tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61538682007620615262024-03-18T03:03:43.619+00:00The BPc, Internet PresenceEstablished in 1990.The BPchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05228419737892488209noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153868200762061526.post-7522379047499811102024-01-29T14:40:00.003+00:002024-01-29T14:44:23.979+00:00Blogging replaced by Vlogging? <p>A blogger noticed that views have declined rapidly. Their stats (immediately below, with permission) are for 12 months and total in excess of 6k so let's remove the Singapore views for this exercise and we are left with a total of well over 1,000 views a year.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQuu4CD6_LU-rvBjjWX7KmJWnkrf71o4ySOXKWEsnv2ka6PyGH34JshBVb6ZHD1hthfsSRa7LVOA2XjVtGrxzZvVPcNN4yCFksrQaY1mCiDI1Gi6RbkWqEnySDWey-QCyC-IHLeSz5OYL9SQ-9shmoppZ9qqqrbB7vbn4CuyqLCBkLIsDdpdeqLri6HqwL" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="910" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQuu4CD6_LU-rvBjjWX7KmJWnkrf71o4ySOXKWEsnv2ka6PyGH34JshBVb6ZHD1hthfsSRa7LVOA2XjVtGrxzZvVPcNN4yCFksrQaY1mCiDI1Gi6RbkWqEnySDWey-QCyC-IHLeSz5OYL9SQ-9shmoppZ9qqqrbB7vbn4CuyqLCBkLIsDdpdeqLri6HqwL=w400-h318" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEig3hxVYxAzjYDbuP7bZVzGsUAI8FJJPq7UXqFYplHmkIRc_ok4L17toPbpI8RCEI2tJS4IuvyzH0vq6uYxp4gQnsxr5a3cX27iiuPxhK3RX1mRz1K1A263veAQA2_EzjRDVgCShoIMvs5mkRdlLsngV-p_QpgCdDmR6bpvbF1B8BNUURADSXrQogeYF4Wf" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="913" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEig3hxVYxAzjYDbuP7bZVzGsUAI8FJJPq7UXqFYplHmkIRc_ok4L17toPbpI8RCEI2tJS4IuvyzH0vq6uYxp4gQnsxr5a3cX27iiuPxhK3RX1mRz1K1A263veAQA2_EzjRDVgCShoIMvs5mkRdlLsngV-p_QpgCdDmR6bpvbF1B8BNUURADSXrQogeYF4Wf" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Total blog views in 30 days (above) = 81</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As an ongoing average x 12 months = 972 per year</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">- OR -</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">removing Singapore = 8 per month, let's say 100 per year </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(less than 10% of the previous year)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Based in the UK, the blogger is surprised that</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">THERE ARE NO UK VIEWS DURING THE PAST 30 DAYS. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>Time to check The BPc blogs and see how they compare </i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Blog 1 <a href="https://thebpcuk.blogspot.com/">https://thebpcuk.blogspot.com/</a> <div>Over 1,000 views in the past 30 days, almost 13,000 views in the past 12 months - steady average. </div><div>Here's the odd bit - just under 50% of these views came from The Isle of Man!! Really, Google?</div><div><br /></div><div>Blog 2 <a href="https://myportfolioltd.blogspot.com/">https://myportfolioltd.blogspot.com/</a> <br />Over 1,000 views in the past 30 days, almost 23,000 views in the past 12 months - declining average? <br />More than 90% of these were almost equally divided between The USA and Singapore.</div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>Other blogging hosts</b></i> </div><div><br /></div><div>Wordpress & Tumblr have not, in the past, been as successful as blogger/blogspot. Indeed, we struggle to make any headway whatsoever with the latter. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>YouTube</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>The BPc's YouTube channel has had almost 3.5k views in the past 30 days and almost 18k in the past year. This indicates that views have improved and, on further analysis, we see that visits in the second half of the year increased phenomenally: </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32MlCVVc4d3d0B_nRv4Y7Vtg3U4WmaM21Nt8WIdbGgW1VS62Wk6N2RE16hNS0ltpnQplG8VWSdVwOZ8YJ8VNMISdMZV2VY1MQNKibRxuCxA228P3qCbcDAAtTmtiqq61doN4khg2eszhSK9nWYKegZX4y9r1AOyWnsXdAhR1rrazQTQcVvxN93UQnw0c/s1701/youtube%20visits%202023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="1701" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32MlCVVc4d3d0B_nRv4Y7Vtg3U4WmaM21Nt8WIdbGgW1VS62Wk6N2RE16hNS0ltpnQplG8VWSdVwOZ8YJ8VNMISdMZV2VY1MQNKibRxuCxA228P3qCbcDAAtTmtiqq61doN4khg2eszhSK9nWYKegZX4y9r1AOyWnsXdAhR1rrazQTQcVvxN93UQnw0c/w640-h116/youtube%20visits%202023.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Our conclusion is that... we don't know the reasons for any of these fluctuating stats. We'd be delighted if anyone can explain in simple terms. </div><div><br /></div><div>Other host for social media video include Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Good luck out there! </div>The BPchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05228419737892488209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153868200762061526.post-78971109127917727442023-12-20T12:20:00.001+00:002023-12-20T12:20:00.135+00:00So this is Christmas<p> ...and what have we done? </p><p>We're glad you asked! We've been updating and maintaining clients' websites and managing their social media. We've also created a couple of websites, proof-read books for publication, created scripts and written a few blog posts. We are also still consulting for a couple of companies. </p><p>We've played with AI and concluded that it's good for some basic writing but falls short of creativity and substance. We've tried generated images with AI but are not enthralled with the results, although our research continues. </p><p>As most of our work is desk-based, you'd be hard pushed to describe it as exciting, but much of it is interesting. </p><p>What we dislike, though, are advances in technology that make us step backwards because, while it improves on what it can offer, it falls far short on reliability. We've been around long enough to remember when users told the machines what to do, not the other way round - perhaps science-fiction is not so far-fetched, after all.</p><p>Have a great Christmas! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd19rFlRB_Xinu0NsIq8uC5KlaxA5Dex1XeklgARtq9cx3bWu7UJ45k2DQuL8t8tgjzbNxlbzgfuBBf1XzxL8L7-Iu8pwPVcoxXfsVj94HS4WKLNHYmabubCFscS_QN1PNmlQhry-AKNN7qwsnQu5eF4sxjLbH1gTnibUZDEjRVAczF4VCOcaUuQR7gno/s1920/winter-robin-843578_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1355" data-original-width="1920" height="405" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd19rFlRB_Xinu0NsIq8uC5KlaxA5Dex1XeklgARtq9cx3bWu7UJ45k2DQuL8t8tgjzbNxlbzgfuBBf1XzxL8L7-Iu8pwPVcoxXfsVj94HS4WKLNHYmabubCFscS_QN1PNmlQhry-AKNN7qwsnQu5eF4sxjLbH1gTnibUZDEjRVAczF4VCOcaUuQR7gno/w640-h452/winter-robin-843578_1920.jpg" width="580" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>The BPchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05228419737892488209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153868200762061526.post-38746002535393682232023-11-13T14:23:00.012+00:002023-11-21T13:51:09.695+00:00IONOS / 1&1 Support <p>Today is the turn of IONOS (1&1) - and it isn't about the irritating woman on their ads - it's the difficulty of finding out how to get support via email or chat for a written trail, rather than a telephone call. </p><p>There are some good reasons to use IONOS, including their introductory offers for hosting and SSL certificates. However, their support options are a major issue. We've been having problems for the past week or so, which are... </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>On October 3rd, we received notification of a client's hosting renewal, This was no longer required so we set the renewal to cancel; </li><li>The confirmation wasn't clear so we checked with 'chat' who confirmed that it was cancelled. We copy/pasted this conversation for possible future reference; </li><li>Last week, payment was taken for renewal. </li></ul><p></p><p>Since then, we have tried several times daily to contact 'chat' with this result EVERY SINGLE TIME </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3c5PorggJrH2e4C9QwqbH2nkDaECfNX75rVU-vxBiGDaUwoTG65pvSKXnogjSKN2jcgrvXZr7ClZN0_22NNaOC8xs4Wpm5_U83U-i2AuJwROo789V9Th8NnjElWPwN5d8F-v7fDKE3-vrgUpdk25VLpKZ4v_SuUb279W2qbOCs-ZuaYY5mloTTo_ghgg/s1237/Screenshot%202023-11-13%20135332.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="1237" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3c5PorggJrH2e4C9QwqbH2nkDaECfNX75rVU-vxBiGDaUwoTG65pvSKXnogjSKN2jcgrvXZr7ClZN0_22NNaOC8xs4Wpm5_U83U-i2AuJwROo789V9Th8NnjElWPwN5d8F-v7fDKE3-vrgUpdk25VLpKZ4v_SuUb279W2qbOCs-ZuaYY5mloTTo_ghgg/s320/Screenshot%202023-11-13%20135332.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>So, to summarise, currently there is no 'chat' facility, they have also removed their 'raise a ticket' facility and all reference to all email addresses (we searched the site). Notification emails from them are all no-reply.<div><br /></div><div>Next, we searched through our emails and found previous emails from support and billing so we sent our query to these addresses, with no luck. However, we did find an email address on the internet for their cloud support and actually received a reply, which was: </div><div><blockquote>Hi,<br />
<br />
You are here on the IONOS <strong>Cloud</strong> support, and you are a IONOS <strong>Core</strong> customer.<br />
Please contact them:<br />
<br />
support@ionos.de<br />
0049 (0721) 170 555</blockquote></div><div>Their support is now only available from Germany? Unbelievable. So I contacted them and here is their standard response... </div><div></div><blockquote><div>Hallo,<br /><br />vielen Dank für Ihre E-Mail.<br /><br />Ihre Zufriedenheit mit unseren Produkten liegt uns am Herzen! Daher ist uns Ihre Anfrage sehr wichtig.<br /><br />Wir
werden uns innerhalb der nächsten 48 bis 72 Stunden in einer
persönlichen E-Mail um Ihre Anfrage kümmern. In Ausnahmefällen kann es
auch mal länger dauern, bitte haben Sie dann etwas Geduld mit uns.<br /><br />Unser
Tipp für Sie: Antworten auf viele Kundenanfragen finden Sie jederzeit
in unserem Hilfe-Center unter https://ionos.de/hilfe .<br /><br />Für
weitere Fragen stehen wir Ihnen unter der Telefonnummer 0721 170 555
rund um die Uhr - zu Ihren Festnetzkonditionen - zur Verfügung.</div><div></div></blockquote><div>Basically, they usually respond within 3 days. </div><div>What a farce! </div><div><br /></div><div><b>UPDATE</b>. There's a Twitter account for UK support - message has now been sent to them... </div><div><p><b>FINAL UPDATE</b> (hopefully). It took a while but, by various means, we received a response from IONOS Support, asking for proof of cancellation confirmation, as they could not find it in their files. This was sent* and, almost instantly, we received confirmation that cancellation has been activated. </p><p>*<i>To vindicate our insistence of a written support trail, how would things have worked out if we had only had a verbal exchange? The difficulty with finding an email contact address far outweighed the difficulty we may have had in proving that the service was confirmed as cancelled.</i></p><p><b>UH-OH ANOTHER UPDATE</b> Pleased to report that the refund has been applied to the account. An account that will not be used, going forward. So we now need to get back to them to request that the refund is returned to the card from which it was taken. However this is resolved, we'll post it here. </p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b>REFUND RECEIVED</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Case closed.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks, IONOS.</div><p></p><p><br /></p></div>The BPchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05228419737892488209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153868200762061526.post-56558402168606968272023-10-30T12:34:00.001+00:002023-11-02T13:25:52.964+00:00Oh, Google, Give us a Break!<p>Have you tried editing the details of your Google Maps entry? It has become so complicated now! </p><p>Also, did you know that Bing accesses the Google Maps data rather than bother with their own? So getting an accurate Google Maps Entry is important. </p><p>One of our clients has moved their head office and they noticed that their entries on Google and Bing are out of date. They are unaware of having an account for it (and we couldn't find one) so they've asked us to set one up and manage it for them. That's the easy bit! </p><p>Listed below are some of the hoops we're having to go through.</p><p>Having edited the details, we were presented with this message:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJoEVrNmcR7a_EitxSB8uFPlaBJOtOIJccuPxSGYPvNRI4u9jDXaVtjerIBDpn8YGQ9hpIgTDr_QqFdLf8NEukLDvm6sROIXTP5oZOQJmgYaCiETpwNxC-rx47U6xC0yT2htycxRGTSG6-10Ie73lUXODzEh_lJHzvvrVDktxAXPrALrd9iC2xpacdy0o/s1012/Get%20verified%202023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="139" data-original-width="1012" height="88" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJoEVrNmcR7a_EitxSB8uFPlaBJOtOIJccuPxSGYPvNRI4u9jDXaVtjerIBDpn8YGQ9hpIgTDr_QqFdLf8NEukLDvm6sROIXTP5oZOQJmgYaCiETpwNxC-rx47U6xC0yT2htycxRGTSG6-10Ie73lUXODzEh_lJHzvvrVDktxAXPrALrd9iC2xpacdy0o/w640-h88/Get%20verified%202023.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So we hit the Get Verified button. This used to generate a postcard with a pin code being sent to the address given. It wasn't a great idea because it wasn't addressed to a specific person and larger companies often just binned it. However, Google seems to have gone too far in another direction... Read on to see what happens now.