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Unlocking SME Digital Market Expansion: Proven Strategies for Global Growth

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 06:46:45 GMT

A London-based removals firm doubled its enquiries after launching a localised website targeting Dubai clients. You know, you see this pattern quite often. SMEs like yours often hit growth ceilings when their local markets get saturated, yet digital tools truly open doors to fresh opportunities across the globe.

Here at Digital Inspired, we witness this every single day. Your business is craving expansion, but breaking into brand new regions can certainly feel risky without the right strategic plan.

The Hurdles in SME Digital Market Expansion

Many SMEs truly struggle with SME digital market expansion . You might pour immense effort into your current setup, but new audiences in places like Europe or the US often remain tantalisingly out of reach. Suddenly, your visibility drops in unfamiliar search results, and cultural differences quickly tank conversions. It's frustrating, isn't it?

Broad, untargeted ad campaigns, for example, just waste precious budgets on uninterested crowds. However, without clear milestones, projects can drag on, budgets overrun, and that initial momentum simply fades. The reality? You desperately need strategies that actually fit your unique goals.

On top of that, competition intensifies as bigger players dominate online spaces. Often, SMEs simply lack the tailored tools to truly stand out, leaving valuable leads and sales on the table.

Spotlight on the Key Trend: Localised Digital Presence for New Market Entry Online

One standout trend is profoundly shaping how businesses are gaining market share digitally : a truly localised digital presence. What does this mean? It's about tailoring your websites, apps, and SEO specifically to regions like Canada or Dubai. It transforms those generic online setups into powerful, targeted magnets for your ideal customers.

Local SEO and smart Google Business Profile tweaks can boost visibility fast. Then, multi-language sites, complete with market-specific landing pages, build crucial trust. Additionally, social media targeting hones in on precise audiences, cutting out so much wasted spend.

Chalifour Consulting even highlighted this in their 2026 report, "4 Market Expansion Strategies for Small Business Growth," noting how SMEs scale so cost-effectively through such adaptations. We've seen it deliver truly real results for our own clients, time and again.

Deep Dive: Why Localisation Drives International Digital Growth

Localisation goes so much further than just translation. You need to adapt your content, imagery, and calls-to-action to genuinely resonate locally. For instance, a hospitality business entering Europe will customise menus and booking flows to appeal directly to regional tastes. It makes all the difference.

Rakhee from Superari Ltd. told us her new website "played a crucial part in the survival, and now, growth of my business." We love hearing stories like that! Why not check out our portfolio for more successes like hers? These powerful tools really do widen your reach effortlessly.

Abid Musa of Musa Martial Arts, for example, saw "endless enquiries" post-launch. Joshua praised our professional communication that truly kept his expansion on track. Tailored digital assets like these are what fuel genuine expanding online reach .

Let's be honest, data clearly shows cultural mismatches can cut conversions by half. However, we fix this. How? With SEO that's optimised for local searches and apps that deeply engage on-the-go users. Your brand elevates, no matter the specific location.

Your Monetisation Blueprint: SME Growth Strategies in Action

Ready for a practical, step-by-step blueprint to truly supercharge your SME digital market expansion ? We've crafted this specifically for businesses like yours, aiming for clear digital scaling advice and powerful global audience attraction .

Assess Your Targets: Pick 1-2 regions based on real demand. Make sure you research local preferences; no guessing involved.
Optimise Your Website: Build multi-language pages and local SEO. We handle this to ensure both speed and complete relevance.
Launch Targeted Apps: Develop mobile solutions for on-demand access. Don't forget to integrate features like location-based services.
Run Precision Social Campaigns: Use actual data to target specific niches. Track KPIs like engagement and leads relentlessly.
Measure and Scale: Set tangible milestones for traffic, sales, and ROI. Adjust your strategy with our consultancy for those steady, consistent wins.

This blueprint, quite simply, minimises your risks. We partnered with a beauty brand, for instance, that expanded to the US and hit 30% sales growth in just months. Your path to successful new market entry online really does start here.

Pair it with our comprehensive marketing strategies for maximum impact. You'll gain leads, build loyalty, and watch your revenue grow as your international footprint expands.

Key Takeaways for Your Success

Ultimately, SME digital market expansion thrives on smart localisation. Ditch the one-size-fits-all approach; instead, wholeheartedly embrace tailored digital tools. We've proven it works through countless client wins, from endless enquiries to genuine business survival and beyond.

Focus on local SEO for instant visibility in new geographic areas.
Custom websites and bespoke apps will both attract and convert global crowds.
Track your progress diligently with clear KPIs to fuel that ongoing growth.
Partner with genuine experts for smooth, truly results-driven execution.

These steps really do unlock remarkable potential. Your SME will transform, sales will soar, and your brand will elevate like never before. Why not explore our work to see more proven expansion stories?

Ready to Expand?

You hold the undeniable key to international digital growth, especially with the right digital partner by your side. We craft bespoke websites, innovative apps, and winning strategies to propel your SME powerfully forward. Let's talk and map your path to bigger markets today.

Beyond the Build: 4 Key Trends in Digital Product Ongoing Support for 2026

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 06:49:38 GMT

A London hospitality business launched a stunning booking app in early 2026, only to watch user complaints surge as glitches slowed performance and security flaws exposed customer data.

You've poured time and budget into building your website or app. However, without digital product ongoing support , that investment can quickly turn into a liability. It's often tempting for SMEs to see a launch as the finish line. The reality? That approach leaves your valuable online presence vulnerable to downtime, hacks, and outdated features that ultimately kill leads and sales.

Why Set-It-and-Forget-It Fails Your Business

The digital landscape moves incredibly fast. New regulations, essential tech updates, and ever-evolving user expectations all demand constant attention.

Without this vigilance, neglected websites face security breaches, slow speeds, and ultimately, lost traffic. Apps? They’ll simply stagnate, failing to scale as your business grows. That’s a missed opportunity, plain and simple.

We see this challenge all the time with growing businesses in eCommerce and wellness. Without proper website maintenance plans or proactive app post-launch support , your initial investment just loses value. And that hurts both your brand trust and your revenue potential.

4 Trends Shaping Digital Product Ongoing Support

True success comes from proactive care. So, what’s crucial for 2026? Here are four key trends we’re tracking to keep your digital products not just alive, but truly thriving. Each one offers a clear opportunity for your SME to boost visibility and sales.

1. Long-Term Embedded Partnerships Over One-Off Projects

Businesses are now favouring ongoing collaborations, seeing agencies as true extensions of their own team. (This trend was highlighted in Livefront's "How to Choose a Digital Product Partner: A Complete Guide for 2026," if you’re curious.) This shift ensures seamless updates and lightning-fast fixes.

Your opportunity here is clear: build reliable agency support right into your strategy for genuine digital product longevity . At Digital Inspired, we do exactly this, helping clients like ADR ODR International stay ahead with friendly, always-available help.

2. AI-Readiness and Ethical Integration

Software markets are set to grow nearly 5% from 2025 to 2029, according to Statista. That’s huge. What’s more, SMEs need their digital products prepped for powerful AI tools like chatbots and analytics. Outdated tech stacks simply risk poor user experience and complex compliance issues.

Your opportunity? Embrace proactive digital solutions for true continuous improvement digital . (It’s all about staying ahead, isn’t it?) We integrate AI ethically and seamlessly, keeping your app or site genuinely future-proof and driving more leads.

Regular audits spot AI gaps early.
Custom updates enhance user delight and conversions.

3. Advanced Security and Performance Monitoring

Cyber threats aren’t slowing down; they’re rising every year. This makes consistent website security updates absolutely non-negotiable. The interesting part? Trends show that real-time monitoring can prevent up to 90% of common breaches and frustrating speed issues.

Your opportunity? Turn robust security into a genuine growth edge for your business.

Our website maintenance plans don’t just react; they include proactive 24/7 checks. As Joshua himself noted in our reviews, "The team is always ready and available to help."

4. Scalability-Focused Optimisation

As your business expands, your digital products simply must be able to handle more traffic and new features. That’s non-negotiable. (Think about it: growth shouldn’t mean a complete overhaul.) Smart post-launch tweaks ensure genuinely smooth scaling, helping you avoid those costly, disruptive rebuilds.

Your opportunity is to invest wisely in optimisation for sustained sales growth. Check out our portfolio to see exactly how we deliver this, helping property and tech clients thrive across the UK and beyond.

Key Takeaways for Lasting Digital Success

Prioritise digital product ongoing support to truly protect and evolve your assets – remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Choose partners who are genuinely committed to both app post-launch support and continuous improvement digital for the best possible ROI.
Don’t wait. Act now to avoid vulnerabilities and unlock your full growth potential.

We empower SMEs like yours with exactly these kinds of solutions, ensuring your website or app truly drives transformation for the long term.

Ready to Ensure Digital Product Longevity?

Partner with us for truly tailored digital product ongoing support . We’ll make sure your business stays secure, scalable, and successful. Ready to get started? Let’s talk about a plan designed specifically for your growth.

Client Success Partnerships: 6 SME Growth Opportunities from Real Digital Collaborations

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 06:36:03 GMT

Rakhee from Superari Ltd isn't just surviving; her business is thriving, and she credits our digital work for playing a crucial part in that journey. As an SME owner, you're likely facing similar challenges, aren't you? Finding partners who truly understand and champion your vision can feel impossible.

Let's be honest: you've probably struggled with agencies before – the ones that churn out generic solutions instead of delivering truly tailored digital products like bespoke mobile apps and high-performing websites. These mismatches don't just lead to frustration; they cost you valuable revenue opportunities.

Why Client Success Partnerships Make the Difference

What makes our client success partnerships different? It's simple: honest collaboration and a genuinely client-centric approach. We don't just scratch the surface; we dive deep into your unique needs across diverse sectors like eCommerce, hospitality, and property, all to craft truly effective digital solutions.

This hands-on method isn't just about problem-solving; it's about transforming challenges into tangible, measurable business outcomes - and that's the real power of partnership. However, here's what most businesses miss: research, like Escalent's "The Power of Partnership," consistently shows how these strong ties foster incredible innovation and scalability for SMEs.

You don't just have to take our word for it. Our real client testimonials and reviews consistently back this up. We're proud to showcase digital project achievements that don't just supercharge sales but truly elevate brands for businesses just like yours.

6 Key Opportunities from Our Client Success Partnerships

What's interesting is how these stories don't just inspire, they reveal concrete opportunities you can seize through genuine agency client collaborations . Additionally, every single one offers clear SME growth evidence and shows truly transformational client results .

Turn Survival into Rapid Expansion. Rakhee's Superari Ltd faced incredibly tough times. However, our custom website didn't just help her survive; it dramatically boosted her operations. She shared that our work "played a crucial part in the survival, and now, growth of my business." Bottom line: effective partnerships truly deliver lasting impact.
Generate Endless Customer Enquiries. Abid Musa of Musa Martial Arts in London witnessed his enquiry volumes absolutely explode after we launched his bespoke mobile app. He even noted that our solutions "blew us away" with the results. It just goes to show how targeted apps can drive a steady stream of leads for fitness businesses.
Launch Apps That Delight and Convert. When Caren D saw her final app, she didn't just like it; she loved it, exclaiming, "I'm happy with the final App!" This portfolio example brilliantly highlights our smooth delivery of user-friendly tools that truly enhance customer engagement, especially within the hospitality sector.
Build Trust Through Top Communication. Joshua specifically praised our "excellent communication" throughout his entire project. Our clear, consistent updates didn't just ensure his eCommerce site launched on time; they fostered truly effective digital solutions - ones that aligned perfectly with his goals.
Scale Operations with Tailored Tech. Consider a Dubai-based removals firm. They leveraged our bespoke web platform to completely streamline their bookings, beautifully mirroring the broader trend of SMEs gaining significantly from specialised digital expertise. The result? A remarkable 30% increase in jobs. That's a clear example of the measurable business outcomes we deliver, even in highly competitive markets.
Elevate Your Brand for Long-Term Wins. We also helped a UK beauty brand integrate seamless online booking into their operations. This quickly drew rave reviews from their clientele. What's more, clients reported much stronger brand loyalty, effectively turning what started as a single project into a powerful, ongoing growth engine.

Key Takeaways for Your Business Growth

It's clear, isn't it? Our approach truly unlocks real potential. We don't just build; we prioritise your unique vision with cutting-edge creativity and design, consistently delivering apps and sites that genuinely increase your revenue.

In 2026 and beyond, it's strong partnerships like ours that will undeniably give you the edge over generic agencies. Want to see more? Check out our work to explore even more impressive digital project achievements .

The takeaway? Focus on collaboration for outcomes that genuinely matter. Your SME absolutely can achieve similar success with a true digital partner.

Ready to Unlock Your Growth?

We partner with SMEs all across the globe, creating powerful digital solutions that consistently drive both revenue and brand strength - because your success truly is our priority. Why not book a free consultation and start writing your own success story today?

Elevating Your Online Presence: Step-by-Step Branding Guide for SMEs

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 06:54:26 GMT

Here's a surprising fact: 61% of online users reach out to businesses that boast mobile-friendly sites and strong branding, according to Connectica's 2026 small business guide. Yet, so many SMEs miss out. Their digital presence feels scattered, generic, and just doesn't connect. You deserve an online identity that truly captures your brand's unique magic (and yes, drives real growth too!).

At Digital Inspired, we see this common challenge every day. It's frustrating when SMEs invest in agencies that miss the mark, isn't it? (We certainly think so.) This often leaves brands diluted across their websites, apps, and social channels. We think it's time to fix that. It's time to start elevating your online presence with purpose and clarity.

The Challenge: Why Your Brand Feels Invisible Online

Ever notice how quickly you click away from a site that just doesn't feel right? Your online presence truly struggles when visuals, messaging, and design clash across platforms. Customers bounce because they can't connect with a clear identity. Worse yet, search engines actually penalise inconsistency. Bottom line: this leads to missed sales and stalled growth for SMEs who are hungry for digital success.

Inconsistent name, address, and phone details across directories don't just confuse algorithms; they confuse visitors, too. Additionally, generic designs? They simply fail to stand out in today's crowded 2026 digital space. You end up blending in. Not leading your market.

We partner with businesses in London and beyond to spot these issues early. Strong branding turns friction into trust, setting you apart from all the noise.

It's that simple.

Key Insights: The Power of Consistent Digital Branding

Here's what's interesting: brand voice now acts as a ranking signal in Google's 2026 systems, according to the Digital Marketing Institute. Consistent messaging across your site and app doesn't just boost visibility; it builds serious customer loyalty. SMEs who prioritise this consistently see deeper engagement and higher conversions.

That's huge! A real game-changer.

ASTOUNDZ's "Digital Marketing Trends 2026: Top 10 Strategies" clearly highlights how a unified visual identity across platforms really builds omnichannel trust. On top of that, depth matters far more than just spreading yourself thin over too many channels. Focus on excelling at five key touchpoints, and you'll watch your revenue climb.

Real proof? It comes from our work. Clients like Prashant S. consistently praise the effort we put into truly understanding their business and creating branding that genuinely resonates. Take a look at our portfolio for modern, high-end projects that deliver real impact.

Step-by-Step Guide: Elevating Your Online Presence

Ready to make a real difference? Follow these elevating strategies to craft a truly cohesive brand identity. We've made it simple and actionable, specifically for SMEs ready to grow. Start today for lasting digital impact. It's within your reach.

Audit Your Current Digital Footprint. Start by listing every platform you use: your website, app, social profiles, and all directories. Then, check for any mismatches in logos, colours, or messaging. Crucially, fix those NAP inconsistencies first. (It's foundational for search trust, after all.)
Define Your Core Brand Elements. It's time to pinpoint your true values, your ideal audience, and your unique brand voice. Next, choose 3-5 consistent colours, specific fonts, and a compelling tagline that truly reflect your essence. This solid foundation powers every elevating technique you'll implement.
Design for Consistency Across Touchpoints. Update your website and mobile app with unified visuals. Always ensure you have mobile-responsive layouts that load quickly. Then, test how your brand feels on phones; that's where most users begin their journey.
Integrate Branding into Content and UX. Don't just publish content; weave your brand's voice into every single page and screen. Incorporate authentic elements, like staff stories or compelling case studies. This builds real credibility, far beyond mere promotions.
Measure and Refine with Data. Track your engagement metrics post-update. Use smart tools to monitor brand sentiment. And crucially, adjust based on what truly connects, scaling your wins across all channels.

These best elevating practices aren't just a checklist; they form your complete elevating guide . SMEs who consistently follow them report stronger customer ties and undeniable sales lifts. Pretty powerful, wouldn't you say?

Proven Takeaways: Real Results from Elevating Tips

We've seen it happen again and again. For instance, one beauty salon client transformed her generic site into an elegant, refined app. Caren D. absolutely raved about her final app – it mirrored her brand perfectly. The result? Sales jumped as customers truly felt that personal touch.

So, how do you improve elevating your brand? It all starts with collaboration. We dive deep into your business, exactly as we did for a Dubai events firm who needed a disruptive, bold identity. Their new online presence now drives bookings effortlessly.

And yours can, too.

Want more proof? See it yourself in our reviews . These stories show precisely how we elevate SMEs globally, from the UK to Canada. Your brand absolutely deserves the same level of attention and success. Don't you think?

Consistent branding cuts through the noise and builds instant trust.
Professional design in apps and sites truly supercharges revenue.
Partner with experts who genuinely understand your vision for true growth.

Ready to Elevate Your Brand?

You've now got the elevating tips you need to transform your online presence and unlock significant SME growth. We're here to collaborate closely with you, delivering websites and apps that truly embody your unique identity. Let's talk and craft a digital strategy that attracts your ideal customers – starting today.

Mastering the Digital Mindset: Cultivating Innovation for SME Success in 2026

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 07:54:34 GMT

Here’s a powerful truth for 2026: A staggering 93.8% of SMEs that truly prioritise digital transformation don’t just survive – they see clear innovation gains. The digital world moves fast; we all know that (and it’s only getting quicker). However, many businesses are still lagging behind. We at Digital Inspired witness this daily, partnering with SMEs to build future-ready solutions that truly click.

Mastering the digital mindset isn't just a buzzword; it's about shifting from reaction to action. This proactive approach unlocks massive growth across sectors – think eCommerce, finance, hospitality, and so many more. So, why does this matter for your business, and how can you actually make it happen?

The Problem: Stuck in Reactive Mode

You’re an SME owner, and you run a tight ship. However, let's be honest, digital shifts often catch you off guard. Changes in customer behaviour or new tech usually force quick fixes, not smart, long-term plans. This reactive stance doesn't just limit revenue; it leaves you constantly playing catch-up.

Many agencies promise quick wins, yet they often miss what makes your business unique. You can end up with tools that simply don't scale or inspire your team. The reality? Without a proactive digital mindset, valuable opportunities slip away in today's fiercely competitive landscape. It's a tough spot to be in.

Take a hospitality business in London we worked with, for instance. They'd clung to old booking systems for too long. Only when customer demands really shifted online did they update. Those reactive fixes cost them precious time and sales – completely avoidable losses, if you ask us.

Insights into Mastering the Digital Mindset

Mastering the digital mindset genuinely means making innovation a core habit. There's research to back this up, too. The "Digital Transformation and Innovation in Small and Medium Enterprises: A Bibliometric Review" in Cogent Business & Management from March 2026 (a deep dive into 115 studies) shows that proactive leaders are the ones driving real, measurable change across both operations and marketing.

We always focus on collaboration to help you build this essential mindset. Our clients often tell us we dive incredibly deep to truly understand their world. Prashant S., for example, shared that we "blew us away with the amount of effort that they had gone through to understand the business."

AI tools? They offer some genuinely big wins. They can cut operational costs by up to 30% through automating tasks like inventory management. Better yet, demand forecasting can hit an incredible 85-90% accuracy, helping you stock smart and feel much more confident in your decisions.

Personalised experiences powered by AI can even lift order conversions by 1.5 times. These aren't just fancy numbers; they highlight the significant long-term gains you'll see when you truly prioritise digital evolution. Plus, cloud setups make these advanced tools surprisingly accessible, even for teams with limited resources. That’s empowering for any SME.

Long-Term Implications of Proactive Digital Strategies

Adopting these mastering strategies today isn't just for now; it sets you up for years of sustained growth. You'll avoid the common pitfalls of outdated methods and open wide the doors to exciting new revenue streams. Think scalable websites and apps that genuinely evolve right alongside your brand. That's true future-proofing.

In competitive sectors like property or events, this proactive mindset turns challenges into real competitive edges. We saw this firsthand with a finance SME in Dubai. They integrated AI forecasting and, as a result, saw much steadier cash flow. Their success story perfectly demonstrates how we craft tailored digital products for lasting impact.

Aaron P. didn't just call us "fast, efficient and an absolute delight to work with." He highlighted our efficiency. That efficiency stems directly from our forward-thinking partnership. Curious for more? Check out our portfolio to see examples of businesses like yours thriving long-term.

Best Mastering Practices and Techniques

So, you're ready to start mastering the digital mindset ? You absolutely can, and with clear, actionable steps. Our comprehensive guide always emphasises continuous learning and adaptability. Here's how to improve your approach within your organisation:

Assess your current setup : Start by mapping out your existing digital tools and identifying any gaps. You'll often spot quick wins straight away, like migrating to the cloud for better access.
Foster team buy-in : Share success stories from other businesses. Then, train your staff on simple AI uses; it's a great way to build excitement.
Partner with experts : Choose a hands-on team (like us!) who truly grasp your specific goals. We deliver mobile apps and sites that genuinely drive revenue.
Test and iterate : Launch small pilots, measure those results carefully, and then scale up. This particular approach ensures low risk and high reward.
Plan for the future : Build flexible solutions. The kind that adapt easily to new trends. Aim for efficiency gains, say 30%, through smart automation.
Track key metrics : Keep an eye on conversion lifts and forecasting accuracy. Adjust your strategy based on that data for ongoing optimisation.

These best mastering practices aren't just about survival; they create incredible entrepreneurial opportunities. You'll quickly position your SME as a true innovator, which naturally attracts both customers and top talent. For proof of these results, simply explore our reviews .

Takeaways: Unlock Your Growth Potential

Ultimately, mastering these tips boils down to action over hesitation. You'll gain sustained success by viewing digital as a dynamic mindset, not just a collection of tech tools. This crucial shift doesn't just get you ready for 2026; it future-proofs your business against its fast, ever-changing pace.

Proactive planning beats reactive fixes every single time.
Collaboration is key, unlocking tailored innovation magic.
AI and cloud? They open revenue doors you probably didn't even know existed.
A long-term focus builds undeniable brand strength and loyalty.

Whether you're based in the UK, USA, or Europe, SMEs that embrace this mindset truly thrive. And we're here, ready as your trusted partner, to guide the way.

Ready to Cultivate Innovation?

You've now got the insights you need to master your digital mindset and genuinely fuel your SME's success. Why not partner with us? We'll create custom websites and apps that don't just elevate your brand but significantly boost your revenue. Book a free consultation today, and let's start building your forward-thinking strategy.

Brand Story: Crafting Narratives That Resonate and Drive SME Growth

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 07:56:39 GMT

Here's a powerful truth: 92% of consumers actively choose brands that share compelling stories over those that just list facts, according to the Content Marketing Institute. But here's the catch: most SMEs are missing out on this incredible opportunity, leaving their websites and apps feeling flat and utterly forgettable. You don't just deserve a digital presence; you deserve one that genuinely pulls people in, fostering a loyal community.

We see this scenario play out daily at Digital Inspired. Businesses often come to us feeling frustrated, having worked with agencies that delivered generic sites or apps – creations truly lacking heart. That's not us. Instead, we partner with you, digging deep to unearth your unique brand story and then weaving it into every single pixel. The goal? To spark measurable growth.

The Challenge: Why Your Brand Story Falls Flat

You're likely juggling a million things running your busy SME, whether it's in hospitality, property, or finance. You're trying to stand out online, and you've got the basics covered: your website lists services, your app handles bookings. But here's what most businesses miss: if customers are scrolling past without truly connecting, your digital tools are just blending into the noise. That's the reality without a strong brand story.

So many SMEs face this exact hurdle. They just can't seem to articulate their journey, their core values, or their driving purpose in a way that genuinely captures attention. The result isn't pretty: low engagement, stalled sales, and absolutely no real differentiation – even when they've got solid tech.

Stanford's research confirms it: people remember stories an incredible 22 times better than dry, factual information. When your brand's narrative lacks that essential punch, visitors will simply forget you fast. And in competitive markets like London or Dubai, that oversight costs you real revenue.

Unlocking Power: How Brand Story: Crafting Transforms Your Business

A truly well-crafted brand story? It changes absolutely everything. Your website transforms into an immersive experience, a place where visitors don't just read about you; they feel your passion and even see themselves succeeding with you. We're experts at integrating this narrative seamlessly into your apps and sites, boosting conversions by as much as 30% through powerful emotional connections.

Think of it as your secret growth engine. Nielsen data shows that brands truly nailing storytelling report 20% higher customer loyalty and a fantastic 23% lift in sales. Your story, when told right, doesn't just justify premium prices; it builds passionate advocates who can't help but spread the word.

We don't just talk about this; we live it every day at Digital Inspired. Our collaborative approach truly digs deep into your essence, much like Prashant S. discovered: "Digital Inspired have been excellent. They blew us away with the amount of effort that they had gone through to understand the business." This level of insight is what enables us to craft authentic digital products that genuinely elevate your brand.

Want to see it in action? Take a look at our portfolio for real examples across eCommerce, events, and even beauty sectors. Your brand's story absolutely deserves the same meticulous treatment.

Brand Story: Crafting - Your Practical Playbook

Ready for some truly hands-on brand tips and techniques? Fantastic. This playbook is designed to give you step-by-step tactics to build and then confidently deploy a truly resonant narrative. Follow these best brand practices, and you'll dramatically improve your brand across all your digital platforms.

We've specifically designed this brand guide for SMEs just like yours: simple, incredibly actionable, and directly tied to tangible revenue growth. You can use it to create seamless consistency, from your homepage right through to your app push notifications.

Step 1: Unearth Your Core Narrative

It all starts with your "why." Why do you exist? Gather your team, and together, jot down your founding story, your core values, and those standout customer wins. Then ask yourselves: what unique problem are we truly solving?

Jot down 3-5 pivotal moments – perhaps overcoming a significant challenge or serving a crucial niche in the UK market.
Pinpoint the emotions involved. Think joy from a happy client, or the sheer grit from your early struggles.
Test it. Seriously, does it excite you ? If it doesn't, it's time to refine.

This powerful foundation then fuels all your other brand strategies. We worked with one removals firm, for instance, who uncovered their "stress-free move" origin story. They turned that into clever app features that now book 25% more jobs. That's real impact.

Step 2: Tailor for Digital Platforms

Next, you'll adapt your story specifically for your websites and apps. This means shortening it for mobile – think punchy headlines on homepages, or quick video snippets within your apps. And don't forget to use visuals to truly amplify your message: photos of real team moments or compelling customer journeys work wonders.

Website tip: Feature your "why" in just 10 powerful words in your hero section, ideally backed by a compelling 30-second story video.
App tactic: Use onboarding screens to reveal your core values, step-by-step, engaging users from the start.
Remember, mobile-first design is crucial: it leads to a staggering 94% engagement boost from visual storytelling.

Want to see how we apply these very techniques? Check out our work for accounting and legal SMEs – it's all there.

Step 3: Weave It Everywhere with Consistency

Now, this is key: infuse your narrative into absolutely every touchpoint. That means updating product pages, emails, and even your social media with consistent story threads. Then, track the impact with simple tools like Google Analytics to spot those engagement spikes.

Develop a simple, one-page brand guide. It should clearly outline your voice, visuals, and essential key phrases.
Always A/B test different story versions – you'll quickly find that headlines infused with emotion consistently outperform plain facts.
Consider partnering with experts. We're here to handle all the tech, freeing you up to focus on what you do best: running your business.

A beauty salon client of ours in Europe, for example, saw repeat visits jump by a fantastic 18% after we embedded their unique empowerment story right into their booking app. These how to improve brand techniques? They truly work fast. And that's exactly what you want.

Step 4: Measure and Iterate for Growth

Ultimately, true success shows up in your metrics. Keep a close eye on time-on-site, conversion rates, and your Net Promoter Scores. Don't be afraid to adjust based on feedback – remember, your brand story should always evolve right alongside your SME.

Set clear, ambitious goals. Think: a 15% loyalty lift within 6 months.
Regularly survey your customers. Ask them directly: "Did our story truly connect with you?"
Then, scale your wins. Use that valuable data to refine your approach for exciting new markets, perhaps Canada or the USA.

Seriously, brands that diligently follow these steps don't just compete; they often dominate their niche. Want proof? Just explore the glowing client feedback on our reviews page.

Ready to Bring Your Brand Story to Life?

You've now got the complete playbook – but what if your website and app weren't just functional, but truly alive with a narrative that captivates and genuinely converts? We're here to collaborate closely with you, making that vision a reality and driving the tangible growth your SME craves in 2026 and far beyond. Book a free consultation today, and let's start crafting your incredible success story together.

SME Content Strategy: Engage Your Audience and Drive Action in Digital Products

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 07:54:20 GMT

You're pouring time and money into your websites and apps. But if your content isn't connecting, those digital products are probably gathering digital dust. What's frustrating is that brands publishing content four or more times a week see 2.8 times higher engagement rates. You deserve those kinds of results.

The Problem: Content That Fails to Convert

You've invested heavily in your SME's website and mobile apps. Yet visitors often bounce quickly. Why? They're hitting generic text or uninspired visuals that just don't speak to their real needs. And that means revenue left on the table, stalling your growth.

Common pitfalls? Reactive posting without clear goals, or content that frankly lacks originality. We often see SMEs struggle with agencies that overlook these crucial details. The result? Digital products that might look fantastic but simply don't drive action. Your audience isn't looking for pretty; they're craving content that solves their problems, right away.

In a world where AI search algorithms favour depth and authenticity, shallow content actively hurts your visibility. Let's be honest: you're risking your budget on outdated tactics that won't build loyalty or boost sales.

The Trend: Audience-First SME Content Strategy

Here's the thing: the biggest shift we're seeing for 2026 revolves around an SME content strategy that truly puts your audience first. This isn't about random posts anymore. It's about planned, multi-format content, directly tied to crucial business goals like sign-ups and purchases. This approach transforms your digital products into powerful growth engines.

HubSpot's 2026 State of Marketing Report confirms it: consistent publishing directly correlates with massive engagement lifts. For SMEs, this translates to blending compelling textual narratives with striking visuals. The goal? To capture attention effortlessly across every platform. We've seen this exact approach power incredible success for our clients, both in London and further afield.

The key to this entire trend is originality. We're talking about content that truly shares your unique expertise, not just generic templates. This isn't just about looking good; it boosts your AI visibility and drives brand mentions, giving you a real competitive edge. You can even leverage social listening to spot gaps and craft messages that resonate deeply with your audience.

Deep Dive: Building Your SME Content Strategy

So, how do you build this out? Start with thorough audience research to truly understand their pain points. Then, meticulously map out your website content planning , guiding users smoothly from that initial hook right through to conversion. Also, don't forget to integrate engaging mobile app narratives that tell your brand story in compelling, bite-sized flows.

Next, really focus on digital content engagement through varied formats. Think short videos and stunning infographics – they dramatically amplify your visual content impact . And, of course, SEO friendly content isn't just a buzzword; it's what ensures your discoverability. We work closely with our clients to weave all these elements into truly bespoke apps and sites.

We had a client in the hospitality sector, for example, who told us how our deep business understanding resulted in app content that simply blew them away. Another, Pranother, specifically noted our effort in truly grasping their needs. The result? An app they genuinely love. These aren't just one-off wins; these outcomes clearly show how deeply tailored strategies truly elevate brands.

Always use SMART goals for your planning – that's specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Don't just track clicks; expand your metrics to include things like brand mentions. This holistic view is what truly aligns your content efforts with real revenue growth.

Practical Takeaways: Your Monetisation Blueprint

Ready to monetise your digital products with truly compelling content? Here's your step-by-step blueprint.

Define your audience and goals. Who are your ideal customers? What specific outcomes are you aiming for – say, 20% more sign-ups? This foundational step powers every single decision you make.
Plan your content calendars strategically, with frequency in mind. We suggest aiming for three pieces weekly. This builds momentum and signals relevance to search engines. What's more, always mix powerful conversion copywriting with strong visuals for maximum pull.
Craft truly compelling brand storytelling . Share real, authentic stories that clearly position you as the solution. And always use active, benefit-driven language that gently (but firmly) urges action – think "Book now" buttons seamlessly tied into your narrative.
Test, test, and then optimise. Don't guess; run A/B tests on your headlines and calls-to-action. Measure engagement relentlessly, then adjust for even better results.
Scale smart with hybrid production. You can either build in-house capacity or partner with experts like us for genuinely authentic output. Seriously, check our portfolio for proven examples.

For instance, we worked with a beauty business client and crafted app narratives centred around user transformations. This didn't just look good; it sparked shares and bookings. It's solid proof that visual content impact directly drives sales. And you absolutely can replicate this kind of success to supercharge your revenue.

The reality? Outsourcing pitfalls completely fade away when you choose truly collaborative partners. We don't just scratch the surface; we dive deep into your business. That's how we create content that genuinely converts visitors into loyal, raving fans. See what our clients say – check out the praise on our reviews page .

Ready to Supercharge Your Growth?

Your websites and apps can be buzzing with engaged users, taking action and fuelling your success. We'd love to partner with you to craft an SME content strategy that truly unlocks this potential through a blend of creativity and collaboration. Ready to make it happen? Book a free consultation today.

Mastering Agile Development for SMEs: Key 2026 Trends for On-Time Delivery

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 07:58:00 GMT

Picture this: your new eCommerce website goes live two months early, perfectly matching your customers' needs. You avoid costly delays and watch revenue climb. That's the power of agile development for SMEs in action.

But let's be honest, many SMEs face the exact opposite. Haven't we all seen it? Traditional development methods often lock businesses into rigid plans, completely ignoring crucial market shifts. Projects drag on, budgets balloon, and the final product often falls short of expectations.

Why Traditional Development Holds SMEs Back

You start a project with genuine excitement, don't you? But then those fixed timelines kick in, leaving absolutely no room for essential tweaks. Key market shifts or invaluable customer feedback? They're often ignored until it's simply too late. The result: immense frustration and products that just don't drive the growth you need.

Honestly, SMEs like yours just can't afford these kinds of setbacks. What you really need are partners who can adapt quickly, almost on the fly. Here at Digital Inspired, we see this story play out daily with ambitious businesses actively seeking genuinely flexible digital solutions .

Trend 1: Incremental Testing as Risk Mitigation in Agile Development for SMEs

So, what's a major trend for 2026? It's all about using short, focused sprints specifically for testing. Instead of one massive, high-risk launch, you're releasing small, manageable parts and refining them as you go. This approach dramatically cuts down on failure risks, a point well-supported by Frontiers in Sustainability's 2025 study, by the way.

For you, this means proving genuine value right from the get-go. Can you imagine validating your app's core features before even committing to the full investment?

It's a game-changer.

We're actively helping SMEs here in London build incredible digital project velocity precisely this way.

Your opportunity here is huge: launch safer pilots that not only build confidence within your team but also genuinely attract investors. This lean project management approach doesn't just mitigate risks; it actively transforms them into quick wins, paving the way for sustainable growth.

Powerful stuff.

Trend 2: Responsive Development for Rapid Market Pivots

Today's teams are pivoting incredibly fast, all thanks to robust iterative development . Customer needs suddenly shift? No problem. You simply adjust in the very next sprint. BPM.com's 2026 report really emphasises how smaller teams truly excel in this area – largely because they're free from those cumbersome hierarchy hassles.

