Blue Giraffe

29/02/2024

So last week we launched the new website for HC Fit, the Ninja Training Gym in Liverpool. 👏

This wasn't just a straight forward brochure style, make it look pretty, site but needed to be something much more.

One of the requirements was to help make the backend systems run more smoothly and take less time.

A nice to have was to display some form fields (boxes) based on certain criteria (e.g. only show additional name fields if more than 1 person stated as attending).

I'm pleased to say we achieved both of these.

If was a huge pleasure working with Henry to make sure the site worked for him, for his staff, for his clients and of course looked the part!

It all started with a conversation.

First stop - analysing what was needed, wanted and the 'nice to haves'.

Thank you Henry, for trusting me with your website. I really did have fun!

We will be launching another client website tomorrow!

Now it's on to the next project!

We have room in March to take on 2 more web projects. Want yours to be one of them? DM me.

21/11/2023

I'm aware of the increasing costs for decent professional hosting packages (that include SSL certs). I'm toying with offering hosting packages again (we did in the past) but it has to be cost effective for me and will only be available to my clients. So my question to you would be "Would this be of interest?" and would you be happy paying £75 per year?
This would be the same high quality hosting we use ourselves. We will be restricting how many clients we take on for this. You have to pay up front every year (no monthly option). Full price for this hosting is currently £201 per year so it's a whopping discount. You would be sharing your hosting with other clients.
As ever your feedback is appreciated.

08/11/2023

I promised you the full picture! As Above Emporium is now open. This amazing alternative shop, in Cavern Walks, Liverpool, has some wonderful things...if you are in the city centre pop in and say Hi to Cat, the owner. If you want to see her website in full this is the address:
https://asaboveemporium.com

10/10/2023

Here is a little sneak peek at one of the projects we are working on....all will be revealed very soon!

14/09/2023

It's party celebrations tonight with my fellow director, Terry, for the company's 20TH BIRTHDAY! Thank you to all our clients for helping us achieve this milestone!

06/09/2023

Spelling and Grammar really do matter and before you start beating me up I know there are lots of people who struggle with both (and not through a lack of education). I have multiple clients who are dyslexic.

But spelling and grammar on your website matter to Google and to your audience.

We all make mistakes, me included. I have somebody on hand who will read what I write and tell me of any corrections that need to be made. She is brutal but I raised her that way and it's what I personally need.

If you don't have a trusted friend (or offspring) who can look over your website copy then it is well worth employing a professional. Even the most proficient at written language can make mistakes.

30/08/2023

Don't rely solely on your web developer to test your website. It's so easy to miss something when you are the one who built it. You should test it before you sign it off. That isn't to say your web developer shouldn't test - they absolutely should. It's just that it's your website so it's your responsibility too. Better for you to find an issue than a prospective client! Oh and don't berate your developer if you do find an issue - they are only human too.

29/08/2023

Woman down....no voice today. Normal service will be resumed shortly.

26/08/2023

Brand isn't just about your logo and images but about the whole way you communicate to your audience.

22/08/2023

Copy is such an important part of your marketing and this post by one of my copywriters makes a great point.

Major brands use stories (narratives) to connect with audiences. They’ve been doing it for a very long time.

Who remembers the infamous coffee love story? The message was that real, meaningful connections are priceless, rare and beautiful – and that of thousands of people who cross our paths in our lifetime, only a few will hold a special place in our hearts.

Will they? Won’t they? Did they?? The love story between the two characters – Sharon and Tony - ran on for years in those ads between 1987 – 1993. We were glued to the screen. Even when there were months apart, it made the newspapers.

A story has several themes- a few key elements are the characters, conflict and resolution. Different elements keep audiences hooked. It keeps them reading or watching and coming back for more.

People invest in the characters (or hate them) and want to know what happens to them - but more importantly, they want to know that there is a happy ending - a resolution.

Simple right?

I’m not necessarily an expert in writing stories – I’m not an author or novelist – but I know how stories work in copy.

I love reading a book when the storyline has pulled me in, and I can’t put it down. I love watching a film or series, and I’m invested in the characters. I am IN there with them. Crying with or for them, feeling what they feel, laughing, feeling anxious, going through the highs and lows. Waiting with bated breath for the next bit until … the episode ends, and you must binge the rest of the series.

The Gold Blend ads told the love story of two people who never seemed to get together. It captured the nation's hearts – and Nescafe Gold Blend sales soared!

When we tell a story in copy, we breathe life and form into the visions people yearn to see. The words transcend their literal meaning and become shared experiences, fostering a sense of connection. When our copy truly resonates, it's as though we've delved into the minds of our audience, grasping their needs and reflecting on them - this is the magic of storytelling in copywriting.

So, what's your story?

15/08/2023

We gave Homestyle4u Property Styling For Sale/ Interior Design website a tiny facelift. Since we needed to make the gallery look posher it was the ideal time for a little spruce up. The refresh makes the home page more compact and easier on the eye. Pop on over and take a look at the finished thing ...

https://homestyle4u.com

14/08/2023

What inspired our new colour scheme? Well it was an advert by Dulux, the paint people, for a blue paint. Inspiration comes from all around us. What inspired your brand colours?