Vertebrate Graphics Blog http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk the backbone of web design and development for over 10 years Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:20:40 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Be careful what appears on your pages http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/2010/09/01/be-careful-what-appears-on-your-pages/ http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/2010/09/01/be-careful-what-appears-on-your-pages/#comments Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:18:53 +0000 Owen http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/?p=186 Whilst this story is another show of mob stupidity in reaction to the Pakistan cricket betting scandal and a more shocking example of cruelty towards animals, it does show what can happen when you have adverts running on your website.

Click on the image and then have a look Related Partners section at the bottom of the image. I think you’ll agree it’s a little inappropriate. The lesson here is to double check everything !!!

a page on the telegraph website

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]]> http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/2010/09/01/be-careful-what-appears-on-your-pages/feed/ 0 HTML5 – Is it a big deal? http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/2010/09/01/html5-is-it-a-big-deal/ http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/2010/09/01/html5-is-it-a-big-deal/#comments Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:53:51 +0000 Owen http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/?p=183 You may or may not be aware that HTML5 is on the horizon, but what does this mean if you are a web designer, website owner or business? Well let’s start at the beginning

What is HTML5?

HTML5 is a new version of HTML 4.01 and XHTML 1.0 focusing on the needs of Web application developers as well as evolving HTML and addressing issues found in the current specifications.

OK, so what can it do?

Well the 5 main features are as follows:

1) Web Workers: Think of it as Hyper-Threading for web browsers. Separate background threads are used to do processing without effecting the performance of a webpage. This can be very useful for web applications which relies on heavy scripts to perform functions (among other things).

2) Video Element: Probably the most significant HTML5 features yet. You can embed video without having to rely on third-party proprietary plug-ins or codec. You can embed video code with the same amount of ease as you now embed an image with the ability to manipulate videos and built-in video controls among other things.

3) Canvas: Canvas element lets you render graphics and images on the fly. All done without having to rely on plug-in, the possibilities are endless.

4) Application caches: The ability to store web apps like email locally and access it without having to connect to the internet or install an external client like Outlook or Thunderbird. Google gears, which helps you access Gmail offline, is an implementation of HTML5 specifications for Applications Cache (and much more). If you use Google Gears than you are using already using this feature.

5) Geolocation: This API defines location information with high-level interface (GPS) associated with the device hosting the API. Sources of location information includes Global Positioning System (GPS) and network signals such as IP address, RFID, WiFi and Bluetooth MAC addresses, and GSM/CDMA cell IDs. Yes, a big brother feature, but it can only be used if the user gives the application permission to use the information.

So we are running a lot more with the browser, does my browser support HTML5?

Well Chrome and Safari are taking the lead on this at the moment but don’t expect Firefox or Opera to be far behind. As for IE, well you would expect their upcoming release of IE9 to support HTML5 but we will wait and see. With all the different versions of browsers available, you can find out how well your existing browser(s) support HTML5 by using html5test.com.

Let me see HTML5 in action

Use Google Chrome or if on a Mac Safari to view the following websites to see what all the fuss is about:

Arcade Fire Interactive Music Video

Jigsaw Puzzle

SketchPad

Drag and Drop photos

Remember these are not built using anything but HTML5, not an inch of Flash in sight. Have a search online and see what other designers and developers are creating. You can find more examples of HTML5 here

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]]> http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/2010/09/01/html5-is-it-a-big-deal/feed/ 0 Wanted – a home for an abandoned cat http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/2010/08/10/wanted-a-home-for-an-abandoned-cat/ http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/2010/08/10/wanted-a-home-for-an-abandoned-cat/#comments Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:45:07 +0000 Owen http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/?p=156 I realise that this is a bit “left field” but one of my friends has recently taken in an abandoned cat. Despite being content in his bathroom, she does not get on with his existing cats and would ideally suit a cat free home. Jon has visited the local vets to get it checked for a microchip but to no avail. He has paid out for vet fees for a full health check which it has passed with flying colours.

All he would like is to see it go to good home, so if you think you could give it a second chance, click on the button below…… Thanks.

UPDATE – CAT HAS NOW BEEN SUCCESSFULLY RE-HOMED.

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]]> http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/2010/08/10/wanted-a-home-for-an-abandoned-cat/feed/ 0 Vertebrate Graphics help increase Rab clothing sales! http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/2010/08/02/vertebrate-graphics-help-increase-rab-clothing-sales/ http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/2010/08/02/vertebrate-graphics-help-increase-rab-clothing-sales/#comments Mon, 02 Aug 2010 09:41:37 +0000 Owen http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/?p=154 Vertebrate Graphic’s recent marketing support for the outdoor activity brand Rab focused on two micro-sites outlining the use of technical fabrics Pertex and eVent used in Rab apparel. These can be viewed at www.rab-event.co.uk and www.rab-pertex.co.uk.

Using an integrated on-page and on-line advertising approach with traffic from Facebook and the main Rab site plus external sites such as UK Climbing and Outdoors Magic generated some additional 10 000 registered names to their database. This has created powerful marketing data for Rab to use in future campaigns as well as driving traffic through to their main website www.rab.uk.com.

Rab wanted us to keep the micro-sites simple and focused. We kept the core brand values of Rab whilst presenting the products and information in a uniform and easily read fashion.

