytics. This changed when Google forced users to consolidate their regular accounts with their Google Apps accounts. I had several so called "conflicting" Accounts due to my use of the same email address for both Accounts. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/seo/ensure-your-seo-company-employs-people-who-can-speak-english.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/seo/ensure-your-seo-company-employs-people-who-can-speak-english.php Fri, 05 Aug 2011 11:19:34 UT If you're going to employ an SEO consultant, make sure they can speak English. One commonly employed SEO method is to leave comments on relevant blogs that include links back to your website. Here are examples of blog comments that I WON'T be publishing: "I undoubtedly did not know that. Learnt something new right now! Thanks for that". "I just needed to say this really is an awesome weblog, many thanks for your post!" "Enjoyed examining this, very good stuff, appreciate it". "Thank you for sharing this information with usCheers" http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/why-you-need-a-social-media-plan.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/why-you-need-a-social-media-plan.php Thu, 04 Aug 2011 09:39:49 UT If you run a business, you presumably have a business plan that sets out your aims and objectives for the next six to twelve months. But do you have a marketing plan? If you want to attract more business, you need to plan what you're going to say to your target customers, when you're going to say it, and how you're going to say it. And it's the "how" that I'm going to talk about. You can get your message across through your website, your pay per click campaign, your emails, and even through SEO. But social media has become such a major force for attracting new business, it needs a plan all of its own. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/seo/how-blog-commenting-can-help-the-seo-of-your-website.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/seo/how-blog-commenting-can-help-the-seo-of-your-website.php Tue, 26 Jul 2011 06:24:57 UT One very useful way of aiding search engine optimisation (SEO) is leaving comments on other people's blogs, displaying your expertise and including a link back to your own site. Unfortunately, it is a tool that is very often misused by unscrupulous SEO "experts", who leave comments on random blogs which are no use to the business they are supposedly promoting. When posting comments on a blog, you must make sure that there is a firm connection between the product you are trying to sell and the blog on which you are writing. First of all, if the blog is about back pain and your website is trying to sell dog food, the blog publisher won't publish your comments, no matter how flattering they are. Blog owners have noticed that many SEO companies are trying to spam them with comments promoting their products. They have wised up to this and in an increasing number of blogs, comments are usually moderated before being publishing. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/how-to-remove-linkedin-contacts-from-your-network.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/how-to-remove-linkedin-contacts-from-your-network.php Sun, 17 Jul 2011 18:46:35 UT Ever accepted a LinkedIn invitation by mistake? Or discovered that one of your connections are not as legitimate as you thought they were? If that's the case, then it's time to remove them. Go to the top menu and click on "contacts". On the next page you're taken to, there is an option on the top right of the page called "remove connections". You will then see a long list of your connections. Just select the people you want to remove and click the "remove" button. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/to-succeed-in-social-media--you-need-to-engage-with-others.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/to-succeed-in-social-media--you-need-to-engage-with-others.php Tue, 12 Jul 2011 08:39:24 UT Too many people regularly post links on Twitter and think that they are fully utilising it as a business tool. But to really promote yourself on the social networking site, you need to be interacting with other users. Unless you are 'talking' to other users, you are writing a monologue - not participating in a dialogue. Reaching out to others allows you to build up more personal relationships with companies and people with whom you may wish to do business. Answering other people's questions in your niche area, or discussing business issues of mutual interest with them, enables you to demonstrate your expertise in a very targeted way. Show potential clients and potential contacts how you can add value! http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/internet-security/how-to-spot-a-phishing-scam.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/internet-security/how-to-spot-a-phishing-scam.php Mon, 04 Jul 2011 14:25:34 UT Have you been the victim of a Phishing scam? Or do you know anyone who has? Here are some easy ways to spot the scam: Be suspicious of anyone who sends an email asking you to verify or update your account details by clicking on a link. E.g. If an email purporting to come from Paypal tells you your account has been suspended, manually type in the address of the Paypal site to check if indeed your site has been suspended. No legitimate organisation will send you an email with a link asking you to login. If you do happen to click on the link of a phishing site, there is any easy way to spot that it's fraudulent. Going back to our example of Paypal. If the sender way from Paypal, the "Top Level Domain" (the bit that shows after the "http://www") would be http://www.paypal.com. But if it's a phishing site, this address will be something else. More often than not, it's an address consisting of a series of numbers. Examples are: http://signin.paypal.com@10.19.32.4/ http://83.16.123.18/pp/update.htm?