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbYNU3FmcsCsec9ov-6vO7p634GV84WhJVeU4PLPMlB3TrlSmqOC1qhJCE50OyZVxQQJvIKMepufg2bzq7kmpJVHY_vdS5ek9YbZOs_evJ-SDV4vs_oeSCE5RDSYVFkVrfZsOpgUsHi59I6hTdDiiV3dD3PJ54fCeUnYh9TE10DEGx2RY3IrGuVhpXiI/s1327/verify1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="1327" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbYNU3FmcsCsec9ov-6vO7p634GV84WhJVeU4PLPMlB3TrlSmqOC1qhJCE50OyZVxQQJvIKMepufg2bzq7kmpJVHY_vdS5ek9YbZOs_evJ-SDV4vs_oeSCE5RDSYVFkVrfZsOpgUsHi59I6hTdDiiV3dD3PJ54fCeUnYh9TE10DEGx2RY3IrGuVhpXiI/w640-h165/verify1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj07N0xmRzVNh2ogrlHI-qdhpk5Nm6eh43T8KF1UX8Z9fYDAN1_eZSfehwXUtC9xNBbJlQes-sKLHfpX9nfEFE6a4ItQY3UJrIDFNzsmVPX91_IsdQenTG7C8ih2pKixS95-2QoM9-YmqD4MKYpeolx7IRVE4eoQ8h-sgVFOa8i2NJLhG65rXWRQDNZVk/s1356/verify2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="1356" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj07N0xmRzVNh2ogrlHI-qdhpk5Nm6eh43T8KF1UX8Z9fYDAN1_eZSfehwXUtC9xNBbJlQes-sKLHfpX9nfEFE6a4ItQY3UJrIDFNzsmVPX91_IsdQenTG7C8ih2pKixS95-2QoM9-YmqD4MKYpeolx7IRVE4eoQ8h-sgVFOa8i2NJLhG65rXWRQDNZVk/w640-h261/verify2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eDRCsmmCiiUmebV0SWz5sK1NkWwUdYo6vyH0GrKSnI2nm0aw_-GYwPL0bOUcJ6d5CKW0Pky9coNYV2zxjN7w7kPcDsUJ-OmcaUPGqCe0iPahmt__VeCaqeoBpcSA2eVyZKkNaO_znAf-tAmDUqRsJGgY4CLnqG_ZLet_6fvfDosy7Z-6cBUeHwmmbRw/s1389/verify3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="163" data-original-width="1389" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eDRCsmmCiiUmebV0SWz5sK1NkWwUdYo6vyH0GrKSnI2nm0aw_-GYwPL0bOUcJ6d5CKW0Pky9coNYV2zxjN7w7kPcDsUJ-OmcaUPGqCe0iPahmt__VeCaqeoBpcSA2eVyZKkNaO_znAf-tAmDUqRsJGgY4CLnqG_ZLet_6fvfDosy7Z-6cBUeHwmmbRw/w640-h77/verify3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, let's see what the other options may require...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBLhgl19xaXLgHdGxIE1ovtT7I3DyPE80P_MiMI41QV1zNjCMCgSXhXn92863nMNaag4o57HeW96lomfBHPHdwe-kcnJzqk_cUHVbeWiM6MgdbtKerHhE7Fk9zdQGMhtk18zjc4exdZAbwy0n9zBLNE9OVU5cHtiDbZpfhFmC-oH_pzcWMPBP_QOTXB4/s1356/verify4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="1356" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBLhgl19xaXLgHdGxIE1ovtT7I3DyPE80P_MiMI41QV1zNjCMCgSXhXn92863nMNaag4o57HeW96lomfBHPHdwe-kcnJzqk_cUHVbeWiM6MgdbtKerHhE7Fk9zdQGMhtk18zjc4exdZAbwy0n9zBLNE9OVU5cHtiDbZpfhFmC-oH_pzcWMPBP_QOTXB4/w640-h262/verify4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinb0Zuu_sYspc9VoVRh3RTeujP0MZ3zri62a-8GQXao7dQ6u2ZOQ15wQPySALoQG_i_ydmzVqcD3xOQMP8Zq3ejYRANjlNqKuNVFE_HF-3beeJwABulaazwLJiM55LW5EZb_d-VkioR7H5JfWl9m6DqJZYzKK32uetDp-GuW3jBRV5doOU5BcSsdbXhJw/s1354/verify5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="1354" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinb0Zuu_sYspc9VoVRh3RTeujP0MZ3zri62a-8GQXao7dQ6u2ZOQ15wQPySALoQG_i_ydmzVqcD3xOQMP8Zq3ejYRANjlNqKuNVFE_HF-3beeJwABulaazwLJiM55LW5EZb_d-VkioR7H5JfWl9m6DqJZYzKK32uetDp-GuW3jBRV5doOU5BcSsdbXhJw/w640-h258/verify5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Is that it? Contact support or Verify Later? Oh, well. Let's look at the video tips.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qioY9fZxPGU6gFvcVBRVIevjI8vQ9aRvtI5qeO1mjcMV9YvoWLwEdDMfloa0dV3UPcu086rvSIrY1ksJXIMany5leeyxVRCnRd3f78ML5D4LpSbzL9CsmOvTJnngmFlR0-YyOhgvy-mhb5XBW_oWfuzHl6le1Tg-Y06c_LioNImxz0CqwNC8f5ytN3M/s1356/verify7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="565" data-original-width="1356" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qioY9fZxPGU6gFvcVBRVIevjI8vQ9aRvtI5qeO1mjcMV9YvoWLwEdDMfloa0dV3UPcu086rvSIrY1ksJXIMany5leeyxVRCnRd3f78ML5D4LpSbzL9CsmOvTJnngmFlR0-YyOhgvy-mhb5XBW_oWfuzHl6le1Tg-Y06c_LioNImxz0CqwNC8f5ytN3M/w640-h266/verify7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UKlnPCoGOpt0TQ0QNw0HWRMDaFqd5pbn-xl4XXoTwcFrx_7zCMPNxlb9Wdn9iXKnQlL71ATNQNZa1X7fKI0mjKYlZv5oAaiFpKvylVV_hcpKfpPCrWmPbTe0w6jsQluRmx-Jpt-hiVnM7MlS2HJUd8_vR0hqcFMS7ghncgqFzgxZhBu4Vd1C1Q7DNZE/s1330/verify6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="1330" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UKlnPCoGOpt0TQ0QNw0HWRMDaFqd5pbn-xl4XXoTwcFrx_7zCMPNxlb9Wdn9iXKnQlL71ATNQNZa1X7fKI0mjKYlZv5oAaiFpKvylVV_hcpKfpPCrWmPbTe0w6jsQluRmx-Jpt-hiVnM7MlS2HJUd8_vR0hqcFMS7ghncgqFzgxZhBu4Vd1C1Q7DNZE/w640-h206/verify6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>We know that there are no other verification options so we have asked the client (whose new office is 3 hours drive from here) if they can provide a video. Meanwhile, they are listed on Google Maps at the wrong address in the wrong city. That can't be good for Google's integrity. <p></p><p>If anyone finds an easier way to Get Verified and have the correct address information shown on Google and Bing, please let us know!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>The BPchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05228419737892488209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153868200762061526.post-38166954362366189382023-09-05T19:19:00.002+01:002023-09-06T11:25:04.095+01:00AI Images from Microsoft<p>Returning to <a href="https://thebpcuk.blogspot.com/2023/08/ai-and-metaverse-in-business-what-does.html" target="_blank">the topic of AI</a> I tried out <a href="https://bing.com/create" target="_blank">MicroSoft Create</a> to see how useful the results would be. </p><p>First, I asked the software to generate an image of '5 men and 3 women sitting in a circle':</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>It gave me 5 people (so it can't do maths);</li><li>They were in business attire;</li><li>They were all aged in their 30s.</li></ul><div>Not a bad start so I refined the description to '5 men and 3 women, casual clothing, aged 40 to 60, sitting in a circle:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>5 people in one image, 9 people in another!</li><li>dressed casually;</li><li>they were mostly silver-haired and very sociable.</li></ul></div><p></p><p>Finally, I tried again, adding the word 'watercolour', hoping that this would blur details of the people:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Create was still unable to count to give me the number of men and women I wanted but the image I chose was acceptable as a partial group for the purpose I had in mind.</li></ul><div>I was still puzzled about the number of people, so I put in the number 8 - below are the descriptions and the resulting images:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZH_SckdXb18VXGAZKUyVFyOKH9iZGBtcTa3ksF8RoUtz48z6uL848dEA-Q3LyYW2W6wDxlz5cBVgwknQHV2ADmr0vsi15-fTHGaNI5nI9j5wziDafIO37mG3a8PxJio-rgepBAjUFs6OB0q0zeDJRfOW73V_ROyR16XX9DMnXXXQkik4B82Z2A8zl1YI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="1063" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZH_SckdXb18VXGAZKUyVFyOKH9iZGBtcTa3ksF8RoUtz48z6uL848dEA-Q3LyYW2W6wDxlz5cBVgwknQHV2ADmr0vsi15-fTHGaNI5nI9j5wziDafIO37mG3a8PxJio-rgepBAjUFs6OB0q0zeDJRfOW73V_ROyR16XX9DMnXXXQkik4B82Z2A8zl1YI=w400-h260" width="400" /></a></div>Quite exasperating.</div><div><br /></div><div>By adding the word 'watercolour' there was a slightly different result:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKshB3n2Jn29GVK9cokAjwIchKaop14l1VR37WAp6faA6jU5TeBxooO0V0M8Sj4Dzs15zhgt9yr5RQZfx-WgmZP3qNG6JZrOi4U4--bYkhQNxL5mM5F_O_IMEYskVXZ2JulBU27bgvIh63lbXkIizug9ayX3n5piyowcdboDjAJFRJQiL-2lDb5cXFxEE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1066" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKshB3n2Jn29GVK9cokAjwIchKaop14l1VR37WAp6faA6jU5TeBxooO0V0M8Sj4Dzs15zhgt9yr5RQZfx-WgmZP3qNG6JZrOi4U4--bYkhQNxL5mM5F_O_IMEYskVXZ2JulBU27bgvIh63lbXkIizug9ayX3n5piyowcdboDjAJFRJQiL-2lDb5cXFxEE=w400-h256" width="400" /></a></div><br />Each those groups of images included one group of 8 people. However, is it really AI? I'm left wondering if these images are generated on request or, quite likely, are found in an image database, meaning that the description is just a database search.</div><div><br /></div><div>So... I did a reverse-image search and, to be fair, whilst there were many similarly structured images, I couldn't find the exact same one, therefore it seems that Create is at least partially generating AI. Free and fast, it's definitely worth a go.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'll try another online AI image creator next time and compare results.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><p></p>The BPchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05228419737892488209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153868200762061526.post-90267597503323197752023-08-25T11:34:00.008+01:002023-08-29T10:59:27.707+01:00AI and Metaverse in Business - what does it mean?<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The world of digital marketing has undergone a seismic change since the emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) by technology giants, such as Google, Meta (Facebook) and Microsoft. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Website analytics and optimisation have to be virtually scrapped and regenerated to take account of the trends that are here to stay for the near future. Companies that have recognised this are the ones at the top of (for example) Google searches. Posts on social media would also benefit from using AI to reach a more targeted audience.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The other buzzword is the Metaverse, originally associated with Meta and also Microsoft. It is now taking on a life of it's own. The concept is like a tadpole who expects to metamorphose into a frog but could become a prince. Or... </span></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3QK5b6Y3YZBDbDIqIRKwe-gLQcZQJcm24Heq6lFwj66UoiJ17agAfd_z3rFsKr_98bOGZRmHOwD2o8CDoG_6VVODHDTcLohMtFmmlMzqyDBD7qvQxAnfyHkyVkpJ9uE8PrRn42npxu3Q1h_Nk2nxQ1AE1qUmE9m0fwjjUvM-QBF94pjme2ptgMeOyO0/s575/NoLimits.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.xrtoday.com/mixed-reality/metaverse-meaning/#:~:text=The%20metaverse%20can%20be%20defined,interaction%20mimicking%20the%20real%20world." rel="nofollow" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #4d5156;">"The metaverse can be defined as a simulated digital environment that uses augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and blockchain, along with concepts from social media, to create spaces for rich user interaction mimicking the real world."</span></span></i></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3QK5b6Y3YZBDbDIqIRKwe-gLQcZQJcm24Heq6lFwj66UoiJ17agAfd_z3rFsKr_98bOGZRmHOwD2o8CDoG_6VVODHDTcLohMtFmmlMzqyDBD7qvQxAnfyHkyVkpJ9uE8PrRn42npxu3Q1h_Nk2nxQ1AE1qUmE9m0fwjjUvM-QBF94pjme2ptgMeOyO0/s575/NoLimits.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br /></div><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3QK5b6Y3YZBDbDIqIRKwe-gLQcZQJcm24Heq6lFwj66UoiJ17agAfd_z3rFsKr_98bOGZRmHOwD2o8CDoG_6VVODHDTcLohMtFmmlMzqyDBD7qvQxAnfyHkyVkpJ9uE8PrRn42npxu3Q1h_Nk2nxQ1AE1qUmE9m0fwjjUvM-QBF94pjme2ptgMeOyO0/s575/NoLimits.jpg" style="clear: left; font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="306" data-original-width="575" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3QK5b6Y3YZBDbDIqIRKwe-gLQcZQJcm24Heq6lFwj66UoiJ17agAfd_z3rFsKr_98bOGZRmHOwD2o8CDoG_6VVODHDTcLohMtFmmlMzqyDBD7qvQxAnfyHkyVkpJ9uE8PrRn42npxu3Q1h_Nk2nxQ1AE1qUmE9m0fwjjUvM-QBF94pjme2ptgMeOyO0/w640-h341/NoLimits.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">For the 'gamer' generation, this will seem quite normal. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>So how can SMEs catch up?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">First, ensure that your website is using Google Analytics' latest update which includes AI options. Second, consider using AI to create some of your content for both your website and social media. Third, Ensure that videos are a major part of your digital marketing strategy.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">There are some companies that are optimising their websites for voice search activation, for the growing number of people who 'talk' to their devices rather than type into a search engine. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>Creating content with AI</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">AI is more intelligent than a plain old robot so, when used properly, you won't end up with the same text as all your competitors. And don't forget - you should always check the article to ensure that it says what you want it to. It's editable by you. too (in which case, have the edited version checked for errors by another party).</span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">A popular choice is to use </span><a href="https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">ChatGPT</span></i></a> <span style="font-family: helvetica;">but, at the time of writing, there are some issues. </span>The following was generated with </span><a href="https://toolbaz.com"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">toolbaz.com</span></i></a><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> (free, online) by inserting the title:</span><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Discuss Using AI for SEO</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e293b; font-family: courier; font-size: 14px;">As the internet continues to evolve, so does the way we search for information. As the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes more prevalent, it has become an invaluable tool for search engine optimization (SEO). AI can be used to improve the quality of search engine results and to give users better content. AI can help understand and interpret complex user queries, identify relevant content and identify patterns in user behavior. AI can also help with keyword optimization, content optimization, and link building. AI can also be used to analyze user behavior, such as click-through data and the number of searches done for a particular topic. This data can then be used to create more targeted content that is more likely to be found by users. AI can also be used to identify trends in user behavior and create content that is more likely to be seen and clicked on. AI can also be used to improve the speed and accuracy of web page indexing by reducing the amount of time it takes for a page to be indexed. AI can also be used to optimize the structure of a website, making it easier for search engine algorithms to crawl and index a website's content. AI can also be used to create personalized content for users based on their past searches and interests. AI can also be used to automate the process of content creation by generating content based on user queries. AI can also be used to monitor the performance of a website and make changes to make it more search engine friendly. AI can also be used to identify new opportunities for SEO and to create more effective strategies for SEO.