How to choose a web designer

I recently answered a question on LinkedIn about what I look for on a web-agency's website. I speak to several people each week who how to choose a web designer, so thought it would be worth me giving some pointers.

HOW TO CHOOSE A WEB DESIGNER

1. Look at their website. Do you like it? Does it convey the image you are trying to create or aspire to?
2. Does the home page tell you the benefits of using them over someone else?
3. Is it easy to find out what they actually do... and are there clear links to their 'What we do/about us' sections
4. Does their site use clear, simple language? The best sites use language that is suitable for a reading age of about 13. This is because it is quicker to scan 'simple' text encouraging visitors to read more than a site full of detailed technical writing.
5. Does their 'What we do' section should have brief summaries of all their services with 'read more' links to more technical pages explaining them in greater detail? This is because it is often a a non-technical person who initially searches for a web agency. However, the more detailed, nitty-gritty techincal stuff should be there in case you want your IT person to check they know what they are talking about).
6. Are there examples for you to check out? Do they work for many organisations? Do they have experience of companies like yours?

If they tick all the boxes, meet with them. Don't be pressurised into using their in-house designers - if you want to use your own graphics designer to ensure your brand identity, they should accept this and be happy to work with them.

Also, think about the text for your website. I strongly believe that the hardest job is to write about your own company. Using a specialist copywriting company, like The Write Solution will help you create the right tone for your site and produce the text in a fraction of the time it will take you. Experienced writers will be used to liaising with you (the client) as well as a graphics designer and website designer - at The Write Solution, we often project manage the website development process because we are in this central role.

I hope this helps! Do feel free to contact me if you'd like to know more.

Hannah Sookias
Tel: 01283 808460 hannah@copywritingandpr.com

Can a charity's advert be 'too shocking' for TV?

The MND Association's new advert has been banned from TV as it is 'too shocking'.

My mum died several years ago from Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Sadly, 5 people still die from the disease every day in the UK and at any one time there are around 5,000 people living with disease across the country.

It is the MND Association's 30th anniversary this year and it is working hard to both raise awareness and find a cure. I think it is great that they have a billboard awareness campaign on the London Underground and at mainline stations across the UK from Monday 15 June.

Their advert has been screened free in selected cinemas and yes it IS shocking. But so is the disease. You can judge for yourself by watching Sarah's story at http://www.sarahsstory.org.uk/.

The advert was created with the help and support of people currently living with MND. It has no cure and as the disease kills the motor neurones (the message carriers from the brain to our muscles) so the person loses mobility, speech and most things we take for granted.

Please help me to raise awareness for the MND Association by watching the advert and then telling 5 of your friends and asking them to tell 5 of theirs -either by email, Facebook, a blog or Twitter.

Thank you so much for spreading the word and helping us to free the world of MND.

Hannah
Tel: 01283 808460
info@copywritingandpr.com

PS Do contact me if you have any questions after watching this or ring 'MND Connect' on 08457 626262.

Did Swine Flu give a bigger boost to the UK economy than monetary easing?

For weeks, the news was all about the recession. Then, just as the downward spiral seemed never ending, Swine Flu appeared!



Suddenly, we had something else to talk about. This was followed by the MPs expenses scandal and the 'R' word was pushed to a smaller news item on TV, on-line and in newspapers.



We stopped thinking about the economy in a negative way. We started to have conversations that weren't focused on financial doom and gloom and we began to look to the future.



I know we are not out of the woods yet. And perhaps monetary easing has had a positive effect. However, let's keep boosting the economy by keeping our positive outlook and help our businesses grow.



Hannah Sookias

The Write Solution

Tel: 01283 808460

http://www.copywritingandpr.com/

Promoting your business – 3 things you can do TODAY

1. Make better use of testimonials
   - Ask happy customers for a quick sentence on why they use your company.
   - Confirm they are happy for you to use it in promotional materials.
   - Use it! Add it to your website, leaflets and adverts.
2. Cross-sell to your existing customers
   - Tell your customers what else you do (by phone, letter or email).
   - Give them a ‘valued-customer’ incentive to try something new
   - Thank them for their customer and give them a sample to try of a product or service they are not currently buying from you.
3. Tell your stories
   - Talk to your customers: how are your products helping them?
   - Speak with your employees: what’s happening? Can your company help them in a fundraising endeavour?
   - Add stories to your website as examples or news. Make friends with your local reporters and let them know what’s happening too.

Want some help or advice? Give me a call.

Hannah Sookias - 01283 808460

www.copywritingandpr.com