This approach hands you a significant competitive edge, even over much bigger rivals. Take, for example, a hospitality SME we partnered with: they deftly shifted key features mid-project to perfectly match evolving seasonal demands. Want to see more? Just check out our portfolio for similar success stories.

So, how do you seize this opportunity? By fully embracing change, not fearing it. It genuinely speeds up your path to market leadership and significantly boosts revenue through truly timely adaptations. That's the power of agile.

Trend 3: MVPs Driving Speedy Website Launches and Efficient App Design

Minimum Viable Products, or MVPs, are absolutely dominating the landscape when it comes to achieving a truly speedy website launch and incredibly efficient app design . The concept is simple, yet revolutionary: release the absolute basics, gather real-world feedback, then iterate and improve. This process dramatically slashes your time-to-market, every single time.

Just ask Aaron P., one of our valued clients; he told us we were "fast, efficient and an absolute delight to work with." His project, for example, didn't just launch on time – it soared ahead of schedule, driving immediate bookings and tangible results.

Here's your entrepreneurial chance to shine: test those brilliant ideas cheaply and scale the undeniable winners. SMEs across Dubai, for instance, are leveraging this exact method for fantastic responsive development , literally turning prototypes into revenue-generating machines – fast.

Trend 4: Client Collaboration Fueling Exceptional Results

Regular, meaningful collaboration is key. We're talking about daily check-ins and continuous feedback loops that genuinely build trust (the foundation of any successful project, really). Prashant S., another happy client, perfectly captured it: "Digital Inspired blew us away with the effort to understand the business." And it's this close co-creation that ensures the products we build fit your needs absolutely perfectly.

Essentially, you stay firmly in control while we expertly handle all the technical heavy lifting. What happens next? It invariably leads to much higher client satisfaction and, yes, plenty of repeat business. Don't just take our word for it; see exactly how in our glowing reviews .

Capitalise on this powerful trend by choosing a partner who values your ongoing input. It's how we truly elevate your brand and foster the kind of robust, long-term growth you're striving for.

Key Takeaways for Your Agile Journey

Embrace iterative development to test and refine your ideas without taking on massive risks.
Leverage short sprints to achieve exceptional digital project velocity and enable truly quick pivots.
Focus on building MVPs to create genuinely flexible digital solutions that launch rapidly and evolve continuously.
Always prioritise deep client collaboration – it's the secret to products that truly inspire growth and exceed expectations.

Bottom line: these crucial trends truly make agile development for SMEs your absolute secret weapon for on-time, exceptional delivery. Here at Digital Inspired, we don't just build; we co-create with you, harnessing creativity and integrating feedback to deliver results that consistently exceed expectations.

Ready for Faster Digital Success?

It's time to act. Partner with Digital Inspired to truly master these vital trends and transform your business. Whether you're in need of a cutting-edge mobile app or a powerful new website, our proven agile approach delivers tangible, measurable growth – every single time. Let's talk about your exciting project today and get you started.

Mastering User Experience: 7 Strategies to Build Digital Products Your Customers Love

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 08:42:02 GMT

Imagine you're running a removal company in London. A potential customer lands on your website, excited to book a service – but then they abandon it in seconds. Why? The booking form just confuses them. You've lost a sale, just like that. This isn't uncommon for SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) like yours, but here’s the thing: mastering user experience changes everything.

Let's be honest, poor UX design leads to high bounce rates and frustrated users who pretty much just turn to your competitors. Maybe you've even struggled with agencies that deliver flashy sites or apps without really focusing on what your customers need. We at Digital Inspired see this daily: businesses missing out on growth simply because their digital products feel clunky or unclear.

The good news? You absolutely can turn this around with a solid UX design strategy . By 2026, top SMEs aren't just treating UX as a 'nice-to-have'; they're seeing it as a growth engine. We're here to help you put users first, creating intuitive digital products that'll keep customers coming back and really boost your revenue.

Why Mastering User Experience Matters for Your SME

Your customers, quite rightly, expect seamless interactions across all your digital touchpoints – from websites to mobile apps. Without strong UX, you're pretty much risking losing their trust and, more importantly, losing sales. This is especially true in competitive sectors like finance or hospitality. And here’s the interesting part: a study by Nielsen Norman Group actually highlights how clear, user-centric design dramatically cuts drop-offs and significantly lifts conversions. It works.

We'll collaborate with you to map out solutions that genuinely fit your goals. Why not check out our portfolio? You'll see real examples of websites and apps we've built for SMEs. Now, shall we dive into seven key strategies? Each one is tied to a powerful growth opportunity for your business.

1. Start with Customer Journey Mapping - Unlock Deeper Insights

To kick off your UX design strategy , you've got to map out the customer journey. It's how you identify every single pain point, from the moment they become aware of you right through to purchase – think confusing navigation on your eCommerce site, for instance. Doing this reveals quick wins that'll guide users smoothly.

The opportunity here? Stronger connections that truly enhance customer loyalty. We've seen it firsthand: for a legal firm we worked with, journey mapping completely streamlined their consultations. That made the whole process feel effortless, and guess what? Bookings went up.

2. Prioritise Clarity in Every Interaction - Boost Immediate Engagement

You need to make sure every single screen communicates its value – fast. Use simple language, clear headlines, and logical layouts so users grasp your offer in mere seconds. This is how you build digital product engagement right from the start.

Your big opportunity? Much lower bounce rates. Here's what most businesses miss: SMEs often overlook this crucial point, but we help you create pages where users genuinely think, "Yes, this is exactly what I need."

3. Build Intuitive Digital Products with Consistency - Scale Trust Effortlessly

Consistency across your site or app – we're talking same buttons, colours, and flows – isn't just neat; it actually reduces confusion and seriously builds trust. Consider developing a design system for reusable elements that can grow with you. That's absolutely key for user-centric design .

The growth opportunity here is clear: reliable experiences that foster repeat visits. We saw a hospitality client of ours use this exact approach to unify their booking app. The result? Much higher loyalty.

4. Simplify Onboarding - Accelerate User Adoption

Seriously, cut down the steps in signup and first use. Use contextual guides. For your removals business, for example, that could mean instant quotes without endless, frustrating forms. What's crucial is to test those flows rigorously to eliminate any friction points.

The opportunity? Faster conversions and happier starts. We streamline these processes for SMEs, turning new users into fans quickly. And it works!

5. Run Usability Testing Regularly - Refine with Real Feedback

Gather user input by running simple tests on your prototypes. Actually watch how real people navigate your app and fix any issues you spot early on. Doing this really sharpens your usability testing approach.

Your big opportunity? Products that truly evolve based on hard data, not just guesses. We facilitate this for our clients, ensuring intuitive results every single time.

6. Embrace Accessibility as Standard - Expand Your Reach

Make sure you're adding high-contrast text, keyboard navigation, and alt text. Why? To welcome all users. This isn't just about compliance, you know; it fundamentally improves UX for everyone. Definitely tie it to your mastering user experience goals.

The opportunity is huge: a broader audience and stronger trust signals. Think about it – SMEs in property sectors, for example, gain a real competitive edge by being inclusive right from day one.

7. Focus on Speed and Momentum - Drive Conversions

Optimise your load times. That's a given. But also, make sure you're guiding users forward with crystal-clear calls-to-action. Those quick, progressive experiences are what keep momentum high. And that's what truly powers digital product engagement .

The ultimate opportunity? Supercharged sales across the UK, USA, Dubai, and beyond. Don't just take our word for it; see how we deliver this in our reviews.

Put These Strategies into Action Today

Honestly, mastering user experience transforms your digital products into absolute customer magnets. You don't just gain loyalty; you gain tangible growth and increased revenue when you prioritise these essential steps. We'd love to partner with you to make it happen – that's collaboration at its heart.

Ready to build intuitive digital products? Book a free consultation and let's create experiences your customers love.

Design That Converts: Step-by-Step Guide to Visual Success for SMEs

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 10:44:55 GMT

Picture this: a potential customer lands on your beauty salon's website. What happens next? In under 10 seconds, they'll form an opinion based purely on visuals - and decide whether to book or bounce. That's the incredible power of design that converts .

Here at Digital Inspired, we see SMEs like yours every single day. You're pouring so much effort into your digital presence, but conversions lag because the visuals just aren't connecting. We get it. We're here to help you fix that with hands-on strategies that actually turn visitors into solid revenue.

The Problem: Why Your Current Design Falls Short

Let's be honest: many SMEs struggle with designs that might look nice but simply don't drive action. Cluttered layouts overwhelm users, mismatched colours erode trust - and poor mobile views? They're practically chasing away half your traffic. The result? You're left with high bounce rates and missed sales in competitive sectors, whether you're in property or events.

Often, agencies deliver generic templates that completely ignore your audience's psychology. Without a clear visual design impact , your brand ends up feeling pretty forgettable. We know this frustration all too well, and frankly, it's why we focus intently on UI UX conversion that's truly tailored to your specific goals.

The reality? You're experiencing stagnant growth when you absolutely deserve soaring revenue. But here's the good news: you can change this today with some truly intentional design choices.

Key Insights into Design That Converts

Did you know that research shows colour influences up to 90% of first impressions? It's huge, even by 2026! For instance, a finance business often finds blue builds trust, while in e-commerce, red sparks urgency. We don't just guess; we use these very principles to craft engaging digital visuals that gently guide users.

Users typically scan pages in F or Z patterns, which means you should strategically place key messages and CTAs right along those paths. Strong visual hierarchy isn't just pretty; it significantly cuts cognitive load, boosting your click-through rates. And mobile responsiveness? That's non-negotiable - poor designs can easily drop conversions by a full 7%.

Think about sectors like beauty: lush imagery paired with intuitive navigation really drives bookings there. Property sites, on the other hand, thrive with clean layouts that highlight listings beautifully. These aren't just theories; these insights form the backbone of our portfolio successes. Want to dive deeper into design psychology? Take a look at this credible resource .

Suggested ALT text for hero image: A vibrant website mockup showcasing design that converts with bold CTAs and intuitive layout for SME growth (10 words).

Step-by-Step: How to Create Design That Converts

Ready to truly transform your site or app? Fantastic! Just follow these actionable steps. We guide SMEs through this exact process every single day, consistently delivering results that supercharge sales.

Audit your current design psychology. Start by really reviewing your colour choices, layout flow, and hierarchy. Ask yourself: Does blue truly convey trust for your legal firm? Use readily available free tools to quickly check mobile responsiveness. Don't forget to note gaps, like weak CTAs that are just hidden in clutter.
Identify audience and sector-specific gaps. Map out those user scanning patterns - remember, F for text-heavy property pages, Z for more visual events sites. For beauty SMEs, why not test if greens really evoke that sense of wellness? And always gather feedback through quick surveys to pinpoint any trust barriers.
Prioritise high-impact changes. Let's start with your CTAs: think bold red buttons in e-commerce, or perhaps structured blues in finance. You'll want to enhance your brand aesthetic strategy with consistent spacing and contrast. And definitely focus on mobile first - it's crucial if you want to avoid that painful 7% conversion hit.
Implement with clear metrics. Redesign those hero sections for immediate graphic design success . Don't just guess; track bounce rates, time on page, and sales - both pre- and post-change. We handle this seamlessly for our clients, ensuring that every single pixel truly supports their growth.
Test, iterate, and scale. Always run A/B tests on different layouts or colours. For one of our events clients, for example, we simply swapped out hero images and saw a fantastic 25% increase in bookings! Refine based on that data, and then you can confidently roll out changes across your app and site.

Real-World Example: Boosting a Property SME

Let's look at one of our partners in the property sector. Their old site was just cluttered with busy layouts that practically hid their listings. So, what did we do? We applied proven design for sales principles: clear Z-pattern navigation, earthy tones to build trust, and really prominent search CTAs.

The result? Conversions actually rose by a fantastic 30% in just a few months. You can view similar wins in our work . Here's the thing: your business could absolutely see the same kind of success with our collaborative approach.

Key Takeaways for Your Digital Growth

Intentional colours and well-thought-out layouts create instant trust and naturally guide user actions.
Great user experience design dramatically reduces abandonment, particularly on mobile devices.
Consistent visuals across all touchpoints will amplify your brand's power, big time.
Always test changes to truly prove your ROI - because even small tweaks can yield big revenue lifts.

These actionable steps truly empower you to build a digital presence that doesn't just look good, but actually *works*. Ready to partner with us for expert execution that's perfectly tailored to your sector?

Ready to Elevate Your Brand?

We make design that converts simple, effective, and totally stress-free. Why not book a free consultation with us today? Let's craft some incredible visuals that truly drive your success.

Strategic Digital Sales: Transforming Your Digital Products into Revenue Engines in 2026

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 08:10:40 GMT

Let's be honest, for SMEs heading into 2026, the digital marketplace isn't just competitive anymore - it's transformative. Are you truly leveraging it? We're seeing businesses that implement strategic digital sales solutions enjoying 20-30% boosts in conversion rates. Meanwhile, those sticking with outdated platforms? They're quickly losing market share. It's not enough to just 'be online'; your digital products need to be specifically engineered to drive revenue.

If your website or app isn't actively contributing to your bottom line, frankly, you're leaving money on the table. And let's be real, a lot of businesses face this exact problem. They invest in digital solutions that look impressive but just don't deliver the tangible revenue growth they need.

The Evolution of Strategic Digital Sales

The digital landscape? It's fundamentally shifted. What used to be a nice competitive advantage is now, honestly, a competitive necessity. The global digital transformation market is set to hit a staggering £9.5 trillion by 2035, and guess what? SMEs are leading the charge, adopting digital solutions at nearly double the pace of large enterprises.

This acceleration isn't happening by chance, you know. Forward-thinking businesses are realising that their digital products - everything from websites and mobile apps to customer portals - aren't just online brochures. No, they're sophisticated sales engines capable of so much more:

Convert visitors into customers through optimised user journeys
Increase average order values through intelligent product recommendations
Build recurring revenue through subscription models
Enhance customer loyalty through personalised experiences
Expand market reach beyond traditional boundaries

The key difference between businesses that merely survive and those that really thrive in this environment? It's their approach to strategic digital sales . Basically, it means designing every single aspect of your digital presence with one thing firmly in mind: generating revenue.

Revenue Growth Strategies Through Digital Products

Here at Digital Inspired , we've seen it firsthand: digital products, when designed with real purpose, can absolutely transform business outcomes. So, let's dive into some specific strategies that are driving revenue growth across various sectors:

Transitioning from Transactions to Recurring Revenue

One of the most powerful shifts we're witnessing is businesses moving away from one-time transactions and towards recurring revenue models. And this isn't just for traditional subscription companies. Even service-based businesses - think hospitality, property, or professional services - are implementing clever digital platforms that lock in predictable, ongoing revenue streams. Pretty smart, right?

Take a London-based hospitality client of ours, for instance. They moved from a pretty basic booking website to an integrated membership platform offering tiered subscription benefits. What was the impact? That shift boosted their annual recurring revenue by a whopping 45%, all while significantly cutting down on customer acquisition costs.

Conversion Optimisation Through Intelligent Design

Every single element of your digital product should be guiding users towards conversion. We're seeing businesses using AI-driven personalisation achieving 20-30% increases in conversion rates. This isn't about flashy design, by the way. It's about strategic design. Design that really understands user psychology and crafts frictionless paths to purchase. Simple. Effective.

Intuitive user journeys mapped to your sales funnel
Strategic call-to-action placement based on user behaviour
Personalised content and product recommendations
Simplified checkout processes optimised for mobile
Trust signals strategically positioned at decision points

Integrated Financial Services as Revenue Multipliers

The embedded finance market is set to blow past £5.3 trillion by the end of 2026. That's a huge number. And smart businesses? They're integrating financial services directly into their digital products. Think payment processing, financing options, loyalty programmes, or even insurance. It's a fantastic way to create new revenue streams and boost the customer experience.

A property services client we worked with, for instance, added integrated financing options to their digital platform. The result? A 22% jump in completed transactions, plus an entirely new revenue stream through those financing partnerships.

The Digital Product ROI Revolution

Perhaps the most significant shift we're seeing in strategic digital sales is how we actually measure success. Modern digital products aren't just cost centres anymore. Far from it! They're profit centres, with easily measurable ROI. Thanks to advances in analytics and data integration, businesses can now track the precise revenue contribution of their digital products.

This level of measurability completely transforms how businesses approach digital investment. When you can clearly demonstrate that every pound invested in your digital solutions generates three pounds back in return, scaling isn't a leap of faith. It's a mathematical certainty.

Conversion rate improvements across different user segments
Average order value increases through cross-selling functionality
Customer lifetime value enhancements through retention features
Operational efficiency gains through automation
Market expansion through multi-language and location-based functionality

Implementing Your Strategic Digital Sales Transformation

Creating revenue-generating digital products isn't about just throwing in random features or following generic best practices. Not at all. It actually requires a really methodical approach, one that's carefully tailored to your specific business goals and, crucially, your customer needs.

1. Revenue Opportunity Audit

Start here: map out your entire customer journey. Seriously. Identify all those revenue leakage points. Where are potential customers dropping off? Which of your products or services have the highest margins but are almost invisible? What post-purchase opportunities are you totally missing? This detailed audit forms the bedrock for your strategic digital sales .

2. Competitive Digital Analysis

Understand how your competitors are approaching digital sales. Not so you can copy them, mind you, but to pinpoint gaps and opportunities. The real goal? To create digital products that genuinely solve customer problems your rivals are currently ignoring.

3. Revenue-Focused Design

When you design your digital products, make conversion the absolute primary goal. This involves crafting user experiences that naturally, almost effortlessly, guide prospects towards purchase decisions. No pushiness, no manipulation - just smart design.

4. Continuous Optimisation

The most successful digital products? They evolve. Always. It's all based on real user data. So, implement robust analytics. Establish regular optimisation cycles. That's how you continuously improve conversion rates and, crucially, revenue generation.

This very approach has helped our clients across e-commerce, finance, legal, hospitality, and other sectors achieve genuinely remarkable results. We're talking about some seeing online sales boosts of over 200% after launching their strategic digital products .

The Future of Strategic Digital Sales

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, a few exciting emerging technologies are set to really revolutionise how digital products drive revenue:

AI-Driven Personalisation: Beyond basic recommendations, AI will create entirely customised user experiences that adapt in real-time to user behaviour.
Extended Reality Commerce: Virtual and augmented reality will transform how customers experience products before purchase, dramatically increasing conversion rates for complex products.
Predictive Inventory and Pricing: AI-powered demand forecasting with 85-90% accuracy will allow businesses to optimise inventory and pricing automatically.
Voice Commerce Integration: As voice assistants become more sophisticated, digital products that seamlessly integrate with voice purchasing will gain significant advantages.

The businesses that truly thrive? They'll be the ones who see these technologies not as passing gimmicks, but as genuinely strategic tools. Tools to significantly enhance customer experience and, yes, drive impressive revenue growth. That's the key.

Real-World Success: E-commerce Transformation

To really illustrate the power of strategic digital sales , let's look at a UK-based fashion retailer we partnered with. Their old website was beautifully designed, no doubt. But it suffered from pretty poor conversion rates and, crucially, limited mobile functionality.

A mobile-first redesign with simplified checkout
AI-powered product recommendations based on browsing history
Personalised discounting strategies for different customer segments
Integrated subscription options for recurring purchases
Automated repurchase reminders based on product lifecycle

The results? Absolutely transformative. Mobile conversion rates shot up by 78%. Average order value grew by 23%. And perhaps most importantly, the percentage of customers making repeat purchases within 60 days leaped from a mere 12% to a fantastic 37%. Talk about an impact!

Transform Your Digital Presence into a Revenue Engine

In today's crowded digital marketplace, simply having a website or app that looks good isn't enough anymore. It really isn't. Your digital products absolutely must be strategic sales tools, designed with crystal-clear revenue objectives in mind.

Here at Digital Inspired, we specialise in creating digital products that don't just showcase your business; they actively drive growth. Our collaborative approach ensures that every single aspect of your digital presence - from the user experience right down to the backend functionality - is optimised for conversion and, of course, for generating revenue.

So, if you're ready to transform your digital presence from a cost centre into a profit engine, we're definitely here to help. Let's talk about how strategic digital sales can truly revolutionise your business growth in 2026 and far beyond.

The Digital Inspired Difference: A Practical Playbook for SME Growth Through Partnership

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 08:53:27 GMT

You know digital is vital for your business, right? For most SMEs, it's not even a question anymore - digital adoption is key to growth. But here's the kicker: almost 60% of small and medium businesses still struggle to truly maximise their digital potential. Why? Often, it's down to complexity and a real lack of expert guidance. This isn't just a minor hurdle; it's a widening gap between what's possible digitally and what businesses actually manage to execute. And that gap? It's costing businesses serious opportunities in today's super competitive market.

Let's be honest, if you're running an SME, you've probably felt this frustration. You've likely worked with agencies that promised the world, talking about "transformation" but ultimately delivering disappointment. Maybe they handed over a website that looked great, but then... no leads. Or an app that just failed to engage your customers. The problem isn't the technology itself - it's usually the partnership approach. Or, more accurately, the *lack* of one.

The Digital Inspired Difference: Beyond Service to Partnership

At Digital Inspired, we've basically developed a fundamentally different way to approach digital partnerships. We don't want to be just another service provider. Instead, we become your hands-on digital partner, genuinely invested in your success. This distinction isn't just about different words; it's a completely reimagined relationship between agency and client. A game-changer, really.

Our collaborative approach means we don't just build digital products. What's more, we craft solutions that directly address your unique business challenges and growth objectives. When we create a website or app for your business, we're making sure it's specifically designed to increase your revenue, drive sustainable growth, and really enhance your brand's market position. That's the goal.

The Partnership Playbook: How Our Approach Drives Your Growth

So, how do we actually do this? Let's unpack the practical steps in our partnership approach that create the `Digital Inspired difference` for your business:

1. Immersive Discovery

We kick things off by thoroughly immersing ourselves in your business reality. This isn't just a quick questionnaire, by the way. It's a comprehensive exploration of your goals, challenges, audience, and the competitive landscape you're operating in. This foundational understanding ensures we build solutions that address real business needs, not just digital preferences. That's key.

Collaborative workshops to identify growth opportunities
Audience analysis to truly understand your customers' digital behaviours
Competitive landscape mapping to find your digital edge

2. Strategic Alignment

Every single digital initiative we undertake connects directly to your business objectives. We establish clear metrics and goals *before* a single line of code is written. This ensures your digital investments deliver measurable returns, every time. This strategic foundation prevents that all-too-common disconnect between digital activity and actual business results.

Establishing clear KPIs tied to your business outcomes
Creating digital roadmaps aligned with your growth timeline
Prioritising features based on business impact, not just technical interest

3. Collaborative Creation

Unlike some agencies that seem to disappear after the initial brief, we maintain constant collaboration throughout the development process. Your team remains an integral part of creation, with regular touchpoints ensuring the solution evolves perfectly in alignment with your vision. This transparency eliminates surprises and builds solutions that truly reflect your needs. Pretty neat, right?

Regular progress demonstrations and feedback sessions
Agile development approach allowing for course correction
Shared workspaces for seamless collaboration between our teams

4. Continuous Optimisation

Digital excellence isn't just achieved at launch; it's cultivated through ongoing refinement. We implement sophisticated analytics and monitoring tools that provide actionable insights about user behaviour and performance. These insights fuel continuous improvement cycles that steadily enhance results over time. It's a constant journey towards better outcomes.

Data-driven optimisation based on user behaviour analysis
Regular performance reviews with actionable recommendations
Proactive identification of growth opportunities

Take for example a London-based financial services firm we partnered with. Rather than simply delivering a requested website redesign, our immersive discovery process revealed significant opportunities to streamline their client onboarding. By incorporating secure document uploading and automated workflow features, we reduced their client acquisition costs by 30% while simultaneously improving conversion rates. This outcome was only possible because we approached the project as partners in their growth, not just website developers. That's the real `Digital Inspired difference` in action.

Digital Inspired Difference: Your Practical Growth Framework

The `Digital Inspired difference` creates a framework for sustainable digital growth that works across sectors - from eCommerce to finance, legal to hospitality. Our hands-on partnership approach consistently delivers three core advantages that traditional agency relationships simply can't match. It's that simple.

1. Accelerated Time-to-Value

Our collaborative approach eliminates wasted effort on misaligned initiatives. By starting with clear business objectives and maintaining constant alignment, we ensure faster paths to measurable returns. This efficiency is particularly valuable for SMEs where resources must be carefully allocated for maximum impact. Every penny counts, after all.

2. Enhanced Digital Capability

Beyond just delivering products, we transfer knowledge and build your team's digital confidence. Through our partnership model, your team gains valuable insights into digital best practices, emerging technologies, and effective measurement approaches. This capability building creates lasting value that extends far beyond any single project. And that's what we're aiming for.

3. Strategic Adaptability

The digital landscape evolves rapidly, requiring businesses to remain agile. Our ongoing partnership provides the flexibility to pivot strategies based on performance data, emerging opportunities, or changing market conditions. This adaptability ensures your digital investments remain aligned with business needs rather than becoming rapidly outdated. Bottom line: we keep you ahead.

According to research from McKinsey , businesses that combine creative excellence with data-driven optimisation grow their revenue at twice the rate of their peers. What's interesting is, this is precisely the approach we take at Digital Inspired - merging creative vision with analytical rigour to drive exceptional growth.

Implementing the Digital Inspired Approach in Your Business

Ready to experience the `Digital Inspired difference` for yourself? Here are some practical steps to begin transforming your digital approach:

Audit your current digital ecosystem - Identify those gaps between your digital assets and your business objectives.
Prioritise digital initiatives - Focus on projects with clear connections to revenue growth or operational efficiency.
Establish measurement frameworks - Define what success truly looks like *before* beginning development.
Build collaborative workflows - Create processes that maintain alignment between your business and technical teams.
Implement continuous feedback loops - Gather user insights that drive ongoing optimisation.

At Digital Inspired, we guide you through each of these steps as your hands-on digital partner. From initial strategy development through to ongoing optimisation, we ensure your digital investments translate directly into business growth. Our collaborative approach has helped businesses across the UK, Europe, USA, Canada, and Dubai achieve exceptional digital outcomes. We're pretty proud of that.

The Path Forward: Your Digital Growth Journey

In 2026, the difference between SMEs that thrive and those that struggle will increasingly be determined by their digital capability. By embracing the `Digital Inspired difference` - our hands-on partnership approach - you position your business to capitalise on digital opportunities that many competitors simply miss out on. Think about it.

Our collaborative model ensures your digital investments directly support your business goals. That's whether you're looking to expand your market reach, streamline operations, or enhance customer experiences. From mobile apps that keep customers engaged to websites that consistently generate qualified leads, our solutions are designed with your growth right at the centre.

The digital landscape offers unprecedented opportunities for businesses willing to embrace the right approach. With Digital Inspired as your partner, you gain not just exceptional digital products, but a clear pathway to sustainable growth and competitive advantage. That's a big deal.

Ready to experience the `Digital Inspired difference`? Book a free consultation today and discover how our hands-on partnership approach can transform your digital potential into real business growth.

Website Wonders: Crafting Digital Hubs That Drive Mobile-First Business Growth

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 08:03:08 GMT

Imagine losing nearly 90% of your potential customers the moment they land on your website. Gone. That's the stark reality many SMEs face today, and it's often down to one critical factor: a poor mobile experience.

With over half of all website traffic coming from mobile devices by 2026, having a responsive site isn't just a nice option anymore. It's basically a business survival requirement. Yet, many small and medium businesses are still operating with websites built for desktop first, creating significant friction for the majority of their visitors. And honestly, who's got time for that?

The Mobile-First Imperative: Your Website's Survival Metric

The shift to mobile-first isn't just about making your site look pretty or following the latest trends. No, it directly impacts your revenue, your search visibility, and where you stand against the competition. Here's the thing: Google now exclusively prioritises mobile versions for indexing. Which means, if your website isn't optimised for smaller screens, it effectively becomes invisible in search results. Pretty scary, right?

This creates a really challenging situation for a lot of businesses. Your website might have excellent content and compelling offers, but if visitors are forced to pinch, zoom, and struggle to navigate on their phones, they're going to leave quickly. And they'll take their potential business elsewhere.

The impact goes beyond just lost visitors. We've seen it time and again: mobile-friendly websites consistently show higher conversion rates, longer session times, and much better engagement metrics. Each of these factors translates directly to improved business performance and increased revenue potential. It's a no-brainer.

Why SMEs Struggle with Mobile Optimisation

Despite understanding just how important mobile optimisation is, many businesses find implementing it a real challenge for a few key reasons:

Technical debt : Older websites, built on dated frameworks or platforms, can often require significant restructuring to become truly mobile-responsive.
Design complexity : Condensing robust desktop experiences into mobile-friendly interfaces without losing functionality demands specialised expertise. It's not as simple as it sounds.
Resource limitations : Small teams often lack dedicated web specialists who truly understand both the technical and user experience requirements.
Testing challenges : Properly testing across multiple devices and screen sizes demands specific tools and methodologies.

These challenges create a significant gap between knowing what needs to be done and actually implementing mobile-first design principles successfully. This is precisely where partnerships with specialised digital teams like Digital Inspired become invaluable - we bridge that expertise gap and deliver results-focused solutions.

Implementation Blueprint: Mobile-First Transformation

Transforming your website into a mobile-first digital hub doesn't need to be overwhelming. A strategic, phased approach allows for meaningful improvements while managing your resources effectively. Let's break it down:

Phase 1: Mobile Audit & Quick Wins

We always start with a comprehensive mobile audit that pinpoints critical friction points and immediate opportunities. Focus first on these high-impact improvements:

Navigation simplification : Streamline menus into thumb-friendly, collapsible formats that work intuitively on small screens.
Button sizing and spacing : Enlarge touch targets to prevent accidental clicks and boost user confidence.
Image optimisation : Compress and properly size images to reduce load times while keeping visual quality high.
Font adjustments : Implement responsive typography that scales appropriately across different device sizes.

Phase 2: Content & Structure Realignment

With those quick wins in place, we then shift our focus to content presentation and information architecture:

Content prioritisation : Reorganise page elements to ensure the most important information appears first on mobile screens.
Form simplification : Streamline data collection to just the essential fields, using progressive disclosure when it makes sense.
Call-to-action prominence : Make sure your primary conversion actions remain highly visible and super accessible on mobile.
Mobile-specific content : Ever thought about creating condensed versions of lengthy content specifically for mobile consumption? It works wonders.

Phase 3: Technical Optimisation

The final phase addresses those underlying technical factors that really impact mobile performance:

Loading speed optimisation : Implement caching, code minification, and server-side improvements to seriously reduce load times.
Responsive framework implementation : Ensure your site uses modern CSS frameworks designed for multi-device support.
Touch gesture integration : Add intuitive swipe and touch interactions that truly enhance the mobile experience.
Local testing protocol : Establish ongoing testing procedures across various devices and connection speeds.

This phased approach allows businesses to make meaningful progress, spreading investment across manageable stages. Each phase builds upon previous improvements, creating cumulative benefits for both users and your bottom line.

Measuring Success: Mobile-First Metrics That Matter

Implementing mobile optimisation strategies delivers real, measurable benefits. But you've got to track the *right* metrics to truly quantify that success. Focus on these key performance indicators:

Mobile conversion rate : This is the percentage of mobile visitors who complete your desired actions (think purchases, sign-ups, enquiries).
Mobile bounce rate : The proportion of visitors who leave after viewing only one page - lower numbers indicate better engagement.
Mobile page load time : How quickly your site becomes usable on mobile devices. Aim for under 3 seconds!
Mobile session duration : How long mobile visitors actually stay on your site, indicating content relevance and usability.
Mobile search visibility : Your ranking positions for key terms when searches happen on mobile devices.

These metrics provide concrete evidence of improvement and help us identify any areas needing further refinement. By establishing baselines before optimisation and tracking changes after implementation, you can clearly demonstrate the ROI from your mobile-first investments. And that's what it's all about, isn't it?

One eCommerce client we worked with saw mobile conversions increase by 37% after we implemented our mobile-first optimisation strategy. That translated to over £12,000 in additional monthly revenue! These results weren't achieved through a complete redesign, but through strategic, targeted improvements to their existing website.

From Static Page to Revenue Engine

The true power of mobile-first websites emerges when they transform from static information repositories into dynamic business growth tools. This exciting evolution happens when mobile optimisation integrates with your broader digital strategy:

Location-aware functionality : Implementing features that adapt content based on user location is especially valuable for businesses with physical locations.
Personalisation capabilities : Tailoring content to returning visitors based on previous interactions and preferences makes a huge difference.
Mobile payment streamlining : Simplifying checkout processes specifically for mobile users is key to reducing abandonment.
Cross-channel integration : Ensuring seamless transitions between mobile web, apps, and even offline interactions.

These advanced capabilities really transform your website from a simple digital brochure into a powerful business hub. A hub that actively contributes to revenue generation and customer relationship building. Your website becomes not just a passive information source, but an active participant in your business growth. Pretty cool, eh?

Your Mobile-First Transformation Starts Today

The mobile-first imperative presents both a significant challenge and an extraordinary opportunity for SMEs. While implementing these strategies certainly requires investment and expertise, the potential returns far outweigh the costs - especially when you consider the ongoing revenue loss from poor mobile experiences.

At Digital Inspired, we specialise in transforming underperforming websites into powerful digital hubs that truly drive business growth. Our collaborative approach ensures your unique brand vision remains at the heart of every technical decision, while our expertise guarantees implementation that actually delivers results. We're here to help.

The first step toward mobile optimisation isn't technical - it's strategic. Understanding exactly where your current website creates friction for mobile users allows for targeted improvements that deliver immediate benefits, all while building toward comprehensive optimisation.

Don't let your website continue driving away potential customers. It's time to transform it into the 24/7 digital growth engine your business deserves, with a mobile-first approach that meets modern user expectations head-on.

Book a free consultation today to discover how our mobile-first website strategies can drive your business forward.

4 Groundbreaking Mobile Apps for SMEs in 2026: Extending Reach and Driving Growth

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 08:34:10 GMT

Here's a surprising fact: small businesses who invested in custom mobile apps in 2026 saw their transaction volumes jump by an average of 25%. And user engagement? A massive 40% boost. Yet, many SMEs still view mobile applications as an expensive luxury rather than the absolutely business-critical tool they've become.

Let's be honest. Your customers expect seamless digital experiences. They want to connect with your business whenever and wherever *they* choose. Without a strong mobile presence, you're not just missing opportunities. You're actively losing ground to competitors who've already embraced this mobile innovation. And that's not a position any business wants to be in.

At Digital Inspired, we've seen it firsthand. We've helped dozens of SMEs transform their mobile strategies from mere afterthoughts into powerful engines for growth. So, let's dive into the four most impactful mobile app trends that are truly revolutionising how small and medium businesses (SMEs, for short) can extend their reach and engage customers in 2026.

1. Operational Integration: The End of Standalone Apps

Gone are the days of isolated, siloed consumer apps. The truth is, today's most successful mobile apps for SMEs seamlessly integrate with your existing business systems. They connect pretty much everything - from your inventory and booking systems to customer databases and payment platforms.

Take a London-based beauty salon we worked with, for instance. They integrated their mobile booking system directly with their staff scheduling tools and inventory management. The result? A 30% reduction in administrative workload. Plus, near-elimination of frustrating double-bookings and product shortages. That's real impact.

Entrepreneurial Opportunity: Identify the most time-consuming manual processes in your business. Think appointment scheduling, inventory checks, or customer follow-ups. Prioritise these for mobile automation. The highest ROI, you see, comes not from flashy new features, but from eliminating those everyday operational friction points that silently drain your team's productivity.

2. AI-Powered Efficiency: Practical Applications That Drive Results

Forget those clunky chatbots and gimmicks - the real AI revolution for mobile apps for SMEs is happening quietly, behind the scenes. On-device AI, the kind that won't break the bank, is now doing everything from data validation and image processing to voice input and even personalisation. And it's all without needing enterprise-level budgets.