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">That text was created instantly. Obviously, it has been generated for an American audience therefore some spellings may need your attention.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">It's accurate but, in my opinion, it's s bit generically bland and far too wordy. Still, it's free and a great starting point - writers often struggle when faced with a blank page.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">We'll be writing more on other aspects of AI and keeping it simple. We hope it helps! </span></p><p></p>The BPchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05228419737892488209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153868200762061526.post-68941364587549084292023-08-14T15:15:00.013+01:002023-12-01T10:45:53.353+00:00Stay in Business: Go With The Flow...<p>Do you still use 'Twitter' or have you started calling it 'X'? In business, there are always changes and going with the flow is the only way to survive.</p><p>For example, The BPc began as a graphic design and marketing agency in 1990. Eventually, DIY design software became publicly available and some companies started creating their own logos, marketing materials, etc. Ironically, we soon had a surge in design requests because clients realised that, just because you have the software, it doesn't mean you have the experience of good graphic design.</p><p>Around 1996, we included website design services (thankfully, the co-owner had a technical background, therefore writing HTML was a doddle). Since then, the majority of our work was website design, including optimisation and internet marketing to keep our clients on page 1 of Google. Then internet service providers and software companies started to offer DIY website solutions for users to 'be in control of their own destiny'. Hmm. What it really meant was that users were tied to the company who owned the website software and, of course, their monthly costs often escalated. But, as had happened with graphic design software, a number of new clients approached us to update their websites or, in some cases, rewrite them.</p><p>As an additional marketing service, we offered video shoots and recruited a film graduate to produce professional videos for our clients but now everyone is an expert with a smartphone. We are occasionally asked to create a more professional look to 'movies'. </p><p>Social Media management is one of our popular services. Everyone can do it but most smaller businesses don't prioritise it, preferring to spend a small amount per month to have a reliable service manage it for them.</p><p>But we are nothing if not flexible. Moving on to today's projects, they break down (approximately) as follows:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Website design, updates and maintenance (40%)</li><li>Blog and Social Media marketing (30%)</li><li>Literary proof-reading and Script writing/editing (20%)</li><li>Graphic Design (5%)</li><li>Troubleshooting, video work and miscellaneous (5%)</li></ul><p></p><p>Note the new entry in the middle of the table. </p><p>Going with the flow has kept us solvent for nearly a quarter of a century so we thoroughly recommend it for some SMEs.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXxEJYf4dkcXEnewNa31RTm2fOw0gYX-P7sMchcNEpFQVV5jw8L4d5XvnWLRj_UuHkmtdmMaekkZ-vgWIDTaDfBJ5ltSJaExrbzQvGjEZdKJUhMJ6tZCo2RKv8ZdXhi5ZcPdkVpM77M9O7-7UchfxwlSatJTgzomTYAFith3WmI8SZFKzYpDJxl3LU-Q/s1280/rafting-444743_1280.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXxEJYf4dkcXEnewNa31RTm2fOw0gYX-P7sMchcNEpFQVV5jw8L4d5XvnWLRj_UuHkmtdmMaekkZ-vgWIDTaDfBJ5ltSJaExrbzQvGjEZdKJUhMJ6tZCo2RKv8ZdXhi5ZcPdkVpM77M9O7-7UchfxwlSatJTgzomTYAFith3WmI8SZFKzYpDJxl3LU-Q/w640-h426/rafting-444743_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>We wish you the best of luck with your endeavours! </p><p><br /></p>The BPchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05228419737892488209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153868200762061526.post-17138491700482253082023-08-08T13:46:00.007+01:002023-08-16T16:59:14.909+01:00Thousands of Followers on Social Media? <p>The growth of 'followers' is often used by Social Media agencies as a gauge of how well they're doing for their clients. But is it enough? </p><p>Not these days. We manage some Social Media accounts for small number of clients; there are thousands of followers but very few interactions. Depending on the main purpose, this could be OK or it could be an issue.</p><p>Most of our clients use social media to show their products with a hope that their followers will be interested to buy or share details with others. It's a way to get the company's name known to more people. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEeLnE1B9pnbaUqybx15_nEsCpoSk8ukC6YUmN_BDDNQ2PIj3zN_lWKnKsWzFxNCKYlLa2hPmzV456o0PZaw3SS5LYx25pGVQ-ev658O92RNHtb7cAiPX2qHvZQAGW3AbzZcdprVkg4pxjcXW5XQ-urj18Cvgx5awpH9Mi33qmQMwrX6of2OnARGHYN7Y/s496/top_main_img-MOTION.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="152" data-original-width="496" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEeLnE1B9pnbaUqybx15_nEsCpoSk8ukC6YUmN_BDDNQ2PIj3zN_lWKnKsWzFxNCKYlLa2hPmzV456o0PZaw3SS5LYx25pGVQ-ev658O92RNHtb7cAiPX2qHvZQAGW3AbzZcdprVkg4pxjcXW5XQ-urj18Cvgx5awpH9Mi33qmQMwrX6of2OnARGHYN7Y/w640-h195/top_main_img-MOTION.gif" width="640" /></a></div><p>One specific client posts products, opinions and related information, inviting feedback and with a view to gaining more followers to interact with. It's a completely different approach from that of most companies because he is a one-man-band who likes exchanging views of his and others' work. This client is struggling to gain followers, more than the others are - possibly because there are very few products to showcase (3). For whatever reason, he remains largely invisible.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Whether you have accounts with Meta, X, Tumblr, LinkedIn or other social media, having followers is not an indication of success. People follow you if you can give them something for free, e.g. humour, glamour, cute cats, etc. but it isn't (and never has been) a great medium for promoting your products or services, just because you have a high number of followers. And now, sadly, it's not always good for interacting.</p><p>Take Tumblr, for example. Tumblr has 'Ask me anything' that can be added to your profile. Author Neil Gaiman (Good Omens and other fiction) is excellent at interacting with his Tumblr followers, fans of his work, and they feel closer to him and the glamour of his world. I have only one client on Tumblr and nobody is interested in asking about his work. To be fair, he has only managed to gain 8 followers (0.001% of Neil Gaiman's entourage) in just over a year.</p><p>Today's favoured medium is video - whether on YouTube or TikTok - and again, these are classed as SOCIAL media. However, it's useful to upload videos for incorporation into websites. Many of our clients are not suitable candidates for Webinars or 'live' broadcasts - although there is one client who publishes a regular podcast which is popular with followers. Unfortunately, we have no further stats at the moment, regarding this medium.</p><p>Social Media, in general, is not designed as a business tool yet advertising revenue from businesses are the main reason that social media can function as a free service for others.</p><p>The issue for smaller companies with low budgets is that social media has become saturated and competition is as fierce and futile as competing to get a website listed on page one of Google, especially amongst the myriad of 'sponsored' entries that take priority.</p><p>We are currently looking at the cost of in-app advertising for one of our clients. We'll let you know what we find out and when we spot the next opportunity for small businesses to compete on a level playing field, we'll let you know.</p><div><br /></div><p><br /></p><p></p>The BPchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05228419737892488209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153868200762061526.post-53181046889106760522023-03-30T16:25:00.005+01:002023-08-16T17:13:52.809+01:00How Popular are Blogs in 2023?<div><span style="font-family: arial;">First, let's redefine what a blog is. This blog is an ancient one created on Blogger (Google) well over 10 years ago. Blogs started as text-on-the-web-logs, a diary or journal that may have been a creative outlet for some but was essentially to record whatever you wanted, either shared or not shared. It quickly became a business tool for businesses to announce news about their products, services, activities, etc. Now, such blogs are usually incorporated into a company's website as their news page. 'Professional' blogs followed, brand-building for the entrepreneur who wanted to share experience and gain kudos.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Then blogging caught on in a big way. Generally referred to as 'influencers' whose main goals are to gain followers by bringing trends and know-how to the public - where to go, what to see, how to look, and other lifestyle tips, including fashion, furnishing your home and a variety of other lifestyle topics. Travel blogs are usually well-researched and often provide essential information. Food is such big topic that it has it's own category - people were now able to follow recipes and cooking styles from </span><span style="font-family: arial;">around the world</span><span style="font-family: arial;">, which were previously unknown.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Reviews began as genuine opinions but have too often become a form of advertising. There are rules to follow - they are supposed to tell followers if they are being paid to promote the product or service or if they are affiliated in some way. P</span><span style="font-family: arial;">opular <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/TomSkaAndFriends" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTuber TomSka</a> is always bringing ASA (Advertising Standards Agency) rules to viewers' attention. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">News blogs are a major part of every network's website. No doubt you've been unable to avoid them. Here's a recap... </span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Personal blog </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Business/company blogs </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Professional/branding blog </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Lifestyle/influencer blogs </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Travel blogs </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Food blogs </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Affiliate/review blogs </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">News blogs</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Multimedia blogs </span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: arial;">More recently, there has been an explosion of multi-media blogs: vlogs, podcasts and video channels. Personally, I prefer to read blogs because I can do it at my chosen pace, depending on what parts of the content interests me, and it's easy to skip over the bits I already know.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Both audio p</span><span style="font-family: arial;">odcasts and visual information (e.g. YouTube) have become extremely popular, far more so than a traditional blog such as this. However, there are considerations before using them. Audio: is your voice or regional accent going to be listened to and understood by your target audience? Video: have you practiced speaking into camera? Is your backdrop a distraction? Do you have an adequate setup for filming? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Definitely have a go at all forms of information sharing but make sure that you check and, if necessary, edit the final blog/vlog/podcast before you share and publicise it. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AuYuzkGA3SI" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>