= And even then, the address really can look like it's from Paypal, https://www.paypal.com/=cmd_login_access so don't risk it, open a new window, and manually type in the Paypal address. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/not-sure-how-linkedin-can-help-your-business--why-not-ask-the-expert.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/not-sure-how-linkedin-can-help-your-business--why-not-ask-the-expert.php Fri, 01 Jul 2011 08:44:54 UT Would you like more business through LinkedIn but not sure how to make it work for you? Today, Friday 1st July, I will be holding an online question and answer session on Twitter. Tweet any question you like about LinkedIn to @brainstormdsgn and I will give you my opinion. I will be taking questions between 2-4PM UK time. I look forward to hearing from you! http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/using-linkedin-to-drive-followers-to-your-facebook-page.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/using-linkedin-to-drive-followers-to-your-facebook-page.php Thu, 30 Jun 2011 07:13:15 UT So, you've launched your new Facebook business page. All your friends, relatives and even a couple of strangers have 'liked' it. What now? How do you continue drawing new fans to your page, giving it enough exposure to turn it into a useful business tool? One way is to use other social media sites in order to promote it and drive traffic to your page. Of course, any time you post an item to your Facebook page - be it news item, poll, special offer or information -- you should post a link on Twitter. Hopefully, some of the visitors will decide to follow your Facebook page permanently. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/twitter/finding-newsworthy-and-relevant-topics-to-tweet-about.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/twitter/finding-newsworthy-and-relevant-topics-to-tweet-about.php Wed, 22 Jun 2011 14:01:48 UT One reason Twitter can be intimidating to new users is that they worry they won't have any interesting content to post, and that finding useful content will take up large amounts of their time. Of course, the best tweeters post original content - perhaps links to their own blog or published material - and interact with other Twitter users spontaneously. But if you are going to rely on material published elsewhere, such as news stories and blog posts written by others - as many people do - there are some 'tricks of the trade' that will help you use your time efficiently. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/twitter/how-to-spot-a-twitter-spammer.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/twitter/how-to-spot-a-twitter-spammer.php Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:24:31 UT One secret of Twitter that many new users take too long to work out is that putting together a good, solid list of accounts to follow is just as important as who, or how many people, you get to follow you. You don't want your Twitter feed clogged up with useless rubbish - you want links, information and discussions that can benefit your business. So, you should avoid the temptation to follow everyone who follows you. There are a few obvious warning signs that your new Twitter follower is a spammer or time-waster: They are following hundreds of people and have very few followers themselves. Their user name is complete gibberish, usually a weird and random collection of letters and numbers. Their profile picture is a young girl (usually blonde), typically showing a generous amount of cleavage. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/linkedin/why-you-shouldn-t-connect-with-strangers-on-linkedin.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/linkedin/why-you-shouldn-t-connect-with-strangers-on-linkedin.php Sun, 05 Jun 2011 12:27:26 UT LinkedIn is a wonderful tool for meeting new clients and suppliers, and the more connections you have, the better your chances of meeting new clients. Nevertheless, it is important to be selective about who you connect with - in particular, only connecting to people you actually know. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/e-learning/how-e-learning-can-help-your-website-attract-more-students.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/e-learning/how-e-learning-can-help-your-website-attract-more-students.php Wed, 18 May 2011 06:28:13 UT If you are running a course or seminar and wish to teach students across a wide geographic distance, or if your students cannot attend classes on a regular basis, e-learning is a cost-effective solution. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/website-design/did-you-know-that-we-do-branding.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/website-design/did-you-know-that-we-do-branding.php Tue, 17 May 2011 15:40:05 UT A successful brand will convey the right image for your company and help you attract the right clients. It is absolutely crucial that it matches the personality of your business. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/how-fibromyalgia-and-other-pain-sufferers-can-benefit-from-social-media.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/how-fibromyalgia-and-other-pain-sufferers-can-benefit-from-social-media.php Mon, 16 May 2011 13:24:17 UT When you suffer from chronic pain, it can be difficult to find people who really understand what you are going through, and who can offer you support and advice. Groups like the Fibromyalgia Association offer invaluable benefits, for which there is no substitute. But in recent years, many thousands have also found help through the internet - and specifically, through what is known as "social media", that is, sites like Facebook and Twitter that help you connect to others. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/how-user-friendly-is-your-website.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/how-user-friendly-is-your-website.php Sun, 12 Dec 2010 10:49:33 UT When you're having your website designed, have you ever asked yourself the following questions: What do I want to achieve from my website? Do I want more subscribers? More sales? More enquiries? Have I set any targets for achieving these goals? E.g. 25% of new business enquiries should come from my website. How will I measure my goals?The sad truth is, most website owners I come across don't have answers to any of the above questions. They know they would like more enquiries through their website but have little idea how to go about it. Few website owners even know how to access their web statistics. A website is more than just an online brochure, it's a vital sales tool that works around the clock, advertising your business. If you do the following preparatory work before your website is designed, it will go a long way towards ensuring a successful outcome. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/website-design/how-a-home-page-slideshow-can-improve-the-conversion-rate-of-your-website.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/website-design/how-a-home-page-slideshow-can-improve-the-conversion-rate-of-your-website.php Fri, 18 Jun 2010 08:04:31 UT As broadband speeds get ever faster, people also expect to find what they are looking for quickly. This not only means having a fast loading website, but it also means your visitors need to find the information they are looking for straight away. Your home page is your "shop window" and you only have a few seconds to convince potential customers before they visit your competitors. Few visitors will bother scrolling below the fold of the page to find out more about you. So how do you sell your business in 15 seconds when all you have is a 1024 x 768 screen? The answer is a home page slideshow. This displays a sequence of fading images, each of which contains a description. Each slide illustrates a different element of your business and includes a link to the relevant page on your site. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/iphone---ipad/i-love-my-iphone--but-it-s-not-the-only-smartphone-out-there.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/iphone---ipad/i-love-my-iphone--but-it-s-not-the-only-smartphone-out-there.php Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:03:01 UT I have to say, the new iphone is pretty awesome. With 3 months left on my existing iphone contract, I fully intend to upgrade, but in the 15 months since I bought my phone, something has changed. The iphone no longer stands out the way it once did. There is a lot more competition, and some of the handsets out there are really giving Apple a run for its money. Just take a look at these: http://www.htc.com/europe/product.aspx. Yes Apple may still have by far the most apps, but other systems such as Google's Android are catching up. Couple this with the fact that Apple STILL don't support Flash and it's no longer clear to me that the iphone will continue to be the "Rolls Royce" of smartphones. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/google/how-to-get-yourself-hired-via-google-adwords.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/google/how-to-get-yourself-hired-via-google-adwords.php Sun, 16 May 2010 21:53:20 UT I found the following brilliant tip on www.bmyers.com about how to exploit Google Adwords in order to get noticed by employers. I thought I'd share it with you... A lot of people are looking for jobs these days. And many are finding it difficult to get interviews with the companies they want to work for. Alec Brownstein had the same problem, but found a solution. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/website-design/reducing-the-page-loading-times-on-your-website-will-help-your-google-ranking.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/website-design/reducing-the-page-loading-times-on-your-website-will-help-your-google-ranking.php Mon, 19 Apr 2010 07:04:17 UT It was recently reported that Google has started ranking webpages by the speed with which they load. With this in mind, we have just added a speed tool to our Content Management System so that external javascripts and css files get compressed and merged into just a couple of files. Overall, it reduces the number of requests on a web page by 4 and reduces the overall page size by around 20k. Not a huge difference you may think, but it could be enough to aid your search engine ranking. More importantly, a second or two improvement in the page loading speed could mean the difference between visitors seeing your home page and visitors giving up and going elsewhere. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/seo/google-and-language-recognition.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/seo/google-and-language-recognition.php Mon, 22 Mar 2010 13:07:27 UT Google have posted some useful guidance on their blog about creating multilingual websites. By sticking to only one language per page and avoiding side-by-side translations, you are making it a lot easier for them to determine the main language of your page. Google recommend using the same language for all elements of a page: headers, sidebars, menus, etc. Remember, Google ignores all code-level language information, from "lang" attributes to Document Type Definitions (DTD). http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 Make sure your website works in all the relevant browsers Make sure your website works in all the relevant browsers Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:06:40 UT There has been a lot in the news lately about the recent court ruling that forced Microsoft to offer its European customers alternative browsers to Internet Explorer. As a result, there are a lot of new browsers that are likely to be widely used. This could potentially be a nightmare for web designers, but it doesn't have to be. There are 4 different rendering engines used by the different browsers. Provided you are are know what they are, you only need to test your website on 4 different browsers instead of 12. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/twitter/tired-of-spammers-adding-themselves-to-your-following-list-without-your-permission--stoptweet-may-be-the-solution.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/twitter/tired-of-spammers-adding-themselves-to-your-following-list-without-your-permission--stoptweet-may-be-the-solution.php Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:47:57 UT This morning, I discovered 4 Twitterers I was following that I've never heard of. I'm interested in high-tech web related Tweets, but I don't recall opting to follow anyone who sells shutters, debt management or porn. And this isn't the first time. Despite regularly changing my password, I have had to remove about 20 users over the last few weeks that I was "following" but never heard of. Twitter spam is not only frustrating, but it damages your credibility. You can report the spammers, but it often makes little difference. Now there is finally a solution. StopTweet is a fully customisable application. You can tell the blocker what you personally consider to be a spam account. And you can choose to simply unfollow those users, block them or report the accounts to Twitter, as well - all with just one click. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/website-usability/we-can-now-offer-you-a-heat-map-of-your-website.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/website-usability/we-can-now-offer-you-a-heat-map-of-your-website.php Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:29:14 UT Would you like to see where your clients are clicking when they visit your website? We are now able to offer our clients a visual heat map of clicks on key web pages, showing hot and cold click zones. This will help you to identify where to place key content when designing your site. The heat maps take only minutes to set-up, and once your website has been tested, we will talk you through each page of results to explain what they mean. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ecommerce/create--schedule-and-send-real-greeting-cards-online.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ecommerce/create--schedule-and-send-real-greeting-cards-online.php Tue, 02 Feb 2010 07:47:23 UT I am so fed up with buying greetings cards. Every time a birthday comes up, I spend hours and hours at WH Smith or Clinton cards trying to find a suitable card, but the only cards available are either: cards with lame jokes about getting older cards with lame jokes getting drunk cards with vulgar sex jokesWell those days are hopefully over, because now you can design, schedule and mail your own greetings cardsonline. Not sure if the enGreet is available in the UK, but their service is a great idea. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ecommerce/6-tips-to-help-you-close-a-sale-online.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ecommerce/6-tips-to-help-you-close-a-sale-online.php Sun, 31 Jan 2010 10:49:57 UT If you're serious about selling online, be sure to make it easy for the customer to make the buying decision Remove distractions from the buying decision process Remove negatives about the product or offer Remove complications that may result in the customer saying 'let me think about it' Include something extra that makes the customer want to buy it now Make the actual ordering easy. Give the customer their choice of payment options and a simple order form to fill out. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/iphone---ipad/new-ipad-will-change-internet-use-from-being-browser-based-to-app-based.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/iphone---ipad/new-ipad-will-change-internet-use-from-being-browser-based-to-app-based.php Thu, 28 Jan 2010 06:47:45 UT Make no mistake, the new iPad will change the face of wireless computing. Tablets have been around since the mid 90s, but they have never caught on as a mass market product. But the iPad changes everything. Here we finally have a product that bridges the gap between PCs and smart phones. It has a large enough screen (10"), enabling books and newspapers to be read online, but it is still small enough to carry around. It can carry out all the functions of the PC such as word processing spreadsheets. You can type via the on onscreen keyboard, but it also has the functionality of a smartphone enabling you to download apps. And it is the apps that change everything. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/how-to-create-a-simple-amusing-website-and-generate-some-revenue.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/social-media/how-to-create-a-simple-amusing-website-and-generate-some-revenue.php Mon, 18 Jan 2010 04:29:57 UT Bill Myers has recently highlighted a website called http://www.peopleofwalmart.com - not much to this site, just photos of people shopping and a comment about their choice of clothing.But the site caught on, and now gets almost 4 million page views a day. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 Is your website really down? Or is it just your internet connection? Is your website really down? Or is it just your internet connection? Sat, 09 Jan 2010 15:25:48 UT Do your clients ever complain that your website is down? Before you run off complaining to the web host, why not carry out a proper check to find out what's causing the problem. The inability to access a website can be caused by any number of issues such as a poor internet connection or the clients' ISP blocking the website. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/website-design/make-sure-the-copyright-dates-on-your-website-are-showing-2011-and-not-2010.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/website-design/make-sure-the-copyright-dates-on-your-website-are-showing-2011-and-not-2010.php Sat, 02 Jan 2010 12:17:21 UT We are 5 months into 2011, yet I'm amazed at the number of websites that are still displaying last year's date. When this happens, the site appears old and outdated. Make sure copyright dates on your site are up to date. The same is true with any files containing dates. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ecommerce/if-you-re-building-an-e-commerce-site--make-sure-you-invest-in-usability-testing.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ecommerce/if-you-re-building-an-e-commerce-site--make-sure-you-invest-in-usability-testing.php Wed, 30 Dec 2009 03:34:35 UT It never ceases to amaze me how many of the high street retailers invest hundreds of thousands or even millions of pounds on e-commerce sites that don't work properly. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/internet-security/how-to-find-out-if-your-web-host-is-blacklisted.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/internet-security/how-to-find-out-if-your-web-host-is-blacklisted.php Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:05:51 UT If you're looking for somewhere to host your website, beware of any web hosts who tempt you with low prices. Low cost hosting companies keep their prices down by operating a "no questions asked" hosting policy, storing large number of websites (sometimes over 100) on their servers without vetting any of their clients first. The problem is, if one of their clients is using their hosting to send out spam, anyone else who has their website hosted on the same server will find they are blacklisted, with the consequence of having their websites and email blocked. Low cost hosting companies will usually provide the minimum of support (often by email only), so if you are unfortunate enough to discover your website on a blacklisted server, you may be waiting hours for support. In many cases, the hosting company will wash their hands of the matter and say it's out of their control. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/internet-security/gary-mckinnon-is-no-different-to-any-other-cyber-criminal.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/internet-security/gary-mckinnon-is-no-different-to-any-other-cyber-criminal.php Fri, 27 Nov 2009 04:23:27 UT I'm afraid I don't feel particularly sympathetic to Gary Mckinnon. The papers have reported that he has threatened to commit suicide if he is extradited, but that's not a good reason for blocking his extradition. After all, there are hundreds of prisoners in UK jails who commit suicide because they can't face going to jail. Is that a valid reason for not jailing them? http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/internet-security/the-great-password-security-scandal.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/internet-security/the-great-password-security-scandal.php Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:03:09 UT You wouldn't let your bank give your PIN to a stranger, but some sites are taking a similarly cavalier attitude to security, warns Paul Annett in the latest issue of Net Magazine. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/google/millions-of-books-to-be-added-to-google-online-library.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/google/millions-of-books-to-be-added-to-google-online-library.php Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:22:55 UT Plans by Google to digitise millions of out-of-print books to create the world's biggest online library have been approved by British publishing groups and authors. The new deal will still enable tens of thousands of British writers to profit, as readers can search millions of works, read extracts online and buy full copies. For more information about the deal, read here http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/website-usability/your-page-load-time-may-affect-your-google-ranking.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/website-usability/your-page-load-time-may-affect-your-google-ranking.php Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:14:14 UT When businesses go to the trouble of building a website, how many of them pay attention to how quickly the pages load? They should do. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/domain-names/all-hebrew-domain-names-available-in-2010.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/domain-names/all-hebrew-domain-names-available-in-2010.php Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:02:00 UT If you're setting up a Hebrew website, you no longer have to register a domain name using the latin alphabet. http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/ Internet Consultancy specialising in website design, web development and internet marketing Brainstorm Design 2012 http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/browsers/double-your-productivity--upgrade-to-camino.php http://www.brainstormdesignltd.com/blog/browsers/double-your-productivity--upgrade-to-camino.php Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:01:20 UT If you're building / testing websites, the majority of your time is spent using a browser. For the past six months, I've been harbouring under the illusion that my ibook is too slow and needs to be replaced....until I discovered Camino.