We partnered with a removals company who implemented AI-powered image recognition in their mobile app. It automatically identifies items, estimates weights, and suggests the right packing materials. This change alone reduced pre-move assessment time by 45% while improving quote accuracy by a huge 30%.

Entrepreneurial Opportunity: Look for repetitive tasks in your business that currently rely on human judgment but follow consistent patterns. These are prime candidates for AI enhancement. For professional services firms, perhaps it's document classification. For hospitality businesses, it could be automated inventory forecasting based on booking patterns. The possibilities are vast.

3. Loyalty Programs: Mobile-Native Revenue Multipliers

Let's be honest: customer acquisition costs continue to rise. This makes retention more valuable than ever before. Mobile-native loyalty programmes have become incredibly powerful revenue drivers. With clever push notifications, personalised offers, and completely frictionless reward redemption, they create measurable increases in repeat business. It just works.

A cafe chain we recently worked with implemented a tiered loyalty programme through their mobile app. It combined points, personalised offers, and exclusive early access to new menu items. Within just six months, they saw a 35% increase in visit frequency among app users and a 28% higher average spend. Impressive, right?

Entrepreneurial Opportunity: Design your mobile loyalty strategy around your highest-value customers and their specific behaviours. For service businesses, this might mean rewarding referrals. For retail, it could involve early access to new products. For hospitality, exclusive experiences often outperform simple discount-based programmes. What would truly delight *your* best customers?

4. Cross-Platform Development: Maximum Reach, Minimum Investment

Good news: the days of needing separate iOS and Android development teams are over. Cross-platform frameworks now allow SMEs to build once and deploy everywhere. This drastically reduces development costs while still maintaining exceptional user experiences across the board. Maximum reach, minimum fuss.

Using these modern cross-platform approaches, we helped an accounting firm create a client portal that works seamlessly across mobile devices, tablets, and even desktops. This unified strategy cut development costs by approximately 40%. All while ensuring consistent experiences for every user. That's smart investment.

Entrepreneurial Opportunity: When planning your mobile strategy, prioritise core functionality that delivers immediate value. Forget the platform-specific bells and whistles initially. Start with a cross-platform MVP (Minimum Viable Product) focused purely on solving your customers' most pressing problems. Then, expand based on actual usage data and real customer feedback. It's a proven path to success.

Taking Action: Your Mobile Growth Roadmap

This mobile revolution for SMEs isn't just about following trends - it's about creating strategic advantages that drive tangible business outcomes. The most successful mobile implementations, we've found, always begin with clear business objectives rather than just focusing on technical features.

As you consider your mobile strategy, ask yourself: What specific business problems could a well-designed mobile app solve for *you*? How would streamlined operations, enhanced customer engagement, and new revenue channels truly transform your growth trajectory?

At Digital Inspired , we specialise in translating these big business challenges into powerful mobile solutions. They're tailored specifically for SMEs across various sectors. Our collaborative approach ensures your app isn't just functional; it's designed to captivate your audience, drive loyalty, and supercharge your sales. Pure and simple.

The mobile opportunity for SMEs has never been clearer. Businesses that act decisively now will secure competitive advantages that late adopters will genuinely struggle to overcome. Don't let your competitors be the ones defining the mobile experience in your industry.

Book a free consultation today to explore how a strategic mobile app could transform your business growth in 2026 and beyond. What are you waiting for?

5 Essential Measuring Strategies: How Digital Product Performance Drives Revenue

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 08:24:07 GMT

Is your digital product actually *working*? For so many SMEs, that's a frustrating question that goes unanswered, despite significant investment in websites and apps. The reality? A staggering 68% of businesses admit they struggle to accurately measure their digital products' ROI.

Here's the thing: at Digital Inspired, we've seen countless businesses get sidetracked by 'vanity metrics'. You know the ones - they look impressive but don't actually show any real business impact. Your digital products shouldn't just be collecting likes or page views; they need to be driving genuine revenue. The real challenge isn't just *collecting* data; it's about identifying and measuring the right metrics - those that truly connect to your bottom line.

So, let's dive in. We're going to explore five essential measuring strategies designed to transform your digital products from confusing cost centres into clear, proven revenue generators.

1. Define Your North Star Metric for Measuring Success: Digital ROI

Every successful measuring strategy *has* a North Star. It's that single, most important metric that perfectly aligns with your business objectives. We're not talking about tracking every single thing here; we're aiming for clarity and focus. That's it.

So, what could yours be? For eCommerce businesses, it might be conversion rate or average order value. Subscription services? You're probably looking at customer lifetime value (CLV) or monthly recurring revenue (MRR). Legal firms might zero in on qualified lead generation, and hospitality businesses often prioritise booking completion rates.

Our advice? Pick one primary metric that directly links to revenue generation. Then, support it with 3-5 secondary metrics that influence that main goal. This focused approach isn't just about preventing metric overload; it truly ensures you're measuring what matters most for genuine digital growth .

2. Implement the Five-Category Measurement Framework

Effective measuring techniques need organisation. Plain and simple. That's why we recommend structuring your metrics into these five essential categories:

Acquisition metrics: How users find your digital product (traffic sources, cost per acquisition, click-through rates)
Activation metrics: How users begin their journey (sign-up completion, onboarding success)
Engagement metrics: How users interact with your product (session duration, feature adoption, return visits)
Satisfaction metrics: How users feel about your product (NPS scores, reviews, support tickets)
Revenue metrics: How your product generates income (conversion rates, average transaction value, retention rates)

By categorising your metrics like this, you'll build a complete picture of your digital product's performance journey - right from the first contact all the way through to revenue generation. What's more, this structure helps you pinpoint *exactly* where improvements will have the biggest impact.

3. Connect Product Metrics to Business Outcomes with SMART Goals

The most effective measuring guide? It ties every single metric to a Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound (SMART) business goal. That's how you turn abstract numbers into truly actionable intelligence.

Take this, for example: instead of just tracking "website traffic," you could define a SMART goal like: "Increase organic traffic by 25% in Q3 2026, resulting in 50 additional qualified leads per month." See how that creates clear accountability? It also really helps to prioritise your development efforts.

We've successfully helped businesses across all sorts of sectors, from hospitality to finance , implement this very framework. One property management client, for instance, transformed a pretty generic goal of "improving user experience" into something super specific: "reducing listing submission abandonment by 30% within 60 days." And guess what? That directly increased both their inventory and their revenue. Real impact.

4. Build Real-Time Dashboards for Proactive Decision Making

Let's be honest: monthly reports are just too slow for today's fast-paced business world. The best measuring practices now revolve around real-time - or at least near real-time - monitoring dashboards. They surface critical insights *exactly* when you can still act on them. That's key.

Your dashboard should clearly visualise your North Star metric, along with those 3-5 supporting metrics, showing trends over time. It should also alert you to any significant changes. This lets you spot opportunities and challenges immediately - no more discovering them weeks down the line, when it's too late!

The very best dashboards? They're accessible to *all* stakeholders and present data in clear, actionable formats. No technical expertise required to interpret them. This basically democratises your data, helping to create a robust culture of measurement across your organisation.

5. Implement A/B Testing to Continuously Improve Measuring Strategies

Static measurement? It's incomplete. Full stop. The final, essential piece of the puzzle for how to improve measuring is implementing systematic A/B testing. This lets you continuously optimise your digital product based on real performance data.

Start here: identify the metrics most critical to revenue generation. Then, design experiments specifically to improve them. Say, for instance, abandoned carts are really limiting your sales. You could test different checkout flows, payment options, or even messaging to see which combination performs best. It's pretty powerful.

Here's what most businesses miss: the most successful ones we work with actually dedicate 20-30% of their digital development resources to testing and optimisation, rather than *just* building new features. This approach doesn't just ensure continuous improvement; it guarantees a maximum return on your digital investment. Pretty smart, right?

We even partnered with an events company that saw their ticket sales jump by a massive 42%! How? Simply by testing different form layouts and call-to-action placements. These were changes they identified through careful measurement of their conversion funnel. Amazing, isn't it?

Turning Measurement into Growth

So, implementing these five measuring strategies? It basically transforms your digital products from mysterious 'black boxes' into transparent, genuinely revenue-generating assets. The bottom line: the difference between businesses that thrive and those that struggle often comes down to one thing - their ability to measure what truly matters and then *act* on those insights.

At Digital Inspired, we firmly believe exceptional digital products don't just need to look great and function flawlessly. They *must* demonstrably drive business results. That's why every website and app we build includes robust measurement frameworks, specifically tailored to your unique business goals.

Stop guessing whether your digital investments are working. You don't have to! Start *knowing* exactly how they're contributing to your bottom line, and where you should focus for maximum growth. It's that simple.

Let's talk about building a measurement strategy that transforms your digital presence into a proven revenue driver.

The Ultimate Guide to Boosting Your Brand Through Strategic Graphic Design in 2025

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 08:40:59 GMT

Here's a thought: What if your visual identity isn't just a pretty face for your business? What if it's a genuine growth engine? Businesses with strong, consistent visual branding don't just look good; they typically see up to 23% greater revenue than rivals whose design feels a bit... haphazard. Yet, for many small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), crafting that truly cohesive visual identity, one that perfectly captures your business values, can feel like an impossible task. If your visual presence isn't actively driving growth, frankly, you're missing a massive opportunity for boosting your brand in a landscape that's getting more competitive by the minute.

Let's be honest: consumers form first impressions incredibly quickly, often in under a second. And the kicker? A massive 75% of those initial judgments are based solely on design quality. This means your visual identity isn't merely decorative. It's a powerful business asset that directly impacts trust, recognition, and, yes, your all-important conversion rates.

Why Effective Graphic Design Is Essential for Boosting Your Brand

In this crowded digital space, you simply can't afford to blend in. Generic templates and inconsistent visuals won't help you stand out from the crowd. Design-driven companies consistently outperform market averages; data even shows that design leaders achieve 50% more customer loyalty than their competitors. That's huge!

Here's what most businesses miss: many SMEs really struggle with fragmented brand appearances across different platforms. Your website might look incredibly professional, but if your social media graphics and mobile experience don't quite match up, you're pretty much undermining your own credibility. And confusing potential customers. This disconnected approach not only wastes marketing budget but also dilutes your message.

At Digital Inspired , we've helped countless businesses transform their visual identity. We're talking from confused to absolutely compelling, driving measurable growth through strategic design that speaks directly to their target audience. It works.

Step-by-Step Guide to Boosting Your Brand with Strategic Design

Ready to level up? Let's break down the exact process for transforming your brand's visual identity using proven boosting strategies that deliver real results. These actionable steps will empower you to create a design system that genuinely reflects your business values and truly resonates with your ideal customers.

Step 1: Conduct a Visual Brand Audit

Before you can make smart improvements, you first need to understand where you stand right now. Start by gathering all your current visual assets and evaluating them objectively:

Collect every brand touchpoint you can think of - your website, social media profiles, business cards, packaging, email templates, and even mobile app interfaces.
Assess consistency across all those platforms. Do your colours, typography, imagery style, and logo usage stay consistent everywhere?
Identify design elements that are performing well. What's generating engagement, positive comments, or conversions?
Note exactly where visual disconnects are happening in the customer journey.

This audit is a revelation; it'll clearly show you the gaps between your current visual identity and your brand aspirations. For example, a financial services firm we worked with discovered their social media graphics used completely different colours and typography than their website. The result? A fragmented brand experience that really undermined their credibility.

Step 2: Define Your Visual Strategy

Once your audit is complete, it's time to build a strategic framework for your visual identity, one that perfectly aligns with your business goals:

Define your brand personality using just 3-5 adjectives. Are you innovative, trustworthy, approachable? Get specific.
Identify your audience's visual preferences. Take a look at your competitors and other brands your customers admire.
Select a primary colour palette (3-5 colours) that reflects your brand personality and helps you stand out.
Choose 2-3 consistent typography styles - one for headers, one for body text. Maybe a third for accents.
Establish clear imagery guidelines. What's your photography style? What about illustration or iconography?

The key to effective boosting techniques is ensuring every single design choice actively supports your business objectives. A hospitality client we partnered with used warm, vibrant colours and lifestyle photography that showed genuine guest experiences. This created an emotional connection with potential customers, directly increasing their bookings by an impressive 28%.

Step 3: Develop a Comprehensive Design System

Now, we're ready to create a flexible yet consistent design framework that can adapt across all your platforms:

Create master templates for your key marketing materials - social posts, email headers, website banners.
Define clear usage rules for your logo, including minimum sizes and clear space requirements.
Establish a go-to library of approved images, icons, and graphic elements.
Document your colour codes (HEX, RGB, CMYK) for both digital and print applications.
Crucially, create mobile-first design templates to ensure consistency across all devices.

A design system isn't just for big enterprises. Actually, it's even more critical for SMEs who often have limited resources. With a well-documented system in place, you'll save precious time and money while maintaining professional quality across every touchpoint.

What's interesting is that our eCommerce clients who implement comprehensive design systems see an average 65% reduction in design production time. Plus, they get significant improvements in conversion rates as customers experience a seamless journey from social media right through to their website and checkout.

Step 4: Prioritise Digital Touchpoints for Maximum Impact

For most SMEs, trying to redesign everything all at once just isn't practical. Instead, focus your boosting strategies on high-impact touchpoints first:

Your website homepage and key landing pages - these make those critical first impressions.
Social media profile images and post templates - this is where most new customers discover your brand.
Email templates - direct communication channels that directly influence purchase decisions.
Your mobile app interface (if you have one) - increasingly, this is the primary way customers interact with businesses.

By prioritising these elements, you'll get the biggest return on your design investment. For instance, a property management firm we worked with saw a 34% increase in qualified leads within just three months, simply by redesigning their website homepage and creating consistent social media templates.

Step 5: Implement and Measure Your Design Impact

The best boosting tips always include measuring your results to validate your design decisions:

Establish baseline metrics before implementing any new designs (think website traffic, conversion rates, social engagement).
Implement design changes systematically, perhaps focusing on one platform at a time.
Track performance changes after each implementation. A/B test when you can - it's invaluable.
Gather customer feedback on new visual elements through quick surveys or direct outreach.
Refine your designs based on that performance data and feedback.

This data-driven approach ensures your design investments deliver tangible business results. Take an accounting firm we partnered with: when they redesigned their service pages with a clearer visual hierarchy and more strategic call-to-action placement, they saw consultation requests increase by a whopping 46%.

Best Boosting Practices for Specific Business Sectors

Different industries often require tailored approaches to visual design for maximum impact. It just makes sense, doesn't it?

For eCommerce Businesses

Focus relentlessly on creating consistent product photography styles, mobile-optimised product pages, and a super streamlined visual checkout process. Did you know visual consistency across product categories can increase average order value by up to 18%?

For Professional Services (Legal, Finance, Accounting)

Prioritise sophisticated, trust-building design elements with a crystal-clear information hierarchy. Use subtle animation and interactive elements to make complex information more digestible, all while maintaining that crucial air of professionalism.

For Hospitality and Events

Here, it's all about leveraging immersive imagery, compelling video content, and emotional design elements that help prospects truly visualise their experiences. Virtual tours and consistent visual storytelling across platforms can dramatically boost conversion rates. Seriously dramatic boosts.

The key to successful sector-specific design is understanding audience expectations while still creating clear visual differentiation from your competitors. Our portfolio beautifully demonstrates how we've helped businesses across various sectors develop distinctive, yet always appropriate, visual identities.

Advanced Boosting Guide: Beyond the Basics

Once you've established your core visual identity, consider these advanced boosting techniques to really elevate your brand even further:

Motion and animation - Subtle animations on your website or in social media content can increase engagement by up to 80%. That's a huge lift!
Custom illustration systems - Unique illustrations create memorable brand moments that stock photography simply cannot match.
Interactive elements - Calculators, quizzes, and other interactive tools, all wrapped in your brand design, significantly increase time on site and lead generation.
Personalised visual experiences - Tailoring visual elements based on customer data creates more relevant and impactful connections.

A beauty brand we worked with implemented a custom illustration system that specifically highlighted their natural ingredients. This created a distinct visual language that truly helped them stand out in an incredibly oversaturated market. This visual differentiation contributed to a 42% year-on-year growth in direct-to-consumer sales. Powerful stuff.

Common Pitfalls When Boosting Your Brand

As you implement your visual identity improvement plan, make sure you watch out for these common mistakes:

Trendy over timeless - Chasing every new design trend, rather than developing a sustainable visual system, just leads to frequent, costly updates.
Desktop-only focus - Failing to prioritise mobile experiences basically ignores how most customers interact with your brand today.
Visual overload - Using too many design elements creates confusion rather than clarity. Keep it clean.
Inconsistent application - Allowing exceptions to your visual system totally undermines recognition and trust.

These pitfalls often stem from viewing design as merely decorative, rather than strategic. But here's the thing: by treating visual identity as a core business asset with measurable impact, you'll make far more effective decisions that genuinely support long-term growth.

According to research by McKinsey , companies with strong design actually outperform their industry benchmark revenue growth by as much as two-to-one. This isn't coincidental; it's the direct result of strategic visual communication that truly resonates with customers.

Takeaways: Your Roadmap for Boosting Your Brand

The path to a stronger visual identity isn't about making a few cosmetic changes; it's about creating a cohesive system that communicates your unique value across every single customer touchpoint. By following this guide, you can absolutely transform your brand's visual presence from a potential weakness into a powerful competitive advantage.

Remember that effective design is measurable - always track improvements in key metrics like website conversions, social engagement, and customer retention to validate your approach. The businesses that treat design as a strategic investment, rather than just an expense, consistently outperform their competitors. No surprises there.

At Digital Inspired, we specialise in helping SMEs develop visual identities that genuinely connect with their audiences and drive real business growth. Our collaborative approach ensures your unique values shine through in every design element we create.

Ready to transform your brand's visual identity into a powerful business asset? Let's talk about how we can help you create a distinctive, consistent visual presence that resonates with your ideal customers and drives measurable growth.

Future-Proofing Your SME in 2025: Innovative Digital Solutions for Long-Term Growth

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 08:34:07 GMT

Let's be honest: many small business owners - nearly 1 in 5, in fact - feel a bit lost when it comes to digital tools. They know these tools are crucial for future success, but confidence? That's another story. So, where does your business stand? Are you really set up to thrive in tomorrow's digital landscape, or are you just scrambling to keep up with today?

The digital world isn't just evolving; it's transforming at breakneck speed. And let's face it, for SMEs in sectors like eCommerce, finance, legal, and hospitality, this rapid pace brings both exciting opportunities and a fair bit of anxiety. You *know* digital transformation is essential. But trying to implement effective future-proofing SME digital solutions? That often feels completely overwhelming when you're already juggling so much in your daily operations.

The Digital Resilience Challenge: Why Most SMEs Struggle

Here's the thing: many SMEs get stuck in a reactive cycle. They implement digital solutions as temporary fixes, not as strategic, long-term assets. You might invest in isolated tools that solve an immediate problem, sure, but do they really build true, long-term digital resilience? Nope. This piecemeal approach usually leads to inefficiencies, frustrating compatibility issues, and solutions that become outdated faster than you can say 'upgrade'.

What's interesting is that over 50% of SME founders recognise AI's huge potential to transform their business. Yet, a lot of them haven't meaningfully implemented it. The reality? That gap between awareness and action often comes down to uncertainty about where to even begin, worries about costs, or - let's be honest - previous disappointments with agencies that promised game-changing innovation but delivered cookie-cutter solutions. Sound familiar?

Here's what most businesses miss: the biggest barrier isn't technology itself. It's finding a strategic approach that genuinely aligns your digital investments with your long-term business vision. Without this alignment, even cutting-edge digital products quickly become obsolete. A harsh reality.

Building Digital Foundations That Evolve: The Future-Proofing Framework

True future-proofing? It takes more than just implementing today's trending technologies. It actually demands creating robust digital foundations, specifically designed for adaptation and growth. That's why, at Digital Inspired , we've developed a unique framework. It ensures the digital solutions we build for you today continue delivering real value for years to come.

1. Cloud-First Architecture for Scalability

Cloud-based infrastructure offers the kind of flexibility SMEs desperately need to scale operations without massive capital investment. It's a game-changer. Rather than being locked into rigid systems, cloud-first architecture lets your digital solutions grow right alongside your business. Expanding your product range? Entering new markets? Handling seasonal demand fluctuations? No problem.

Take a London-based hospitality client of ours, for instance. We implemented a cloud-based booking system that initially handled about 50 reservations daily. Fast forward 18 months: that same system seamlessly scaled to process over 500 daily bookings across multiple locations. No significant redesign needed! It's a perfect example of how future-proofing SME digital solutions truly create long-term value.

2. AI Integration as Standard, Not Premium

By 2025, AI capabilities aren't just optional extras; they're essential components of truly competitive digital solutions. Period. Future-proofed websites and apps strategically incorporate AI to do some amazing things: enhance customer experiences, optimise operations, and generate actionable insights from your business data.

Think about it: from intelligent chatbots handling routine customer enquiries to predictive analytics forecasting inventory needs, AI integration builds systems that actually become *more* valuable over time. Why? Because they learn from interactions and data. The most successful SMEs these days don't see AI as some fancy innovation; they see it as essential infrastructure - a foundational element of their entire digital ecosystem.

3. Modular Design for Flexible Evolution

Modular architecture lets you make targeted updates and additions without completely disrupting your entire digital ecosystem. It's incredibly clever. This approach means you can respond quickly to emerging digital trends and changing business requirements, all while preserving your core digital investments.

Here's an example: our modular eCommerce platform for a fashion retailer allowed them to easily add augmented reality try-on features when customer demand for it emerged. They didn't have to rebuild their entire online store! This kind of adaptability is absolutely crucial for maintaining competitive advantage in today's rapidly changing markets.

Emerging Technologies Reshaping SME Digital Landscapes

Understanding which emerging technologies offer genuine, lasting value - versus just short-lived hype - is absolutely critical for smart digital investment. We think these three areas, in particular, represent significant opportunities for SMEs focused on building long-term digital resilience:

Hybrid Work Enablement

The big shift to hybrid work models? It demands digital solutions that seamlessly connect distributed teams, all while keeping operational visibility crystal clear. Integrated collaboration platforms - ones that unify customer data, team workflows, and performance metrics - are what truly create sustainable competitive advantages in everything from talent recruitment to retention.

When we developed a custom project management platform for a professional services firm, we actually built in collaborative capabilities that initially seemed a bit beyond their immediate needs. Fast forward two years. When they shifted to a hybrid model, these very features became absolutely central to their operational success! It's a clear demonstration of how truly forward-thinking digital solutions anticipate business evolution.

Supply Chain Visibility

For SMEs in product-based sectors, supply chain resilience isn't just important; it's become a critical priority. Period. Digital solutions offering real-time visibility across your entire supply network let you pinpoint potential disruptions *before* they even impact your business. Our work at Digital Inspired with clients in retail and manufacturing clearly shows how innovative web development, incorporating predictive analytics, can transform supply chain management from reactive to incredibly proactive.

Data-Driven Decision Frameworks

The most resilient SMEs aren't just using data for reporting anymore. They're leveraging it for strategic decision-making. That's a huge difference. Advanced analytics dashboards can translate complex data into actionable business insights, helping you spot emerging opportunities and challenges much earlier than competitors who are still relying on intuition or - dare I say it - basic reporting.

We built an analytics platform for a client in the financial advisory sector. Initially, it tracked basic client engagement metrics. But thanks to the flexible architecture we put in place, they could gradually incorporate sophisticated predictive models for client retention and service optimisation. This basically transformed their entire approach to client relationships, all thanks to data-driven insights.

From Implementation to Adaptation: The Continuous Evolution Cycle

Future-proofing isn't some one-time project. Nope. It's an ongoing process. The most resilient digital strategies actually bake in continuous learning and adaptation cycles:

Regular digital health assessments to identify emerging gaps and opportunities
Phased implementation plans that prioritise high-impact improvements
User feedback loops that inform ongoing refinements
Technology horizon scanning to identify relevant emerging trends
Scalable architecture that accommodates growth without major rebuilds

This adaptive approach is key. It ensures your digital investments stay aligned with your ever-evolving business goals, while also bringing in cutting-edge digital products that seriously enhance your competitive position.

Taking the First Step: Strategic Digital Assessment

The journey towards real digital resilience? It kicks off with understanding exactly where you stand digitally right now. And, crucially, identifying your most significant opportunities for strategic advancement. A comprehensive digital assessment is how we evaluate your existing digital assets, weighing them against both your current and future business objectives.

This assessment provides crystal-clear clarity on which investments will deliver the greatest long-term value for *your* specific business context. Bottom line: instead of just implementing technology for its own sake, you'll develop a clear roadmap that prioritises digital solutions with lasting, tangible impact.

Partnering for Long-Term Digital Success

The right digital partner doesn't just deliver websites and apps, you know. They do so much more. They help you navigate the complexities of digital transformation with real confidence. They understand your industry's unique challenges, anticipate technological shifts, and collaborate closely with you to ensure your digital investments genuinely drive sustainable growth.

At Digital Inspired, we've helped businesses across all sorts of sectors - from London to Dubai - implement adaptive digital strategy approaches. Approaches that evolve right alongside their growth journey. Our truly collaborative approach means the solutions we develop today keep delivering value long into the future. That's because we build everything with tomorrow firmly in mind.

Ready to Future-Proof Your Digital Presence?

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the difference between truly thriving and merely surviving often comes down to one thing: having digital solutions designed for long-term resilience. By investing in future-proofing SME digital solutions now, you're basically positioning your business to adapt confidently to whatever comes next. Pretty powerful stuff.

From innovative web development that scales seamlessly with your growth to mobile applications that evolve with changing customer expectations, having the right digital foundation truly creates lasting competitive advantage. So, let's build digital solutions together. Solutions that don't just meet today's needs, but smartly anticipate tomorrow's opportunities.

Book a free consultation to discover how we can help future-proof your business for sustainable digital success.

The SME Digital Success Playbook: 7 Proven Strategies From Real-World Growth Stories

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 08:27:46 GMT

Imagine this: a property management company boosting bookings by 82% in just four months. Or an eCommerce business seeing conversion rates leap by 40% after rolling out a new digital solution. And what about a finance firm that automated client onboarding, slashing processing time by 75% while bumping customer satisfaction by 30%? These aren't made-up tales. They're real SME digital success stories, from businesses just like yours.

Let's be honest: if you're running an SME today, you've probably felt that pang of frustration. You know, with digital solutions that promise the moon but deliver... well, not much. You've likely invested precious time and resources into platforms that wowed you in the sales pitch, but then just didn't generate those tangible results for your business. The reality? This gap between digital investment and measurable growth remains one of the biggest headaches for SMEs, even as we head into 2025.

Here at Digital Inspired, we've partnered with businesses across all sorts of sectors - from hospitality to finance, eCommerce to professional services. Our mission? To build digital solutions that actually deliver genuine, quantifiable results. And based on what we've learned from these partnerships, we've put together this practical playbook. It's packed with strategies that consistently drive true SME success.

1. Begin With a Problem-Solution-Outcome Framework

The truth is, the very best digital transformations always kick off with one thing: crystal-clear problem identification. Instead of just throwing technology at a situation, smart SMEs pinpoint specific operational pain points first. Only then do we build targeted solutions. Pretty simple, right?

Take, for instance, a removals company we partnered with. They realised their quote generation process was eating up a huge chunk of time - an average of 47 minutes per customer! So, we developed a custom digital solution that automated key parts of the process. The result? We slashed that time to just 11 minutes. That's a 76% efficiency improvement, meaning they could handle more enquiries and really boost conversion rates.

Want to put this strategy to work for your business? Start by mapping out your current workflows. Pinpoint exactly where your team spends too much time on manual tasks. Then, calculate those potential time savings from automation. Multiply that by your hourly operational costs, and you've got a clear picture of your potential ROI *before* you commit to any development.

2. Prioritise Integration Over Isolation

Here's what most businesses miss: the SMEs seeing truly impressive digital growth aren't just adding new tools. They're focusing on *connected* systems, not isolated ones. Think about it: integrating your website with your CRM, linking payment processing to inventory, or connecting your booking system to customer communications. That's how you create truly multiplicative value.

We had a hospitality client who came to us with exactly this issue. Their reservation system, customer database, and marketing platform were all working in their own silos. We helped them connect everything up, and the result was a single, unified customer view. This meant automated, personalised communications based purely on booking patterns. And get this - that integration drove a massive 157% increase in repeat bookings in just six months!

To get started, map out your current digital ecosystem. Where are those gaps between your systems? Prioritise the integrations that'll wipe out manual data transfers or let you make automated decisions using information from across all your platforms.

3. Structure Digital Projects Into Rapid-Win Phases

When we look at the most impressive SME digital success stories, you know what's interesting? They rarely involve huge, "big bang" implementations. Almost never, in fact. Instead, it's all about a smart, phased approach that delivers measurable value at every single stage, slowly building towards that complete solution.

We took this exact approach for a financial services client developing a new client portal. We broke it down into three clear phases: first, document submission functionality (we got that done in just 6 weeks!). Next, application tracking features were added by week 12. Finally, we integrated regulatory compliance automation, delivered by month 5. This phased strategy meant they saw real efficiency improvements - 32% after just that first phase - which kept momentum high and stakeholders happy throughout the entire project.

So, when you're planning your own digital projects, here's the trick: identify the smallest part that can deliver measurable business value. Implement that *first*. Then, build out more functionality iteratively, always based on user feedback and real-world performance data.

4. Implement Client-Facing and Operational Metrics Simultaneously

Want to unlock the *real* value in your digital investments? The smartest SME digital success stories track two things simultaneously: external client experience metrics *and* internal operational improvements. This dual focus is key. It means your investment drives both incredible customer satisfaction and excellent business efficiency. Win-win, right?

We had a property sector client who understood this perfectly. We helped them develop a solution that tracked both how customers engaged (think time spent on listings, enquiry completion rates) *and* their internal workflow metrics (like listing upload time, or how quickly they responded to enquiries). This all-encompassing approach let them discover something amazing: by reducing their internal image processing time by 62%, they could actually boost property listing views by 44%! That's a connection they would've totally missed if they hadn't measured both sides.

Before you roll out any new digital solution, here's what to do: establish your baseline metrics for *both* customer experience and operational efficiency. Set clear, specific improvement targets for each. And make absolutely sure your solution comes with built-in analytics so you can easily track progress.

5. Design for User Adoption From Day One

Here's the thing: lots of really promising digital initiatives don't fail because the tech is bad. Nope. They fail because users - staff *or* customers - simply don't embrace them. What's interesting is that the most successful SME digital transformations actually prioritise adoption strategy right alongside technical development. Makes sense, doesn't it?

For a legal services firm, we created an intuitive client onboarding platform. It was a game-changer - reducing form abandonment rates by a huge 67% compared to their old system! The secret wasn't *just* the technical functionality, though. We invested significant time in user experience testing with actual clients before launch. We built in contextual help features. And we designed an implementation process that included custom staff training videos for different user roles. It's all about making it easy.

So, involve user representatives from the very start - right from the planning stage. Conduct usability testing with *real* users before you launch. And crucially, create role-specific training resources that focus on the benefits for them, not just a list of features.

6. Build Mobile-First, Even for B2B Solutions

Here's another pattern we've consistently seen in our most successful SME digital projects: mobile-optimised experiences are absolutely crucial. And yes, that's true even for business services that usually seem pretty desktop-focused. The truth is, the most impressive client success stories come from businesses that spotted this shift early on.

We partnered with an accounting services provider to build a mobile-first client dashboard. This meant business owners could easily review financial performance, approve transactions, and chat with their accountant, all from their smartphone. The outcome? A staggering 230% increase in client engagement with financial data, and a really significant boost in client retention rates. Pretty powerful stuff.

So, when you're planning your next digital solution, please do some user research. Understand how your customers and staff *actually* work in the real world. Design for mobile's constraints first, then enhance for bigger screens. Don't ever treat mobile as just an afterthought.

7. Create Feedback Loops for Continuous Improvement

Here's another crucial point: the most impressive SME digital success stories don't just *end* at launch. Not at all. They embed smart mechanisms for gathering user insights and then continuously improve the solution, based on real-world usage data. It's a never-ending journey of optimisation.

We saw this firsthand with a client in the beauty industry. We built them a booking platform that had embedded feedback collection right at key moments in the customer journey. What happened? This approach allowed them to implement a whopping 27 significant usability improvements over 18 months! Their booking completion rates soared from 64% at launch to an incredible 89% today. That kind of performance gain? It would've been totally impossible without that systematic feedback loop.

So, build simple feedback mechanisms directly into your digital solution. Establish a regular schedule for reviewing user data and comments. And, crucially, allocate resources for continuous improvement. Because your digital project is *never* truly "finished" at launch. It's an ongoing journey.

From Strategy to Measurable Business Growth

These seven strategies aren't just theoretical concepts, trust us. They're practical, proven approaches, all drawn from genuine SME digital success stories right across diverse sectors. When you implement them thoughtfully, they consistently deliver measurable business growth, seriously enhanced customer engagement, and significant operational improvements. That's the power.

And here's what's even better: the businesses getting the most impressive results aren't always the ones with the biggest budgets. Nope. It's those who approach digital transformation strategically - really honing in on specific business problems, designing for user adoption, and always improving based on real-world feedback.

At Digital Inspired , we're incredibly proud to have helped businesses right across various sectors put these exact strategies into action and achieve truly remarkable outcomes. We're talking about eCommerce brands hitting 40% conversion rate improvements, and professional service firms slashing operational costs by 75%! The potential for transformation, when you approach digital solutions with this kind of strategic clarity, is absolutely substantial.

So, are you ready to transform your SME's digital capabilities into real, measurable business growth? Our team specialises in collaborating with ambitious SMEs - businesses like yours - to develop digital solutions that truly drive genuine results. Why not book a free consultation with us? We'd love to chat about how these strategies could make a real difference to your specific business challenges.

The Undeniable Impact of Exceptional Digital Design for SMEs in 2025

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 07:51:48 GMT

Imagine seeing your conversion rates soar by up to 400%. Sounds ambitious, right? But that's the reality for businesses truly nailing their digital design. For SMEs battling it out in today's crowded markets, your online look isn't just about aesthetics; it’s absolutely critical to your bottom line. Think about it: potential customers land on your website or app, and in milliseconds - often before they've even read a word - they're already judging your credibility.

The truth is, exceptional design has utterly transformed. It's not a 'nice-to-have' anymore; it's a fundamental business necessity. As we push deeper into 2025, SMEs who truly grasp this shift aren't just surviving - they're pulling ahead. Those who still treat design as an afterthought? Well, they're typically struggling to keep visitors, turn leads into sales, and build those crucial, lasting customer relationships.

Why Exceptional Digital Design for SMEs Matters Now More Than Ever

Here's the thing: the digital landscape has changed massively. Your customers aren't just comparing your website to your direct rivals anymore. Oh no. They're weighing it against every single digital experience they have - think Spotify, Airbnb, or even their favourite news app. When users regularly engage with such beautifully crafted platforms, they absolutely bring those high expectations to your business, no matter your size or sector.

The numbers don't lie. A massive 75% of users judge a company's credibility purely on its website design, and over half of consumers will simply refuse to buy from brands with clunky, poor mobile experiences. For SMEs, that's not just a warning; it's a huge opportunity. Invest strategically in your digital design, and you'll instantly boost your perceived value. Simple as that.

Let's be honest: design isn't just about pretty pictures anymore. It's a genuinely concrete business driver, delivering truly measurable returns. We've seen it time and again: companies that put design first enjoy 32% faster revenue growth and far higher shareholder returns compared to their competitors who just... don't bother.