<div><br /></div><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Link:</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span>https://youtu.be/AuYuzkGA3SI</div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Wishing you the best of luck! </span></div></div><div><br /></div>The BPchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05228419737892488209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153868200762061526.post-35045382296644881512022-10-05T16:07:00.004+01:002023-03-28T17:52:23.726+01:00Using the Internet to Promote your Small Business<p><span style="color: #0b5394;">Talking to the owner of a local business about his internet activity... </span></p><p><i>Backgound</i>: he and his son have two part-time assistants. The owner is approaching age 60 and preparing for his son (who is half that age) to take over the business in the next few years. The business has had a website for many years and it covers their needs (although the content could be updated). The main source of leads is from a large, specialised marketplace service - think Etsy, RightMove, etc. Typically, the son has been tasked with the social media aspect of the business as the dad has limited knowledge of it and does not want to start learning it now.</p><p>Looking at their website links to social media, we see Facebook and Twitter: FB is updated regularly and Twitter has not been touched for 5 years. Although it's not mentioned on the website, there is also an Instagram account which is frequently updated and is more popular than the other two media combined.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span>What is Marketing?</span></span></h3><p>Having been in Marketing since before Internet use was widespread, we understand the many facets of above/below the line, direct/indirect marketing and the difference between marketing and sales (often a blurry line dismissed by ambitious salespeople). Marketing is not only about making money today but ensuring stability for future sales.<br /></p><p>But we've wandered off-track a little... marketing is essential to seek out potential customers and persuade them to contact your sales force - whether that is a visit to your website full of stuff to spend their money on or by encouraging them to contact you by 'phone, email, whatever.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span>Social Media Marketing</span></span></h3><p>Social Media is a very powerful marketing tool and cheaper than advertising, although the two can work together. For example, if you are not getting enough Facebook followers by natural growth, you can pay a few pounds to kick-start a 'follow-us' campaign. This has worked extremely well for some of our clients. Of course, the way to keep followers engaged is to post interesting and varied information with images or a video - regularly but not too often as to get on people's nerves!</p><p>With Instagram and Facebook being linked, one post can be shared to both media simultaneously. </p><p>Social Media is 'horses for courses' and you will have to determine which suits you best. It's free so try a few but be sure to suitably tailor your posts. Don't forget to interact and be friendly because this is a social environment, not an excuse for free in-your-face advertising! This means that you should look through others' posts and react to them (nicely, of course) to build a rapport.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span>Data Analysis</span></span></h3><p>Another aspect of growing your business is knowing (not assuming) which avenues have been successful in bringing in potential customers. Insights are available with most social media and websites can have Google Analytics installed. As with all statistics, you need to understand how best to interpret the data.</p><p>For example, when we were selling a property, the agent provided us with a copy of the Rightmove property views data for the first month. It showed that, after the first day, views dropped to a daily average of 10% of the initial number for the rest of the month. The graph was labelled 'property views' with no other explanation. We asked the agents if a 'view' was of the property listing within the scrollable results or whether it was an in-depth view of information, photographs, etc. They didn't know so the information was mostly worthless.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Which of these is considered a 'view'? </span><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgee-PT9E7ReVAxEIeB02mzdHpKD7cZ9ovTKOktc6IlbyiCPffP7TR5t2K3Kde3z2ccG9nkKMa0V5ev8hRoZjtUM25eb7y1bC4Odt6YxJyKSZmDIJ4aAHdvJ7gKW6doIbes-Qmb88skKG5hd6ZGaelY7jIFG9mHZ8qL4VKWW6_CM8R7CAbF528nfZrD/s867/003view.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="listing" border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="867" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgee-PT9E7ReVAxEIeB02mzdHpKD7cZ9ovTKOktc6IlbyiCPffP7TR5t2K3Kde3z2ccG9nkKMa0V5ev8hRoZjtUM25eb7y1bC4Odt6YxJyKSZmDIJ4aAHdvJ7gKW6doIbes-Qmb88skKG5hd6ZGaelY7jIFG9mHZ8qL4VKWW6_CM8R7CAbF528nfZrD/w200-h163/003view.JPG" width="290" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXEGbxRdnfYWLeQNQ6RuZKlkKY6K2FIiIB6lxzrJjUt4Xy6-vJU2XeuDphqImQ88OpLIhPVu0Z1R7XppM9GqST0HCZxzrqHgX8RPGkjbSBptfEY0XCIzmEB8SnVU0fG0SjiTHR1PNy6w9B6O_Chb3Z2jP3kc3439DcT8Nt2OoHlktfSfNSgVvxpIYB/s1008/001view.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="property" border="0" data-original-height="763" data-original-width="1008" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXEGbxRdnfYWLeQNQ6RuZKlkKY6K2FIiIB6lxzrJjUt4Xy6-vJU2XeuDphqImQ88OpLIhPVu0Z1R7XppM9GqST0HCZxzrqHgX8RPGkjbSBptfEY0XCIzmEB8SnVU0fG0SjiTHR1PNy6w9B6O_Chb3Z2jP3kc3439DcT8Nt2OoHlktfSfNSgVvxpIYB/w200-h151/001view.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i>(deliberately fuzzy because the content detail is not relevant to this post) <br /></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><span></span>Tip</i>: <span style="color: black;">when you first talk to a new contact, ask how he/she discovered you, e.g. via search engine, by recommendation, advertising, etc. </span></span><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><span>Google Analytics</span></b></span></h3><p>Google Analytics provides considerably more information regarding the activity on your website. Sadly, the website we referred to at the start of this post has not been linked to a Google Analytics account therefore there will be no historical performance date from that resource.</p><p><i>We hope this helps you to refine your internet marketing and social media management. Feel free to post questions in the comments or contact us if you'd like our assistance. </i><br /></p>The BPchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05228419737892488209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153868200762061526.post-6556682370162646362022-03-08T17:49:00.004+00:002022-10-05T16:08:45.007+01:00Best Social Media Platforms 2022<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTJ8ZV7B8_A6Gtyv0SDduWZWnZJMQ_rWK2JmkWkvKia1O5FRM9vhgBrHHDsj6YRojrKHOY9RYjP9SWVOd-3T2yCgKvr-qPMGU_PIO5UlFg55qGlLi2kbE3PFJKqXwlY8qumrBrYS7qo1mFBCHrn3J23qk9ZHCwUECQnrl3qHPmhtfd26ShnrZt6-e7=s1000" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Client blog-site" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1000" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTJ8ZV7B8_A6Gtyv0SDduWZWnZJMQ_rWK2JmkWkvKia1O5FRM9vhgBrHHDsj6YRojrKHOY9RYjP9SWVOd-3T2yCgKvr-qPMGU_PIO5UlFg55qGlLi2kbE3PFJKqXwlY8qumrBrYS7qo1mFBCHrn3J23qk9ZHCwUECQnrl3qHPmhtfd26ShnrZt6-e7=w200-h128" width="150" /></a></div><br />In our recent experience, the top three on the list below have led the way during the past couple of years, best for business posts. We also use YouTube, Twitter and, occasionally, Tumblr (depending on the type of business). So far... <br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4N0c0pnE-kIyoiXG5i2Mi9GgbrUoqLWqbSCm4wSqvaCyFiEq91KIlmNoZrl3ssPqcPHuaSqqoce7to60yI4Qf0AMUSZd1JFQO8qPGbwsETRsmZNAkzYXQNfA8SlxsMWxHTPfKZ32sEg7N8_6lzfK6ifc1tum_5Hy0981d6w9cLwSTgg32RmMfOHgp=s593" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="212" data-original-width="593" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4N0c0pnE-kIyoiXG5i2Mi9GgbrUoqLWqbSCm4wSqvaCyFiEq91KIlmNoZrl3ssPqcPHuaSqqoce7to60yI4Qf0AMUSZd1JFQO8qPGbwsETRsmZNAkzYXQNfA8SlxsMWxHTPfKZ32sEg7N8_6lzfK6ifc1tum_5Hy0981d6w9cLwSTgg32RmMfOHgp=w400-h143" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>We have several clients for whom we manage social media and an analysis of their activity concurs with this statistic. Facebook is, without doubt, top of the heap. Instagram works well if there are relevant images. YouTube works well for video (obviously). Twitter is good for interactive clients. <br /></p><p>Interestingly, <b>videos</b> uploaded to Facebook and Instagram are more widely viewed than static images.</p><p>As with all social media, you get the best results when you take the time to use it. For example, post interesting stuff regularly and keep an eye on any notifications or responses, reacting positively where appropriate. Andsocial media is not all about you! Additionally, you need to show interest in other posts, comment on them (nicely) and maybe strike up conversations. </p><p>For example, if your business is a service and you have difficulty with relevant images, connect with people about their interests, whether it's sport, arts, gardening, etc. You will <b>gain followers</b> which helps your 'popularity'.</p><p>In our case, we design websites and manage social media therefore the best relevant images we have are snapshots of our clients' businesses. We also offer to edit clients' own videos and we have been planning to set up a studio for promotional video filming (that was pre-covid so other things took priority). </p><p>Meanwhile, some of our social media clients are their own worst enemies - we set them up and they don't use it because they don't have the time. Time spent building your online network and interacting with people is similar to, yet much cheaper than, training salespeople. Those who do take the time to build (e.g.) a <b>Facebook</b> following, will notice the benefits, which is why it's so popular, despite its many irritating ways.<b><span style="color: #38761d;"> <i>Not to worry, though - help is at hand. We offer this service too!</i></span></b></p><p>It's also worth using analytics to monitor the progress of your activities (<i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">we can do that for you</span></b></i>).</p><p><span>We also set up <b>WordPress</b> blogs</span> for smaller clients with low budgets & <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">we offer a blogging service</span></b></i>.<br /></p><p>Check us out! </p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>https://twitter.com/BPcUK/ </li><li>https://www.facebook.com/TheBPcUK </li><li>https://www.instagram.com/bpcuk/<br /></li></ul>The BPchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05228419737892488209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153868200762061526.post-54213143885992450702022-02-17T18:05:00.005+00:002022-10-05T16:10:43.039+01:00Using Video in Social Media Posts <p><i>Have you noticed that Facebook and Instagram posts with videos generally have more views than those with static images?</i></p><p>Creating videos is easy with smartphones and many now have in-built editing facilities. No longer does one have to upload videos to YouTube before sharing them (although it's still a good medium). Facebook and Instagram take direct uploads of your video content.</p><p>For example, a UK client set up an <b>Instagram</b> account at the end of 2018 and each post received up to 15 likes. The medium was used infrequently and their first video was posted a couple of years later, which has been played 173 times, to date.</p><p>Their next few posts (images) still didn't break the 15 likes barrier so another video was added in March 2021. It was very short, created with their social media tools and, to be honest, quite irritating (if only Instagram would facilitate post-editing) but it has, to date, peen played 271 times.</p><p></p><p>The next post - a lovely photograph - managed 13 likes followed by the next video - a very good one - which achieved 304 plays. </p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Two more posts (each had fewer that 15 likes) and another video with 155 views;</li><li>Fourteen posts (each had fewer that 15 likes) and another video with 100 views;</li><li>Four posts (each had fewer that 15 likes) and another video with 78 views;</li><li>Four posts (each had fewer that 15 likes) and another video with 104 views...</li></ul><p>... and so on, clearly illustrating that videos are better than images for Instagram. </p><p>Their <b>Facebook</b> statistics are slightly skewed because there are paid 'boosts' on some posts. That said, posts often reach 500 people, recently a post reached over 1,000 views with a boost and, over the Christmas season, another post had over 7,000 views. </p><p>Of course, views and likes are not the same thing but there was also an increase in website traffic. Visitors via Social Media rose from under 30 a day at the end of last year to almost 100 a day during January, dropping down to an average of 55 so far during February. Most visitors originate via Search Engines, of course.</p><p>Finally, <b>YouTube</b> is not dead. The client featured below has had over 70,000 views of their videos.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CeEwi8jWXKQ" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>The BPchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05228419737892488209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153868200762061526.post-77582786508382409602020-12-23T15:54:00.005+00:002023-03-29T11:07:37.650+01:00Why does a professional website cost £100s or £1000s?<div><p><i>"Here is some flour, yeast and water. I'd like some bread. How long will it take?"</i><br /></p><p>Tailored
websites bave basic ingredients and variations. We've tried to provide a
guide below of the costs of building a website and the time it takes. <br /></p><p>It
is rare for a website to be completed in a few days (elapsed) because
things tend to added or changed as the design and build progresses.