To find out more visit www.rab-event.co.uk or www.rab-pertex.co.uk

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]]> http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/2010/08/02/vertebrate-graphics-help-increase-rab-clothing-sales/feed/ 0 Website Strategy Tips http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/2010/07/09/website-strategy-tips/ http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/2010/07/09/website-strategy-tips/#comments Fri, 09 Jul 2010 07:32:54 +0000 Owen http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/?p=142 1. Have a Plan

Rather than launching in to get a website set up as fast as possible, have a plan that includes what you want to achieve from your website, how you’re going to market it and identifies the people that you will work with.  You’ll need a different plan depending whether the website is the business, like an online store which should be at the hub of your online marketing plan, or if it supports your business, in which case your website is one of many parts of your marketing mix.

2. Allocate a Budget for Online Marketing

The days where simply having a website was enough are long gone. Now, getting a website should be just one step in your ongoing marketing plans. To have an effective website that gets results you need to market it.

This means that you either need the time and skills to market it yourself, or you need to allocate budget to outsource your marketing.

Aim to include a mix of activities like Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Social Media Marketing (SMM), Email Marketing and Blogging.

3. Web Copy Counts… A lot

If you want people to be able to find your website in search engines and then spend time finding out what you have to offer, you need great copy. Using carefully selected keywords in your copy in the right places is a core aspect of optimising your website for search engines.  And if you’re planning to write and share blog articles, your success is all based on valuable content that you’ll create.

Plan your web copy at the same time as you plan your web design and development.

4. Build Your Network

Whether you choose to build a database of email subscribers, a network of followers on Twitter, members of a Facebook group or connections on LinkedIn, have a plan for expanding your network and an easy way for people to connect with you.

If you have an e-newsletter, add the subscribe box to the top right area of your website. If you’re on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn, add the icons to part of your website that appears on every page, like the right hand column.

5. Be an Active Citizen of the World Wide Web

Think of your website as the hub of everything that goes in and everything that goes out. Aim to build many many high quality links coming in to your website, which is important for your search engine ranking. And likewise, add links out to other websites. This makes you a good web citizen because you’re helping others build inbound links.

 

This article is an excerpt from Grassroots Internet Strategy and the full article can be found here

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]]> http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/2010/07/09/website-strategy-tips/feed/ 0 Busy times means lack of blogging http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/2010/07/08/busy-times-means-lack-of-blogging/ http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/2010/07/08/busy-times-means-lack-of-blogging/#comments Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:23:23 +0000 Owen http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/?p=137 Apologies one and all for the lack of activity on the Vertebrate Graphics blog – busy times has meant that client work has taken priority. It’s a nice problem to have.

Our recent activity includes the launch of the Talking Balloons website. We were approached to take over the development of this site after the existing agency consistently missed deadlines and targets. With the website being almost 12 months late and patience wearing thin, we were approached to complete the website build. 3 months later the website is now live much to the excitement of the client.

We also spent last weekend at the Cliffhanger event exhibiting our books from Vertebrate Publishing and enjoying the sunshine. Highlights including having both Jerry Moffat and Ron Fawcett signing their books as well as the Bouldering World Cup running over the 2 days.

We also have a few exciting projects in the pipeline which we can’t talk about at the moment, but watch this space.

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]]> http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/2010/07/08/busy-times-means-lack-of-blogging/feed/ 0 Twitter for Business http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/2010/06/18/twitter-for-business/ http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/2010/06/18/twitter-for-business/#comments Fri, 18 Jun 2010 11:01:34 +0000 Owen http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/?p=131 Many companies and often your competitors will be using twitter as a medium to engage with their customer base. How can this be achieved effectively and how can you make the most of your time on twitter to promote your business and your brand and create the interaction with your customers.

Rather than writing a long article on this (who wants to read that when there are nice videos to watch) we have scoured the web and selected the following videos to provide you with a head start on using twitter form your business.

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]]> http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/2010/06/18/twitter-for-business/feed/ 0 Tweets, tweets and more tweets http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/2010/06/18/tweets-tweets-and-more-tweets/ http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/2010/06/18/tweets-tweets-and-more-tweets/#comments Fri, 18 Jun 2010 10:47:04 +0000 Owen http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/?p=123 Not sure about twitter and how best to use it… Well we have trawled the web to find the best tutorial videos for your viewing pleasure. Why not take time out of your day to view one of the tutorials below.

 

 

 

 

 

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]]> http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/2010/06/18/tweets-tweets-and-more-tweets/feed/ 0 Animation – not just for the silver screen http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/2010/06/07/animation-not-just-for-the-silver-screen/ http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/2010/06/07/animation-not-just-for-the-silver-screen/#comments Mon, 07 Jun 2010 09:49:05 +0000 Owen http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/?p=116 The video below shows some of the stunning 3D animations which can be achieved using buildings and other landscape features. This unusual and visually stunning effects cannot fail to make you stop and stare.

All the animations are 3D sequences projected onto buildings interacting with the existing architecture to really make them come alive.

Take 4 minutes out of your day and enjoy

Projection on Buildings from NuFormer Projection on Vimeo.

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]]> http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/2010/06/07/animation-not-just-for-the-silver-screen/feed/ 0 B2B Advertising on Facebook http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/2010/05/26/b2b-advertising-on-facebook/ http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/2010/05/26/b2b-advertising-on-facebook/#comments Wed, 26 May 2010 11:09:39 +0000 Owen http://blog.v-graphics.co.uk/?p=111 Whilst Facebook is a great medium to build your brand and generate interest in your products and services, it is most used by the B2C  businesses. However there is nothing stopping B2C businesses using Facebook to support their existing marketing collateral. Below is a great e-book from HubSpot providing tips and advice on using Facebook pages as a B2B tool. Well worth a read…

A Visual Guide to B2B Facebook Pages

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