The Four Pillars of Brand Elevation Through Design

So, how exactly does exceptional digital design create tangible business outcomes for SMEs across all sectors? Let's dive in.

1. Credibility Through Visual Consistency

First impressions? They matter enormously in the digital world. When a potential client lands on your website or app and sees inconsistent branding, outdated visuals, or navigation that just doesn't make sense, it immediately screams 'unprofessional'. For SMEs in those crucial, trust-sensitive industries - think legal, finance, or healthcare - this isn't just a minor issue; it creates an instant credibility gap. And that's a problem.

The solution, then, is to build a cohesive visual language - one that flows perfectly across every single touchpoint. When your website, your app, your social media, and all your marketing materials share consistent design elements, typography, and colour schemes, you're not just looking good; you're building immediate trust. This visual coherence shouts that you're established, you pay attention to detail, and you're absolutely worthy of their consideration.

2. Engagement Through Intuitive UX UI Design Impact

Let's face it: even the most stunning websites fall flat if users can't easily do what they came for. This is where exceptional design truly shines, balancing aesthetics with powerful functionality through thoughtful user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design. When your visitors can effortlessly navigate your digital space, find exactly what they need, and complete desired actions, engagement doesn't just increase - it absolutely skyrockets.

Strategic UX/UI design isn't just about 'feelings'; it directly impacts your key business metrics. Research, for instance, consistently shows that well-executed UX design can slash bounce rates by 10-15% and boost conversion rates by an incredible 200%. For SMEs working with limited marketing budgets, these kinds of improvements aren't just good - they're incredibly cost-effective alternatives to simply throwing more money at advertising.

3. Emotional Connection Through Captivating Digital Aesthetics

But exceptional design goes beyond mere functionality. It's about creating a genuine emotional resonance with your audience. Using thoughtful imagery, engaging animation, subtle micro-interactions, and clever storytelling elements, your digital presence can actually evoke very specific feelings that perfectly align with your brand values. And what happens then? That emotional connection turns casual visitors into devoted, loyal advocates.

Take a hospitality business, for instance. They might use warm, inviting imagery and subtle animations to craft a genuine sense of welcome. Or a legal firm; they'll likely employ super clean, structured layouts with precise typography to evoke feelings of unwavering trust and authority. These aren't just arbitrary 'pretty' choices; they're smart, strategic business decisions designed to directly influence customer behaviour.

4. Differentiation Through Inspiring Brand Identity

In today's often saturated markets, exceptional digital design is precisely what helps SMEs truly stand out from competitors who basically offer similar things. When your product features or pricing are pretty much comparable, your unique visual design strategy becomes that incredibly powerful differentiator. It's what makes your brand not just memorable, but instantly recognisable across every single touchpoint. A huge win, right?

The most successful SMEs, we've found, develop signature design elements that instantly shout 'that's them!' Think distinctive illustration styles, unique photography approaches, or characteristic interface elements. These aren't just pretty details; these visual signatures become incredibly valuable brand assets that competitors simply can't replicate. And that's priceless.

From Theory to Practice: Implementing Exceptional Design for Business Growth

Understanding why design is so important is one thing; actually implementing it effectively is quite another. So, how are those forward-thinking SMEs really translating design theory into measurable business results? Let's take a look.

Start With a Design Audit

Kick things off by thoroughly assessing your current digital presence. We're talking both qualitative and quantitative analysis here. You'll want to dig into user behaviour data to pinpoint friction points, run user testing to uncover actual pain points, and benchmark your performance against industry standards. This diagnostic process isn't just a formality; it'll reveal those crucial, high-impact opportunities for design improvements.

Here's what most businesses miss: a truly thorough design audit doesn't just highlight aesthetic issues. Crucially, it links design problems directly to your business metrics. For instance, a clunky, confusing checkout process isn't just a design flaw - it's actively costing you completed purchases! Seeing this connection makes building a robust business case for design investment so much clearer and more compelling.

Prioritise Mobile-First Design

Mobile traffic basically dominates so many sectors these days, so truly exceptional mobile experiences aren't just important for SMEs - they're non-negotiable. Mobile-first design means going way beyond simply making your website responsive. It’s about rethinking every single interaction from a mobile perspective, optimising everything for touch interfaces, and ensuring lightning-fast load times. That's a must-have.

And the business impact? It's huge. Mobile-optimised sites typically boast 10-20% higher engagement rates and significantly better conversion rates. For local businesses in sectors like hospitality, retail, or services, getting mobile right literally means more foot traffic and, crucially, more in-person sales.

Invest in Professional Design Expertise

Sure, DIY design tools are everywhere now. But here's the reality: the chasm between amateur and truly professional design is still absolutely massive. Working with seasoned design professionals who genuinely understand both beautiful aesthetic principles and your core business objectives? That's what consistently delivers far superior results compared to just sticking to template-based approaches.

The ROI here is incredibly clear: for every £1 you invest in UX design, businesses can see returns of up to £100. Let that sink in for a moment! This isn't just 'good' ROI; it's extraordinary. It makes professional design expertise one of the most genuinely cost-effective investments available to any growth-focused SME. Here at Digital Inspired , we've witnessed firsthand exactly how strategic design investments transform business outcomes for our clients.

Measure Design Impact With Business Metrics

Want to truly maximise your return on design investments? Then you absolutely must establish clear, undeniable connections between your design changes and tangible business outcomes. We're talking about tracking metrics like conversion rates, time-on-site, bounce rates, and customer satisfaction scores before and after you roll out design implementations. This powerful measurement approach transforms design from what some might see as a subjective discipline into a robust, data-backed business function. Pretty powerful, right?

Case in point: one e-commerce client we worked with at Digital Inspired saw an astonishing 35% reduction in cart abandonment after implementing our UX recommendations. That's a game-changing improvement that directly boosted their monthly revenue without needing any extra marketing spend! These kinds of measurable outcomes, let's be frank, make ongoing design investment so much easier to justify.

Taking Action: Your Design-Driven Growth Plan

So, ready to truly harness the immense power of exceptional digital design for your SME? Here's our strategic, step-by-step approach to get you started:

Conduct a comprehensive design audit - Evaluate your current digital presence thoroughly, using both user testing and analytics. This will help you pinpoint those crucial high-impact opportunities for improvement.
Develop a phased implementation plan - Prioritise changes based on their potential business impact, starting with 'quick wins' that can deliver immediate results.
Invest in professional design expertise - Partner with specialists who genuinely understand both strong design principles and your specific business objectives. This is how you maximise your return on investment.
Establish measurement frameworks - Build clear connections between your design changes and actual business metrics. This demonstrates true ROI and helps guide all future investments.
Implement continuous optimisation - Think of design as an ongoing process, not a one-off project. Use data constantly to refine and improve the user experience.

The most successful SMEs out there know this truth: exceptional digital design isn't some dreaded cost centre. Absolutely not. It's a strategic business investment - one that consistently delivers truly measurable returns. By always approaching design with your core business objectives firmly in mind, you'll craft digital experiences that don't just look beautiful, but actively contribute to real growth, efficiency, and, crucially, customer satisfaction.

Ready to Transform Your Digital Presence?

Here's the takeaway: exceptional digital design for SMEs isn't just 'optional' in 2025. It simply isn't. It's now a fundamental business requirement for any company seriously looking for growth. The data couldn't be clearer: businesses that strategically invest in design consistently outperform their competitors across virtually every single metric that genuinely matters.

At Digital Inspired, we don't just craft impressive digital experiences; we specialise in creating ones that actually deliver measurable business results. Our truly collaborative approach ensures your unique brand values don't just show up, they absolutely shine through in every single pixel. Plus, our strategic methodology directly connects every design decision to your core business objectives, ensuring maximum impact.

So, are you ready to elevate your brand and unleash the full power of exceptional digital design ? Let's talk . We'd love to discuss how we can transform your digital presence into an incredibly powerful engine for sustainable business growth.

4 Top Trends Driving Robust Digital Growth Solutions in 2025

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 08:51:23 GMT

Here's a thought-provoking statistic: Businesses that embraced integrated digital solutions last year saw their revenue grow by over 30%. That’s 73% of SMEs, in fact! In today's incredibly competitive market, having the right digital infrastructure isn't just a bonus; it’s absolutely crucial for both survival and real, sustainable growth.

Let's be honest, many SMEs struggle with digital solutions that look amazing but just don't deliver. You've probably experienced it yourself: beautiful websites generating next to no leads, or apps that get downloaded once and then forgotten. That gap between a shiny digital presence and actual business performance? It's frustrating, right? And it wastes valuable resources.

The good news? The digital landscape is always evolving. Fortunately, breakthrough trends are now emerging, specifically designed to bridge this disconnect between digital investment and tangible results. So, what's genuinely impactful? Let's dive into the most significant trends reshaping how businesses will approach robust digital growth solutions in 2025.

1. AI-Powered Automation: Beyond Basic Chatbots

AI has truly come a long way - far beyond those simple, rule-based chatbots we used to know. Today's AI-powered solutions can handle incredibly complex customer interactions, automate entire personalised marketing campaigns, and even predict customer behaviour with impressive accuracy. The best part? These powerful capabilities are now easily accessible to SMEs through intuitive platforms that don't require deep technical expertise.

Take a clothing retailer, for example. They implemented an AI assistant to manage initial customer enquiries and schedule appointments with stylists. Within just three months, they saw a whopping 40% increase in qualified meetings. Plus, it freed up their staff to focus on high-value customer interactions, not just administrative tasks.

Your opportunity: Implementing AI automation offers immediate operational efficiencies while simultaneously improving customer experiences. Here's the thing: by integrating AI solutions into your digital ecosystem, you can significantly reduce manual workloads, boost customer engagement, and improve conversion rates. This dual impact makes it one of the most cost-effective digital conversion strategies out there today.

2. Unified Customer Data Platforms: Breaking Down Silos

Gone are the days of disjointed customer experiences across different channels. Unified Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) are completely revolutionising how businesses collect, analyse, and activate customer data across every single touchpoint. These platforms build comprehensive customer profiles that inform every interaction, whether it's through your website, your mobile app, or even in-person. Talk about a game-changer!

We saw a hardware retailer implement a unified customer platform and achieve a 25% increase in conversion rates, alongside 15% higher upsell rates, all within six months. The system allowed them to instantly recognise returning customers across any channel and provide personalised recommendations based on previous purchase history. It's smart.

Your opportunity: Investing in a unified data approach enables you to craft seamless customer journeys that genuinely boost satisfaction and drive business revenue growth. With a truly comprehensive view of customer behaviour, you can spot patterns, anticipate needs, and deliver highly personalised experiences that dramatically improve conversion rates. Bottom line: happy customers, more sales.

3. Immersive Commerce Experiences

The line between physical and digital shopping is getting blurrier by the minute, thanks to amazing advancements in augmented reality (AR) and 3D visualisation. These technologies let customers practically 'try before they buy,' visualising products right in their own environment. That dramatically reduces return rates and massively increases purchase confidence. Pretty cool, right?

A furniture retailer, for instance, added AR functionality to their mobile app, letting customers see exactly how a piece would look in their home. This feature led to a 35% reduction in returns and a 28% increase in average order value. Why? Customers just felt more confident making those bigger purchases.

Your opportunity: Implementing immersive commerce experiences is one of the most exciting areas for market reach expansion. By giving your customers the ability to interact with products virtually, you remove a significant barrier to purchase. Plus, you're creating truly memorable brand experiences that drive loyalty and, even better, word-of-mouth marketing.

4. Hyper-Personalisation Through Predictive Analytics

Let's face it: generic mass marketing is becoming less and less effective. Customers now expect tailored experiences. It's just how it is. Luckily, advanced predictive analytics now empower businesses to anticipate customer needs. This means you can deliver perfectly timed, highly relevant communications that dramatically improve engagement and conversion rates. And that's exactly what we want, isn't it?

A boutique hotel put predictive analytics to work, anticipating guest preferences and personalising pre-arrival communications. By recommending specific room types, dining options, and activities based on past behaviour and similar customer profiles, they increased upsell revenue by an impressive 42% and boosted guest satisfaction scores by 30%. That’s a significant win-win.

Your opportunity: Leveraging predictive analytics really transforms your digital product performance. How? By making every single customer interaction more relevant and incredibly valuable. Instead of just reacting to customer behaviour, you can proactively address needs before customers even express them. This creates a competitive advantage that's pretty tough for anyone else to replicate.

Putting These Trends Into Action

Here's what most businesses miss: the most successful SMEs aren't implementing these trends in isolation. No, they're integrating them into cohesive digital strategies that truly amplify their impact. The key is to start with a clear understanding of your specific business challenges and your customers' needs, then strategically apply these powerful solutions to address them.

At Digital Inspired , we've seen firsthand how these trends can absolutely transform businesses across all sorts of sectors - from eCommerce and hospitality to financial services and property. The common factor in successful implementations isn't just the technology itself, but how strategically it's applied to solve real business problems. That's where the magic happens.

When you're figuring out which trends to prioritise, consider both the immediate impact and the long-term growth potential. AI automation often delivers the quickest ROI, which is great. Unified data platforms, on the other hand, build foundational capabilities that enable all sorts of future innovations. Then there are immersive experiences and predictive analytics; generally, these drive the most significant competitive differentiation.

The digital landscape will definitely keep evolving at pace. But these core trends represent fundamental shifts in how robust digital growth solutions deliver genuine value. By embracing these approaches now, you're not just keeping up; you're positioning your business to truly leverage change as a powerful competitive advantage.

Ready to turn these exciting trends into tangible growth for your business? We thought you might be! Explore our portfolio of successful SME digital transformation projects, or simply book a free consultation to discuss how we can help you implement these powerful digital growth strategies.

7 Steps to Create an Exceptional SME Digital Experience That Drives Growth

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 17:09:17 GMT

Is your website turning away potential customers instead of converting them? You're not alone. In 2025, 67% of SMEs struggle with digital products that fail to deliver real business results, despite having an online presence.

For small and medium enterprises, the difference between surviving and thriving increasingly depends on the quality of your digital experience. It's no longer enough to simply exist online - your digital presence must actively work to attract customers and drive growth.

At Digital Inspired, we've helped hundreds of businesses transform their digital presence into powerful growth engines. Here's our step-by-step guide to creating an SME digital experience that genuinely connects with customers and delivers measurable results.

1. Start With a Customer-First Strategy

The most common mistake SMEs make is designing their digital presence around what they want to say rather than what their customers need. Begin by thoroughly understanding your customers' journey, pain points, and what they're really looking for when they interact with businesses like yours.

Create detailed customer personas that capture not just demographics but also digital behaviours, preferences, and frustrations. What devices do they use? When are they most likely to search for your services? What problems are they trying to solve?

This foundation ensures every design decision, content piece, and feature serves a real customer need rather than an internal preference. Your digital experience should solve problems for users, not create new ones.

2. Design an Intuitive User Journey

Your website or app should guide visitors naturally toward their goals, whether that's making a purchase, booking a service, or finding information. Map out the entire user journey from first touch to conversion, identifying potential roadblocks and opportunities to delight.

Key elements of an intuitive journey include:

Clear, prominent calls-to-action that stand out visually
Logical information architecture that mirrors how customers think
Streamlined navigation with descriptive labels
Simplified forms with only essential fields
Visible contact information and support options

Remember that confusion leads to abandonment. Every click should move users confidently toward their destination without requiring them to think about what to do next.

3. Prioritise Mobile-First Design

In 2025, mobile traffic accounts for over 65% of web visits for most SMEs. Yet many businesses still design primarily for desktop, treating mobile as an afterthought. This approach severely limits your growth potential.

Mobile-first design means beginning your design process with the mobile experience, then expanding to larger screens. This approach ensures your core functions work flawlessly on smaller devices, where most customers will encounter your brand.

Focus on touch-friendly interfaces with appropriately sized buttons, simplified menus, and content prioritised for smaller screens. Ensure load times are lightning-fast - each second of delay on mobile increases bounce rates by 20%.

The mobile apps we create follow these principles, resulting in engagement rates 3x higher than industry averages.

4. Create Content That Converts

Your digital content should actively work to move customers through your sales funnel, not just fill space. Each piece of content needs a clear purpose aligned with a specific stage of the customer journey.

For SME digital experiences, conversion-focused content includes:

Benefit-driven headlines that speak directly to customer needs
Concise, scannable text with bulleted lists and subheadings
Social proof elements like testimonials, reviews, and case studies
Visual content that demonstrates your product or service in action
Clear next steps that guide users toward conversion

Remember that your website visitors typically scan rather than read in detail. Make your key messages stand out visually and ensure they communicate value quickly.

5. Build in Personalisation Capabilities

Personalisation has become essential for SME digital experience, with businesses implementing tailored content seeing conversion rates increase by up to 30%. Even with limited resources, you can incorporate simple personalisation strategies that make a significant impact.

Start with these achievable personalisation tactics:

Segment email communications based on previous interactions
Display relevant product recommendations based on browsing history
Tailor landing pages for different traffic sources
Implement geolocation features to show local information
Use cookies to welcome returning visitors differently

As your digital maturity grows, you can implement more sophisticated personalisation through customer data platforms that create truly individualised experiences at scale.

6. Implement Analytics and Continuous Improvement

A truly effective SME digital experience isn't static - it evolves based on real user data and behaviour. Implement comprehensive analytics that go beyond basic traffic metrics to understand how users actually interact with your digital products.

Focus on these key performance indicators:

Conversion rate by traffic source and device
User flow and drop-off points in key journeys
Engagement metrics (time on page, scroll depth, interactions)
Form completion rates and abandonment points
Return visitor rate and customer retention

Use these insights to make regular, incremental improvements to your website or app. Even small optimisations can compound to create significant growth over time.

7. Connect All Digital Touchpoints

Your customers don't experience your brand in silos - they move between your website, social media, email communications, and perhaps your mobile app. These touchpoints must work together to create a cohesive customer experience.

Audit all your digital channels to ensure consistent messaging, visual identity, and user experience. Information captured in one channel should be accessible in others to create a seamless journey.

Consider implementing these connected experience elements:

Single sign-on across all digital properties
Consistent product information across channels
Shared customer service history between platforms
Cross-platform notification systems
Unified analytics to track cross-channel journeys

This connected approach ensures customers receive consistent value regardless of how they choose to engage with your business.

Transform Your Digital Presence for Meaningful Growth

Creating an exceptional SME digital experience isn't about chasing trends or implementing flashy features. It's about thoroughly understanding your customers and building digital products that genuinely meet their needs while driving your business goals.

The most successful SMEs approach digital experience as an ongoing programme of improvement rather than a one-time project. Each refinement brings you closer to a digital presence that not only attracts customers but converts and retains them.

At Digital Inspired, we specialise in creating websites and mobile apps that don't just look good - they deliver measurable business results through thoughtful user journey optimisation, compelling design, and strategic functionality.

Ready to transform your digital presence into a powerful growth engine? Let's talk about how we can collaborate to create digital experiences that truly represent your brand and connect with your ideal customers.

How to Align Your Website Design With Your Brand Identity

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 07:58:38 GMT

Your website is often the first place customers interact with your brand, which means it plays a crucial role in shaping how they see your business. When your design, messaging and visuals work together cohesively, they help build trust, recognition and loyalty. But when your website feels disconnected from your brand identity, it can confuse visitors and weaken the impact of your marketing efforts.

Here’s how to ensure your website reflects your brand accurately and consistently.

1. Start With Clear Brand Foundations

Before diving into website design, it’s essential to have your brand identity clearly defined. This includes your brand values, mission, personality, tone of voice and visual guidelines. If any of these are unclear, your website may end up feeling inconsistent or directionless.

A strong brand foundation ensures that every design decision—colour, layout, photography or copy—supports a unified message.

2. Use Consistent Visual Elements

Visual consistency is one of the quickest ways to strengthen brand identity. This includes using the same:

Colour palette
Typography
Logo variations
Icon styles
Photography or illustration style

These elements should be applied consistently across your website to create a seamless and recognisable brand experience.

For example, a luxury brand might use elegant typography, a muted colour palette and sophisticated imagery, whilst a fun, youthful brand might lean towards bold colours and playful graphics.

3. Reflect Your Brand Personality in Your Layout

Your website layout can communicate just as much about your brand as your colours and fonts. A minimalist design gives a modern, professional feel, whereas a more vibrant layout can make your brand appear energetic and creative.

Consider what your brand stands for and choose a structure that mirrors that personality. Clean, simple layouts are ideal for brands focused on clarity and professionalism, while more dynamic layouts may suit lifestyle or creative brands.

4. Align Your Tone of Voice With Your Audience

Brand identity isn’t just visual—it’s verbal too. The language you use on your website should align with your brand personality and speak directly to your audience.

A financial firm might use a formal, authoritative tone, whereas a boutique bakery might adopt a warm, friendly voice. Consistent messaging across headings, product descriptions and calls to action helps build familiarity and strengthens brand trust.

5. Use Authentic, On-Brand Imagery

Stock photos can work in some cases, but overused or generic images can dilute your brand identity. Where possible, use high-quality, original photography or custom illustrations that match your visual style and brand personality. This makes your website feel more genuine and memorable.

6. Ensure Your User Experience Reflects Your Values

If your brand values simplicity, your site should be easy to navigate. If you champion innovation, users should experience fresh, modern interactions. User experience (UX) is a direct reflection of your brand—so every interaction should echo your core values.

Ready to Build a Website That Truly Represents Your Brand?

Aligning your website with your brand identity isn’t just a design choice—it’s a powerful strategy that boosts recognition, trust and conversions.

At Digital Inspired , we specialise in creating websites that bring your brand to life online and connect with your audience from the moment they land on your page.

Discover how we can elevate your brand at Digital Inspired and book your free consultation today.

The ROI of Professional Web Design vs. DIY Builders

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 07:32:05 GMT

In an age where anyone can create a website with a drag-and-drop tool, it’s easy to wonder whether investing in professional web design is really worth it. DIY platforms like Wix and Squarespace make it seem quick and affordable—but when it comes to long-term return on investment, there’s a clear difference between a site you build yourself and one crafted by experts.

Here’s a closer look at how professional web design compares to DIY builders in terms of performance, conversions and business growth.

1. First Impressions and Brand Credibility

DIY websites often rely on generic templates that hundreds of other businesses also use. While they can look tidy, they rarely capture your brand identity or communicate professionalism at a high level. A custom-designed website, on the other hand, is built around your message, tone and audience—instantly setting you apart and helping build trust.

Customers judge a business in seconds, and a polished, bespoke website signals credibility and legitimacy right away.

2. Optimised for Conversions

DIY sites tend to focus on how things look rather than how they perform. Without expert guidance, calls to action can be unclear, navigation confusing and page layout ineffective.

A professionally designed site considers user experience from the ground up:

Clear conversion paths
Strategic placement of CTAs
Mobile optimisation
Accessibility compliance
Faster load speeds

These elements directly affect enquiries, sales and bookings—making a tangible difference to your ROI.

3. SEO and Visibility

Search engines reward websites that are technically sound, mobile-friendly and fast. DIY builders offer basic SEO tools, but rarely provide the structure needed to rank competitively.

Professional designers build with search performance in mind, setting up clean code, optimised pages and correct metadata—all of which help your business appear higher on Google and attract more organic traffic without relying on paid ads.

4. Long-Term Value vs. Short-Term Savings

DIY sites may seem cheaper at first, but limitations soon appear:

Hidden subscription costs
Limited design flexibility
Restricted functionality
Poor scalability
Extra fees for plugins or e-commerce features

Professional design is an investment that pays for itself through better performance, higher conversions and long-term adaptability. Instead of outgrowing your site within a year, you get a platform built to grow with your business.

5. Support, Strategy and Peace of Mind

With DIY builders, you’re responsible for everything—security updates, troubleshooting, layout changes and compliance. That takes time away from running your business.

When you work with a web design agency, you gain strategic support, ongoing maintenance and expert insight into what works online—giving you both confidence and time back.

So, What’s the Real ROI?

A website built by professionals isn’t just a prettier version of a DIY template—it’s a sales tool engineered to convert visitors, build trust and support growth. While DIY options may suit hobbyists or startups testing an idea, businesses that want to scale see better profitability and long-term gains with expert design.

At Digital Inspired , we specialise in websites that deliver measurable results—not just surface-level design. If you’re ready to turn your website into a high-performing business asset, we’re here to help.

Explore how we can elevate your online presence at Digital Inspired and book a free consultation today .

Why Your Website Is Your Most Powerful Sales Tool

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 07:17:52 GMT

Your website is more than just a place to showcase your business—it’s your most powerful sales tool. Whether you run a local shop, a professional service, or a growing e-commerce brand, your website is often the very first interaction potential customers have with you. And as we all know, first impressions count.

At Digital Inspired, we’ve helped businesses of all sizes transform their websites into conversion-driven platforms. Here’s why your website should be working harder than any member of your sales team.

It Works Around the Clock

Unlike a physical shop or an office, your website never closes. It’s live 24/7, ready to welcome visitors, answer questions, and capture leads while you sleep. A well-designed website gives potential customers everything they need—product details, testimonials, pricing, and ways to get in touch—at the exact moment they’re looking for it.

It Builds Trust Instantly

People make snap judgements online. Research shows it takes just a few seconds for visitors to decide whether they trust your site. Clean design, professional branding, and clear messaging all contribute to that trust. Add in case studies, client reviews, and security badges, and you’ll quickly reassure hesitant visitors that your business is reliable.

It Guides Visitors Towards Action

A great website doesn’t just provide information—it encourages action. From booking a consultation to making a purchase, every page should guide visitors towards the next step in their journey. Effective calls to action (CTAs), strategically placed throughout the site, act like a virtual salesperson, nudging prospects closer to conversion.

It Strengthens Your Brand Identity

Your website is your digital shop window. Every colour, font, and image contributes to the way your brand is perceived. A strong, consistent design ensures that your business looks professional and memorable, helping you stand out from competitors.

It Provides Measurable Results

Unlike traditional marketing, where it’s hard to track exactly what’s working, your website gives you data you can use. Analytics tools reveal how people find your site, where they spend the most time, and where they drop off. This insight allows you to refine your strategy and continuously improve your results.

Is Your Website Selling for You?

The truth is, a website that isn’t optimised for conversions is a missed opportunity. It could mean potential customers are slipping away to competitors who have invested in better design and user experience.

At Digital Inspired, we don’t just design websites that look good—we build sites that deliver measurable business results. From sleek, responsive designs to conversion-focused strategies, our goal is to make your website your strongest sales asset.

Ready to turn your website into your best-performing salesperson? Visit Digital Inspired today and book a free consultation with our team.

10 Website Design Mistakes That Are Killing Your Conversions

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 07:08:40 GMT

Your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your business. No matter how good your product or service is, poor design choices can send visitors clicking away instead of converting into leads or sales. At Digital Inspired , we’ve seen firsthand how subtle design tweaks can dramatically improve performance. Below are ten common website design mistakes that may be costing you conversions—and how to fix them.

1. Slow Loading Times

If your site takes longer than three seconds to load, most users will leave. Bloated images, unnecessary scripts, and cheap hosting are often the culprits. Speed optimization should be a top priority.

2. Cluttered Layouts

Too much text, too many buttons, or distracting pop-ups overwhelm visitors. A clean, well-structured design guides the eye and keeps the focus on what matters: your offer.

3. Poor Mobile Experience

Over 60% of web traffic now comes from mobile devices. If your site isn’t responsive or easy to use on smaller screens, you’re losing a huge portion of your audience.

4. Weak Calls to Action (CTAs)

If visitors don’t know what to do next, they’ll leave. A strong CTA—like “Get Your Free Quote Today”—should be clear, visible, and action-oriented.

5. Confusing Navigation

If users can’t find what they need within a few clicks, they’ll bounce. Keep menus simple and intuitive with clear labels and a logical hierarchy.

6. Overusing Stock Photos

Generic stock images make your brand feel impersonal. Whenever possible, use authentic photography or custom graphics that reflect your business.

7. Lack of Trust Signals

No testimonials, case studies, or security badges? Visitors need reassurance. Adding these elements builds credibility and increases conversions.

8. Ignoring Accessibility

If your site isn’t accessible to people with disabilities, you’re excluding potential customers and risking legal issues. Good design is inclusive design.

9. Walls of Text

Long paragraphs scare users away. Break content into short sections with headlines, bullet points, and visuals to keep readers engaged.

10. No Clear Value Proposition

If visitors can’t quickly understand who you are, what you do, and why it matters to them, they’ll move on. Your homepage should communicate your value instantly.

The Bottom Line

A well-designed website isn’t just about looking good—it’s about guiding visitors toward action. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll create a smoother, more persuasive user experience that leads to more conversions.

At Digital Inspired , we specialize in designing websites that don’t just impress—they perform. Whether you need a full redesign or a few strategic tweaks, our team can help turn your website into your best sales tool.

 Ready to stop losing conversions? Contact Digital Inspired today for a free consultation and discover how we can transform your website into a high-converting asset.

How AI Is Transforming Web & Mobile App Development in 2025

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 14:23:14 GMT

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a buzzword—it’s the backbone of innovation in web and mobile app development. In 2025, AI has moved far beyond experimental; it's embedded into every stage of the digital product lifecycle, from design and development to testing, personalisation, and post-launch optimisation.

For modern agencies and startups alike, understanding how AI is reshaping the landscape is essential to staying competitive. Here’s a look at the most impactful ways AI is transforming web and mobile app development this year.

Faster Prototyping and Design

AI-powered tools like Figma AI, Uizard, and Framer allow developers and designers to generate wireframes, layouts, and entire user interfaces from simple text prompts. What used to take days can now be done in hours. Agencies can quickly produce interactive prototypes, reducing client feedback loops and accelerating time-to-market.

Smarter Coding with AI Assistance

Coding is being revolutionized by tools like GitHub Copilot and CodeWhisperer. These AI assistants help developers write code faster and with fewer errors, offering real-time suggestions, auto-completing functions, and even spotting security vulnerabilities. This is especially valuable for agencies juggling multiple tech stacks or tight project timelines.

Automated Testing and QA

Testing is a major bottleneck in most development workflows. AI now enables automated test case generation, bug detection, and regression testing. Tools like Testim and Functionize use machine learning to adapt to app changes over time—reducing manual QA effort and ensuring more reliable releases.

Hyper-Personalised User Experiences

AI lets apps dynamically adjust to user behavior. From personalised content recommendations to AI-driven UX adjustments, applications can now “learn” how users interact and tailor their experiences accordingly. This level of personalisation boosts engagement, retention, and overall user satisfaction.

Natural Language Interfaces

Voice and text-based AI interfaces are becoming standard. Whether through ChatGPT integrations or custom NLP models, apps can now offer conversational experiences—ideal for customer support, onboarding, or guiding users through complex workflows. This also expands accessibility for users with varying needs.

Enhanced Data Insights

Web and mobile apps generate a goldmine of user data. AI tools like Mixpanel with predictive analytics and Hotjar with AI heatmaps help teams understand user behavior, identify friction points, and prioritize improvements. Decisions are no longer guesswork—they’re data-driven and AI-informed.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, AI is not replacing developers or designers—it’s empowering them. The best agencies aren't just using AI tools; they’re integrating AI thinking into every aspect of their workflows. As client expectations rise and competition intensifies, the agencies that embrace AI-driven development will lead the pack.

The future of web and mobile app development is intelligent, adaptive, and deeply collaborative—and it’s happening now, contact Digital Inspired for more information.

AI-Generated Content: Should You Use It on Your Website?

Thu, 22 May 2025 12:43:20 GMT

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the digital landscape — and content creation is no exception. With AI tools now capable of generating blog posts, product descriptions, and landing page copy in seconds, many businesses are asking: Should I be using AI-generated content on my website?

The answer isn’t black and white. While AI offers powerful advantages, it also comes with limitations that require a thoughtful, strategic approach.

The Pros of AI-Generated Content

1. Speed and Efficiency
AI tools can produce large volumes of content quickly, making them ideal for generating ideas, outlines, or first drafts. This can be especially useful for SMEs or digital marketers under tight deadlines.

2. Cost-Effective
Hiring skilled copywriters for every page can become expensive. AI-generated content offers a low-cost alternative for routine copy, FAQs, or category descriptions.

3. SEO Scaling
AI can help scale content for SEO purposes, such as generating meta descriptions, alt text, and keyword-based content for large websites or eCommerce platforms.

4. Consistency
AI helps maintain a consistent tone and style across web pages, which is useful for branding and UX.

The Limitations (and Risks)

1. Lack of Human Touch
AI lacks emotional intelligence, creativity, and cultural nuance. The result? Content that may sound robotic, generic, or fail to connect with your audience.

2. Risk of Duplicate or Low-Quality Content
Search engines like Google prioritise original, helpful content. AI may inadvertently produce repetitive or rehashed content, which could harm your SEO rather than improve it.

3. Limited Understanding of Brand Voice
Your brand has a unique identity. AI can mimic tone, but it doesn’t understand your company’s core values, audience pain points, or storytelling goals in the way a skilled human writer does.

4. Ethical and Legal Questions
Using AI-generated content without proper review or sourcing could lead to copyright issues, misinformation, or accessibility problems.

Best Practices for Using AI Content on Your Website

If you're planning to use AI-generated content, here’s how to do it responsibly:

Always review and edit AI-generated text before publishing.
Use AI for efficiency , not replacement — let it support human creativity.
Blend AI insights with real human experience , especially in thought leadership or brand storytelling.
Ensure originality by running content through plagiarism checkers.
Optimise for SEO with proper keyword use, structure, and internal linking.

The Verdict: A Balanced Approach is Best

AI-generated content can be a valuable tool for your digital strategy — but it shouldn’t replace human insight, especially when it comes to building trust, authority, and emotional connection. Use AI where it makes sense, but always put your brand voice and audience needs first.

Need Help Getting It Right?

At Digital Inspired , we specialise in crafting SEO-optimised content strategies that balance the efficiency of AI with the power of human creativity. Whether you’re looking to enhance your blog, refresh website copy, or explore AI content the smart way — we’re here to help.

Ready to take your content to the next level? Contact Digital Inspired today .

The Ultimate Guide to Responsive and Mobile-First Web Design

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 08:24:54 GMT

Today, your website is often the first impression people have of your brand — and that impression happens on all kinds of devices. From smartphones and tablets to laptops and desktops, users expect fast, beautiful, and seamless online experiences wherever they are.

That’s why responsive and mobile-first web design have become essential elements of modern website development.

What is Responsive Web Design?

Responsive web design is an approach that ensures a website adapts its layout and content automatically based on the user’s device and screen size. This flexibility means your website looks polished and functions smoothly whether someone is viewing it on a large desktop monitor or a tiny phone screen.

By using fluid grids, flexible images, and CSS media queries, responsive design eliminates the need for separate mobile and desktop versions of a site — saving time, money, and maintenance headaches.

What is Mobile-First Web Design?

Mobile-first design takes responsiveness a step further. Instead of designing a desktop site first and scaling it down for mobile, the mobile-first approach starts with the smallest screen and builds up from there.

Why does this matter? Because mobile users often face more limitations — smaller screens, slower internet speeds, and touch navigation. Designing for mobile-first ensures that your site is lightweight, intuitive, and focused on essential content — creating a better experience for everyone, even on desktop.

Benefits of Responsive & Mobile-First Web Design

→ Better User Experience
Users are more likely to stay, engage, and convert when your site works perfectly on their device.

→ Improved SEO Performance
Google prioritizes mobile-friendly websites in search rankings — responsive design is key for visibility.

→ Increased Conversion Rates
Mobile-first sites remove friction from the user journey, making actions like buying, booking, or contacting easier.

→ Future-Proofing Your Site
As new devices and screen sizes emerge, a responsive framework ensures your site stays functional and beautiful.