There are often delays in waiting for content, particularly photographs
of appropriate shapes and sizes. If scheduled dates are missed, this
could impact delivery times.<br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>This is an example of what we do for a small business website:</b><br /></h3>
<p class="MsoPlainText">Pre-contract (allow 2-3 hours over 2 days)</p>
</div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Understand
the client’s objectives and expectations – allow at least 1 hour (not
chargeable);<br /><br /></li><li>Prepare
detailed quotation for client agreement, making it clear what is/isn’t included
– allow 1 hour including subsequent discussions (not chargeable);<br /><br /></li><li>
Provide a
guide to additional costs, such as domain name and annual hosting, SSL
certification, etc., and a list of complementary services the client may
consider during or after development, e.g. SEO, social media management (also not chargeable).</li></ul><div>
<p class="MsoPlainText">Set up (allow 1.5 days over 3-5 days)</p>
</div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Set up
hosting space for a test site. Depending whether the website is new or a
re-design, this can be on the client’s chosen host server or on the developer’s
web space. This may include:<br /></li><ul><li>Install
WordPress database with a customisable theme / child theme;<br /></li><li>Install a
selection of plug-ins for functionality to make WordPress admin easier for
users, e.g. user back-up facility, contact form, cookie compliance message
overlay, image slider, image gallery, search engine sitemap and analytics,
social media links, etc.</li><li>Customise
all elements. Include colour palette, typefaces, fonts for headings (1-4),
paragraphs and links.<br /><br /></li></ul><li>Set up
pages templates and menus, ready for content.</li></ul>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><b>Website Development</b>…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><b>Content</b> (time depends on number of images and documents to upload and
number of pages with content but is likely to be up to a day's work):</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Upload the
supplied images* and documents;</li><li>Upload
the supplied text to appropriate pages.</li></ul>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><b>Design & Layout</b> (allow an average of 30 to 60 minutes per page):</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>New WordPress themes incorporate a 'block
building' system. These all include Visual (like MS Word) and Text options. If the
content is to be updated by users, the block building system should make it
easier to use columns when mixing text and images on a page; <br /></li><li>Extra time
will be needed for certain elements, e.g. image slider functions, interactive
map, customised forms, SEO (alt-text for images, optimisation of written content), etc.</li></ul>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><b>Publishing the Website</b> (allow 1-2 days over 2-4 days)</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>When the PC-based
design is signed off, the developer will add responsive re-sizing for different devices to display correctly, take a full
back-up, transfer the website to its new host, apply the SSL certificate and
perform thorough testing and any necessary tweaking, followed by another full
back-up.</li></ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Site maps
will be submitted to search engines, Google Visitor Analytics will be set up
and activated.</li></ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Handover to
client will include basic documented ‘how-to’ followed by 30 days support.</li></ul>Other (third party) annual costs may be:<br />
<ul style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><li>domain
name renewal</li><li>hosting
renewal</li><li>SSL
renewal</li><li>Backup and
software versions update service</li><li>Social
media management</li><li>monthly/quarterly blog writing</li></ul>
<p class="MsoPlainText">Optional ongoing updates/seo/social media cab be
quoted as required. Our rates are considerably lower than similar
services that have been established 30+years. Our experience enables us
to advise and guide our clients, as required.<br />*<i>if images need editing, this takes time and may incur additional costs</i>.<br /></p><p class="MsoPlainText">We can also provide e-commerce websites but these will cost significantly more to set up.<br /></p><p class="MsoPlainText">We work with you to create the website you want. Contact us for your professional website quotation - see our website info for contacts:</p><p class="MsoPlainText"><a href="https://thebpc.uk" target="_blank">The BPc</a> / <a href="https://professionalsolutions.co.uk" target="_blank">Professional Solutions</a> <br /></p><p class="MsoPlainText"></p><p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><i><br />These are screen-shots of some websites that we have designed for clients:<br /></i></p><p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08V2Yze7Q7C-hEtulTTu3xFcgAvbp-MqKPz3o-4kH62lytPaEa2tyyzD8EgdVXiuuOkOUFeJGSn99HX7UIQNj0k8_v92wZgsPzyBjAFPrmy4GQy2TJFydzynEw0VozI0qWr_60D1d06U/s1000/Ugley.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="UgleyVillage" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1000" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08V2Yze7Q7C-hEtulTTu3xFcgAvbp-MqKPz3o-4kH62lytPaEa2tyyzD8EgdVXiuuOkOUFeJGSn99HX7UIQNj0k8_v92wZgsPzyBjAFPrmy4GQy2TJFydzynEw0VozI0qWr_60D1d06U/w320-h205/Ugley.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrJFCN55lpYXuULuZXT-eCVuIHw5SFsNvEKvAbBCR50Twd2DE41dG7I8zQp6ljldAJInW-pPl8LXHHl92WnKYLsbZ-bKVZMZTZeF8__SfgLvpbtm9BEYVQpj8dDGdv8Tbhg3gwsZhnlo/s1000/SunSeekerDoors20.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="SunSeekerDoors.co.uk" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1000" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrJFCN55lpYXuULuZXT-eCVuIHw5SFsNvEKvAbBCR50Twd2DE41dG7I8zQp6ljldAJInW-pPl8LXHHl92WnKYLsbZ-bKVZMZTZeF8__SfgLvpbtm9BEYVQpj8dDGdv8Tbhg3gwsZhnlo/w320-h205/SunSeekerDoors20.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQMCHiACUBsOpBMixTWBug4UlyGGvhnZcjpa8TmUONVT7AS_DasGLCvh46vW3PjHBAKLxwXU4uUo4mhEfEGJ-n7vNEfir9aHT19aELahcUMdFA5C5IkcBGfTWQHgkXyRvvJvcLwiFtHM/s1000/Signcraft.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Signcraft.co.uk" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1000" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQMCHiACUBsOpBMixTWBug4UlyGGvhnZcjpa8TmUONVT7AS_DasGLCvh46vW3PjHBAKLxwXU4uUo4mhEfEGJ-n7vNEfir9aHT19aELahcUMdFA5C5IkcBGfTWQHgkXyRvvJvcLwiFtHM/w320-h205/Signcraft.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQaO27aHBJ6dDyZXXUUwrlu8V4NGNhqNqrwQec2IkoipLQnIFgrY38XRgrOHsBxWt9yGymJFpOWOtTzyf2BNonq2t-am4WOjZINMkAKpnO7C_WqCyeOJXKRg1renuoZR-JM9DE8aCdUMc/s1000/QfE.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="QuestForExcellence.co.uk" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1000" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQaO27aHBJ6dDyZXXUUwrlu8V4NGNhqNqrwQec2IkoipLQnIFgrY38XRgrOHsBxWt9yGymJFpOWOtTzyf2BNonq2t-am4WOjZINMkAKpnO7C_WqCyeOJXKRg1renuoZR-JM9DE8aCdUMc/w320-h205/QfE.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjn-ayqWLQE9PsvXJyLDoF_02zI9xXPJ1yDDEgl8Hdf0J1a_arkTJXk-WZO7Zb43JWbNSmNwPPBIP4ah5WHFNqpIoiCiJAfa_16ZlV26fcbrDhN4-_5H9sAi1Cw78BwpE1ZA77dKaljeM/s1000/masticpointings.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MasticPointingServices" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1000" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjn-ayqWLQE9PsvXJyLDoF_02zI9xXPJ1yDDEgl8Hdf0J1a_arkTJXk-WZO7Zb43JWbNSmNwPPBIP4ah5WHFNqpIoiCiJAfa_16ZlV26fcbrDhN4-_5H9sAi1Cw78BwpE1ZA77dKaljeM/w320-h205/masticpointings.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_julPa6Q0mVocjGk3t-Jz7d6H8F1Q8QKVUh3yDZQw88exgacTVbKyY9aqNhLxXrI7n7yvc0ZrBtbptePYj79ZNnj1wyjoUYXyHZHdkIcJQq7zl0GmJdLqbnMQf88buV7crRbauRM9EA/s1000/Junction42.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Small Projects Undertaken by J42S" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1000" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_julPa6Q0mVocjGk3t-Jz7d6H8F1Q8QKVUh3yDZQw88exgacTVbKyY9aqNhLxXrI7n7yvc0ZrBtbptePYj79ZNnj1wyjoUYXyHZHdkIcJQq7zl0GmJdLqbnMQf88buV7crRbauRM9EA/w320-h160/Junction42.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENYfEZQ2M-Puxdzxj5UMFmW38gVr31-4skCwIu8xPQ-kjQdT3AyrEQXmcG9DQF8CK8Ex5AU3Xj9pdsbotTptLE40N_6g7GxHq9aRfFV4lqSjuJd-FMZyzInehnc6yBJiwAId2Q-qRNM8/s1000/HCDWS.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="HCDWS.com" border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="1000" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENYfEZQ2M-Puxdzxj5UMFmW38gVr31-4skCwIu8xPQ-kjQdT3AyrEQXmcG9DQF8CK8Ex5AU3Xj9pdsbotTptLE40N_6g7GxHq9aRfFV4lqSjuJd-FMZyzInehnc6yBJiwAId2Q-qRNM8/w320-h204/HCDWS.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BDLZqXqkBqhSJhAsvMop9V8jZdtB0Ha6vDe5OZIlgK-AX3qoI0wbpd4YuXLSnS1XVMFWt46C34mEd5eUjLUvVZEgnUAHEN038TH0hskIwo9h8G_TIFzfrnF33oIIRVhYSlZuXpK_tNc/s1000/BiFoldingPatio.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="BiFoldingDoors" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1000" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BDLZqXqkBqhSJhAsvMop9V8jZdtB0Ha6vDe5OZIlgK-AX3qoI0wbpd4YuXLSnS1XVMFWt46C34mEd5eUjLUvVZEgnUAHEN038TH0hskIwo9h8G_TIFzfrnF33oIIRVhYSlZuXpK_tNc/w320-h205/BiFoldingPatio.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>The BPchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05228419737892488209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153868200762061526.post-25803707971982603492020-11-27T16:01:00.000+00:002020-11-27T16:01:49.317+00:00Beware the Perils of Not Visiting Your Website<p><i>As touched upon in our previous post, there are things to watch out for when managing your own website</i>.</p><p><b>Setting Up your own Website </b><br /></p><p>When using a pre-prepped website, such as Wix, it can be easy to overlook the obvious. For example:<br /></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>social media links, such as Twitter, are set up to link to the Wix Twitter account, leaving the website owner to edit this to point to their own social media accounts;</li><li>uploaded images may have inconsistant sizes or are so large that the website display is slow;</li><li>poor SEO rankings in search engines may be a result of written content, e.g. insufficient content, keywords, alt-tags, etc.;</li><li>bad or broken links, copyright out of date and no recent news posts can all contribute to making a website looking neglected, rather than to project you as a thriving, energetic company.</li></ul><p></p><p>This isn't scare-mongering to entice you to use our services<span style="color: #38761d;">*</span>. Today's post is inspired by a genuine case that we helped resolve, very simply, much to the website-owner's relief.</p><p><b>The Importance of Visiting Your Website</b></p><p>The company's website was not developed by The BPc. It was set up for them using a D-I-Y 'web-builder' system and handed over to them for on-going updating, which they have been doing, quite happily, for some time. But no-one ever thought to look at the website as a curious new visitor would.</p><p>There were the expected issues of last year's copyright date, a link that wasn't and, worst of all, a link that went to an asian language site with very naughty photographs. Having investigated how this came about, it was originally a genuine link to a .com domain name that had lapsed, which was subsequently purchased by a.n.other for an entirely different purpose, only in the past two weeks.<br /></p><p>The moral of this story? Add a diary note to check your website every three months. <br /></p><p></p><p></p><p> <span style="color: #38761d;">*</span><i>But please do contact us if you would like a <a href="TheBPc.org.uk" target="_blank">website review or website design</a>!</i></p><p><i> </i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUMXZ7f87FQq3tcvzNK_54ZMNsRzi7vpwwaHoYBx45olTH_Ypd_40RlPG-SRZRN0Y58_hTGz9A1hubKYxZTxs_46id3l9oeOwWOi8YxikHee2IsR9350h7qyB5zSBKgXKQ7s9KhZ1QOs/s1000/SunSeekerDoors20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUMXZ7f87FQq3tcvzNK_54ZMNsRzi7vpwwaHoYBx45olTH_Ypd_40RlPG-SRZRN0Y58_hTGz9A1hubKYxZTxs_46id3l9oeOwWOi8YxikHee2IsR9350h7qyB5zSBKgXKQ7s9KhZ1QOs/s320/SunSeekerDoors20.JPG" width="320" /></a></i></div><i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XIJgwoZHmz0pw_Dw93kBx5Kj_0bpGlIZmJ0KUs-MRMpJp_nJ8HhctkjMMa9FC1M_QfBjtZ8pe_q3G5ztL7SFgAv4n12aSsjJdcKb1KWB0BVM9F_O80xL_LodZLPjU-2jkE69zMHgl0w/s1000/Signcraft.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XIJgwoZHmz0pw_Dw93kBx5Kj_0bpGlIZmJ0KUs-MRMpJp_nJ8HhctkjMMa9FC1M_QfBjtZ8pe_q3G5ztL7SFgAv4n12aSsjJdcKb1KWB0BVM9F_O80xL_LodZLPjU-2jkE69zMHgl0w/s320/Signcraft.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiyX0kx3EYawx7Y7b5rtRG3K3S_beAMo3mR95yK462UBBmxY3SfvXxiE3eJ1kS2rSuughHfTZzXdjG7zPeuL4LlpnTM_wBi4bhqm8Lp6OGoiuiacYSWKc6SSE1eAo3bU5c88rGxqjysq4/s1000/QfE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiyX0kx3EYawx7Y7b5rtRG3K3S_beAMo3mR95yK462UBBmxY3SfvXxiE3eJ1kS2rSuughHfTZzXdjG7zPeuL4LlpnTM_wBi4bhqm8Lp6OGoiuiacYSWKc6SSE1eAo3bU5c88rGxqjysq4/s320/QfE.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDwhZxGc8SaFbJI17baDayNSn-RytkmHWm9fdNbyWPjCFnYiwaJf_w5wqlnjdgLa6h3W3u4NwBhX-tn2Bvd9Qk5BW78ttb0NOg-h0J6alI5YB-_RfpUFfQ7ooP0VRkPtX8UxIzYBApK4/s1000/masticpointings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDwhZxGc8SaFbJI17baDayNSn-RytkmHWm9fdNbyWPjCFnYiwaJf_w5wqlnjdgLa6h3W3u4NwBhX-tn2Bvd9Qk5BW78ttb0NOg-h0J6alI5YB-_RfpUFfQ7ooP0VRkPtX8UxIzYBApK4/s320/masticpointings.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSkdqlGua_r1RYi2xJrYdBvD82fTRmWXxgOtp1Npi8VJHJbdFuwD1iLdopo-vTK4W_h4ZRbpEhX-x6LLGikawrXqgxIsAHrAQ5RiyLy_e2ecawdv2DfqmPvRhfaeBomRnyL8f3WR_lO0/s1000/HCDWS.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSkdqlGua_r1RYi2xJrYdBvD82fTRmWXxgOtp1Npi8VJHJbdFuwD1iLdopo-vTK4W_h4ZRbpEhX-x6LLGikawrXqgxIsAHrAQ5RiyLy_e2ecawdv2DfqmPvRhfaeBomRnyL8f3WR_lO0/s320/HCDWS.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></i><br /><p></p><p></p>The BPchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05228419737892488209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153868200762061526.post-32993638284541593092020-09-15T14:22:00.006+01:002021-05-26T15:26:50.865+01:00Skills For Your Business.<h3 style="text-align: left;">Jack of All Trades? </h3><p>There is a GoDaddy advertisement currently on TV, suggesting that a plasterer uses their service to make himself a website. In addition to being a skilled plasterer, he may possibly offer related services, as is quite normal and he may have other related skills. Like stilt-walking, to reach higher up the wall!</p><p>As is expected of large USA corporates, their marketing is excellent. There are financial incentives to encourage new customers to sign up and stay longer term. And who doesn't smile at the image of Harry Redknapp with Sandra's Jam Roly-Polys?</p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><div class="Z1hOCe"><div class="zloOqf PZPZlf" data-ved="2ahUKEwiPvpnq8urrAhX1WxUIHZUFBzgQyxMoADAjegQIDhAB" style="margin-top: 7px;"><div class="rVusze"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="w8qArf"><span> </span><a href="https://www.nasdaq.com/market-activity/stocks/gddy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GDDY</a> Headquarters:<span> </span></span><span class="LrzXr kno-fv">Scottsdale, Arizona, United States</span></span></div></div></div><div class="Z1hOCe"><div class="zloOqf PZPZlf" data-ved="2ahUKEwiPvpnq8urrAhX1WxUIHZUFBzgQyxMoADAlegQICRAB" style="margin-top: 7px;"><div class="rVusze"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="w8qArf"><span> </span>Subsidiaries:<span> </span></span><span class="LrzXr kno-fv">Afternic.com, Inc.,<span> </span>Host Europe Group<span>, others</span></span></span></div><div class="rVusze"><div class="Z1hOCe"><div class="zloOqf PZPZlf" data-ved="2ahUKEwiPvpnq8urrAhX1WxUIHZUFBzgQyxMoADAhegQIEhAB" style="margin-top: 7px;"><div class="rVusze"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="w8qArf"><span> </span>Employees (2020):<span> </span></span><span class="LrzXr kno-fv">7,000 <span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></span></span></div></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="LrzXr kno-fv"><span></span></span></span></div></div></div><p><b>Before you go ahead, just think about your job and where your income comes from.</b> Do you want to be a plasterer or a carpenter or whatever you've spend years learning and building up? Or do you want to be a website designer?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiieFfMOj4nkAIazOL0lV0hPpZH3bCG6A1Q5Dtvsvi8JtN9jNmKfQ8uSZ0IzWVMGSVwe12EQZhrFKmNv9tTeZ1F6h7eOiu3-C9aL7SmQV36b-jDhhaRtW84BXUG27BbfIAFzRTTui7rwX4/s640/woodwork-2385634-small.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiieFfMOj4nkAIazOL0lV0hPpZH3bCG6A1Q5Dtvsvi8JtN9jNmKfQ8uSZ0IzWVMGSVwe12EQZhrFKmNv9tTeZ1F6h7eOiu3-C9aL7SmQV36b-jDhhaRtW84BXUG27BbfIAFzRTTui7rwX4/s320/woodwork-2385634-small.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>How hard can it be?</i> :)</span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSavsZCcNaO8n80CbvRTwNjbCEUzOtRiuRNmdFmmLO97cMPutRQpzQFAI3VG_yUzrsNG10p92JaoqZhwHEkNVdYEubId5DXkZgIs0Nr7iOXZUS62QH8zBKKRQVeFqRcwQ4CfusQOFXO34/s511/plumber-228010-small.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="511" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSavsZCcNaO8n80CbvRTwNjbCEUzOtRiuRNmdFmmLO97cMPutRQpzQFAI3VG_yUzrsNG10p92JaoqZhwHEkNVdYEubId5DXkZgIs0Nr7iOXZUS62QH8zBKKRQVeFqRcwQ4CfusQOFXO34/s320/plumber-228010-small.webp" width="320" /></a></div><p>During the past 30 years, we've seen software packages to enable our clients to create their own graphics (after dabbling, most of the professional businesses came back to professional designers) and do-it-yourself websites with their hidden nuances. These include Wix and Weebly.</p><p>This trend has also led to students creating cheap websites for small businesses. We've no problems with students trying to gain experience in their chosen field and make some money - as long as clients understand what they are getting. Internet presence is generally better than no presence at all.<br /></p><p>Some of the issues we've noticed with home-grown websites include:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>social media links going to (e.g.) Wix Twitter account rather than the website owner's account;<br /></li><li>images uploaded are inconsistant sizes or too large which can slow down website display;</li><li>poor SEO for search engines - written content, insufficient content, alt-tags, etc.;</li><li>website can look old or ignored if not updated regularly, including copyright date and news.</li></ul><h4 style="text-align: left;">Why SEO is important</h4><p>If the website designer doesn't understand the importance of SEO, it will be more difficult to get the website noticed by search engines (e.g. Google). We can work with owners of diy sites to improve the SEO but sometimes the learning curve is too long or the chosen website software isn't flexible enough. Wix isn't bad, though, neither is the customised WordPress blog, although somewhat inflexible compared with a professional WordPress website.<br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Saving Money</h4><p>If you haven't got the money for a professional job, be careful which diy site you choose - don't get locked in! It will end up costing more in the long run.</p><p>If you would like an affordable, professional bespoke website, with friendly support from a team that offers an individual service, try one of the following:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://thebpc.org.uk" target="_blank">The BPc</a> (of course) for logo design, website design, SEO and social media management;</li><li><a href="http://www.prosolutions.co.uk/" target="_blank">Professional Solutions</a> for website design/build, e-commerce plus website and PC support. <br /></li></ul><h4 style="text-align: left;">Supporting Small Businesses</h4><p>Just a thought... if plasterers, plumbers, etc. want to build their own websites, don't be surprised if website professionals have the spare time to attempt plastering, plumbing, carpentry, brick-laying, etc.</p><p>;)<br /></p><p><br /></p>The BPchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05228419737892488209noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153868200762061526.post-82850565157991626662019-11-29T14:18:00.000+00:002020-09-16T12:14:49.385+01:00Website Designs Delivered Autumn 2019We've been working on new websites during the past few weeks. In September, we published HCDWS.com and, in October, we completed two websites. One is a replacement website for a client who was desperate to move away from their Yell-hosted site with all its associated costs. The other is an exciting new start-up. We teamed up with <a href="http://prosolutions.co.uk/" target="_blank">Chris</a> to develop and build the October projects.<br />
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Digital Wealth Solutions</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJI1SuwTwBYs_IDI1avqSktLd9wuxtMFda-KL4ay1MGL9XacaKoWU3JAFffHIIiD-MTbwoFZbN7Spu182R7Wn5kezlaLfstXB8cRRrMtQ3hTlIuNtw_ULVujhPwTntcf4DQlYg-BtT8OQ/s1600/HCDWS.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Digital Wealth" border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="1000" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJI1SuwTwBYs_IDI1avqSktLd9wuxtMFda-KL4ay1MGL9XacaKoWU3JAFffHIIiD-MTbwoFZbN7Spu182R7Wn5kezlaLfstXB8cRRrMtQ3hTlIuNtw_ULVujhPwTntcf4DQlYg-BtT8OQ/s200/HCDWS.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
HC Digital Wealth Solutions (HC-DWS) is a marketing distribution company based in London. It offers modern technology solutions to help Discretionary Fund Managers and Financial Advisors (IFAs) to support their investors’ portfolios. <br />
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The website provides all basic information and many opportunities to contact the relevant people in the team, should more information be required.<br />
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Mastic Pointing Services</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyv2aE3casOlgdCOe8OA7CU4M_li5NMYMtRpSG4VT4TKU-g67vNFbo-4BTi_3W33eR1yzIhwhHf4fsRLPcZC_hKOkR1gbmBIMN-9Td-lsfXM9LTT9pu53HzbxATHH_Sr1NDdr1bKLHVA/s1600/masticpointings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mastic Pointings " border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1000" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyv2aE3casOlgdCOe8OA7CU4M_li5NMYMtRpSG4VT4TKU-g67vNFbo-4BTi_3W33eR1yzIhwhHf4fsRLPcZC_hKOkR1gbmBIMN-9Td-lsfXM9LTT9pu53HzbxATHH_Sr1NDdr1bKLHVA/s200/masticpointings.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
Mastic Pointing Services (MPS) wanted to move their old website away from Yell and take the opportunity of bringing it up to date. They contacted The BPc for a quote, telling us that we had been recommended by another of our clients, Hanson Catering. <br />
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The site is aimed at construction professionals and buiding companies. The finished website has a clean, contemporary look and feel and is easy to use.<br />
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One 'in the wings'</h4>
An exciting start-up company launching a new range of drinks. A <a href="http://www.simoninc.co.uk/" target="_blank">branding/design consultant</a> (with whom we've worked before) invited us to quote for the website build, which has been delivered but not yet published.<br />
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The vibrant, feel-good tone of the website design fully complements the product marketing.<br />
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Further details and links can be viewed on our website: <a href="http://www.thebpc.org.uk/website-design/clients-websites-blogs-social-media/" target="_blank">Clients' Websites</a> page.<br />
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<br />The BPchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05228419737892488209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153868200762061526.post-84991094331935274532019-10-02T12:47:00.000+01:002020-09-16T12:16:02.416+01:00Social Media for Business: Common Errors to AvoidDon't fall foul of common errors made by many companies trying to manage their social media.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDDrpBxXDo7MZ1IG_tMvnvqLHAtO3IY62ygK3yTGaYxSX3IU5zIUoNNlT3e-WxsBVaemE7hGGMZdrDVHKGwaT0pCvPL5RXRjweSEa2IujM7LuCtQtgoFg3Y9qZ5UYCsF9Rcp2tsy45-DM/s1600/business-2884023_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="social media management" border="0" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="1600" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDDrpBxXDo7MZ1IG_tMvnvqLHAtO3IY62ygK3yTGaYxSX3IU5zIUoNNlT3e-WxsBVaemE7hGGMZdrDVHKGwaT0pCvPL5RXRjweSEa2IujM7LuCtQtgoFg3Y9qZ5UYCsF9Rcp2tsy45-DM/s320/business-2884023_1920.jpg" title="networking" width="320" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1587220091"></span> 1. Have a Plan - and revisit that plan frequently<br />
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2. Don't focus on the number of followers you have - focus on their quality<br />
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3. Choose 2, 3 or 4 social media sites for your business - forget the rest for now<br />
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4. Remember to check out the competition! Also, visit your own website now and then<br />
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5. Using whatever means are available, monitor progress over time and use it to improve results<br />
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A <b>Social Media Plan</b> doesn't have to be complicated. It can be as simple as checking in at 9am every Tuesday and Thursday, looking at messages and browsing through and reacting to your timeline. Have a post or tweet ready, with links to a blog post or website page.<br />
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<b>Build your followers</b> by ensuring that: posts/tweets are interesting (use #hashtags) and following accounts that could be your target clientele. Reacting to others' posts and tweets will establish a rapport and encourage them to follow you. Include a link to your social media from your website.<br />
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Focus on the <b>best social media sites</b> for your business. For business to business, this may be Twitter or LinkedIn but Facebook may be better for business to consumer promotion. Instagram requires a smartphone and frequently uploaded photographs for best results but it can be linked with Facebook.<br />
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Keep your eye on the ball! <b>Check out your competitors</b> at least every month but don't assume that their ideas are working better than yours- they may be thinking the same about you. Also, it's amazing how many website owners rarely look at their own websites once they've been published. The website owner is <i>responsible</i> for quality of the content even if a third party is being paid to update it. Some of the issues we've noticed are a website that is down/hacked or a home page refers to a future event that is now in the past.<br />
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Social Media usually offers some kind of analysis, such as number of views, most popular post/tweet, etc. <b>Google Analytics</b>, if included on your website, also provides information regarding visitor sources from social media, search engines, etc. Looking at the whole picture over a longer term (at least 2 or 3 months) provides an insight to what works and what needs work.<br />
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<b>How we can help</b><br />
Should you need guidance on how to manage your social media or use Google Analytics, just ask. The BPc also provides low-cost social media management and visitor analysis/report services.<br />
<a href="http://www.thebpc.org.uk/contact-the-bpc/" target="_blank">Contact us</a>.<br />