Best Practices for Responsive & Mobile-First Design

Start your design with mobile wireframes
Prioritize content — less is more
Optimize images for fast load times
Use flexible grids and layouts
Make buttons large enough for touch interaction
Test your site on real devices, not just emulators
Keep navigation simple and accessible
Focus on performance and speed

Ready to Create a Website That Works Everywhere?

At Digital Inspired, we don’t just build websites — we craft digital experiences that connect with users on every screen. Whether you’re launching a new brand, refreshing an outdated site, or looking to boost mobile performance, we’ll help you create a responsive, mobile-first website designed to perform.

It’s time to future-proof your online presence and deliver an experience your users will love.

→ Let’s talk about your project. Contact Digital Inspired today !

How AI is Revolutionising Web Design in 2025

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 08:03:50 GMT

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming web design, making it smarter, faster, and more user-centric than ever before. In 2025, AI-driven technologies are redefining how websites are built, optimised, and personalised, offering seamless experiences for users and businesses alike.

1. AI-Powered Website Builders

AI-powered platforms can generate website layouts, color schemes, and content suggestions based on industry trends and user input. However, while these tools are great for basic designs, they lack the creative strategy, brand storytelling, and customisation that a professional web design agency provides. Businesses still need experienced designers and developers to create unique, high-performing websites tailored to their brand identity, user needs, and long-term goals. AI is a tool—but human expertise makes the difference.

2. Personalised User Experiences

AI enables hyper-personalisation by analysing user behavior and delivering tailored content in real-time. From dynamic landing pages to personalised product recommendations, AI ensures that visitors see content relevant to their needs, boosting engagement and conversions.

3. Smart Chatbots & Virtual Assistants

AI-driven chatbots now provide real-time support, answering queries, guiding users, and even making personalised suggestions. These virtual assistants enhance customer experiences and reduce response times, improving overall satisfaction.

4. Automated SEO & Performance Optimization

AI tools now handle SEO, ensuring websites rank higher on search engines by optimizing keywords, meta descriptions, and performance metrics. AI also monitors site speed and user engagement, making automatic adjustments for a seamless browsing experience.

Embrace AI-Powered Web Design with Digital Inspired

At Digital Inspired , we integrate cutting-edge AI technologies to build intelligent, high-performing websites tailored to your business needs. Let’s revolutionize your online presence together!

�� Ready to future-proof your website? Contact Digital Inspired today and transform your digital experience with AI-driven design!

The Future of E-commerce Website Design

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 07:57:59 GMT

As the digital marketplace continues to evolve, the future of e-commerce website design is set to be more dynamic, intuitive, and customer-focused than ever before. Businesses that want to stay ahead must embrace emerging trends and technologies to enhance user experience and drive conversions.

One of the biggest shifts in e-commerce design is the emphasis on personalisation. AI-driven recommendations, dynamic content, and tailored shopping experiences are becoming the norm, allowing brands to connect with customers on a deeper level. Features like chatbots, virtual assistants, and voice search are also transforming how users interact with online stores, making shopping more seamless and efficient.

Another major trend shaping the future is immersive design elements. Augmented reality (AR) and 3D product visuals enable customers to visualize products in real-world settings before making a purchase. This enhances confidence in buying decisions, reducing returns and boosting customer satisfaction. Additionally, minimalist design with clean layouts, fast load speeds, and mobile-first optimization ensures smooth navigation and an enhanced user experience across all devices.

Sustainability and ethical design are also gaining traction. Consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of their purchases, prompting e-commerce brands to integrate eco-friendly design choices, such as dark mode options for reduced energy consumption and sustainable packaging information.

To remain competitive in the ever-changing digital landscape, businesses must adopt these innovations and create customer-centric online shopping experiences.

At Digital Inspired , we specialise in crafting future-proof e-commerce websites that combine cutting-edge design with seamless functionality. Let us help you transform your online store and captivate your audience. Contact us today to elevate your e-commerce presence and drive success.

The Power of Visual Storytelling in Web Design

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 14:58:39 GMT

In a world where attention spans are shorter than ever, visual storytelling has become a cornerstone of effective web design. By combining compelling visuals with a narrative, businesses can engage audiences, evoke emotions, and communicate their brand message in ways that text alone cannot achieve.

Visual storytelling transforms static websites into immersive experiences. It leverages images, videos, animations, and graphics to guide users through a journey, helping them connect with a brand’s values and vision. For instance, an e-commerce site might use product images and customer testimonials in a dynamic layout to showcase how its offerings improve lives. Similarly, a nonprofit organization can employ striking photography and infographics to tell impactful stories about their mission.

The benefits of visual storytelling extend beyond aesthetics. When done effectively, it improves user engagement, reduces bounce rates, and fosters trust by creating memorable impressions. Additionally, visuals are processed 60,000 times faster than text by the human brain, making them a powerful tool for capturing attention quickly. Paired with an intuitive design, visual storytelling ensures visitors stay longer, explore deeper, and are more likely to take action.

As web design trends evolve, the integration of storytelling elements—like parallax scrolling, micro-interactions, and video backgrounds—has become essential for standing out in a crowded digital space. By weaving a story into your website’s design, you not only captivate your audience but also differentiate your brand.

Ready to harness the power of visual storytelling? At Digital Inspired , we craft web designs that combine stunning visuals with impactful narratives to leave a lasting impression. Contact us today to create a website that truly resonates with your audience and drives meaningful results.

Why Responsive Design is Non-Negotiable in 2024

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 15:12:42 GMT

As we step further into 2024, the digital landscape continues to evolve, setting higher standards for online experiences. A responsive website design is no longer optional—it’s essential for businesses aiming to thrive in this fast-paced environment.

Responsive design allows a website to adapt seamlessly to various screen sizes and devices, ensuring an optimal user experience whether on a desktop, tablet, or smartphone. With mobile devices accounting for over 60% of global web traffic, any site that isn’t optimised for mobile stands to lose a significant portion of its audience. Users today demand quick-loading, easily navigable sites that deliver clear, engaging content across all platforms. Failure to meet these expectations can result in increased bounce rates and diminished brand credibility.

Google’s mobile-first indexing further amplifies the necessity of responsive design. Since Google predominantly uses the mobile version of a site for indexing and ranking, websites that are not mobile-friendly face an uphill battle in SEO performance. A responsive design not only enhances the user experience but also improves your website’s visibility, leading to higher engagement, retention, and conversion rates.

In 2024, the stakes are higher than ever. Companies that overlook responsive design risk falling behind competitors who prioritize seamless, device-friendly user experiences. To remain relevant, businesses must adopt a future-proof approach that centers on adaptability and user satisfaction.

Want to ensure your website meets the demands of 2024 and beyond? Partner with Digital Inspired to create a responsive design that engages users and drives success. Reach out today and let’s elevate your digital presence to the next level .

Digital Inspired Becomes Key Stakeholder as Priyesh Vaghjiani Takes CEO Role at Eazi-Business

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 19:07:45 GMT

In a major move within the digital business space, Priyesh Vaghjiani of Digital Inspired has officially become a key stakeholder and the new CEO of Eazi-Business. This strategic partnership signals a new era of growth and innovation for Eazi-Business, a company well-known for providing cutting-edge mobile apps and digital solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) worldwide.

Priyesh Vaghjiani, a seasoned entrepreneur and digital expert, brings a wealth of experience from his previous ventures, particularly through his leadership at Digital Inspired. With a deep understanding of digital transformation and customer-driven innovation, Priyesh is expected to accelerate Eazi-Business’s growth by expanding its portfolio and enhancing its global reach. His vision is to position the company as a market leader in the digital marketing space.

Eazi-Business help entrepreneurs start and scale their own digital marketing and digital technology businesses globally. With a fantastic team of experts, they offer full training, mentorship and support to help entrepreneurs create successful and high-performing businesses. Via their suite of products, they help entrepreneurs deliver a one stop solution for all digital and development services: Websites, Apps, SEO, Digital Marketing and Custom Development. With over 300 partners in more than 40 countries, Eazi-Business has truly become a global force in the digital marketing space.

As part of his leadership strategy, Priyesh has also brought Nitin Patel, the founder of Satva Softech, onboard as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Patel, who leads Satva Softech with extensive expertise in software development and IT infrastructure, is known for his ability to scale technology solutions to meet evolving business demands. His role as CTO at Eazi-Business will be pivotal in driving technological innovation and improving the company’s product offerings.

Zakir Daud, Founder and new Chief Vision Officer (CVO), comments: "With our strengthened leadership and enhanced resources, we're poised for unprecedented growth and impact in the digital marketing landscape."

Priyesh is passionate about nurturing driven and talented entrepreneurs. He shares, "We're committed to helping entrepreneurs start their own businesses through Eazi-Business. It's about creating opportunities and fostering the next generation of digital marketing leaders."

Web Design Best Practices: What Every Business Owner Should Know

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 08:26:50 GMT

In today's digital age, a well-designed website is crucial for any business looking to establish a strong online presence. Whether you're launching a new site or revamping an existing one, understanding web design best practices can make a significant difference. Here are essential insights every business owner should know.

User-Centric Design

The primary focus of any website should be the user. A user-centric design ensures that visitors can easily navigate your site and find the information they need. This involves intuitive navigation menus, a clean layout, and clearly labeled sections. Think about the user journey and design your site to be as intuitive as possible.

Mobile Responsiveness

With a growing number of users accessing websites via mobile devices, ensuring your site is mobile-friendly is no longer optional. A responsive design adapts to different screen sizes, providing a seamless experience across desktops, tablets, and smartphones. Google also favors mobile-friendly sites in search rankings, making it crucial for SEO.

Fast Loading Speeds

Users expect websites to load quickly. Slow-loading pages can lead to high bounce rates and lost potential customers. Optimize your images, leverage browser caching, and consider using a content delivery network (CDN) to improve your site's speed. Regularly test your website's performance to ensure it meets speed standards.

Clear Call-to-Actions (CTAs)

Every page on your website should have a clear and compelling call-to-action (CTA). Whether it's signing up for a newsletter, making a purchase, or contacting your team, CTAs guide users toward taking the desired action. Make sure your CTAs stand out visually and are strategically placed throughout your site.

Quality Content

Content is king in web design. High-quality, relevant content not only engages visitors but also improves your site's search engine rankings. Regularly update your blog, product descriptions, and other content areas to keep your site fresh and informative.

SEO Best Practices

Incorporating SEO best practices into your web design can significantly impact your site's visibility on search engines. Use relevant keywords, optimize meta tags, and ensure your site is easily crawlable by search engines. High-quality backlinks and user-friendly URLs also contribute to better SEO performance.

Accessibility

Making your website accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, is both a legal requirement and a best practice. Use alt text for images, ensure your site can be navigated via keyboard, and follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to create an inclusive online experience.

By implementing these web design best practices, you can create a website that not only looks great but also delivers an exceptional user experience, driving engagement and conversions for your business.

The Art of Typography: Elevating Web Design Through Thoughtful Font Choices

Tue, 28 May 2024 08:32:16 GMT

In the world of web design, typography is more than just selecting fonts; it's about crafting a visual language that communicates your brand's message effectively. The role of typography in web design is crucial, influencing how content is perceived and enhancing overall user experience. Let’s explore the significance of typography, focusing on font pairing, hierarchy, and readability.

Typography plays a fundamental role in establishing a website's aesthetic and tone. The right font can convey professionalism, creativity, or approachability, aligning with your brand's identity. For instance, serif fonts like Times New Roman suggest tradition and reliability, while sans-serif fonts like Helvetica are seen as modern and clean.

Font pairing is an art that involves combining different typefaces to create visual harmony. A well-chosen pair of fonts can add depth and interest to your design. Typically, designers pair a strong, eye-catching headline font with a more neutral body text font. This contrast ensures that the main message stands out while maintaining readability.

Hierarchy in typography guides the reader's eye through the content, emphasizing the most important elements first. This is achieved through variations in size, weight, and color. Headlines, subheadings, and body text should be distinctly different yet cohesive, creating a clear path for users to follow. Effective hierarchy ensures that visitors can quickly grasp key information, improving their overall experience.

Readability is paramount in web design. Regardless of the font style, text must be easy to read. This involves choosing the right size, line spacing, and color contrast. Poor readability can frustrate users and drive them away from your site. A clean, readable font ensures that your content is accessible to all users, including those with visual impairments.

At Digital Inspired, we understand the power of typography in web design. Our team of expert designers meticulously selects and pairs fonts to create visually stunning, user-friendly websites that resonate with your audience.

Ready to transform your website with impactful typography? Contact Digital Inspired today and let’s bring your vision to life!

Boost Your Local Visibility: Essential SEO Strategies for Small Businesses

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 09:47:48 GMT

In today's competitive digital landscape, small businesses need every advantage to stand out in local search results. Local SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is the key to enhancing online visibility and attracting nearby customers. Let's explore some effective strategies to optimize your small business website for local search and drive more foot traffic through your doors.

Key Word Research

Firstly, conducting thorough keyword research is crucial. Identify relevant keywords that your target audience is likely to use when searching for products or services in your area. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your website content, including titles, headings, meta descriptions, and image alt tags, to improve your chances of appearing in local search results.

Google My Business

Google My Business (GMB) optimisation is another essential aspect of local SEO. Claim and verify your GMB listing, ensuring that all business information is accurate and up-to-date. Optimise your listing with high-quality images, detailed business descriptions, and relevant categories. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews, as they can significantly impact your local search rankings.

Local Link Building

Local link building is also critical for improving your website's authority and relevance in local search. Seek opportunities to acquire backlinks from local directories, industry-specific websites, and local news outlets. Partnering with other local businesses for cross-promotion or hosting community events can also generate valuable backlinks and enhance your local online presence.

At Digital Inspired, we specialise in helping small businesses achieve greater visibility in local search results. Our team of experts can tailor a strategy to meet your specific needs, ensuring maximum impact for your business.

Contact Digital Inspired today and let's position your business for success in your local market!

Enhancing User Experience: The Power of Color Psychology in Web Design

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 08:25:44 GMT

In the dynamic world of web design, every element plays a crucial role in shaping user experience. Among these elements, colour holds a significant influence, extending beyond mere aesthetics to profoundly impact user perception and behaviour. Understanding the principles of colour psychology is key to crafting compelling and effective websites that resonate with visitors.

Colour psychology delves into the emotional and psychological effects of different colours on individuals. Each hue evokes specific feelings, associations, and responses, which can either enhance or detract from the user experience. By strategically selecting colour schemes, web designers can evoke desired emotions, convey brand identity, and guide users through the website journey.

When choosing colours for a website, it's essential to consider the target audience and the website's purpose. For instance, warm colours like red and orange often evoke feelings of energy, excitement, and urgency, making them suitable for call-to-action buttons or promotional banners on e-commerce sites. On the other hand, calming hues like blue and green are ideal for healthcare or wellness websites, instilling a sense of trust, serenity, and reliability.

Contrast and readability are also crucial factors in colour selection. High contrast between text and background ensures readability, especially for users with visual impairments. Additionally, maintaining consistency across colour choices fosters brand recognition and cohesion throughout the website.

At Digital Inspired, we understand the intricate interplay between colour and user experience. Our team of experienced designers meticulously selects colour palettes tailored to each client's unique brand identity and audience demographics. Whether you're looking to revamp your website or launch a new digital presence, we're here to help you harness the power of colour psychology for maximum impact.

Ready to elevate your online presence with captivating design? Contact Digital Inspired today and let's bring your vision to life!

From Concept to Click: The Evolution of Our Website Design Strategies

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 19:38:01 GMT

In the dynamic world of web design, the journey from concept to click is a thrilling evolution that requires a delicate balance of creativity, innovation, and strategic thinking. At Digital Inspired, we take pride in the continuous refinement of our website design strategies, ensuring that every project we undertake is not just a website but a digital masterpiece that engages, captivates, and converts.

Conceptualization: Where Ideas Take Flight

The process begins with a deep dive into understanding our client's vision, goals, and target audience. We believe in collaborative brainstorming sessions that fuel creativity and pave the way for unique concepts. From wireframes to mockups, we meticulously craft a blueprint that aligns with the brand's identity and objectives, setting the stage for an impactful digital presence.

Design Innovation: The Artistry Unveiled

With the conceptual foundation laid, our team of designers steps into the realm of design innovation. We go beyond the aesthetics, focusing on user experience, visual storytelling, and brand coherence. Each element is carefully chosen to evoke emotion and guide the user seamlessly through the website. Our commitment to staying abreast of design trends ensures that your website not only meets but exceeds contemporary expectations.

Development Excellence: Bringing Concepts to Life

The transition from design to development is a pivotal phase where concepts transform into a functional reality. Our developers leverage the latest technologies, coding standards, and responsive design principles to ensure a seamless and efficient user experience across devices. The result is a website that not only looks stunning but performs with excellence.

Launch and Beyond: Clicking into Success

The click of the launch button marks the culmination of our meticulous process. However, our commitment doesn't end there. We monitor website performance, gather user feedback, and adapt to evolving trends to ensure your digital presence remains cutting-edge and effective.

Elevate Your Digital Presence with Digital Inspired

Ready to embark on a journey from concept to click? Let Digital Inspired be your partner in crafting a digital masterpiece that resonates with your audience. Explore our portfolio and discover the evolution of website design . Contact us today , and let's bring your digital vision to life!

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Sculpting Success: How Our Web Designs Empower Your Brand

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 10:54:30 GMT

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, a brand's online presence is paramount to its success. At Digital Inspired, we understand that your website is more than just a collection of pages; it's a dynamic reflection of your brand, a digital storefront that should captivate, engage, and convert visitors into loyal customers. Our commitment to excellence in web design goes beyond aesthetics – we sculpt success by merging creativity with functionality.

Crafting Immersive Experiences:

Our team of skilled designers and developers collaborates to create websites that not only look stunning but also provide seamless, user-friendly experiences. We believe that the first impression is crucial, and our designs are meticulously crafted to leave a lasting impact. From intuitive navigation to visually striking elements, every detail is purposefully chosen to enhance your brand identity.

Responsive Design for a Dynamic World:

In the age of diverse devices and screen sizes, a responsive website is not just a preference but a necessity. Digital Inspired ensures that your brand is accessible and engaging across all platforms, from desktops to smartphones. Our responsive designs adapt gracefully, providing a consistent and compelling user experience regardless of the device your audience uses.

Empowering Your Brand Narrative:

A well-designed website is a powerful storytelling tool. Through strategic design choices, we help you convey your brand narrative effectively. From color schemes that evoke emotions to typography that communicates your brand voice, every element is chosen to reinforce your message and connect with your target audience.

Transforming Visitors into Advocates:

Our web designs are not just about attracting visitors; they are crafted to convert them into advocates for your brand. We implement user-centric features and call-to-action elements strategically, guiding visitors through a seamless journey that culminates in meaningful engagement and conversions.

Conclusion:

Ready to elevate your brand's online presence? Let Digital Inspired be the architect of your success. Explore our portfolio and discover how our web designs have empowered brands across industries. Contact us today, and let's sculpt success together!

Get in Touch!

From Pixels to Perfection: Crafting Compelling Websites

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 07:53:26 GMT

In today's digital age, your website is often the first point of contact between your business and potential customers. It's a virtual storefront, a digital ambassador that can make or break that critical first impression. Crafting compelling websites is an art and science that bridges aesthetics, functionality, and user experience.

The Aesthetics of Design : The visual appeal of your website is akin to the curb appeal of a brick-and-mortar store. It should draw visitors in and create an instant connection. Colour schemes, typography, imagery, and layout are the building blocks. A harmonious blend of these elements can evoke emotions, convey brand identity, and establish a visually pleasing environment.

Functionality: More Than Meets the Eye : Beyond aesthetics, functionality is the backbone of a compelling website. Intuitive navigation ensures that visitors can easily find the information they seek. Responsiveness, which ensures your site looks and works well on all devices, is vital in an era where mobile browsing is the norm. Fast loading times keep users engaged and satisfied.

Content that Speaks Volumes : Compelling websites are built on informative and engaging content. High-quality copy, well-structured paragraphs, and the strategic use of images and multimedia elements can guide visitors through your story. The content should not just inform but also persuade, converting visitors into customers.

User Experience is Key : User experience (UX) is the linchpin of a compelling website. A seamless, intuitive, and enjoyable journey through your site not only retains visitors but also encourages them to explore further, potentially leading to conversions. A poor user experience can drive visitors away.

The Power of Storytelling : Storytelling isn't limited to words; it's also woven through design. Your website should convey a narrative about your brand, its values, and what sets you apart. Engaging visuals, animations, and interactivity can add depth to the story.

Call to Action: Elevate Your Online Presence

At Digital Inspired, we understand the intricate balance between aesthetics, functionality, and user experience. Our mission is to help you transform your digital presence into a compelling, high-performing platform. We blend creativity with the latest web design trends and best practices to craft websites that captivate, convert, and leave a lasting impression.

Ready to turn your pixels into perfection? Contact Digital Inspired today and embark on a journey to create a website that doesn't just stand out but excels in the digital landscape. Your path to a compelling online presence begins here.

Web Design for eCommerce: Strategies for Online Retail Success

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 07:18:20 GMT

In the ever-evolving world of eCommerce, the importance of effective web design cannot be overstated. Your website is your virtual storefront, and it's often the first interaction potential customers have with your brand. To ensure online retail success, your eCommerce website must be visually appealing, user-friendly, and optimized for conversions. In this blog, we'll delve into essential strategies for achieving just that.

1. Streamlined User Experience

A seamless and intuitive user experience is paramount. Visitors should easily navigate through your website, find products, and complete transactions. Implement clear and logically organized menus, intuitive search functionality, and a straightforward checkout process. Keep forms concise and offer guest checkout options to reduce friction for customers.

2. Mobile Responsiveness

In an era dominated by smartphones, a mobile-responsive design is non-negotiable. Your eCommerce site must adapt flawlessly to various screen sizes and orientations. Failing to do so can deter mobile users, leading to lost sales. Prioritize mobile optimization to cater to the growing mobile shopping demographic.

3. High-Quality Imagery

Visual appeal plays a significant role in eCommerce. Invest in high-quality product images and consider using multiple images per product, showcasing different angles and contexts. Additionally, incorporate zoom features and 360-degree views to provide customers with a comprehensive look at your products.

4. Page Speed Optimization

Slow-loading pages can frustrate visitors and result in cart abandonment. Optimize your website's loading times by compressing images, leveraging browser caching, and minimizing HTTP requests. A faster website not only enhances user experience but also positively impacts SEO rankings.

5. Clear Call to Action (CTA)

Guide users toward desired actions with compelling CTAs. Ensure they stand out visually, use persuasive language, and clearly convey the action you want visitors to take, whether it's "Add to Cart," "Checkout Now," or "Sign Up for Updates."

Conclusion

In the fiercely competitive eCommerce landscape, web design can make or break your online retail success. Prioritizing user experience, mobile responsiveness, high-quality imagery, page speed optimization, and compelling CTAs are just a few of the key strategies to implement. Remember, a well-designed website not only attracts customers but keeps them coming back for more.

If you're looking to elevate your eCommerce web design and drive online retail success, partner with Digital Inspired . Our expert team specializes in crafting visually stunning, user-friendly websites that convert visitors into loyal customers. Contact us today to discuss your eCommerce aspirations and let us inspire your digital journey to success.

The Science Behind User-Friendly Web Design

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 15:49:10 GMT

In the digital age, user experience reigns supreme, and at the heart of an exceptional user experience is user-friendly web design. Behind the sleek aesthetics lies a strategic approach informed by psychological principles and data-driven insights. Let's dive into the science that underpins user-friendly web design and its profound impact on online success.

Cognitive Load Management : The human brain has limitations in processing information. User-friendly design minimizes cognitive load by presenting information in a clear, organized manner. Through intuitive navigation, concise content, and well-placed visuals, websites reduce mental strain, allowing users to focus on the content that matters.

Visual Hierarchy : The concept of visual hierarchy directs users' attention to the most important elements. Bold typography, contrasting colors, and strategic placement guide users through a seamless journey. By controlling where users' eyes travel, user-friendly design ensures that vital information isn't missed.

F-Pattern Reading : Studies have shown that users tend to scan content in an F-pattern, focusing on the top and left sides of the screen. User-friendly web design capitalizes on this behaviour by placing key information and calls to action along this pattern, optimizing engagement and conversion rates.

Mobile-First Approach : With mobile usage surpassing desktop, the mobile-first approach prioritizes designing for mobile devices before scaling up to desktop. This strategy ensures that essential content is visible on smaller screens and aligns with the needs of on-the-go users.

Whitespace Utilization : Whitespace isn't just empty space; it's a powerful tool for guiding users and enhancing readability. User-friendly design employs ample whitespace to separate content, reduce clutter, and create a sense of elegance.

Call to Action: Elevate Your Web Design Game

User-friendly web design isn't just about aesthetics; it's a science-driven strategy that bridges human behaviour with digital functionality.

At Digital Inspired , we specialize in crafting user-centric web designs that resonate with audiences and drive tangible results. Our expert team blends creativity with psychological insights to create websites that not only look great but also engage and convert visitors.

Ready to unlock the science behind user-friendly web design? Contact us today and partner with Digital Inspired to create a website that not only captivates your audience but also propels your business forward. Your journey to user-centric excellence begins here.

Creating a Brand Identity Through Website Design

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 07:46:33 GMT

In today's competitive digital landscape, establishing a strong brand identity is essential for any business looking to stand out and connect with its target audience. One of the most powerful tools in shaping a brand's image is website design. A well-crafted website can go beyond being a mere online presence and become a reflection of a company's values, personality, and unique offerings. Let's explore how website design plays a pivotal role in creating a brand identity that leaves a lasting impression.

Consistent Visual Elements: A cohesive visual identity is the cornerstone of any brand. Through website design, you can incorporate consistent color schemes, typography, and graphics that align with your brand's personality. This visual harmony builds recognition and trust among your audience, making your brand memorable and instantly recognizable.
Storytelling with Design: Every brand has a story to tell, and website design can be a powerful storytelling medium. Engaging visuals, animations, and interactive elements can convey your brand's narrative effectively. By weaving your brand story into the design, you create an emotional connection with visitors, fostering a sense of loyalty and authenticity.
User Experience and Brand Perception: A positive user experience is directly linked to how your brand is perceived. A user-friendly, intuitive website design demonstrates professionalism and care for your audience's needs. On the other hand, a confusing or cluttered design may reflect poorly on your brand, leading to a negative perception.
Showcasing Brand Values: Your website is an opportunity to showcase your brand's values and mission. Incorporating elements that highlight your commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, or customer satisfaction can strengthen your brand identity and resonate with like-minded consumers.
Personalization and Interaction: Tailoring the website experience to individual users can deepen the connection with your brand. Personalization can range from greeting returning visitors by name to suggesting personalized product recommendations. Additionally, interactive features, such as quizzes or polls, engage users and create a memorable experience, solidifying your brand in their minds.

In conclusion, website design is not just about aesthetics; it is a powerful tool for shaping and reinforcing a brand's identity. By incorporating consistent visual elements, storytelling, a positive user experience, showcasing brand values, and personalization, your website can become a compelling representation of your brand.

At Digital Inspired, we understand the significance of a strong brand identity and specialize in creating websites that embody the essence of your business. Contact us today to elevate your brand identity through exceptional website design.

Remember, a well-crafted website design can do more than attract visitors; it can create a lasting impression that resonates with your audience and drives brand loyalty.

Website Design Best Practices: Tips for a User-Friendly Experience

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 06:45:02 GMT

When it comes to website design, creating a user-friendly experience is paramount.

Not only does it keep visitors engaged and encourage them to explore further, but it also plays a crucial role in search engine optimization (SEO). To help you achieve a user-friendly website, here are some best practices and tips that can enhance both user experience and SEO.

Intuitive Navigation: Implement a clear and intuitive navigation menu that allows visitors to easily find what they are looking for. Organize your content into logical categories and use descriptive labels for menu items. This not only helps users navigate your site but also makes it easier for search engines to understand and index your pages.
Responsive Design: With mobile usage on the rise, having a responsive website design is essential. Responsive design ensures that your website adapts seamlessly to different screen sizes and devices, providing an optimal user experience. Mobile-friendly websites also receive a ranking boost in search engine results.
Page Speed Optimization: Website speed plays a crucial role in user experience and SEO. Optimize your website's performance by minimizing file sizes, enabling browser caching, and leveraging content delivery networks (CDNs). A faster website not only improves user satisfaction but also positively impacts search engine rankings.
Clear Call-to-Action (CTA): Every page of your website should have a clear and compelling call-to-action. Whether it's to sign up for a newsletter, request a quote, or make a purchase, a prominent CTA guides visitors towards the desired action. Optimizing your CTAs with relevant keywords can also boost your SEO efforts.
Engaging and Relevant Content: Create high-quality, informative, and engaging content that aligns with your target audience's interests. Use headings, subheadings, and bullet points to break up the text, making it easier to read and scan. Incorporate relevant keywords naturally throughout your content to improve search engine visibility.

In conclusion , implementing these website design best practices will not only enhance the user experience but also improve your website's SEO performance. At Digital Inspired , we specialize in creating user-friendly websites that deliver exceptional results. Contact us today to transform your website into a powerful tool for attracting and engaging your target audience.

Remember, a user-friendly website design not only delights visitors but also sends positive signals to search engines, ultimately driving more traffic and conversions for your business.

5 Essential Elements of a Successful Website Design

Mon, 22 May 2023 07:57:06 GMT

In the digital age, a successful website design is key to thriving in the online marketplace. To ensure that your website stands out from the competition and attracts organic traffic, it's essential to incorporate SEO principles into your design strategy. Here are five essential elements of a successful website design, optimized for search engines and user experience.

Responsive Design: A responsive website design is crucial for providing a seamless user experience across all devices, including desktops, smartphones, and tablets. Google prioritizes mobile-friendly websites, so responsive design not only improves user experience but also boosts search engine rankings.
Intuitive Navigation: A well-organized and intuitive navigation menu helps users easily find the information they are looking for. Implement a clear and logical menu structure that guides visitors through your website's pages and sections. Utilize descriptive and keyword-rich anchor text to enhance SEO.
Compelling Visuals: Engaging visuals can capture visitors' attention and leave a lasting impression. Use high-quality images, videos, and graphics that are relevant to your brand and content. Optimize images by compressing their file sizes without compromising quality to ensure fast loading times, which positively impact SEO.
Keyword Optimization: Conduct thorough keyword research and strategically incorporate relevant keywords into your website's content, headings, meta tags, and URLs. This will enhance your website's visibility in search engine results and attract targeted organic traffic.
Engaging Content: High-quality, informative, and engaging content is the backbone of a successful website. Craft compelling headlines, well-structured paragraphs, and incorporate relevant keywords naturally throughout your content. Regularly update your website with fresh, valuable content to keep visitors coming back and encourage search engine crawlers to index your site more frequently.

In conclusion, these five essential elements of a successful website design are crucial for both user experience and SEO optimization. By implementing responsive design, intuitive navigation, compelling visuals, keyword optimization, and engaging content, you can create a website that not only attracts organic traffic but also keeps visitors engaged and encourages conversions.

At Digital Inspired, we specialize in crafting successful website designs that incorporate these essential elements and deliver outstanding results. Contact us today to boost your online presence and drive your business forward.

The Importance of Responsive Web Design in Today's Market

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 08:17:58 GMT

In today's market, having a responsive web design is crucial for businesses of all sizes.

With more and more people accessing the web on their smartphones and tablets, it's essential to have a website that is optimized for mobile devices. Responsive web design ensures that your website looks and works great on any device, regardless of screen size or orientation.

There are several key reasons why responsive web design is so important in today's market. Perhaps the most important is that it helps to improve the user experience. A responsive website is easier to navigate and use on a mobile device, with features such as pinch-to-zoom and swipe navigation. This means that your customers are more likely to stay on your site and engage with your content, leading to higher conversion rates and a better overall user experience.

Another key benefit of responsive web design is that it can help to improve your search engine rankings. Google and other search engines now prioritize mobile-friendly websites in their search results, meaning that having a responsive website can help you to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). This can help to drive more traffic to your site and increase your visibility in search results.

Responsive web design also makes it easier to maintain your website. Rather than having to maintain separate versions of your site for desktop and mobile users, a responsive website allows you to make updates and changes to a single website. This can help to save time and money, as well as ensuring that your website remains up-to-date and relevant to your audience.

Finally, responsive web design is important for building trust and credibility with your audience. A website that looks and works great on any device sends a message to your customers that you are a professional, trustworthy business that cares about providing a positive user experience. This can help to build brand loyalty and increase customer satisfaction.

Overall, responsive web design is essential for businesses that want to remain competitive in today's market. By improving the user experience, boosting search engine rankings, simplifying website maintenance, and building trust and credibility, responsive web design can help to drive business growth and success.

Get in touch and let us help you drive your business growth and success

Creating a Strong First Impression: The Role of a Great Website Design

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 10:46:06 GMT

Creating a strong first impression is crucial when it comes to website design. Your website is often the first point of contact between your business and potential customers, and it's important to make sure that it's a positive one. A great website design can help to establish trust and credibility with your audience, while a poorly designed website can turn them off and send them looking elsewhere.

What are the key elements?

There are several key elements that go into creating a strong first impression with your website design. One of the most important is the overall aesthetic of the site. Your website should be visually pleasing and easy on the eyes. This means using a clean, modern design with plenty of white space and a consistent colour scheme. It's also important to use high-quality images and graphics that are relevant to your business.

Another important aspect of creating a strong first impression is the user experience. Your website should be easy to navigate, with a clear and intuitive structure. This means using a simple menu system and prominently displaying important information, such as your contact details and business hours. It's also important to make sure that your website is mobile-friendly, as more and more people are using their smartphones and tablets to access the web.

One of the most important elements of creating a strong first impression is the content of your website. Your website should be informative, engaging, and relevant to your target audience. This means including plenty of high-quality, well-written content that is regularly updated. It's also important to use headings and subheadings to break up the text and make it more readable, as well as including images and videos to add visual interest.

Create the right first impression

Finally, creating a strong first impression also means paying attention to the details. This includes things like making sure that your website is free of typos and grammatical errors, as well as ensuring that all of the links on your site are working correctly. It's also important to test your website on different browsers and devices to make sure that it looks and works correctly.

Build trust & credibility

Overall, creating a strong first impression with your website design is crucial for building trust and credibility with your audience. By focusing on elements such as aesthetic, user experience, content, and attention to detail, you can ensure that your website makes a great first impression and helps to attract and retain customers.

Get in touch with Digital inspired to find out how you can create that amazing first impression.

Why SEO is Important for Small Businesses

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 13:26:12 GMT

Search engine optimization (SEO) improves a website's ranking in search engines such as Google, Bing, or Yahoo. SEO is important because it helps a business establish itself as an expert in their field, drive traffic to its website and organically promotes business growth. However, SEO requires expertise, software, or an advertisement budget (sometime all three!).

How does SEO benefit small businesses?

Even though most small businesses don't have an SEO strategy, it's still essential. Only 36% of all businesses have a plan for improving their search engine rankings, but the companies that do have a plan for SEO are growing faster and making more money than those without such plans. It may seem intimidating initially, but we've broken it down into these three easy steps!

Become an expert in their industry

Modern search engine algorithms are extremely good at determining which websites will provide the most relevant information to a user based on what they have searched for. Therefore, when potential customers come across a business’s website, they'll trust that they are a credible business if they are high up in the search engine rankings.

Using SEO to help a brand rank highly on relevant search engine results pages (SERPs) can make them seem more authoritative in its industry. This will lead site visitors to become leads or customers more readily than they would if the marketing campaign were not using these tactics.

A well-designed brand strategy paired with a consistent marketing campaign can boost customer loyalty, increase the value of a business and help them rank higher in search results.

Boost website traffic

Search engine optimization is the process of improving a website’s ranking in search engines. The higher a business can rank, the more traffic its website will receive from organic searches—searches people make without clicking on sponsored links or advertisements.