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<br />The BPchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05228419737892488209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153868200762061526.post-27588624771951325892019-09-04T15:41:00.001+01:002019-10-02T09:55:31.165+01:00Business Cards are here to stay<i>It is more than 12 years since The BPc had a need for business cards but that's not the case for many of our clients. </i><br />
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Recently, we provided artwork to re-print cards for all the staff of <a href="http://alphabetapartners.com/" target="_blank">alphabetapartners.co.uk</a> in London, when they moved to their new HQ near the Bank of England / Royal Exchange. When they launched the company, we designed the original logo, business card and branding (but not the website build) for Alpha Beta Partners, based around their chosen mountain peaks theme.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTA5GvsmVIzO-HdJEYGaBTcuuGiTpPPcTgZ45Hzj_azhE5_ZZ3cUYZscUDuILGfekdPPsYLDXUPOs43DZ2RmPiM0zvTu17r7Z0OC_zSlCaljpJ6UJht0gG4ZvBdqGWh2Jn8wg5YZFDT3g/s1600/landscape-sun-peaks-Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTA5GvsmVIzO-HdJEYGaBTcuuGiTpPPcTgZ45Hzj_azhE5_ZZ3cUYZscUDuILGfekdPPsYLDXUPOs43DZ2RmPiM0zvTu17r7Z0OC_zSlCaljpJ6UJht0gG4ZvBdqGWh2Jn8wg5YZFDT3g/s320/landscape-sun-peaks-Logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We are also working with a new Garden Design enterprise, setting up near Welwyn, Herts.. We helped to create a logo and design the business cards, which are currently with local print company, Triographics in Knebworth. This is the logo for Primrose Garden Design. The website will follow in due course.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGbo5uO4rQ9oPhgVt6ppWA4AsNe5m-DvAYufxm8Kz_gBdh5KW21teAIN10nbhUpROm1WHOlrPivv4b5Q1ciR1OHKeDuhwTv1412hANdXQLz7eB_agaJk5wG2KzRNVMh0QfT4fGRNSzx0/s1600/Logo-card.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Primrose Garden Design" border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="928" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGbo5uO4rQ9oPhgVt6ppWA4AsNe5m-DvAYufxm8Kz_gBdh5KW21teAIN10nbhUpROm1WHOlrPivv4b5Q1ciR1OHKeDuhwTv1412hANdXQLz7eB_agaJk5wG2KzRNVMh0QfT4fGRNSzx0/s320/Logo-card.JPG" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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Established January 1990, The BPc has designed, digitised and provided pre-print services to a number of clients over the years. We have helped clients to build an internet presence with websites and blogs for twenty years, later enhanced by social media and video services. If you own or know a small-medium business that could benefit from a chat, feel free to <a href="http://www.thebpc.org.uk/contact-the-bpc/" target="_blank">email or call</a>.<br />
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Why not <a href="https://twitter.com/BPcUK" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">follow The BPc on Twitter</a>?<br />
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<br />The BPchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05228419737892488209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153868200762061526.post-37748243954105828962019-05-17T17:50:00.003+01:002019-06-03T13:53:10.795+01:00Feeling Good and Losing Weight: New Website for The Food Coach<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>We are delighted to announce the launch of a new, fresh website for an established business - The Food Coach has been helping clients to eat healthily and to lose weight since 2005.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMJklCvK-GuvINJ0A1IiL1i-eO0Crjd5hryy5Na5AoHfqo3ZDIscsAMbNyJ_zFiAHSphALoQEIa-vxwuOTah9yVzVcY86YNFTHd0ewOBWG-2zaaukir4UYeyyNE6cagE6dCwy2vl82qE/s1600/screencapture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMJklCvK-GuvINJ0A1IiL1i-eO0Crjd5hryy5Na5AoHfqo3ZDIscsAMbNyJ_zFiAHSphALoQEIa-vxwuOTah9yVzVcY86YNFTHd0ewOBWG-2zaaukir4UYeyyNE6cagE6dCwy2vl82qE/s1600/screencapture.JPG" /></a></div>
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Following discussions with the client regarding the website design and visual branding, we produced a structure of the page navigation. Our client had very strong ideas about the design layout and colours. Sourcing the images was a challenge.<br />
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We had been asked to quote within a very tight budget and this was often in danger of being exceeded but we created a complimentary logo for the website and for the client's use on emails, etc. We have asked our client to let us know when she has updated her Facebook and Twitter accounts so that we may include direct links from the website. Facebook, in particular, would be an excellent medium for referrals. If further budget is available, we can easily set up and customise these account for our clients (as mentioned in our previous post).<br />
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The new website has been developed in WordPress, using the new user-friendly update interface. You can visit the new website at <a href="https://weightlossnutritionist.co.uk/" target="_blank">weightlossnutritionist.co.uk</a>.<br />
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When our clients are ready to update the content themselves, we provide appropriate documentation and will 'hand-hold' them through the process. We also check on them afterwards to see if they require further guidance.<br />
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<a href="http://thebpc.org.uk/" target="_blank">The BPc specialises in designing WordPress websites for small businesses and start-up companies</a>.The BPchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05228419737892488209noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153868200762061526.post-68320050440654594122019-04-26T16:06:00.000+01:002019-06-14T10:32:40.998+01:00Recent Websites Designed & PublishedIt's been a busy, busy spring time! We are pleased to announce that two more websites were completed for clients and published within the month of April. Both were a collaborative team effort between <a href="http://prosolutions.co.uk/" target="_blank">Professional Solutions</a> and <a href="http://thebpc.org.uk/" target="_blank">The BPc</a>.<br />
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The two websites are for slide-and-turn patio doors - we have worked on a number of patio door websites over the years. Amazingly, though, we were watching a brand new TV show a few days ago where the designers are still using bi folding doors, rather than the newer technology, contemporary sliding-pivot doors! Perhaps they need to brush up on their research skills and look at the two websites featured here (click the images to visit the websites).<br />
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<a href="http://ecoglassdoors.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="eco slim glass doors" border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="1313" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpq8yIFiLWCFJ5k1cNsweyDw0xaSbsei1Yq8tAjLUVlXMXcAg25nf7bcbLpTZEYQ_Xr3Nbgl3zuqHiIQ6ls5xcfh6gSAgAs2yQCoHirAFOmPpdzxvX61BKWg8Y39sH_6PcG6bK8LU-trE/s320/ECOwebsite.JPG" title="ecoglassdoors.com" width="320" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ultraslimdoors.uk/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ultraslim slide-pivot patio doors" border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="1443" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ThdRSXV02Uh4iZRI1AfFXGyDfIljwEkJapNtuX8THhQx7LpGYB2n3VGRCfnXSI_7KJkp4g7G9uoQEehc1PtsUWhpO1YOZOm9TJR38QlamHedMLlqm3mkGnf0NTrrCLQpX6xBx98MkTw/s320/ULTRASLIMwebsite.JPG" title="www.ultraslimdoors.uk" width="320" /> </a></div>
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We also created the logos for both websites. We were given free reign with the Eco design from the website owner who only specified the colour green. Our contact for the other website wanted a simple 'blocky' style and also requested that we set up a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/UltraSlim-Doors-for-Professionals-2331231847125551" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>.<br />
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Below is a video demonstration of ULTRASLIM doors that we edited at The BPc. It really shows that there is no comparison between slide-pivot doors and clunky old bi-folds!<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CeEwi8jWXKQ" width="560"></iframe></div>
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We are about to publish another website - not for doors this time! Please remember to visit this blog next month to find out more.<br />
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<br />The BPchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05228419737892488209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153868200762061526.post-18296442603222531292019-04-05T14:02:00.000+01:002019-04-08T14:10:51.154+01:00Clients' websites delivered 1Q2019At The BPc, we have clients who come to us for a professional website design service or just SEO, our blog/article writing service or social media set up / management services. We have also performed other design and internet-related tasks for those clients, including logo designs, which we did for two of the three featured websites in this post.<br />
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In the first three months of this year, we delivered the following websites to clients:<br />
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1. <b><a href="http://classicmobility.org.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Classic Mobility</a></b> included: website full re-design, optimised content, setting up video shoots, video editing, writing some blog posts, Google Analytics, links to social media and some promotion via social media. Handover to the client took place in March and they are continuing with social media and content updates.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhUvWC_ymoquLc0yA7XnwLIxQTj8CveKPZWRJX-TMnBVfnDpch5s2Wn7xp5f8iOponOMX8AUqMdolYfSZAOVLawwAn8oshJVqjiQA0SGsCxYk0uX5l0RueeiuorDBJWO705ie7n-oc18/s1600/classicvan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mobility services" border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="1049" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhUvWC_ymoquLc0yA7XnwLIxQTj8CveKPZWRJX-TMnBVfnDpch5s2Wn7xp5f8iOponOMX8AUqMdolYfSZAOVLawwAn8oshJVqjiQA0SGsCxYk0uX5l0RueeiuorDBJWO705ie7n-oc18/s320/classicvan.JPG" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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2. Working with <b><a href="http://prosolutions.co.uk/" target="_blank">Professional Solutions</a></b>, the project for <b><a href="https://www.ugleyvillage.org.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ugley Village Hall</a></b> in Essex included website design, simple identifiable logo and an events calendar. We also sourced some related videos. We recommended that social media would be beneficial in the local area but this may be taken up at a later date.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-o0WQTwo_zj_0I2rnXUUasSGZAQot2L8QXlOTfJqLLu99jLJZMGlg3KEhBYxXd0UENZ4jGAnG11d6yfqLFryGMYOEVYLtK8W5XgCavV6z-0KR8nvxEx_Ydr0zg8EpeGMr0HGA_Ptcgo/s1600/village+hall+-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ugley village hall" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-o0WQTwo_zj_0I2rnXUUasSGZAQot2L8QXlOTfJqLLu99jLJZMGlg3KEhBYxXd0UENZ4jGAnG11d6yfqLFryGMYOEVYLtK8W5XgCavV6z-0KR8nvxEx_Ydr0zg8EpeGMr0HGA_Ptcgo/s320/village+hall+-web.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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3. Over the years, we have designed many websites and written a number of articles about patio doors. Recently, we created a logo and designed a website for <b><a href="http://bifoldingpatiodoor.com/" target="_blank">Bi Folding Patio Doors</a></b>. A blog has been included onthe website; we have written some posts and hope to add to these in the future.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhLASPPrTnSDNgEVBykxCy4ClYUzNl9aptb71YD6MRVDLY54Dh8jRuLPOop1m_2BWyjWTtQ1GH1zi86cy_2qfSmX7nIo0ARi-XIRr2ywl3Rye__CxC3ZXzdHnweW_i_MYbpPSv369GAk/s1600/bifoldingpatiodoor+website.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="1340" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhLASPPrTnSDNgEVBykxCy4ClYUzNl9aptb71YD6MRVDLY54Dh8jRuLPOop1m_2BWyjWTtQ1GH1zi86cy_2qfSmX7nIo0ARi-XIRr2ywl3Rye__CxC3ZXzdHnweW_i_MYbpPSv369GAk/s320/bifoldingpatiodoor+website.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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All our websites are built using WordPress CMS so that the website owners can update the content themselves. Of course, we are happy to do this for our clients. For your professional business website, <b><a href="http://www.thebpc.org.uk/contact-the-bpc/" target="_blank">contact The BPc</a></b>.The BPchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05228419737892488209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153868200762061526.post-64375695401222795022018-12-17T10:08:00.000+00:002019-03-01T12:16:39.059+00:00Website Design, Collaborations & SEO<i>In recent months, we have worked on several behind-the-scenes tasks, including video filming and editing plus SEO content and social media consultancy for clients of website developer Professional Solutions in Hertfordshire and business consutant Personal Business Advice in Harrow. Three examples are: </i><br />
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1. We published a new website for our client <b><a href="http://sunseekerrollershutters.co.uk/" target="_blank">SunSeeker Roller-Shutters</a></b>. We edited a short video of the electric shutters closing at the press of a button and applied some visual effects to add interest, keeping it short at just over 20 seconds.<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="248" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pxkuxWYQ1Kw" width="400"></iframe><br /></div>