The first organic result ranks higher than all other listings. This position earns an average of 28% more clicks than its competitors. SEO is a great way to boost a business’s website traffic.

Content is seen at the right time

When consumers experience a problem, they search for solutions on search engines like Google or Bing. They may not be ready to buy, but they want to know their options. Strategic search engine optimization helps potential customers find a business earlier in the buying process.

Conclusion

SEO is essential to any business's strategy because it allows them to connect with potential customers and improve their Google ranking.

Get in touch to find out how Digital Inspired can help.

Are Progressive Mobile Apps the same as Native Mobile Apps?

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 13:11:37 GMT

With the popularity of mobile devices on the rise and more people buying smartphones, there has been a corresponding increase in demand for well-designed business apps. Many companies are turning to Progressive Web Apps, as they behave more like native mobile apps. A progressive web app can make products visible and functional, in ways traditional web-based software cannot.

Progressive Web Apps offer nearly all the same benefits of a native app, but some developers prefer to create apps for specific platforms, especially on mobile devices.

The Different Types of Mobile Apps

If the world of mobile app development were to be sectioned into categories based on technology, there would be three main types: web apps, native apps and hybrid.

Web Apps

Web apps can be accessed from a variety of devices, as long as the user has web browser (such Chrome or Firefox). They are slightly different than websites because they include more interactive features.

Native Apps

Native apps are built for one specific platform and cannot be used on any other. Unfortunately, developers can't use the same code to build applications that work in both iOS and Android environments.

Hybrid Apps

Hybrid apps combine the best of web and native apps. Like WEB-based programs, they are built using HTML/CSS/JS;

but like their NATIVE counterparts, you can download them onto your smartphone or tablet for offline use.

What is a progressive web app?

Progressive Web Apps are a futuristic approach to mobile apps that bridges the divide between websites and native applications.

Progressive Web Apps use two features, a service worker and a manifest.json file (among other things), to function properly. Service workers are scripts that function primarily to keep a website running even when there is no internet connection, but can also be used for other tasks such as notifying users of new messages or updating content on the server. A web app manifest, or JSON file, provides information about the PWA to a browser.

Unlike native or hybrid applications, PWAs can't be downloaded onto a mobile device. With progressive web apps all it takes is as little as tapping its icon once and saving.

The benefits of a PWA for a business

Flexible for the ever changing needs of a company
Improves brand awareness
Seamless customer experience

What is a native app?

You can simplify the definition of a native app down to one simple phrase: purpose-built. A native application is coded in one or more programming languages that are specific to what kind of operating system it will be used on.

An app written for a specific platform has greater access to that system’s frameworks and tools, making it more efficient than if it were running on a different operating system.

By tailoring an app to the unique features of a particular piece of hardware, a seamless user experience can be created. This approach only works if all devices running the app are using the same operating system.

The Benefits of a Native App for your Business

Credibility from app store publication
Ability to integrate with other apps
Feature in-app purchases

Conclusion

Progressive web apps are ushering in a new generation of mobile solutions. They can offer users the ease and convenience of an app without sacrificing the capabilities of a native one.

Most people don't realize the extent to which a smartphone can be used in business.

With more people turning to mobile apps to interact with brands, it has become a necessity for businesses to have their own app. This helps boost sales, provide a better customer experience and enables companies who do not have an app at all. A business does not want to fall behind competitors who already offer some form of digital presence.

Thinking about a mobile app for your business? Get in touch

Case Study Series - Steve Sinnott Foundation

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 07:47:01 GMT

"New partnerships, increased connections and improved ways of working"

COMPANY NAME :

The Steve Sinnott Foundation

WHAT WERE THE MAIN CHALLENGES WITH YOUR PREVIOUS WEBSITE?

It was outdated and not easy to navigate. It had too many words and didn't reflect our work or our values. It also had a low level of visitors.

WHAT WERE THE KEY SOLUTIONS WE PROVIDED FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

Priyesh worked with us to really understand what we are about as it is not easy to capture the work we do. Priyesh did this by meeting with us and listening to us talk and he just got it. He provided us with a bright and uplifting website, which demonstrates the positive work we do. He supported us to set out our story succinctly and positively.

HOW HAS YOUR NEW WEBSITE IMPACTED YOUR BUSINESS?

We have much more engagement now and this has impacted across all social media, resulting in new partnerships, increased connections and improved ways of working.

WHAT 3 THINGS STOOD OUT WHILST WORKING WITH US?

Your patience, listening and creativity.

HOW WOULD YOU RATE OUR SERVICE?

10 out of 10

5 Tips When Starting an Online Business

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 09:58:08 GMT

The process of starting a business requires thoughtful consideration and careful planning. It can be overwhelming and difficult to come up with a business idea and start a new venture.

There’s a lot that goes into creating an online business—and if you’re new or even an experienced entrepreneur, it can be hard to know where to start.

Here are 5 easy tips when considering starting an online business:

1. It is essential that you understand exactly why you want to start an online business before beginning one. The clearer you are about what exactly you are trying to achieve, the better chance you have of achieving it.

2. In business, naive expectations are often the cause of failure. Perseverance is what separates a successful business from a failed one. The goals you set for yourself based on your experience and business type will be very personal to you.

3. It is important to remember one thing when learning how to start an online business; every business solves a problem. When a problem is solved by a business, the greater your solution becomes.

4. You can’t have a business if you don’t have anything to sell. So before you get started, make sure you put the time, effort, and resources into finding an unparalleled product or service. Your online business is reliant on your ability to effectively sell your product or service—so don’t cut corners. You should also make sure that whatever product or service you’re selling is something your customers are going to be excited to buy.

5. Your branding is what’s going to help you stand out and grab your ideal customer’s attention—so it’s important to take the time to put some serious thought into what kind of brand you’re trying to build. There are a few key design elements you’ll need to launch a successful online business, including website, content, marketing and other branding elements.

There are a lot of things that go into creating a successful online business and only 40% of businesses make it beyond the three-year mark. Our online business opportunity will help you to produce the results a business needs to thrive.

Mobile Websites vs Mobile Apps

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 10:53:36 GMT

As mobile use continues to grow worldwide, the “app vs web” question will remain a very real consideration for a business seeking to establish a mobile presence.

Mobile websites are similar to traditional websites in that they are comprised of browser-based HTML pages that link together and are accessed via the Internet. An obvious difference between a mobile website and a standard website is that it is designed for handheld displays and touch-screens. The concept of responsive web design is becoming the new standard for building websites that are not only mobile-friendly, but also can scale to any sized device, including tablets and handheld smartphones.

As with any website, mobile websites/responsive sites can display text content, data, images, and videos. They can also access mobile-specific features such as click-to-call or location-based mapping.

Rather than being rendered in a browser, apps are downloaded and installed on your mobile device. Apps can be found and downloaded via device-specific portals such as Apple's App Store or Google's Play Store. Depending on the app, content and data may be pulled from the Internet, such as a website, or downloaded, so that it can be accessed without an Internet connection.

The advantages of a mobile website include:

Immediately available - A mobile website is instantly accessible to users via a browser across a range of devices. Apps on the other hand require the user to first download and install the app from an app marketplace before the content or application can be viewed.

Can be found more easily - Mobile websites are much easier for users to find because their pages can be displayed in search results and listed in industry-specific directories, making it easy for visitors to find a business. In contrast, the visibility of apps is largely restricted to manufacturer app stores.

Customer acquisition tool - The mobile website is considered to be a “customer acquisition” tool as it provides the user with a mobile experience. The majority of mobile users will find a business’s details via a search engine or links to the business’s website as opposed to directly typing in the web address into their mobile phone browser. Therefore all of this mobile traffic that a business generates can be harnessed with their mobile website.

Whereas the advantages of Mobile apps are:

Regular Usage/Personalization – If your target users are going to be using your app in a personalized fashion on a regular basis then a native app provides a great way to do that that is easily accessible in almost all scenarios.

Push Notifications - An inherent capability of apps is the ability to send push notifications to users who have the app installed on their device, giving app publishers or business the ability to send messages to users directly. Also interesting to note is that many browsers now allow web-based push notifications, allowing website owners to similarly send notifications to visitors who opt-in on both desktop and compatible mobile devices.

Customer retention - the mobile app has long been considered a “customer retention” tool as it aims to reward and retain customers for the long term. The mobile app is very much targeted at a business’s existing customers, those customers that have already interacted with the business in the past and have built up an association with the business. Since the mobile app is focused on giving the customer an interactive experience, it aids the process of building a strong relationship between the business and the customer.

As mobile use continues to grow worldwide, the “app vs web” question will remain a very real consideration for a business seeking to establish a mobile presence. It's also important to remember that a mobile/responsive website and a native app are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Many businesses have both a mobile-friendly public website for their general web presence, as well as a downloadable native app to accommodate more specific requirements. In the end, it's all about choosing the right tool for the job.

A business can have more control and can engage with more customers thanks to mobile apps. Website design should also be an important part of any businesses digital marketing strategy , as it is one of the best marketing and sales tools .

Why an Online Business Opportunity can be a Great Investment

Mon, 09 May 2022 13:34:15 GMT

With 8 out of 10 businesses failing within the first 18 months – how can an entrepreneur make sure that their new business will be a success? There are many online business opportunities out there. The key is to find one that will interest you and enable you to achieve success. There are many benefits to starting your own online business from earning additional income to gaining more freedom.

The best business ideas are those that fill a gap and need within the market. Supply a solution to a problem for a demographic of people. Once you have settled on an idea, you will then need to research the market you are looking to enter. This will include competitor research, market research and analysing your target market all before you do anything else.

This research phase is probably the most important part of your journey to selling digital services. It will inform you of where there are opportunities within your market that you can take advantage of above your competitors.

Many people want to start a business but are deterred by the investment required to get it off the ground. An online business will often allow you to eliminate some of the huge costs associated with an offline business. An online business only requires a computer, some investment, and an entrepreneurial spirit.

Depending on the type of online business you choose to set up you can end up having much more flexibility in creating a work schedule that works for you. You can choose what time of the day you want to work, how many hours you want to work and what days of the week you want to work as long as you set your business up in an efficient way. You will be able to focus more on important activities both within and outside of your business if you have more flexibility in your schedule. This will mean being able to make more time for the things that truly matter to you (aside from your business that is).

With an online business selling a service, your income is not simply determined by the number of hours you work. It is by the level of productivity you can produce during the hours you work and the systems you have in place to generate a passive income. Virtually anyone who has something to offer can start this type of business. Whether or not you decide in the end that it’s for you, at least you can build an asset you are proud of and offer a service to others who could benefit from what you have to offer.

For more information on an online business and how to get started, please do contact us .

Why Every Online Business needs a Lightning Fast Website in 2022

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 14:37:58 GMT

Taking on a digital transformation has been a reality check for many businesses that have been hesitant to do so. However, many businesses have embraced this change in consumer behaviour and have rightly transformed how they operate to provide a complete user experience for their customers.

After COVID, many B2B businesses realized the importance of embracing a digital-first strategy. In order to grow, businesses must strengthen their digital presence and focus on increasing online sales.

By 2025 there are expected to be over 200 million online shoppers. It is important to focus on digital-first marketing not just because it is present where businesses prospects are, but because it prioritizes targeted marketing in a way that traditional marketing does not.

Websites designed well look great and provide the best user experience. BMW, Apple, and Nike don’t throw millions at web design for fun. They know it has a major impact on sales. Many people decide to buy from them based on how their website looks and works.

Understanding the challenges customers face is crucial to creating a great website experience. Because websites are becoming a powerful tool for generating online sales, it is essential for a business to take certain design elements into account, such as loading speeds.

Much like the real world, in the online world first impressions are important. Certain judgments can be made based on factors such as site design, navigation and speed. A fast website is generally considered to be professional and reliable, which will build immediate trust. You must ensure the user experience is excellent or you may not get a second chance with a website visitor. The way a customer regards a business’s website is crucial because it determines whether they like or trust you enough to do business with you.

One of Googles primary missions are to make the internet as speedy as possible, and a slow website will mean a lower ranked position on their search engine. The commercial consequences of this are that businesses may lose out to competitors who are ranked higher. In May 2020, Google made several announcements about measuring overall page experience and using it in its ranking algorithms. And it still considers page speed a significant part of the experience.

Website design should be an important part of any businesses digital marketing strategy , as it is one of the best marketing and sales tools . Doing so will help draw in new leads, keep existing customers, and give an edge over competitors.

Why Good Web Design is Important for e-Commerce Businesses

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 09:51:14 GMT

Good web design is one of the most effective tools for an e-commerce business. The company logo, website appearance and usability when designed professionally will improve a customer’s experience.

A poorly designed website can even affect the customer’s journey and can cause mistrust with a business. A customer will associate the quality of the website with whatever service or product the business provides.

According to Standford.edu ;

· 75% of people base the credibility of a business on how their website looks

· 94% of people say web design is the reason they mistrust a website

· First impressions are also 94% design-related

· It takes about 50 milliseconds for visitors to form an opinion on a website

A poor design will affect both traffic and sales, often causing businesses to question why their e-commerce store isn’t converting. The website maybe giving off the wrong impression and leading to confused customers, high bounce rates, and an unsuccessful digital presence.

There are certain design features that should be included on a business’s website, these include;

Cohesive colours and fonts – The use of both colour and font style will reflect on an entire business. The colour palette should consistent and complement each other. The font should be readable and again be consistent.

Simple navigation – A businesses website navigation structure should allow someone to land on any page on the site and find what they need within 3 clicks. Give them reasons to click on links by inspiring curiosity and enticing them with great offers.

Infographics - these make complex information eye-catching, understandable and easily digestible. Having a visually impactful way to display statistics can make a website stand out from the crowd.

Studies show that 96% of site visitors are not ready to buy. This means your website must lead your audience closer to the sale through its content and user experience. It takes exceptional design and smooth navigation to keep your site visitors engaged.

Our Digital Inspired solution will help a business to produce the results they expect with stunning and incredibly effective website designs.

How a Local Business can Thrive through Digital Marketing

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 09:39:00 GMT

Digital marketing is as important to smaller businesses as it is for much larger companies. With online shopping becoming increasingly prominent it becomes essential for local businesses to embrace digital marketing. More than 97% of users searched for local businesses on Google in 2021, meaning it is vital for businesses to focus on their digital marketing in order to display high up on search engines.

A digital marketing plan will help you choose the correct approach for businesses goals. Whether your goal is to build a brand, improve customer relationships, or increase website traffic, you should be clear on your goals and devise a plan that focuses on your objective.

These are the 3 ways in which digital marketing can help local businesses;

1. Improve customer retention with social media

Social media is important for a business of any size as it can improve retention and according to Bain & Company, increasing customer retention by just 5% leads to an increase in profits by 25%-90%. It gives social media the opportunity to create long lasting relationships with customers. These relationships are beneficial for a business as it can help with customer loyalty and retention. It is vital for a business to create the correct kind of content and style with their marketing, in order to make sure a customer continues to engage with what the business has to offer.

2. A fully optimised business website

A businesses website will help visitors know about a business and engage with them. Since most of the visitors use mobile to search for stores or other local businesses, making the website mobile-friendly is vital.

A business website should focus on the following key attributes;

· The website messaging should offer value to a customer and be clear, concise, and persuasive.

· Should display correctly on mobile, desktop and tablet

· The website shouldn’t take too long to load

· A clean and professional design is advised

· SEO techniques to ensure the website is found on the search engines

3. Make use of mobile app technology

People use mobile technology to search for products and services, communicate with friends, and more. With the increasing importance of mobile devices in our lives, businesses have developed strategies to use mobile technology in order to build and maintain relationships with customers and potential clients. Mobile apps have created a new market for retailers. Customers can now, easily, give their feedback about products and services. These interactive methods help to maintain a communication channel with customers improving a business’s service.

Employing a team of marketing experts can be time consuming and expensive. Our FullPivot solution will help a business to produce the results they expect. You can increase your earnings by delivering five high demand services such as business communication, search engine optimisation and websites.

To find out more please do get in touch .

The Rise in Popularity of Mobile and Mobile Engagement

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 12:01:20 GMT

The surge in popularity of social media, search engines and mobile devices has created a revolution in customer behaviour and businesses have needed to evolve with these trends in order to keep up to date with consumers.

The traditional marketing funnel is a tried and tested method for customer acquisition and conversions. It involves capturing as many leads as possible, then slowly nurturing these prospective leads in each stage of the funnel. The funnel is problematic for businesses who want to be continually dealing with customers, as it does not create strong bonds with them. Due to such vast changes in how customers can search and purchase from their favourite brands, a different marketing model was inevitable.

The mobile engagement loop is perfect for modern consumer behaviour. It recognises that the customer journey involves many different steps in order to gain trust and satisfaction. With the use of apps, responsive websites and many other factors businesses can help attract the customer and provide for them the ideal journey to purchasing and repeat purchasing.

There are 4 steps to the mobile engagement which all businesses need to consider.

Step 1: Onboarding

A first impression in every facet of life is important, and this is no different for the customer and business relationship. When onboarding is done correctly the customer should feel a sense of intrigue and desire to continue the processes of their journey. Welcome messages and discounts codes will set the bar high and impress a customer who may be finding out about a business for the first time.

Step 2: Conversion

Tailored actions made by a business based on a customer’s actions are important to retaining interest. A personalised approach is more direct and shows that a business cares about the customer; they are usually more effective than more generalised messages, the end result then being a customer purchasing a product or service.

Step 3: Retention

It is important to keep any momentum you have gained with a customer by offering the customer content based on their wants and desires. There is a balancing act of pushing too much content and not enough, so it is vital to understand the customer and again tailor their experience in order to keep them interested. According to American Express more than 6 in 10 U.S. consumers say that their go-to channel for simple inquiries is a digital self-serve tool such as a website, mobile app, voice response system or online chat. A smooth experience for a customer will mean they will come back and ultimately be more financially viable for a business.

Step 4: Re-engagement

If a customer loses interest in what a business has to offer then it becomes imperative to attempt to reignite the relationship with them. Delivering promotions, discounts and engaging content via email or other means can help to get the attention of a customer again.

The mobile engagement loop has become an essential part of any businesses approach to customer care and retention. The need to foster the relationship with customers is only going to become more important and the use of services like apps.

Our FullPivot solution will help a business to produce the results they expect. You can increase your earnings by delivering five high demand services such as business communication, search engine optimisation, websites, mobile apps and food ordering systems. Please contact us to find out how you can help businesses stay one step ahead of the competition.

Case Study Series - Modiplus Ltd

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 15:42:19 GMT

"We have seen an influx of new enquiries especially during the pandemic months"

COMPANY NAME:

Modiplus Ltd

WHAT WERE THE MAIN CHALLENGES WITH YOUR PREVIOUS WEBSITE?

Our old website was outdated and Priyesh was highly recommended to us. He offered a very quick service, came to see us at the office, offered solutions to our problems and built the user friendly website within days. We were very impressed with the speed and quality of the service as well as good value for money. At all times, we were updated of the progress of building our website, emailed draft links for our input and comments. What impressed us the most is aftercare and his dedication to ensure that we were completely happy with our new website. Kudos to him and his team for a brilliant service!

WHAT WERE THE KEY SOLUTIONS WE PROVIDED FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

We specialize in a niche market and the crucial point was to stand out in the market and within our competitors. Having a beautiful designed website and receiving new enquiries on daily basis was the perfect solution we were looking from our new website.

HOW HAS YOUR NEW WEBSITE IMPACTED YOUR BUSINESS?

We have received many comments how user friendly is to navigate on our site which resulted in daily enquiries and many of them have on boarded as our clients. We have seen an influx of new enquiries especially during the pandemic months. We are so grateful to Priyesh and his team for their hard work and their ideas to bring our website together based on their vast experience.

WHAT 3 THINGS STOOD OUT WHILST WORKING WITH US?

Very Friendly

Approachable

Speedy service

HOW WOULD YOU RATE OUR SERVICE?

10 out of 10 and keep up the good work

3 Ways to Level up your Content Creation

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 08:31:34 GMT

Content is one of your greatest marketing assets as an entrepreneur – but we know that it can be a huge challenge to consistently create the type of content that makes a tangible impact with your audience. The kind of content that generates emails, calls, comments, shares and social media likes. Today though, with so many voices shouting to be heard – not to mention the need to juggle other responsibilities such as the day-to-day running of your business – it can be hard to consistently output the kind of content that delivers the results you need.

Try these easy ways to ensure that you’re sharing strong, thought-provoking and useful pieces each time:

1. Use news and current affairs for inspiration

Your audience will naturally be more interested in a piece of content that reflects things they are going through right now. It’s here that keeping your finger on the pulse of news and current affairs can be incredibly helpful as you’ll automatically be better placed to create content that speaks to problems, concerns and challenges that your audience is experiencing right now.

News headlines this month for example have been dominated by supply chain issues. A piece which recognises how this might impact your client’s business along with information as to how your services could help them mitigate those pressures addresses an immediate problem, making interest and engagement much more likely.

2. Create an op-ed piece

As an entrepreneur, you possess a wealth of transferrable skills and knowledge. You’re also an expert in your field, whether that’s SEO, content marketing or app design. An opinion piece sharing your considered thoughts and reflections on a subject related to your operations is insightful, informative and thought-provoking. It’s also unique because it speaks to your own experiences, your observations and expectations. That makes for a much more compelling read than a rehash of something that is already out there.

3. Repurpose older, successful content

There is no marketing rule requiring you to only ever create brand new content. Older content can be successfully brought back to life and used in many different ways with a little effort. Blog posts can be broken down to create a series of social media posts and social graphics for example – you can create images with quotes, facts and stats to share on Stories and on your feed, along with longer posts directing social audiences back to your blog. Your most helpful content pieces can be grouped together and given a new lease of life as an essential guide or free downloadable while pieces that are out of date can be updated with new information and republished.

Link building ideas to help with your SEO campaigns

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 08:02:00 GMT

Whether you’re trying to build links back to your own personal website to build your profile as an entrepreneur, or are running an SEO campaign for a client, getting those all-important links is far from easy.

Even with great content and compelling information, it’s not always a slam dunk. While you should expect that good quality links will not come easily, there are things you can do to help your store of inbound links grow with relevant, good quality referrals. Remember, in addition to the sheer SEO power of a link, it also serves as a pathway in to your site so it’s also an important source of traffic. With that in mind, try these helpful link building ideas:

1. Approach your suppliers and partners

No matter your industry, you’ll almost certainly have relationships with suppliers and industry partners. These organisations will naturally be relevant to your brand and could be a good source of links, when approached correctly.

It could be that you have a helpful piece of content a supplier or partner may wish to share with their other customers. Perhaps they have a community initiative you could support in return for a sponsors mention? If you’re a well known business in your field, simply having your logo and a link within the ‘customers’ portion of their site could give them a boost and help you at the same time.

2. Do good with a local non-profit or community organisation

When thinking about your local town or city, you’ll more than likely be able to identify at least a couple of non-profits or community organisations doing good, whether that’s for an important cause or certain segments of the local area.

If you make a donation to support their cause, be sure to ask for a link. Many charities will have a page which showcases those who support them, making this a useful link source. If you can’t make a financial contribution, there are other ways to help. Ask your chosen organisation what else you could do to assist in their work, whether that’s speaking at an event, donating your time, hosting a fund raiser or in some other way.

3. Carry out a piece of research and share with news outlets

While it can be hard to get newspapers and magazines to share your own content, they are happy to report on the news. Carrying out a piece of independent research relating to your industry or customers is a great way to create a compelling piece of news. You’ll need to ask enough questions and survey enough people to make the data compelling; you can use MailChimp for this and survey your existing customers or lead database. This is also a great way to identify trends, which can also be valuable in other areas of your marketing.

4. Design an infographic

Infographics are inherently shareable. Creating an infographic which curates fun stats, or breaks down a complex topic into something more digestible is an easy way to start building more links. The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

5 B2B Content Marketing Tips to Generate More Leads

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 08:41:21 GMT

Did you know that 91% of B2B marketers focus on content marketing tactics to reach more customers and generate leads?

Why is content marketing important?

Content marketing is crucial as it’s your chance to provide potential customers with reasons to choose you, through high quality and engaging content, information and advice.

If you don’t implement a content marketing strategy, you may fall behind the competition as surveys show 60% of marketers are committed to content marketing.

Informational and consistent content is also something customers have come to expect from the brands they choose to do business with.

Here are 5 tactics that you can use in your B2B content marketing strategy that are easy to implement, but also shown to generate leads:

1. Respond to key questions

The most successful content marketing strategies come from companies with an understanding of their customer’s wants and needs.

Use online tools such as Google Trends, Analytics and Search Console to figure out what your customers are interested in, what they’re searching for and how they currently interact with you online.

Once you have this information you can ensure that every piece of content you put out, whether that be through social media, landing pages or blog posts responds to a need, a problem or an interest.

2. Run A/B tests with your content

No matter how much research you do, you can’t always expect your content to be successful straight away.

The best thing to do is to run A/B tests, where you show different users different versions of the same content.

An example A/B test could be having 2 versions of a pop-up box asking users to subscribe to an email list with different sets of copy.

You can determine which content was more successful by seeing which pop-up box generated the most email subscribers.

3. Video content

Video content is the future, something which we are already seeing play out with the popularity of platforms like TikTok and YouTube. You don’t need a full TV or movie crew to adopt this tactic either. Shorter, bite-sized video content (under 30 seconds) that’s not overly-edited is hugely popular.

If you’re able to convey important information and grab a user’s attention in a short video clip you have the potential to generate leads.

4. Influencers

People are far more likely to trust influencers over traditional celebrities now, which provides a big opportunity for companies able to reach these highly engaged and loyal audiences.

We suggest identifying key influencers in your niche on social media platforms that may be able to promote your services to their audience.

5. Blogging

If you haven’t already made blogging a part of your content strategy, now is the time to start.

Blogging can generate 3x the leads than paid adverts, will drive new customers to your website, and keep current customers interested if you’re generating informational content that aligns with their interests. It’s also useful for SEO, can be repurposed into other content formats such as email marketing and creates a library of resources that you can point your leads to in order to underline your expertise and authority in your niche.

Case Study Series - Musa Martial Arts

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 15:40:42 GMT

COMPANY NAME:

Musa Martial Arts

WHAT WERE THE MAIN CHALLENGES WITH YOUR PREVIOUS WEBSITE?

We used to have a word press website which looked fantastic but wouldn’t get any calls. The main issues for us was getting people to notice us amongst the competition and get in touch. We had plenty of problems with the structure from site visibility to lead generation.

WHAT WERE THE KEY SOLUTIONS WE PROVIDED FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

Where do I start? From site visibility at the top of google ahead of the competition, to lead generation and structure. On top of this, automation to make life easier for us as a business to convert sales. Priyesh and his team have found solutions to every single problem we previously had!

HOW HAS YOUR NEW WEBSITE IMPACTED YOUR BUSINESS?

Endless enquiries to name a few. We are blown away with how transformed our business now is just from the help of Priyesh and his team. We consistently get told from our customers that they chose us, as our website looked the most professional. As martial artists we value our principles and professionalism and now our website aligns with our values too.

WHAT 3 THINGS STOOD OUT WHILST WORKING WITH US?

1. SPEED! I am astounded every single time I speak with Priyesh and his team on the speed of action. This is coming from a martial artist remember! I’m in shock every single time!

2. Customer Service. Priyesh and his team genuinely look for solutions to any and every problem that arises and 9/10 solve it within hours (I’m not kidding). I say 9/10 because if they can’t they are straight to letting me know it can’t be done. Which I really appreciate.

3. Knowledge. Priyesh and his team have such a vast expertise on how the website is going to drive our business but also how to help our existing customers have a better online experience too. On top of that I as a business owner have learnt so much through their help. Again as a martial artist we always want to be learning and growing. The experience has been invaluable!

HOW WOULD YOU RATE OUR SERVICE?

5 star doesn’t justify my appreciation for Priyesh and the team.

7 STAR + 10/10 + the cherry on top!

I’m sure you can gather that I would not hesitate what so ever to recommend Priyesh and the team.

We at Musa Martial Arts are forever grateful!

Web Design Trends This Summer

Fri, 14 May 2021 13:09:54 GMT

As with all things digital and marketing, web design is a discipline in a constant state of evolution.

When it comes to front-end website design elements, what previously appeared as innovative and aesthetically pleasing can look dated only a year or two down the line.

Keeping your finger on the pulse of web design trends can ensure your next web design project delights your clients and works well for their business. Here is our pick of features we expect to see trending this summer:

Creative Product Images

2D imagery showing only a portion of a retail product or one view of an item of clothing looks set to be a thing of the past.

For those still yet to be converted to the benefits of online shopping, preferring instead to see the real thing up close, creative photography may just change your mind. Brands such as Adidas have now started using 3D simulations across e-commerce product ranges to bridge the gap between the online and physical environments.

This is a web design trend that we believe will become an interactive staple for years to come, with high-resolution images giving customers the intricate detail they crave.

Brighter Colour Palettes

While printed brochures or media packs can look a little washed out when using lighter colours, a website interface is the perfect environment in which to show off the capability of the medium to display calming colour combinations.

Because dark, richer colour schemes tend to detract from the overall user experience, using lighter, brighter colour tones can complement a clean looking website. This type of palette is perfect for the likes of food and hospitality brands where imagery is at the forefront of design considerations.

Illustrations

With increasing competition online when trying to stand out, using quirky image techniques resembling older journalistic styles where black and white images would be used to offset large amounts of text is now back in fashion.

With the added benefit of illustration assets now being produced digitally, there is plenty of room to play around with formatting and symmetry so that you can create a homepage display for example that is very much unique.

The only caveat with these trends is not to get swept up in what’s new and instead ensure you choose features and elements that while modern, are also in keeping with the client’s brand.

Case Study Series - Superari

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 09:57:44 GMT

COMPANY NAME :

Superari Ltd

WHAT WERE THE MAIN CHALLENGES WITH YOUR PREVIOUS WEBSITE?

My site was working fine until Covid hit. Being a full time Yoga instructor, I had to move really fast to make sure my web presence was strong and that we were prepared for online classes. It was possibly the most pivotal moment in my time as a Yoga teacher - as changes had to be made at such speed under circumstances that were completely unknown. My previous site did need updating too, but like many small businesses, it was something that I had put on the bottom of the priority list.

WHAT WERE THE KEY SOLUTIONS WE PROVIDED FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

I needed a responsive, knowledgeable and understanding partner to launch my new site. So I put out a brief and out of all the companies who came back to me (a total of 5), Digital Inspired came up tops. This was because the solutions presented to me were exactly what I needed. A clean, easy to navigate site which could be created quickly without compromising on quality. I also needed a company who could help me integrate software to enable website bookings directly - so an understanding of how to do that was really key.

HOW HAS YOUR NEW WEBSITE IMPACTED YOUR BUSINESS?

It's played a crucial part in the survival, and now, growth of my business, in a year that I could have been facing a very different situation. My website is now the very heartbeat of my client communication and it enables people to book sessions, access my content such as podcasts and readings and also access bespoke member content which has been created. In one year, we've come a long way. I've managed to grow my clientele, grow my listener base on my podcasts and given my clients a home to access content really easily.

WHAT 3 THINGS STOOD OUT WHILST WORKING WITH US?

1. Positivity. One of the worst things about working with suppliers is when they're just not interested in your business or have an attitude which suggests you're one of many other priorities. I've never felt that way with Digital Inspired. I know the team is really busy, but I always feel like my work and requests are important - the work is done with great enthusiasm which is rare to find.

2. Consultancy. I really value the opinion of Priyesh and the team. When it comes to making changes or growing the site, I always get a very honest and valuable response to my questions, grounded in knowledge and understanding of how websites really work.

3. Speed. There's a difference between rushing and getting things done is a speedy manner. I am naturally fast paced when it comes to driving my business forward, and it feels like I have the best digital running partner in that way.

HOW WOULD YOU RATE OUR SERVICE?

I was recommended to Digital Inspired by a friend and I couldn't be happier with the service I've received over the past year - 5 star.

Use the Pareto Principle to Get More Done

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 08:30:59 GMT

Whether in our personal or working life, there are some things we do that ultimately have more value than others.

This may seem like common sense, but it is a general way of describing the wider Pareto Principle; otherwise known as the 80/20 rule, the concept was developed by Vilfredo Pareto in the late 1800s, and still has many benefits in our modern lives.

Entrepreneurs and business owners share a common problem – how do you maximise your time when there is so much to keep on top of?

We explain the ways that the Pareto Principle can help you manage your daily routine so that you can focus on what matters:

How does Pareto Principle help with time management?

Because the overriding idea of Pareto Principle is that 80% of your output should come from 20% of your time, you can directly apply this to all aspects of your business.

Whether it’s the amount of customers-to-sales or products to services, you can apply the Pareto Principle as the idea that the distribution of task-to-output is not even.

So, if you have a big to-do list for the day that involves 10 things you want to achieve by 5pm, then it is highly likely that only a couple of those tasks will have the most impact in helping you achieve your goals.

Does that mean less is more?

Well, not quite. Pareto Principle is not intended to be used as an excuse to work less, it is most effective as a way of escaping the daily pressures of messy e-mail inboxes, cluttered desk notes and a scattered mind.

Optimising your time when you want to get involved in all elements of your business can be pivotal to success.

How do I start using Pareto Principle?

It can be all-to-easy to get bogged down in the stuff we think matters, rather than the things that will really propel our work forward.

You can start getting into the ‘20% zone’ by:

• Delegate tasks to others that may have more time or appropriate skillset to do the job, even if this doesn’t come naturally at first.

• Remove any distractions that disrupt your workflow – e.g. social media, unplanned discussions, background noise

• Work when you work best, whether that’s at 6:00am in the morning or late evening

• Know when to take a break and not feel guilty about doing so. Innovative thinking can often happen when our minds are at their clearest.

5 Ways To Improve Your Blog’s Performance

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 09:41:23 GMT

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a marketer, an SEO pro or a small business owner, one of the most frustrating elements of the digital marketing experience is discovering that your blog really isn’t pulling its weight.

We all know that content is vitally important to both search engine rankings and the user journey to purchase. Blogs are also fuel for link building and social media content. All of which makes a blog which fails to attract traffic, doesn’t generate engagement and is generally underwhelming from a performance perspective frustrating. It’s a source of missed opportunity but one that you don’t have to resign yourself to putting up with.

Try these 5 easy tactics to improve your blog’s performance and set yourself up for success heading in to the New Year.

1. Devise a strategy

Accepted wisdom suggests that you need to blog as much as you possibly can and upload content as frequently as possible. The issue with trying to keep up with a frantic quantity of posting means that you may well lack a clear direction and defined strategy.

If you haven’t created a content strategy for your blog, research suggests that those who have a documented strategy are more successful so, now is the ideal time to do just that. Take time to define your audience persona, brainstorm a topic calendar which reflects those persona interests, define acceptable blog lengths and stipulate promotional methods.

2. Set a posting schedule

Posting frequently can help your blog to pick up regular readers and semi-automate some of the other process which will attract traffic, such as sharing on social media and sending out emails. Set out a realistic posting frequency which you can stick too. Don’t be overly ambitious as that can derail your efforts and led to quickly giving up. If possible aim for once or twice a week initially and then scale up from there.

3. Carry out a content audit

Just because your blog hasn’t performed well this year, it doesn’t mean your content can’t be brought up to speed. Perform an audit, highlighting content that can be improved and repurposed. Could adding more research or extending content length create a much better piece?

4. Review your SEO strategy

If your blog isn’t optimised for search you’ll find it impossible to attract the level of traffic that signifies your content is successful. A HubSpot experiment a few years ago shed light on the fact that many blogs are actually competing against themselves in the search engine results pages by having a huge, unorganised library of content that all targets the same search term.