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2. SEO & Social Media services for <b>SMRow - <a href="http://smrow.co.uk/" target="_blank">electrical services</a></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAI6fZ9kv8LNK7U_QnhTHxxzerXa6f1dDgyBC7mO1ONNYE2lZv4r9-_erJBuOBKIQCXufVMiAZoii4z_t3EQP7ybg9EiyjWWEphCJ0EjPK65uUhvSCzJZ9_dWqIJ_uve36J8ZBAl7nKJA/s1600/capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="smrow.co.uk electrican electrical engineer" border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="1135" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAI6fZ9kv8LNK7U_QnhTHxxzerXa6f1dDgyBC7mO1ONNYE2lZv4r9-_erJBuOBKIQCXufVMiAZoii4z_t3EQP7ybg9EiyjWWEphCJ0EjPK65uUhvSCzJZ9_dWqIJ_uve36J8ZBAl7nKJA/s400/capture.JPG" title="smrow.co.uk " width="400" /></a></div>
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3. SEO & Social Media services for <b>Kate Edmonson - <a href="http://kateedmondsonbridal.co.uk/" target="_blank">bespoke bridalwear</a></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk41L6D8N5nDLqbjJFpI9LzX9gmmtxDwbWr9VUIFRPz4IVyAUl-Sz-OLHhOP-dJPAt_L-UkVRMKM8Y7TarjpRUnW1SZsSSKh56gz0bktA0qoqFetx288KiaKq1w5DFNuQVW3TnRGvz3SM/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="kateedmondsonbridal.co.uk bespoke wedding dress design" border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="1223" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk41L6D8N5nDLqbjJFpI9LzX9gmmtxDwbWr9VUIFRPz4IVyAUl-Sz-OLHhOP-dJPAt_L-UkVRMKM8Y7TarjpRUnW1SZsSSKh56gz0bktA0qoqFetx288KiaKq1w5DFNuQVW3TnRGvz3SM/s400/Capture.JPG" title="Kate Edmondson bespoke bridal dresses London" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thebpc.org.uk/contact-the-bpc/" target="_blank">Contact The BPc</a> for website design and related promotions - or for your content and social media needs (WordPress, blog writing, Twitter, etc.).<br />
<br />The BPchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05228419737892488209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153868200762061526.post-30678900698404400632018-10-29T13:18:00.000+00:002019-12-18T14:15:30.390+00:00Social Media Roundup<i>Which FREE social media platforms are right for you and your business (excluding and paid ads in this roundup)? Our Top Five are listed below.</i><br />
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<h3>
1. Facebook </h3>
Everyone has heard of Facebook. Some love it, some hate it, but is it right for your business? It's not the ideal medium for some of our clients' businesses but to set up a business page and post to it occasionally costs nothing (other than a few minutes of someone's time).<br />
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On the other hand, some of our clients enjoy a significant amount of business via their Facebook pages. These are usually B2C: personal or home-related products or services, such as gifts, driving lessons, home improvements, etc.. If this may be the case for you, it's worth investing the time to include Facebook in your plans.<br />
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<h3>
2. Instagram</h3>
Part of the Facebook family and the same rules will generally apply. Instagram is more focussed on images shared via its mobile app. Nevertheless, it has been the fastest growing social media during the past couple of years and it's easy to gain a following.<br />
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<h3>
3. Twitter</h3>
In essence, a little more 'newsy' and opinionated but often better for certain types of businesses than Facebook. Again, it's free to set up and takes up very little time to post and react to other posts.<br />
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<h3>
4. LinkedIn</h3>
The business person's 'Facebook'. People who meet in a business capacity are happy to use LinkedIn because relationships remain on a business footing and members' family and social lives are left alone.<br />
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As with Facebook, LinkedIn enables company pages and job posts. It also encourages articles, such as would be posted to a blog, though these are rarely written.<br />
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<h3>
5. Google</h3>
There are many aspects of Google social media: Blogger, YouTube, Google My Business to name just three.<br />
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<li>
<b>Blogging</b><br />Unless you make a living from blogging or it's a hobby, independent blogs have fallen in popularity since their heyday in 2012/2013. With the inclusion of easy-to-update News blogs within websites (primarily WordPress), companies rarely feel the need for an independent blogging site. Popular blogging services are WordPress and Tumblr (not sure about Google).<b> </b></li>
<li><b>YouTube</b><br />There is some competition from Vimeo but YouTube is, by far, the most popular medium for uploading and sharing videos (hence the plethora of 'YouTubers'). You can embed a YouTube video into your website - and often by-pass YouTube to upload direct to your website - but, by hosting your video on YouTube and spending a few minutes adding some SEO keywords, it's another way for customers to find your products. One of our Clients has had 50,000 views of their products on YouTube.<b> </b></li>
<li><b>Google My Business</b><br />It's impossible to cover this topic adequately in a couple of paragraphs. I feel that Google sees which other services are becoming popular and jumps on the bandwagon with its own version - because it's Google.<br />Google my Business now combines Google services under one management account, including Google Local, Google Places and Google+ (now defunct). Yes, it's a minefield.</li>
</ul>
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<i>You can manage your own Social Media (always good!) but if you don't have the time or inclination, it can be managed with you (also good) or for you (better than nothing). The BPc will advise and assist with your <a href="http://www.thebpc.org.uk/website-visibility-seo/social-media-management/" target="_blank">Social Media Management</a>.</i><br />
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<i><a href="http://www.thebpc.org.uk/website-visibility-seo/social-media-management/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Social Media" border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1151" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzm7AnAM4o9jCYYfDEQUgFjKc1oI1rutjsdCVen6hFp7n9EbCzC8iUziHX3a1TR5qNlw-KcopxMbSOssyfNnmu6Hi6KgQzMa6E_hjzOKJxdOpcnUVIn2LHdqrPnBlCP-hD4aYb5gqyuUs/s200/4-2-social-media-png-file.png" title="" width="200" /></a></i></div>
The BPchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05228419737892488209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153868200762061526.post-28154164552855336992018-07-10T18:27:00.000+01:002018-07-10T18:27:24.616+01:00Introducing our new service: VideographyWe filmed our first video almost six years ago. A video filmed for the same client, just over five years ago, has had <i><b>more than twenty-thousand views</b></i>. Yet it wasn't until the tail end of last year that we began to offer this service to other clients, following which we filmed a couple of product demonstation videos for a website that we had been asked to redesign.<br />
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Until this year, we made silent movies but now we've progressed into 'talkies'!<br />
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A young filmmaker has joined our team, with experience of directing, cinematography and editing. <br />
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The first video we asked him to edit was filmed in Ireland on an iphone and sent to us. The next video, for the same client, was filmed in London offices featuring an interview with the company's Chief Investment Officer responding to pre-determined questions. We have now been asked to provide a quotation for a third project, location as yet unknown.<br />
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Videography examples:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy-N-vJwFO-7HgNc1qL2fyBjN_1GFHUZKuZ_xA-rsM94NOA2xWPNEyJtxpZ6rmiFfO3MvKu0JsGEfM2UB6zfg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy33tsVNW7i7FySu9oADDDU4w0IUQZJK_AiCky--xf_tZjWix6rAvqKnOV4YDyxkW-7ikvBe3wO3Rsw3dKk0A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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We are currently limiting our <b>filming services</b> to existing clients and will be extended to local (i.e. Herts-based) new clients, on request.<br />
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Our <b>editing services</b>, which will take your self-shot footage and enhance it, is available world-wide via internet comms. We can add your Logo, insert graphics, etc.. Our prices are extremely reasonable.<br />
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Follow this link for our guide to <b><a href="http://www.thebpc.org.uk/news-blog/using-smart-phone-features-promote-website/" target="_blank">filming on an i-phone</a>. </b><br />
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<br />The BPchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05228419737892488209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153868200762061526.post-52040029888053970692017-07-10T17:22:00.000+01:002017-07-11T09:19:15.600+01:00British Airways Mystery Tour<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKRKq1JzxbsvUvvO73_dmMD_2ywZpFwHkicnVtlhkP8IKw4qF45ewZjP07NrjzFUSnUZdli2MrMAGRfU-bCkR3UPTudL_dauV3OSFP9848yKPMnZLEtoZ4oTKiS9S-fAMd11pM-FTP4w/s1600/airplane-655511_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="BA plane" border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1600" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKRKq1JzxbsvUvvO73_dmMD_2ywZpFwHkicnVtlhkP8IKw4qF45ewZjP07NrjzFUSnUZdli2MrMAGRfU-bCkR3UPTudL_dauV3OSFP9848yKPMnZLEtoZ4oTKiS9S-fAMd11pM-FTP4w/s400/airplane-655511_1920.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>A family of frequent flyers with British Airways registered with <a href="http://www.britishairways.com/">www.britishairways.com</a> for a service that enables family members to pool their air miles via a British Airways Executive Club Household
Account. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Each person who registered received an email from BA, giving a
confirmation link to add the new account. Each person is required to use the link to connect to a specific page on the BA website to
complete their registration. Linking from the first few emails worked as expected.<br />
<br />
Then something odd happened with the last one...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The link in one email led to an obvious phishing website which was
running a video and sales pitch. The family member quickly deleted the tab from their
browser. They returned to the email and tried the link again, to be presented with a
different sales pitch. Again, they closed the tab and, this time, also the browser.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Starting afresh, they tried a third time and up popped a warning “Your
computer is infected. Do not turn off your browser or your data may be lost…" etc. The user shutdown the computer, disconnected their external backup, and called for support (an associate who works with The BPc).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The computer appeared no worse for wear and the B.A. emails appeared to be genuine, correctly formed and with similar code to the other emails that all worked as expected. However, on closer inspection, the link on the 'problem' email
was slightly different - the dot was missing after the www giving a link at <b>wwwbritishairways.com</b> rather than <b>britishairways.com</b>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJ6Hgpcnmm-U4Pi1jEFSxH_-mbHhhm84XpbaNogF8q1TF2Ayuseoh6Lbf1HksKArYFqdWUjaAKgiBn0NhCrL155ZAp7tMFJmwRq052ZpedYA8PyRMDDLYBZbVfl9uyEeXK6vRIKEYmaM/s1600/piggyback-swim-171908_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="from the air & waiting to fish" border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1600" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJ6Hgpcnmm-U4Pi1jEFSxH_-mbHhhm84XpbaNogF8q1TF2Ayuseoh6Lbf1HksKArYFqdWUjaAKgiBn0NhCrL155ZAp7tMFJmwRq052ZpedYA8PyRMDDLYBZbVfl9uyEeXK6vRIKEYmaM/s400/piggyback-swim-171908_1920.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>leaving the skies for a spot of fishing</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And there was the problem: <b>wwwbritishairways.com is a phishing website owned by a squatter!</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Copy/Pasting the link from the email into a
browser, manually, and inserting the dot in the correct place between the www and britishairways, enabled the link to work as
expected, going to the appropriate website page to complete registration. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For some reason, <b>in this one email from British Airways, the
link was formed incorrectly.</b></div>
<b>
</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The phishing website is an opportunistic one like hundreds of others,
waiting for an unsuspecting surfer to mistype a web address. Luckily, in this case, there was no harm done. You can <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2009/10/07/wwwtwitter-com-best-website-ever/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">TechCrunch</a> for more good & bad examples.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although you might expect the odd mis-type to take
you on an unexpected journey when using the internet, you don’t expect a
major corporation like British Airways to direct you to a highly suspect
website!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
BA has been informed, so hopefully this particular gate will be closed today. We'll keep you posted if/when we hear something :)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
The BPchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05228419737892488209noreply@blogger.com0