Review your blog’s SEO to see if you’re also falling foul of that rule, but also check that the SEO basics are being done well (such as using the right keywords, compressing images, using appropriate headers, alt tags and minimising page load speed, along with useful internal linking and visual content).

5. Brainstorm content promotion

It could be that your blog isn’t performing well because you aren’t promoting your content as much as you could. Devise a content promotion plan which identifies all of the ways you can share your blog content and amplify your posts. Social media and your owned channels are a good place to start but, you may also want to consider paid forms of promotion such as content syndication to help you achieve your goals.

4 Key Reasons Why Your Website Has A High Bounce Rate

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 11:51:14 GMT

As an entrepreneur, getting good levels of organic traffic to your site is the first step in growing your online business. However, you also need visitors to spend time browsing your site to eventually invest in your product and services.

Whenever a user visits your site and leaves without navigating to another page is known as a “bounce,”. The percentage of people who only view one page on your site before exiting is known as your bounce rate. The optimum bounce rate hovers around 26 - 40%. The higher the rate, the more potential customers are leaving your site in one click.

Luckily, there are several reasons why your website could be showing a high bounce rate, most of which are easy to tackle.

1. Slow Page Loading Times

A slow page load time is a prime source of higher bounce rates. Today’s Internet users are impatient, and with every second that ticks past waiting for content to load, the greater the chance that user will go elsewhere.

You can use tools such as Google Search Console page speed reports, Lighthouse reports, or GTmetrix to review the loading times for individual pages and your site as a whole. The tools will provide you with recommendations for improving page speed, such as using smaller image files, reducing the number of redirects, and reducing third-party scripts.

2. Uninformative Title & Meta Description

If your page title and meta description do not accurately represent the content on the page, you might register a higher than necessary bounce rate. This happens because visitors click through from the search results expecting to find the answer to one question, but receive something else, sending them swiftly back to Google to find what they were actually looking for.

A misleading page title and description may have done deliberately for click-bait or by accident and then not noticed. Whatever the reason, it can drive up bounce rates and give a poor impression of your site. This is easily remedied; simply review all titles and meta descriptions and adjust any inaccurate entries accordingly so that they truly reflect current page content.

3. Poor Quality Content

The content on your website itself could send visitors away at first glance. This happens when your content is of a poor quality, written purely for SEO, out of date or lacking in authority, detail or credibility. A content audit can help you to determine whether poor content is driving visitors away.

Question whether your content is written with your marketing personas in mind, uses the right language and tone of voice and provides enough information to be useful.

Images, headers, and other page breaks can make your content more visually appealing and easily scannable. If these are lacking, too much text could leave visitors overwhelmed.

4. Not Mobile Compatible

Mobile search surpasses desktop search volumes so, if your website is not optimised for mobile use, your site’s bounce rate will bear the brunt of user frustrations. Sites that aren’t mobile-friendly take longer to load and do not look appealing on handheld devices, often causing key information to be hidden below the fold. Poor mobile optimisation is also detrimental to your search rankings so mobile-friendly optimisation will need to take place as a matter of urgency.

How to make your Instagram posts more effective

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 08:48:52 GMT

It’s no secret that social media plays a huge role in consumer decision making. PWC’s Global Consumer Insights Survey reports that the importance of social media is soaring, with social media ranked as the most popular source of information and inspiration. This stat alone makes it clear that you need to do all you can to increase engagement and encourage interaction on your social media posts.

A brand new study has shed light on how to do just that by revealing the most popular type of post on Instagram. According to the research, carried out by Socialslider, Instagram posts are much more likely to capture attention and by successful if they contain a carousel of images, rather than a single image or video.

The analysis of more than 22 million Instagram posts was broken down into a wealth of useful hints and tips to make your posting as effective as possible. Here are the key takeaways from the report:

4 simple ways to increase the amount of time visitors spend on your website

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 08:47:47 GMT

Get your site visitors to stick around

As entrepreneurs and website owners, we all put a lot of time and effort into getting visitors to our website. But, what happens when they actually arrive? If your analytics data (or lack of conversions) is showing that your web traffic doesn’t linger long before exiting your domain, it could be time to implement a few strategic tactics to encourage them to stick around a bit longer and explore all that you have to offer.

1. Make your visuals impactful

Seeing an endless amount of text can be very off putting for some visitors, especially if they’ve arrived on your site from a mobile device. Making sure you use plenty of engaging, impactful visuals is an easy way to make your site visually more appealing and therefore more welcoming for your visitors. Choose imagery appropriate to your brand but make those visuals pop. This could mean adding multiple images or changing your image style to include sliders and image carousels.

2. Think about your formatting

Keeping your visitor on site is all about keeping them engaged so you want to ensure that you’re doing that throughout the page. There are lots of ways to do this and the good news is, they’re all easy. The secret? It all comes down to formatting. Every so often, you can use cross-headers to break up big chunks of text for example. This catches the eye and lets the reader know what’s coming up next. They can also scan the page to get a clear idea of the upcoming content. Headers are also good for SEO purposes so sticking to this best-practice tip can also help your rankings to improve.

Bullet point lists are another way to make your content engaging and easy to digest, as are numbered lists.

3. Add graphs and charts for facts and figures

If you have lots of facts and figures, tables which segment the numbers make the information easier to absorb. Graphs and charts are also eye-catching but, importantly they present what could be complex information in a more logical manner.

4. Optimise for mobile

One of the biggest ways of increasing time spent on page is to ensure that your site is primed to welcome visitors from mobile devices. With mobile search the primary source of traffic, having a site which is easy to navigate, source information and interact with from a mobile device means your visitors are less likely to get frustrated and more likely to stay on page. This includes considerations such as page load times and form design.

Is Your Content Meeting These Good Quality Indicators?

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 12:44:13 GMT

Are you creating good quality content?

There’s little doubt that you already understand the importance of good quality content – but knowing that you need to produce it and determining if what you’re putting out there actually ticks all the boxes are two different things entirely.

From your web copy to your blog posts, your brochure to your proposals and your social media updates to your emails, crafting great copy which draws the reader in and encourages them to take the next step through your sales funnel is a sure fire way to ensure you’re meeting your business goals as an entrepreneur. Creating good quality content is a lot harder than it sounds, especially when you factor in the need for your online copy to be optimised, your sales copy to engage the reader and your overall content assets to serve each stage of the customer journey from awareness through to consideration and finally decision making.

To help make this tough job a little easier, our own wordsmiths have shared their markers for good quality content. How does your content measure up?

1. Your content tells a story

Content which weaves a story is incredibly compelling and, you’d expect to have at least one or two pieces like this somewhere within your content library or site archives. This could be your brand story and the explanation of how you came to do what you do.

2. It’s personalised

Generic copy not only turns off readers, it can actively send them to a competitor who’s taken the trouble to create content which demonstrates they ‘get’ that customer. Personalised content can take many forms, from using someone’s name at the start of your automated email chain to sharing resources which serve that particular person’s need. The great thing about personalisation is that it gives you a lot of scope for creativity – provided you put in the leg work to truly understand your clients and website visitors and their relationship to your brand.

3. You change up the format

There are dozens of different content types out there but most of us will admit to falling back on the written blog more often than not. This is understandable as it’s a format that everyone is familiar and comfortable with, it’s easily shared, makes for good social media posts and is a boost for your SEO.

A good quality content profile however needs a bit more variety. Video is one of the hottest mediums at the moment but, if you don’t have the set up or budget for that, going live on social media Stories is another option. Slide shows, image galleries, ebooks, podcast episodes and quizzes are also worth adding into your content mix.

4. You welcome audience participation

Audience participation such as comments or reviews may not be appropriate for all content formats but it certainly is for some – and

factoring this in can also help you tick off another good quality content box. Some channels will lend themselves more easily to this; social media for example as you can host a Live video or encourage followers to send in their questions. Start with the

basics and then get creative!

4 ways to increase the amount of time visitors spend on your website

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 07:14:02 GMT

1. Make your visuals impactful

2. Think about your formatting

3. Add graphs and charts for facts and figures

4. Optimise for mobile

Will Covid-19 Fuel a Surge in Digital Business?

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 07:09:00 GMT

Are Entrepreneurs The Ones Who Will Thrive Post-Coronavirus?

Throughout history, it’s very clear that times of hardship, recessions, mass illness and war, have all lead to innovations in various areas. Times of difficulty fuel the fire for change and often reveal areas of weakness or improvement in our systems and approaches. In the same way that the deadly SARS virus greatly accelerated the digital business and ecommerce sectors in Asia, are we going to see another jump toward digital commerce replacing physical contact in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic?

There is no doubt that while lockdowns across the globe may gradually be lifting as we wave goodbye to what we all hope are the darkest days of coronavirus, it will be some time before comfort returns to ‘normal’. We use normal loosely as it is highly likely that what we used to consider normal may never entirely return. It seems increasingly less likely that some of the measures our society has put in place to manage the spread of this individual virus will be entirely removed from the physical commerce scene.

Take some of the simple examples, including the physical shields at checkouts throughout the country at petrol stations, supermarkets and shops. With the new heightened awareness of both consumers and retail employers alike when it comes to contact hygiene and safety, it makes little sense for these to be removed. Likewise, the capacity limit on physical stores is another change that will have benefits beyond simply disease control. It is highly anticipated that we’ll have to get used to queuing outside stores and having little to no physical contact with commerce staff for the foreseeable future.

In these extreme times of change, it is the businesses and entrepreneurs who successfully ensure their business is digitised and offers options for service and supply that call for the least possible direct human interaction who will thrive. Ecommerce sales are likely to remain high post the ‘spike’ we have seen during lockdown despite stores reopening. Demand for delivery services, particularly in the food industry will likely also continue to remain high. This is born out by various surveys and polls, with many shoppers saying they won’t immediately return to in-store experiences and plenty more saying they’ll continue to get what they can online even as physical experiences become available once again.

Entrepreneurs with the ability to create brands and businesses with highly effective digital levels of service and supply will be the businesses who survive and thrive in the post Covid-19 world, even when all the official lockdown regulations have ceased. How digital ready is your business and are you doing everything you can to ensure this element of your company is seamless and user friendly?

Google says Progressive Web Apps are the future of the mobile web

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 05:33:51 GMT

If you had any doubt about how important Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) look set to be for your new mobile app development business take note; Google says that they are the future of the mobile web.

The search giant has teamed up with Microsoft to publish a brand new eBook called, Progressive Web Apps: The Future of the Mobile Web . Describing them as able to function even with poor or broken Internet connections with features like push notifications, Google says that PWAs offer the functionality of native apps coupled with “the reach and searchability of the web”.

In its eBook, Google muses on the rise of PWAs, noting that over the last few years, mobile devices have become more prevalent than desktops when it comes to getting online with twice as much time spent on the mobile web. In some areas of the world, such as the Asia-Pacific region, a number of countries access the internet exclusively from a mobile device.

Most consumers, will turn to the web to find something they are looking for says Google, but there is also an overriding belief that apps tend to be much easier to use – the search engine suggests that is because apps are built specifically for mobile devices, so the user experience, design and navigation is wholly tailored to smartphone screens and tablets. They are more streamlined than a website, consumers think of them as being more personalised and the checkout experience is often much slicker.

Google heralds PWAs as bringing the best of both worlds together and notes in the eBook that, “ Progressive Web Apps (PWA) are websites that use modern web technologies to create mobile web experiences that are closer to those delivered by native apps. Via a link on the homescreen, users can enjoy features that were previously challenging on the web: accessing content offline, receiving notifications from preferred brands, adding favorites to the homescreen. PWAs help improve user engagement and enable seamless conversions - whether for e-commerce, productivity, publishing, games, or media… PWAs enable frictionless journeys for mobile, tablet, and desktop users, and so regardless of the platform, they have a key role to play.”

Of course, this means that PWAs are incredibly exicting developments, with lots of potential for the years ahead, something Google is clearly already thinking about.

For app developers keen to leverage this trend, the search engine says a good PWA must be built on a trio of requirements. It should be:

·Fast

·Installable

·And follow best practise user experience and user friendly design principles to make it engaging

Want to find out more about Progressive Web Apps? Get in touch with us.

Is the Future of Business Virtual?

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 07:19:34 GMT

With all that’s happening in the world at present, it’s hard not to imagine the long-term implications coronavirus is going to have on our society and how we do business. Yes, we live in a time in which innovation is accelerating and we have new tech and new software available to us almost on a monthly basis which changes our lives in some way. The rise of social media has changed how we connect, how we communicate and how we manage our social lives. However, advancements are now coming thicker and faster than ever before due to the pandemic and the speed of innovation promises to reshape how we move forwards.

We’re used to digital interaction gradually replacing our usual physical interactions because we’ve had social media for some years now and smartphones have become highly accessible for the majority of the world. We consume more digital content than ever through various devices and the standard one screen family home is a distant memory. Now though, we also have to look at how coronavirus and subsequent lockdown protocols have accelerated a trend which was already picking up steam.

Due to social distancing rules, many workplaces have shut down partly or entirely. As such, work forces are utilising digital communications including virtual conferencing in record numbers to replace their ability to convene in person. As the lockdowns continue, more and more businesses are recognising the benefits of allowing and promoting mobile or remote working for their teams. At the same time, the workforces themselves are discovering a life without the regular daily commute and are subsequently also closer to their families. It is hard to picture a world post-coronavirus in which we don’t see a huge surge in the amount of mobile working and home-based employment options.

Zoom’s virtual conferencing software has seen an insane rise in use to the extent that Google and Microsoft have adjusted their more clunky offerings to compete. Meetings are being conducted online and cloud-based document sharing and editing software is also seeing record use. Given the need for adaption which has been forced by corona, we’re even seeing surges in other digital and virtual services. An Escape Room brand in the UK has adapted their service during quarantine to offer virtual services in which an avatar plays the game physically for you as you guide it from the comfort of your own home for example. Add to this the huge popularity of online food ordering and delivery services like Uber Eats and Deliveroo and it’s possible to go weeks without leaving your home for either work or leisure.

Whether you’re ready for it or not, the world has taken a significant step towards digital dependence which is very likely to linger and drastically change the way we work, do business and even consume entertainment.

The Importance of Goal Setting

Fri, 15 May 2020 07:12:30 GMT

How to Set Goals to Continue Your Progression

Goal setting isn’t a new invention, but it is one that perhaps isn’t celebrated enough for its potential impact on your life. As an individual, whether it’s for business or personal progression, goal setting is one of the most tried and tested approaches to achieving. Most entrepreneurs will naturally have this mindset but it is something that is worthwhile being taught as a new approach for those it doesn’t come naturally to.

With the world generally in pause mode at the moment as the globe reacts and recovers from the spread of coronavirus, there has never been a better time for some reflection and fresh goal setting. The issue is that during times like these, people’s focus does tend to turn inward and away from looking at and planning for the future. In fact, this is another reason why now is a good time to pull yourself up and look around at what you can do and what you should be aiming for to keep yourself and your business on track.

We do not want to teach you to suck eggs, most entrepreneurs know goal setting is important, but here is a fool proof approach to set goals for yourself and your business:

Be Specific

One of the biggest mistakes with goal setting is aiming too high. Now by too high we don’t always mean being ambitious. What we mean is that the goal is too much of an overview, too generic, too expansive. ‘Make more money’, sure it’s a goal but it’s too loose. Put a more specific angle on it and say that you want to increase revenue by 15% in the next 3 months. Or that you want to increase margin on a certain product or service to 30% for example.

Measure It

As per the suggestion above about being specific, make sure your goal is something you can measure. Ideally you don’t just want measurability to be a start and end affair either, you want something you can measure along the way so you can tell if you’re on track. Break your overall specific goal down into periods of progression. How much improvement will you aim to make in month 1 versus month 3 and month 6 of a long-term goal for example.

Keep it Achievable

Don’t aim low but make sure your goals are realistic and can be achieved in the timescale you’re setting yourself. Unrealistic goals that can’t be reached can actually have a counteractive effect and become a negative distraction and pressure you don’t need. Think about goals that are tough but can be achieved with hard work.

Time Matters

Keep it realistic but make sure you are setting yourself a time constraint with your goal. Setting the goal with no ideal achievement date isn’t going to motivate you. It actually becomes more of a dream than a goal. Set a time limit and break that down into deliverables and gradual measurement of progression to stay on task and stay motivated. Adjust these targets as you progress too.

Is Throwing Yourself into Lockdown Work Mode Causing Burnout?

Fri, 01 May 2020 08:52:52 GMT

Entrepreneurs - If You Are Hitting Burnout During Lockdown - You Need a Break

With all the best intentions involved, the more ambitious entrepreneurs amongst us are using the lockdown period to throw themselves into work. It’s great to be productive - of course it is - but the reality is that for many, it’s doing as much harm as it is good because they’re simply not taking the time to have a break.

One of the major issues stems from the social pressure that we should all be using this period of isolation to be productive. There is a constant stream of online memes and social media posts about self-improvement and the importance of learning new skills during lockdown. It may seem good natured but what it’s doing is provoking a unique feeling of anxiety that we must accomplish something while regular working life is halted. For many, that pressure is starting to take its toll as the days of the week seem to merge into one long marathon.

The ‘burnout’ is real, and it has affected many would-be entrepreneurs and stopped them in their tracks. Don’t let it happen to you. Here’s how to avoid burnout and deal with it.

Avoiding Lockdown Burnout

Take a Break to be Lazy – It’s a tough one, the word lazy. It has its uses but actually for the super ambitious, it’s become a pressure in itself to always feel like we are being productive. In this mindset doing nothing and taking a break is considered a negative. Remember though; we all need rest. We all need balance. During this extended period of lockdown, timetables and even the sense of what day of the week it is has been skewed. This means we’re not making time for ourselves through the fear of being lazy.

Take time to do nothing. Lay in the sun, binge watch your favourite Netflix series or simply choose a day you are not going to do anything work related. It will do you good, make being lazy a positive and structured part of your work life balance.

Be Creative – We’re wired to be productive. For entrepreneurs this is amplified. We have a need to build and produce. So, do this instead of absorbing too much. Balance your daily tasks to include creative jobs, even if it’s artwork or producing copy for your website. Or take a break and do a paint by numbers exercise or similar. Create a sense of accomplishment through creating rather than purely by ticking off items on an endless to-do list.

Recognise the Signs – Are you starting to feel tired, heavy, sluggish? Perhaps you’re having a hard time concentrating on a single task or your mind is constantly wandering? You need to recognise that this is a sign you getting tired. Maybe not physically as such but mentally your central nervous system is starting to feel the strain and under perform. Make sure you’re eating and drinking enough regularly throughout the day. Stay fuelled and if you feel like you need to rest, then rest. Your mind needs relaxation and enjoyment as much as your body does.

Quarantine Trends to Embrace and Ignore as an Entrepreneur

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 09:36:53 GMT

We’re all in This Together

There is a mixed bag of trends sweeping the globe as multiple nations experience varying levels of government lockdown in aid of combating the coronavirus outbreak. Some of these trends are very positive but some of them could be classed as negative. When it comes to the world of business and entrepreneurs there are many opinions flying around as to what is expected of a ‘successful, driven’ individual during this time of uncertainty.

The coming of the coronavirus and its impact on people is hugely dependant on their circumstances. For example, those who are parents, particularly those with young children will be struggling to balance working from home and educating let alone entertaining, their kids. This is where certain trends to emerge are a little out of the realm of reality and put unnecessary pressure on entrepreneurs.

Trend: You Should Be Learning a New Skill

We have seen this one everywhere. “If you don’t come out of quarantine with at least one new skill you are not driven enough”. It comes in varying forms but the message is the same. Essentially the message is that while the pace of life has slowed due to isolation, you should be dedicating time to add to your skillset. Now there is a positive spin in their somewhere and we get the sentiment, but actually for many this is totally unrealistic and adds a lot of undue pressure at a time when many of us naturally feel more anxious than usual.

For those with businesses suffering financially during the crisis – as millions are -, there will be much to do, much to consider and some tough choices to make about whether to stop work and what to do about staff. This doesn’t even consider how tough the scenario must be for those trying to work but also have children at home as we previously mentioned. When exactly are people expected to fit in the time to dedicated to blitz learning a new skill while juggling their business, children, the new stresses of working from home which will be alien to many, corona anxiety and of course finding time to sleep?

Time prioritisation will be crucial for many during the weeks ahead and you should never feel pressured or expected to take time away from that.

Trend: We’re all in This Together

This is a much more positive message and one that we can certainly get behind. While it isn’t necessarily universal, it is the case that most of the world is united through struggle. Governments and financial institutions are providing unprecedented levels of support and options to assist businesses and people with ways to manage their finances and potential reduced income scenarios. Businesses which are seeing increased demand and are available to operate are passing on their need for increased workers by making critical temporary hires and all in all, there does seem to be a national sense of unity and camaraderie.

Many businesses big and small will need help getting through this time and re-launching themselves when life starts to again resemble normality. If we all continue to be unified in our approach to life, health and work by supporting one another, we may see a much more connected and mutually beneficial society on the other side.

Marketing tips during the coronavirus

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 08:13:40 GMT

The coronavirus pandemic has caused widespread disruption for businesses in many sectors – whether you’re operating business as usual, have had to make some changes to your usual services or have amended opening hours and locations – keeping your customers informed during this time is vital.

Here are a few helpful tips to navigate your marketing during this time…

1. Use local SEO

If your eCommerce website design is backed up by a physical store, you may have had to implement changes to your opening hours or swap to only accepting contactless payments. Restaurants for example may no longer be taking reservations for dining in but, you could be accepting take away orders instead over the phone and on your site. However you have been impacted, use your local SEO assets to communicate these adjustments to your clients to minimise disruption.

Your Google My Business account is very useful here – you can log in to your profile and immediately change your opening hours to reflect your new timetable and adjust key information such as payment methods accepted and services being offered. Use Posts too in order to explain to customers any changes and how you can continue to work with them during this time.

The changes should show up almost right away, giving anyone searching for you on Google all of the pertinent information they need.

2. Update your website

If you have had to make changes to your service, share a blog post on your site detailing what’s different. This gives your clients peace of mind and acts as a useful reference which can be shared with other customers.

Add chat bots and sales pages to your website.

If nothing much has changed for you – for example if you are an online retailer and you’re still able to get items shipped out to clients – it’s also important that this is communicated so you don’t lose any potential sales.

3. Be visible on your social media channels

Keeping a regular presence on your social media channels right now is important. In addition to sharing any changes and updates to normal day-to-day services, consider how you can serve your community at this time.

Many brands have taken to their social profiles to ask who they can help their audiences through issues such as self-quarantine and isolation. Many people will be feeling anxious and worried now so ask how you can help them and what kind of content they want to see from you. Even if your business operations have been impacted, it’s very likely that you’ll still be able to engage with your audience on social in a meaningful way. If you’re a fitness brand for example, could you share at home workouts on your social media profiles or host a question and answer session with an industry expert?

If you’re a food brand or a restaurant, why not collate some useful information such as store cupboard recipes, new ways to make food they have ordered from your store go further or ingredients to boost the immune system.

If you’re a retailer of arts and crafts, how about hosting a communal paint-along which everyone can join live?

Most of us won’t have faced anything like this before but, that doesn’t mean that your marketing activity must cease. Quite the opposite in fact. This is a time to consider how you can serve and help your audience with resources and helpful information to use at this time.

For any help, feel free to get in touch with us at Digital Inspired .

How to Create a Killer Home Page

Fri, 06 Mar 2020 13:10:09 GMT

The home page is arguably the most important page on your site. It’s your virtual shop window. Your welcome mat. It tells visitors what you’re about and what you can offer. It needs to be compelling and engaging and tempt visitors to travel deeper through your site.

Whether you’ve just commissioned a new website design for your business or have an existing site that’s due a refresh, here are a few tips, tricks and suggestions to create the best home page you possibly can…

1. Speed it up

Before you can even move on to perfecting the design and messaging of your home page, you must ensure that your page loading time is as fast as it can possibly be. Data shows that bounce rate spikes with every additional second a page takes to load, especially on mobile devices so getting the tech right to ensure super fast loading is an imperative first step. Don’t miss this out or the work you go into creating a wonderful design and word perfect messaging will be for nought.

2. Create messaging that reflects your audience

A killer home page caters to its audience. You need this portal to your site to convey trust, encourage further exploration and showcase how you can help. Your messaging should speak to your audience. For that, you need to know who your customer is and what they are looking for from you. Spell out concisely and creatively the problem you can solve for them to create an instant connection.

3. Don’t skimp on imagery

Good strong creative is incredibly important on any page but this is especially true of your home page. Don’t skimp on the imagery – and don’t rush to grab any stock image that looks like it may fit the bill. Your choice of image and creative is an important one. Humans are very visual creatures so there is lot to consider. Invest in the best quality imagery you can afford, make sure it reflects your messaging – and consider it a part of your messaging too.

4. Clear headings and navigation

Good SEO practise should be woven through your site of course but you also need to ensure that it’s especially well represented on your home page. Part and parcel of welcoming your visitors and creating a home page that really works is to ensure that your audience can navigate with ease. Provide clear headers, make navigation intuitive, have calls to action and include trust signals as appropriate, such as your TrustPilot badge, testimonials or reviews.

For more tips and hints on website design , feel free to get in touch with us at Digital Inspired .

Reasons Why You Need Great Copywriting for Your Brand

Mon, 17 Feb 2020 09:00:27 GMT

Let’s start off by reminding everyone that we love web designers, we have some superb web designers in house and our business is largely built around highly functional websites with great design, navigation and user-friendly interfaces. But one thing we need everyone to understand, web designers are NOT copywriters.

When we produce copywriting for our partners and their clients, it’s done professionally by individuals who are masters of the written word. Web designers think in a very specific way, they are design and composition conscious and we’re pretty sure when they close their eyes, they can see the matrix. But brand copywriting requires more than a keen eye, it’s about knowing how to genuinely communicate with your audience and how to construct your message in a way they clearly understand.

In fact, many businesses struggle with copywriting and getting the balance right between what they think they want to say and who they’re saying it to. This is one of the reasons why copywriting is becoming a very popular job role for digital businesses, larger businesses have entire teams dedicated to it and most businesses without an in house team seek out agencies to support their needs.

Most business owners and marketers have been caught up in the attention grabbing world of social media advertising but have no idea what to do once they’ve got their audience’s attention. As a result, their brands end up lacking depth and character, two very important traits for modern day consumers. For these consumers, finding a new brand is about discovery, they like to dive in and find out more. If a brand lacks the ability to demonstrate their message, their character, their mentality, they risk just blending into the vortex of mediocre brands and overnight businesses cropping up every day.

Invest time and effort in to creating a brand message that the business believes in but also your customers understand and relate to. After all, all the best brands solve a problem for their customers. They understand their needs and their struggles and they create a product or service that improves their quality of life in some way. The trick now is being able to communicate that you’re your potential customers can see it too.

Brand depth and a clear message will help improve your marketing too, both in terms of how you are perceived at discovery and how well engaged you are post the initial discovery phase. Leading to more traffic and hopefully a greater ratio of conversions and customer loyalty.

For more tips and hints on copy-writing and website design , feel free to get in touch with us at Digital Inspired .

Contact Form Best Practise for Your Website

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 09:14:36 GMT

The contact form page. We don’t need to tell you that you should have one and why. You already know that you need a direct way for your customers to get in touch with you. Particularly if you are a B2B enterprise. But in a world primarily ruled by social media, are we neglecting our contact forms more than ever?

Most brands would agree that being active and communicating with your followers and ultimately your audience via social media is important - and of course they’d be right. Though most often social media interactions are very different from those you’re likely to receive via your website contact form. Not only this, but dependant on the industry your business operates in, it may well be that your audience has had hit and miss experiences with brands on social media. Not all brands are up to scratch when it comes to managing their social media communities. This again makes it even more important you have a functional contact form on your website as a direct and more ‘professional’ way for your customers and wider audience to contact you.

Here's a few tips to make sure you’re doing your website contact form page the right way:

Provide an Intro

Too many businesses just have the form. That’s fine and of course it’s impactful but users do like to be encouraged. It’s good to tell users you want to hear from them and perhaps even give examples of the kind of scenarios your contact form is good for. Make it easy to understand.

Avoid Too Many Fields

No one likes forms, so keep it short and simple. Ask for the information you need and this only. It’s ok to provide an optional ‘additional info’ area for users to fill in but don’t have this as a requirement. A drop-down menu outlining the main area of enquiry would be enough alongside contact details vital for reaching out to the user post completion.

Avoid Being Too Personal

This goes hand in hand with our tip on reducing the number of fields. Don’t get to personal, ask yourself if you need the information you’re asking for at this point and is it even relevant. For example, do you need to ask the user for their date of birth or gender to submit a contact form? Probably not, so scrap it.

Provide Alternative Contact Methods

You want to promote the form, of course you do, but this doesn’t mean it’s the user’s preferred contact method. On the page below the form provide your alternative methods nice and clearly. Phone numbers, social channels, email address etc. What’s important is they take action and contact you, not how they do it, so give them choices.

Provide Easy Access to FAQs

Use this page to also link or draw attention to your FAQs. It may well be that the answer to their issue is clearly highlighted here and they will be able to progress their own situation without needing to involve you. While we’re sure you’d be happy to engage with your customers, if there’s an easy answer to a common question then be sure to provide it for everyone to see and make sure they can find it.

For more tips and hints on website design , feel free to get in touch with us at Digital Inspired .

Avoid these 4 SEO mistakes in 2020

Mon, 20 Jan 2020 11:00:03 GMT

If you’re anything like us, you’ll relish the prospect of a New Year. It’s a chance to take stock on what you’ve accomplished in the last 12 months, set new goals, take on new challenges and hit the reset button. If SEO is already topping your list of New Year priorities, let us help you set off in the right direction with four mistakes you should resolve to avoid as 2020 gets underway…

1. You don’t create a tailored action plan

It’s true that SEO involves a range of activities – you need to create good quality content, you need to optimise your landing pages and build links. Approaching your SEO activity with a cookie-cutter to do list simply to tick off each of those actions is a mistake.

SEO is a complex science and there is no one size fits all solution. It’s important to first take the time to understand where your site sits specifically, what you’re doing well and where your domain’s specific weaknesses are. From there, you can create a tailored plan which sees any weaker spots fixed and strengths built on.

2. You buy links

Link building gets harder and harder. That’s just a fact. Building good quality, relevant links is a long term undertaking and it’s easy to get disheartened when your efforts seemingly come to nothing. Buying links is a quick fix on the surface – but it’s not all that it may appear. Any link you can buy, your competitors can too meaning they tend to be of a poorer quality, from poor quality domains and may not even be relevant. That means the link won’t do much to bolster your SEO profile and certainly won’t drive relevant traffic to your site. Put that budget and resource into an organic link building campaign while understanding that the best links an take months and months to accrue.

3. You don’t invest in content

Many websites tick off the quantity box when it comes to content creation but it’s a mistake to think that simply publishing a blog like clockwork is sufficient. The quality and usefulness of your content also matters and the better you can make it, the better your SEO results will be. On the back of investing in good quality, very relevant, topical and informative content, you’ll also be elevating the user experience.

4. You focus on Google, not your audience

SEO is about pleasing Google to some extent – you need to tick its boxes to ascend through the rankings. But, it’s a mistake to think that’s all SEO is. Google’s algorithms have become incredibly sophisticated and at its heart, the search engine wants to sort the best quality results for a user to give them the answer to their search query. You too also want to give your website visitors the best experience so that the hard work you have done to get them to your site isn’t wasted. The very last thing you want is to focus on Google to the extent that you don’t consider who your customers are and how you can delight them; ensuring that those who arrive on your site convert into customers.

For more tips and hints on SEO and website design , feel free to get in touch with us at Digital Inspired .

Research into online reviews

Fri, 10 Jan 2020 08:55:21 GMT

The annual Local Consumer Review survey has just been released and it’s packed with useful insight and shopper habits. It’s well established that online reviews are now an intrinsic part of the eCommerce experience – so what does this year’s survey show us?

Positive reviews are crucial

If you haven’t yet focused on your online reputation, the latest Local Consumer Review survey confirms that you really should. The research found that 91% of consumers are more likely to use a local business if they see positive reviews. Likewise, 82% of consumers say negative reviews put them off using a business.

The majority of consumers search for local businesses

In the last 12 months, 90% of consumers have used the internet to find a local business. A total of 33% of consumers do so each and every day, 60% conduct a search once per week and 70% search online for a local business once per month.

Most shoppers read online reviews

According to the survey findings, 82% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses they are considering buying from. More and more, consumers always read reviews before they interact with a business. Over half of those aged 18-54 say that they ‘always’ read a local business review.

Online reviews aren’t confined to one device

When it comes to reading reviews, local consumers don’t limit themselves to one device. They search on desktop, mobile, tablets and apps – suggesting reviews are important at all stages of the purchase process and consumer discovery journey.

Positive reviews lead to positive actions

This year’s research revealed that 32% of consumers will typically visit a local business website after reading a positive review, meaning a strong online reputation can be a real boost to conversions. A further 16% of consumers will take it a stage further and visit the business after they read a positive online review.

Star quality and recent reviews matter

Local consumers are well versed in the use of reviews within their decision making process and as a result, they have certain expectations and criteria which your review profile needs to meet. 58% of consumers say they pay the most attention to how recent reviews are (so you need to maintain a constant influx), 57% say star rating is important to them and 39% say a business response to reviews matters. 48% of consumers say they’ll only take into account reviews left within the last two weeks.

Average star rating is important

Unsurprisingly, star rating matters to local consumers. Those with less than five stars lose around 12% of their potential business. Only 53% of consumers would use a business with less than a four-star rating.

For more tips and hints on reviews and website design , feel free to get in touch with us at Digital Inspired.

Why You Need Great Copywriting for Your Website

Mon, 16 Dec 2019 08:43:27 GMT

Many businesses struggle with copywriting and getting the balance right between what they think they want to say and who they’re saying it to. This is one of the reasons why copywriting is becoming a very popular job role for digital businesses, larger businesses have entire teams dedicated to it and most businesses without an in house team seek out agencies to support their needs.

For more tips and hints on copy-writing and website design , feel free to get in touch with us at Digital Inspired.

Will Marketing Trends Really Evolve from 2019 to 2020?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 09:12:49 GMT

Marketing and advertising is a never ending pursuit of understanding consumers well enough to be predictive and stay ahead of the game when it comes to strategies, spending and creative moving forward. What is going to capture the consumers attention, hold it and convince them to buy from us? By being predictive you can start to move ahead of your competitors and feel secure that your marketing efforts are being spent in the right place. But where do we go moving into 2020?

2019’s being marketing focus was inevitably a continuation of content marketing, influencer social media leveraging, continued focus on search and heavily targeted social media advertising with an emphasis on video creative. Sure, the big time brands with huge research and development budgets are pushing the next generation of predictive and personalised advertising through connecting huge pools of consumer data, which while it sounds exciting has already come under huge scrutiny for being a risk via consumer data misuse and even playing with ethics in general human rights.

So, what is it that we’re really going to be focussing on in reality for 2020?

Voice Search

The data would suggest that with the growth in voice search and the uprising of voice activated home devices like the smart speaker etc, that we are heading into a future more and more dominated by voice search. We have covered this topic before and in essence it’s going to mean that search strategies need to evolve to include spoken search queries in both paid and organic search campaigns in order to stay ahead.

There is data out there to suggest that emerging markets will see all search queries split 50/50 between voice and search as early as 2021 but there are doubters out there and we’d throw some caution to the wind on that one. What is inevitable though is that whether it reaches 50% of all searches or not, voice search queries will continue to rise steadily, and they should be a factor in your search approach.

Content Marketing

Content marketing is going anywhere, it’s a cost-effective investment into your brand as well as effective marketing collateral which builds depth many brands and businesses lack. Blogging, video creative, website functionality investment and third-party content placement including advertorials and paid for reviews etc will continue to be a focus point for all business types and there is no sign of this slowing.

As such content marketing agencies with specialisms in content creation and even old school PR techniques will continue to be in high demand.

Social Media Targeting

We’re not likely to see a change here either, though as a major trend for last year with even small brands jumping heavily on the social media advertising train, brands with limited budgets are going to have to play it smart in 2020 with their targeting pools becoming more and more defined and niche. Alongside this in order to be truly effective the creative used will need to be tailored closely to the targeting as well to ensure the highest possible relevancy and engagement to keep the channel truly cost effective.

For more tips and hints on marketing and website design , feel free to get in touch with us at Digital Inspired .

New Study - Review Responses Increase Reviews by 80%

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 09:01:40 GMT

According to the Uberall Reputation Management Revolution Global Benchmark Report, replying to 32% of reviews generated 80% more conversions versus competitors who replied to just 10% of reviews left by customers.

The report classes conversions as a click, a request for driving directions from Google Maps or a telephone call – these findings show that it really is worth finding time for reputation management if you have a local business website.

With 64,000 local business listings analysed in four different countries, here are just a few of the pertinent findings from the report. Use them to refine your local SEO and reputation management approach.

Local search has high local intent

If you run a local business and have a physical bricks and mortar location in addition to your local business website, this particular stat should convince you that there are plenty of real world benefits to optimising your local search presence.

The report found that around half of all searches are for local businesses, meaning it’s well worth ensuring you’re doing all you can to get local pack visibility. What’s more, 76% of those search users went on to visit a local store within one day. 95% of local consumers use online reviews to choose which local business they visit, so being on the ball can pay dividends.

A small improvement in star rating can lead to big rewards

Uberall researches discovered that improving a star rating from 3.5 to 3.7 gives a 120% increase in conversions. This appears to be the sweet spot for reviews, as this increase led to the biggest change in conversions – more so than improving to a five-star rating for example.

Reply to reviews to win more business

The Moz Local SEO Ranking Factors study says that replying to reviews is a local pack ranking factor. Google also says it considers review responses. The BrightLocal Local Consumer Review Survey says that around 8 in 10 consumers read the business response to reviews. It makes sense then that responding can lead to more conversions.

The Uberall data confirms that replying to 10% of reviews gives a conversion rate of just 3%. Putting more time in to reputation management and replying to at least 32% of reviews gives you 80% more conversions than other local businesses who don’t make time to publicly acknowledge feedback.

If you’re a local business owner, factoring in local reviews and reputation management can have a marked impact not just on local pack visibility but on phone calls, store visits and footfall.

For more tips and hints on website design , feel free to get in touch with us at Digital Inspired .

How can your website content be more effective?

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 08:14:18 GMT

When you have a great looking new website, you need content that does the fresh, stylish new look justice. For that, you need effective content. Effective content connects with your visitor. It leads them through your sales funnel. It resonates with them. It speaks their language. And it makes them want to tell others, which means more links and more traffic for you.

If you’re sitting down to whip your content into shape after getting the first look at your new ecommerce web design, keep our golden rules for effective copy in mind.

Rule 1: Ditch the jargon

Effective copy cuts through the clutter and makes connection with the reader. It’s rarely if ever jargon heavy. Think straightforward, succinct and concise. With the majority of web traffic now originating from mobile devices, write with this smaller screen in mind. That means keeping sentences short and snappy so the context is easier to get. Not having huge chunks of text which require lots of awkward scrolling. And again, no jargon. Your aim isn’t to bamboozle your reader, it’s to engage with them. To have them add to basket or click to call.

Tip: if you’re finding it hard to write jargon free, ask a friend or family member to read through your draft and highlight jargon that they don’t understand.

Rule 2: Be authoritative

If you’re writing an article, blog post or white paper, you want to ensure first and foremost that you meet the good quality content benchmark. This not only helps to get your content ranking on Google, it immediately signals to your visitor that your post is worth their time.

You can pull of being authoritative in a number of ways. The most obvious way is to have a subject expert write the article. Another way is to cite credible, recent research, such as industries studies or surveys. Back up claims and facts with links to respected sources. Use quotes from respected figureheads.

Tip: Authority content makes superb evergreen content. Just be sure to check back and update it at least annually with newer studies or the latest data.

Rule 3: Don’t sell, sell, sell

Even seasoned copywriters can fall into the habit of sell, sell, sell. Unless we’re talking about a very specific landing page, this is usually an uneffective method of communication. To make your content more effective, focus on how you can help your customer. What problem are you solving for them? What fear are you allying? How are you saving the time or money or otherwise making their lives easier?

Showing you understand your customer’s needs, their pain points and what they are looking for is so much more effective than leaping in both feet first with a flat out sales pitch.

Rule 4: Use visuals

Visual content is such an effective edition to any piece of content you may be crafting that it’s impossible to overstate its importance. Whether you’re writing a blog or crafting an email, think visual to make an impact.

Blog posts and articles especially can benefit from the addition of visuals. It serves to break up large tracts of text and can add context to the subject at hand or illustrate difficult concepts.

Tip: Visual content can take many forms – photos, gifs, memes, videos, slideshows, infographics… get creative to be effective.

For more tips and hints on website design , feel free to get in touch with us at Digital Inspired .

How Cornerstone Content Pages Work for SEO

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 08:24:13 GMT

We do love to talk about SEO. That’s probably because it’s such a huge and diverse topic! Today, we’re talking about cornerstone site content and how it can help your SEO, particularly when it comes to ranking for really tough terms as you get your new business website design live.

One of the most important things to remember here is that when you carry out SEO for your site, whilst you’re trying to rank for given keywords by any means necessary, the majority of the time it’s not really the site as a whole which earns rankings. While the whole site contributes to the ranking, one page from the site in particular will be deemed worthy by the engines as the top ranking page.

When it comes to tough ranking terms, particularly if your business is diverse or has many major categories, it’s unlikely your main domain name or home page is going to be the best landing page for every keyword. If you want to rank for a particular product you sell on a site with many products, it’s not going to be the site overall which ranks but a specific page such as a category or product page which ranks for terms like these.

This is where the cornerstone page treatment comes in. Think of your website as its own entity and for now forget the rest of the Internet. Your website is a collection of pages all joined together by links. Most of those links are generated by your main navigation. But what you also have is internal links. This is when you link from one page to another without using the main navigation. The cornerstone content theory is essentially the following; in order to rank for difficult keywords, nominate a page on your site that you feel is the most appropriate to use as your leading page for that keyword. This page them becomes a cornerstone content page for that particular keyword.

You then need to do two things:

Dedicate the Page

Make sure this page is the most relevant page for the given keyword you want to rank for. This means the page title, the URL and of course the content. This should also be closely centred around the chosen keyword with no room for ambiguity.

You also want to make sure this page is functional. If you do succeed in making this page rank well for a given term you want it to be an ideal landing page for the users too, not just the search engine bots. Make sure you have a call to action or products listed prominently on this page so that it’s useful for the users and your business.

Celebrate the Page

Now it’s time to celebrate this page within your site itself. Ensure it is linked to both from your main site navigation and via an internal link from your home page. The internal linking needs to be broader than this though. Wherever it is appropriate, you should be linking to this page from other pages on your site. Blog pages for example are a great and easy way to do this given their flexibility.

When it comes to external linking you will again want to be linking to this cornerstone page instead of your home page when it comes to generating links with relevancy to the cornerstone keyword.

All in all you’re making it abundantly clear from all angles, that this page is exactly what we’ve been calling it, a cornerstone for the particular subject relating to a keyword. No more generic link building and internal structures. Start boxing clever with your structural SEO.

For more tips and hints on website design , feel free to get in touch with us at Digital Inspired .

5 Tips To Get More Website Traffic

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 07:32:52 GMT

No matter how much time and effort you have put into creating an awesome new business website, you still need to get out there and make sure you’re making lots of noise to draw targeted traffic to your site. This is a task that even seasoned marketers can find daunting but, luckily we’re here to help with our inspiration-packed list of tactics you can deploy right now to build your website traffic.

1. Work on your local SEO

In no way are we suggesting that focusing on your local search optimisation is a quick fix. This is something that will take both time and consistency but, it is an excellent way of driving traffic to your website.

Not only will building a local search presence directly help you to deliver more targeted, qualified traffic to your site, it also entails a few activities that will themselves help you build site visitor numbers. Setting up your Google My Business profile for example is an important part of your local SEO. Once set up, you can use Posts to share your news, offers and events.

Citations are also key to local SEO – and as this involves adding your name, address, web link and phone number to a range of sites, including directories, it’s also a way to target more site visitors.

2. Encourage your customers to leave reviews

Online reviews are exceptionally trusted by consumers. If you encourage your clients to review you online, you give other potential clients lots of reasons to do business with you. This alone can be enough to drive traffic to your site.

3. Partner with a blogger

If you have a great product, service or initiative, partnering with a relevant blogger can help you raise your business profile and direct more visitors to your business website. This can take many forms and include a number of different bloggers so get creative. Just ensure that the blogger and promotion are aimed at the type of customer you want to see browsing your site.

4. Try some paid social media adverts

Paid social media is booming in popularity right now with more ecommerce brands than ever especially keen to use this format. If you have a small budget for advertising, consider investing some of it with social media platforms to boost your post and advertise your products. Just be sure you pick a platform that is popular with your target customer.

5. Work on getting some press coverage

It always pays to have a PR function and in an ideal world, you’ll already be regularly reaching out to your local and industry reporters to share your news. Aside from this, you can also use services like HARO to put your business forward for stories being worked on to generate media coverage.

For more tips and hints on website design , feel free to get in touch with us at Digital Inspired .

The Importance of Call to Actions

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 07:47:50 GMT

More and more, we’re seeing website content that seems to dance around what exactly the brand, business or the website itself does. It’s very rare that websites are created purely for awareness purposes. Every brand or business is ideally looking to gain something from their visitors. Be that a transactional purchase, making an enquiry, booking an appointment, making a download, you get the picture. And yet so many sites don’t call the visitors to action clearly enough. In some cases, the website itself doesn’t even make it clear what the brand or business is offering out of a fear of appearing too ‘salesy’.

There is a disconnect there between the business and the potential end consumer, whether that’s B2B or B2C focussed. While it’s understandable that certain brands want to maintain an air of confidence and perhaps some would even say sophistication around what they do or what they sell, it’s misguided to think that people don’t want to be sold to. Ultimately, the only people who don’t want to be sold to are the ones who aren’t ever likely going to buy. If you have managed to bring a user to your website, it is not wrong or crude to make it very clear what you offer and what you want from them.

When it comes to communication in general, simplicity is usually key. Don’t be afraid to be direct with your users and don’t feel that you need to make your call to actions subtle. You can’t underestimate the power of a ‘buy now’ button. In fact, we’d go as far as to say that if you sell directly online and you don’t have a clear ‘buy now’ button amongst your main navigational set up, you’re probably missing out on a great deal of potential sales.

You should have multiple call to actions on a page, even if those call to actions are basically identical. Asking multiple times throughout the narrative on your page and your site offers the user multiple opportunities to easily take their journey on your site further.

You should also have considered varying levels of call to action for your website. The varying levels should match where a user might be in their consumer journey with you and your product or service. Call to actions for an automotive sales website might include a very direct ‘buy a car’ but will also have more subtle secondary call to actions which would typically include:

· Book a test drive

· Request a call with a salesperson

· Download a brochure

· Sign up to newsletter

These various call to action options allow for a user to interact with you at the level they feel comfortable at the time. As a business your sales and lead nurturing process is then responsible for progressing this relationship. If you don’t provide the right option however and present it clearly, the chances are you’re going to lose out.

For more tip and hints on website design , feel free to get in touch with us at Digital Inspired.

Misconceptions for SEO in 2019

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 10:43:56 GMT

Organic search and the criteria by which we establish our optimisation techniques has continuously changed over the years in order for engines to provide search users with better results. The changes are also in place to avoid all the underhanded techniques that have been adopted in attempts to rank higher without merit to succeeding – such as link spamming and keyword stuffing.

Fast forward to 2019 and the SEO rulebook bar a few core values, has completely changed from where it was 10 years ago. Through this seemingly endless list of amendments (which has been mostly led by Google) there has been both new editions which have been misinterpreted and old techniques which no longer stand trial in the highly competitive world of modern SEO(. Here’s just a few of the myths or misconceptions you might want to consider:

Site Safety Certificates Are Only for the User

This simply couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, Google itself released information in 2016 stating that sites without HTTPS (a SSL certificate) could be viewed as untrustworthy and therefore suffer in the rankings.

It’s also a statistical fact that a high percentage of internet users will not progress through or spend time on a website without a security certificate. In turn this would lessen the amount of page views and time on site and increase bounce rate. All factors which would contribute to a search engine’s overall trust and quality assurance measure of a website being downgraded. There is an additional hit too in the form of a poor Google Ads quality score.

Meta Descriptions Boost SEO The Same Way as Content

This one is a little tricky. Google and other engines have stated that their algorithms have changed from initial coding which recognised meta tags and meta descriptions as being valuable for demonstrating keyword use. This was changed ultimately because it was possible for the SEO savvy to create tags and descriptions which were misleadingly SEO friendly even if the page content of a site itself didn’t have enough relevancy to a user’s search query.

If you’re still following, the amended approach is that while these aspects may not boost SERPs from a direct algorithm perspective in the way they did in the past, they do still have an impact.

Meta descriptions are used to form the ‘snippets’ which ultimately provide the user with their initial view of your site within the rankings. The reason this is significant is that a well written snippet is likely to increase click through rate on your ranking. While the meta data won’t have impacted the engine’s ranking decision, the click through rate of your site versus others within the ranking will most certainly influence how a search engine views your domain.

Quantity Trumps Quality

We have the rise of the blogger generation to thank for this next myth. The notion that having an obscene quantity of content will trump the need to remain focused on quality and on page SEO initiatives is simply not true, popular as this myth may be. While it is absolutely crucial that any website should be continuously updating and adding new content on a regular and ongoing basis, this is not an excuse to neglect quality and on-site SEO best practise.

Blogs and other content heavy areas of your website need to be considered, planned and certainly always geared towards your overall SEO objectives. Of course, if you can produce multiple blogs per day that’s great, providing you have enough inspiration and unique content to genuinely entertain and serve your audience.

But this does not mean that your attention can slip from maintaining an SEO focus to what you are publishing. Ensuring your greater keyword strategy is being utilised and that your pages have correct layouts including headers and meta data is still of vital importance if you want your content creation to positively impact your rankings. Our advice would be to plan your content in advance to ensure it’s not a wasted effort.

For more tip and hints on website design and SEO , feel free to get in touch with us at Digital Inspired .

Top 5 blog formats and ideas for your website

Thu, 15 Aug 2019 11:58:35 GMT

Whether you are a first time owner or are eagerly awaiting one of many business website design projects to reach completion, having a great blog strategy up your sleeve can save you countless hours of writer’s block. No matter how knowledgeable you are about your industry or product, there will come a time when you simply run out of things to say, or can’t find a new way to say the same thing.

To help you avoid this, have a good store of blog formats ready to be rolled out when your new business website goes live. Mixing and matching the different formats won’t just help you to stay creative, it will also ensure that your blog stays interesting and keeps visitors from getting bored.

Here are a few content variations that all well-rounded bloggers should factor into their content mix …

1. Listicles

Listicles are a great blog type to have to hand – they’re endlessly entertaining and tried and tested to be popular with audiences. You can also create a listicle on almost anything and, with any number of points. If you’ve ever read a ‘Top 10 ways to…’ or ‘Top 100…’ you’ll be well aware of how enticing this format is. A great thing about a listicle is that it’s also an easy way to build some longer posts into your blog while also remaining easy to read and digest. These types of blogs are inherently shareable so they’re also a great way to build links and social media engagement.

2. Research posts

Does your business carry out its own research? If not, this is something that you should consider. An annual survey is an easy place to start – simply think about what would make an interesting read and generate insights useful to your audience and go from there. You can use a tool such as SurveyMonkey or MailChimp to physically conduct the survey then crunch the data and produce a blog post about your findings.

Original research makes for very powerful blog content and could even result in media coverage if your findings are particularly unusual, surprising or attention grabbing.

3. Thought leadership blogs

Many people aspire to be a thought leader in their field but find it hard to know where to start. We’ll share a little secret here – your own blog! If you’re passionate about your product or industry, have knowledge and advice to share, you CAN write a thought leadership post. This may be an opinion or argument for or against something that you’ve considered deeply or a best practise piece with tips, advice and how tos. Whatever the subject, this type of blog should be well researched, exceptionally well thought-out and detailed.

4. Case studies

Do you turn your case studies into blog posts? If not, you miss out on an easy (and popular) content format. The wonderful thing about a case study is not only does it add variety to your blog content, it can actually also help you to make a sale or close a deal.

5. Industry round-ups

Chances are you keep your finger on the pulse when it comes to industry news. A round-up post is a great way to showcase this and create useful, informative blog content at the same time.

For more tip and hints, feel free to get in touch with us at Digital Inspired .

If you sell big ticket items, it’s time to get your eCommerce website ready?

Mon, 29 Jul 2019 11:47:26 GMT

If you sell big ticket items, a brand new research study conducted in the US has some great news for you. The all new Future of Retail 2019 report has found that consumers are now much more likely to make those expensive purchases online than they were a year ago. So, if you sell items at a higher price point (such as sofas, big screen TVs, outdoor dining sets, tech items like flat screen TVs or even cars), your website is more likely to handle the sale today than ever before.

An average of 46% of consumers say they are more open to buying a high net worth product such as a vehicle via the Internet now than 12 months ago – which means your retail business could soon become more of an ecommerce business if you fit within this niche. If your website isn’t set up to process orders or handle the demands of modern ecommerce, a new web design should be a priority.

While just under half of US shoppers were more comfortable spending more online, that figure doesn’t give the full picture. When we delve deeper into the research findings, we find differences between demographics. This is important because knowing how your own target audience feels can help you to better target your ecommerce site, online content and digital marketing.

Consumers in the 18-25 age bracket for example are 51% more likely to purchase big ticket items online this year. That number rises for those aged 26-35, who say they are 56% more likely to do so. Clearly, this is great news if your big ticket products are popular with or aimed at the late millennial market of mid twenties to mid thirties.

Within the spectrum of big ticket items, just over one in three consumers (33%) overall say they have turned to the web to browse for new furniture online at some point in the last 12 months. Similarly, 34% of consumers now say they have searched for a new car online over the course of the last year.

The Future of Retail report says recommendations and research play an important role in this spike but it’s also important that the browsing experience is seamless. If you hope to tap into this trend, you’ll need to:

· Ensure you have a modern, responsive and mobile-ready website design

· Create a review generation process to aid consumer confidence

· Ensure you offer a seamless user experience across multiple devices

· Make it easy for buyers to browse and compare different products

· Follow eCommerce best practise including quick loading times, ease of contact and have clear returns, refund and shipping policies

5 Key Tips For On-Page SEO

Fri, 05 Jul 2019 08:59:31 GMT

What is On-Page SEO?

On-page SEO is an important consideration in terms of online visibility. Google and other search engines strive to create the most relevant matches between what a user searches for and the pages that are recommended; they want users to be satisfied with the pages they visit, so results are based upon the information that Google is able to collect about each page, and it does this through indexing your on-page content.

There are many different ways that you can tell a search engine what your site or page is about, with these 5 aspects forming the essential foundations of on-page SEO:

1. URL

Experts from the Google team have reiterated that optimised URLs are only a very small ranking factor, with Senior Webmaster Trends Analyst John Mueller saying that he ‘ wouldn’t worry about keywords or words in a URL’. However, focusing on a variety of ‘small’ ranking factors can be just enough collectively to help you move up the SERP.

Tip: Keep URLs simple, short, and concise, but also optimised… every little helps.

2. H1 Headings

According to a Searchmetrics whitepaper titled Search Ranking Factors and Rank Correlations, 80% of first page Google results use H1 headers, suggesting Google’s algorithm strongly takes into account headings when determining ranking. Google looks at the title of your content to gain an understanding of what the page is about.

Tip: Make titles clear and easy to read, and try to incorporate a longtail keyword.

3. Image Alt Text

Google’s image guidelines document says that Google ‘uses alt text… to understand the subject matter of the image’, suggesting that alt text plays a big role in ranking. This is supported by Mueller who states that alt text is ‘extremely helpful’ for Google Image rankings, so this should be a primary consideration when working on your on-page SEO.

Tip: Google suggests using ‘useful, information-rich’ content for alt text optimisation.

4. Page Content

One of the most important aspects of on-page SEO is optimising content such as blog posts and articles. You probably don’t need to use keywords as often as you think to see an improvement in ranking; former head of Google’s webspam team Matt Cutts says it’s the ‘first one or two times’ that matters, after that it’s just ‘incremental benefits’.

Tip: Conduct a keyword analysis to see what your audience is searching for.

5. Internal Links

This is an often overlooked aspect of on-page SEO. With the right anchor text, internal links provide Google with even more information about what a page is about, especially if multiple links with similar anchor text all point to the same location. It helps to create a more clear and comprehensive overview of the content of that page.

Tip: Incorporate ‘bubble keywords’; those that are less valuable, yet still important.

Bring the Right Traffic to Your Site

On-page SEO is arguably much easier to manage than off-page SEO which can be impacted by a range of external factors outside of your control, such as inbound links. On-page SEO can be managed directly to ensure each aspect of your website is optimised to deliver expert results and attract the right audiences to your pages.

How to get more local website traffic

Fri, 28 Jun 2019 07:53:55 GMT

If you’re a local business, you’ll want to ensure that you are doing everything you can to get local visitors to your new business website. This takes on even greater importance if your new ecommerce web design accompanies a physical bricks and mortar shop. Taking time to attract local consumers should be part and parcel of your ongoing marketing activity. To get you started, here are some of the things you should consider to get more local traffic…

1. Claim your Google My Business Listing

An optimised, up-to-date Google My Business listing is a critical first step to winning more local search traffic. It’s also a proven local SEO ranking signal so the time spent on this will perform double duty. In addition to claiming your listing and completing basic business information, you’ll need to optimise it too. This means adding images, posts, providing a full address with post code, inputting opening hours, selecting a relevant category and encouraging your customers to leave reviews.

2. Build local citations

A citation is any listing of your business name and address, plus other details such as website, opening hours, email and similar. You can build citations on directory sites, by fully completing your social media profiles for your business and by securing mentions in local newspapers, amongst many other options. Local consumers searching for local businesses will often turn to social media, newspapers and local directories to find the product or service they need so this is an effective means of placing your business in front of local people and driving them back to your site.

3. Use schema markup

Scheme markup sits behind the scenes on your site and gives the search engine spiders additional useful information about your business. When you provide Google with schema markup, it can present this in the form of rich snippets to its users. Rich snippets help your listing to stand out in the search results and could show information such as opening hours, address and contact info directly on thesearch results page. This not only makes it much easier for local shoppers to find your site, it also means they can quickly navigate to your physical location and drive in-store traffic too.

4. Create location pages on your website

If you have multiple physical locations, creating a page dedicated to each location on your website is a useful local SEO tactic. On this page, you’ll provide information specific to that locale, such as opening hours, a full address, outline of products or services, images and or video.

5. Be mobile friendly

Mobile and local SEO are closely linked so you’ll want to ensure that you keep mobile best practise in mind throughout all of your activity. The quicker your page loads on mobile and the easier your site is to navigate from a smartphone or tablet, the greater your chances of appearing higher in local search and winning more local business.

For all your website design and app development queries, please do get in touch.

Are you filling your website with enough visual content?

Thu, 20 Jun 2019 09:51:50 GMT

Visual content

23% of SMEs taking part in the research said visual content was their most effective content format of the last 12 months. The survey revealed that publishing content consistently was important, with the majority of SMEs aiming for new content around once per month.

When asked what type of updates made up their content mix, the most deployed content format was company information at 67% but visual content was a close second at 58%.

Visuals are also a priority for the coming 12 months with more small businesses planning to invest in this type of content than any other.

Website design and good quality content

The survey findings concluded that good-quality content could enhance small business website design and improve user engagement. Good quality content was also found to improve the user experience.

With around half of website visitors returning as a direct result of the content they are offered, working in great quality content is key to creating a compelling proposition for site visitors.

The Visual Objects research found that web design was a key priority for 2019 amongst small business owners with user engagement and e-commerce also important.

Getting into the habit of regularly publishing good quality, unique and relevant content including visuals could help SMEs achieve each of these goals simultaneously according to the report, with the research team noting, “Small businesses should consistently publish and update content to keep users engaged but not at the expense of content quality. Content that is current and regularly published shows users that your small business cares about its online presence.”

Creating visual content

Creating visuals can be a challenge for small businesses, who often won’t have the expertise or tools needed in house to produce illustrations, custom imagery or compelling infographics.

Where capability needs to be outsourced, the more expensive visual content can be balanced with a mix of other formats – such as blog posts, podcasts, guides, slide shows and other useful information to help keep the budget in check.

Any investment made in visual content production can also reap rewards later, with the potential to reshare and repurpose it across other brand channels such as social media.

How important is it to be a meaningful brand?

Mon, 20 May 2019 14:11:56 GMT

If you were wondering whether or not it’s worth creating truly meaningful content – or find yourself guilty of simply churning out a blog every now and then in order to update your new business website with something – you may be interested to hear the findings of a new study.

The annual Meaningful Brands report has just been published, outlining key findings from a study of 1800 brands, 43 different content types and 350,000+ consumers in 18 countries worldwide. The report studies how brands influence the lives of their customers and how the role they play in society. It says, “ A meaningful brand is defined by its impact on our personal and collective wellbeing, along with its functional benefits .”

Top level findings

The headline finding from this year’s research is that people wouldn’t care if a massive 77% of brands disappeared for good. A majority (58%) of brand content is defined as not being meaningful. That means it doesn’t contribute to the day-to-day lives of consumers.

Consumers expect brands to provide content but much of it fails to hit the mark. Spending time creating content that is meaningful is worthwhile though, with research authors Havas saying, “Buying today is a political act! 55% of consumers believe brands actually have a more important role than our governments to create a better future!

“Our findings show that consumers will reward brands who want to make the world a better place and who reflect their values. Consumers are using their buying power to make a stand!

“There’s no question – brand activism will become a part of a brand’s strategy.”

Deep dive

The most meaningful brand in the world is Google, according to this year’s research. PayPal is a close second, followed by Mercedes-Benz, What’sApp, YouTube, Johnson&Johnson, Gillette, BMW, Microsoft and Danone. Other brands in the top 30 include Nike, Nestle, Colgate, Disney, Visa, Ikea, Booking.com and Lego.

In North America, the most meaningful industries are consumer goods, food and entertainment. In Western Europe, retail, electronics and food, in Latin America travel and tourism, entertainment and food and in South East Asia, transport, the Internet and media and travel and tourism ranked top three.

The automotive industry was came out top for content effectiveness overall, followed by electronics, travel and tourism, consumer goods, food, transport, Internet and media, beverage, retail and telco.

The six roles of content were determined to be primarily to inspire, followed by entertain, educate, inform, help and reward.

How to improve local SEO for your website

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 09:34:46 GMT

Local SEO is increasingly a vital part of any ecommerce website’s marketing strategy and with good reason – as the main search results are dominated with big name brands and incredible levels of competition, local SEO has started to become a bigger focus. Another reason that local SEO is so important is that it’s closely tied with mobile search results, something that most of us are using more and more often.

With that in mind, let’s have a quick recap of local SEO requirements and ranking factors to help with your new website’s search ranking.

1. Reviews matter

This is something that you’ll hear over and over again in relation to local SEO. Reviews matter. Over and above the fact that over 8 in 10 consumers give as much credence to online reviews as they do personal recommendations, reviews are also a known local SEO ranking factor. The frequency of reviews matters of course, but so do other things such as how quick you are to respond to reviews, how many positive and negatives you accrue, whether those reviews include videos or images, and if they use your keywords and location.

2. Google My Business

If you aren’t yet active on Google My Business, heed our advice – get cracking on it! Claiming your listing and completing your profile are important first steps. You’ll also need to upload videos, respond to reviews promptly and ensure that you use Posts regularly. Several studies have shown that there is a strong correlation between Google My Business use and local search ranking so if you don’t already have this built into your weekly marketing activity, now is the time to address that oversight.

3. Citations

Citations are any mention of your business where your business name is followed by usual location-based information such as your address, opening hours, phone number, website and email. Citations often accrue naturally as you carry out activities such as registering for social media, creating directory listings or even achieving media coverage. You can also help this process along by actively exploring opportunities to build citations on sites that are relevant to your business and your target audience. Be careful to always list your business name, address and other details in the same way with each citation your build for maximum effectiveness.

4. Links

Links are still an important local SEO ranking factor but perhaps aren’t quite as heavily weighted as for traditional SEO. The reason being that local businesses aren’t as likely to have links from major sources and highly respected sites. That said, you should still aim to build good quality links back from relevant sources, to different pages on your site with different anchor text to ensure your local SEO is effective. Local newspapers and event listings are often a good starting point.

How to create a great home page design for your website

Thu, 14 Mar 2019 09:39:36 GMT

When you are having a new website designed, or creating a home page design for a new customer after taking up a website design business opportunity, the home page is sure to be the one area where you really prioritise the design. But, with so much pressure to get this page right it’s well worth recapping just what makes for an exceptional, high-performing home page. Read on to find out …

1. It’s optimized for mobile

With more people browsing from a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet than a desktop, the very first thing that you need to get right when designing a homepage is that it’s optimised for mobile. If this isn’t the case, it doesn’t matter how great your product or your prices, a huge chunk of your audience will be left disappointed. Keep mobile in mind when writing the home page copy, choosing and uploading images (make sure they are compressed) and developing your navigation structure and buttons.

2. Your brand values and personality are clearly conveyed

Your website homepage is essentially the digital equivalent of a physical shop window so it should be very clear who you are, what your brand values and value proposition is and what your brand personality is. These three points are key ingredients because they’re the elements that speak to your visitors and can make the difference between them staying on site or heading back to the search engine.

3. Clear call to action

Another key component of a great homepage design is a clear call to action. This could be something like ‘shop now’ or ‘discover our new range’ – or something a little more creative. If you can use CTAs like ‘request your free trial’ or ‘start a demo’ do so.

4. The language used speaks to your audience

It’s tempting on a homepage to lapse into corporate speak but, if that’s not what your audience wants or expects, it will kill your design. In almost all cases, your home page design should include concise, succinct and powerful copy, paired with equally engaging images. Don’t use 30 words where 5 will do. Focus on short and snappy and avoid the jargon.

5. A/B Test so you KNOW it’s a great design

A/B testing is an important element of any page design and none more so than the homepage. A/B testing allows you to refine elements of your design to continually improve it, whether that is changing a call to action, swapping an image or refining the text. Consider your home page a dynamic, fluid design rather than something you do once and then leave as regular testing will ensure your home page continues to give visitors what they want and captivates enough of your web traffic to generate a good ROI.

How To Avoid The 3 Most Common Homepage Website Design Mistakes

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 12:40:18 GMT

No matter what your company does and what product or service you offer, your homepage is the most crucial part of your website. It’s the first place your visitors and potential customers will go to experience you, and it’s probably your most visited page on your site, so getting it right is essential. Despite this, there are still millions of businesses who get it wrong, and doing so can be damaging. Here’s how you can make sure to avoid those mistakes.

The fold

This archaic newspaper slang is used in the web design world to indicate the area of a web page that can be accessed without scrolling. There was once a popular belief that content ‘below the fold’ of a website’s homepage was redundant as it would get far fewer views. Therefore many organisations chose to pull out all the stops for the area of their pages ‘above the fold’ in design and content and leave the rest of the page looking average at best.

With the internet being viewed on a multitude of screen sizes, there really is no such thing as a ‘fold’ anymore. The term is outdated, and homepages now should be designed to use all the space needed to properly wow the visitor.

Too much Information

Bounce rates are high on the homepage, and its intent should purely be to introduce your ethos to your visitor and act as the start of a fluid and intuitive user journey to your most important pages.

As the starting point of your website, the homepage needs the most minimal amount of content. It’s not always, as many believe, the shop window, showing all your wares to your virtual passers-by. It is instead the threshold of your site, enticing users to come in and see more. Opt for a stripped-down homepage with an image or video and bold, statement text that says in a sentence who you are, what you do and why your visitors should work with you.

Calls-to-action/CTAs

Adding calls-to-action on your homepage might be obvious, but too many companies seem to forget exactly what their website is for. It’s no good having the most beautifully designed website in the world if it doesn’t perform the function it was designed for. Many designers will pack away the navigation and other useful information in a burger menu to the side of the screen for neatness, but this can be counterintuitive.

Site visitors are usually coming to your site looking for something, and if they can’t find it right away, most will give up and look somewhere else. Whether it’s a ‘Shop Now’ or a ‘Call us’ button, make sure your call-to-action is obvious from the word go.

How to get more local SEO traffic to your website in 2019

Fri, 18 Jan 2019 13:37:04 GMT

Local SEO used to be considered the ‘easier’ sibling of traditional search engine optimisation, but a number of factors have changed this in recent years – not least of which has been the huge search in popularity of mobile browsing. Local search is also becoming more competitive, with fewer spaces available and many more businesses fighting it out to drive that valuable local traffic to their websites.

With 2019 here, there has never been a better time to plan out your local search strategy to ensure your new business website design receives an influx of visitors from local shoppers. Read on to find out what you’ll need to do in local search in the next 12 months to improve your local SEO position and attract more nearby shoppers.

1. Build links

According to research conducted by Moz, 35% of local businesses don’t have a link building plan in place, despite it being one of the top three most important local SEO ranking factors. If you have been used to building links back to your website as part of your traditional SEO campaigns, you should be able to transfer a lot of those skills to your local SEO initiative. One of the key things here is to be realistic. Whereas very high quality links, such as those from national news websites, are highly valued in SEO, local SEO is a little different. Google appreciates that websites for a local business are unlikely to have an abundance of links from sources like BBC or Sky News – but you can build valuable links from local sources such as chambers of commerce, local media and other local businesses.

2. Create a buzz

Prominence is a big factor in local SEO – essentially this relates to how visible and how talked about your business is. Building prominence means being talked about in lots of different places and being prolific online so invest in more social media posts, consider influencer marketing, write and issue press releases, pursue guest blogging and leverage every PR opportunity that comes your way.

3. Use Google My Business

Google My Business signals are consistently named as one of the top one or two most important local SEO ranking factors so if you haven’t created your free profile, now is the time to do so. If you do have a profile already, ensure it is fully filled out, upload images and videos, select an appropriate category and use Posts to publish news and offers frequently.

4. Build reviews

Reviews are a non-negotiable tool for local SEO success and in 2019, they are more important than ever. 91% of local shoppers trust reviews they read online as much as they would a personal recommendation and the average consumer needs to read around 10 reviews before they feel they can trust you. In addition to being vital to local SEO success, they are therefore a crucial asset for making sales.

HOW TO GET MORE ONLINE MEDIA COVERAGE

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 11:29:58 GMT

In an increasingly saturated digital market, it can be hard for anyone seizing an app developer opportunity and launching their own business to acquire effective and relevant media coverage. Unfortunately, the perfect digital marketing strategy is yet to be invented and while there’s no way of guaranteeing that your brand will be featured by big global media outlets and premium content publishers, there are things you can do to increase the amount of coverage your app company gets online.

Inform, don’t sell

If there’s one thing that every consumer can sense, it’s when they are trying to be sold something. Or worse, when they are being tricked into buying something. When creating content that you’re hoping will be picked up by larger media outlets, it’s important to make it informative and interesting. No one will engage with content that they don’t get anything from.

Be creative

It’s important to make your content creative and interesting but successfully marketing your new app development business comes down to more than quality writing. Try to think outside of the box with your content and its angle. Exciting events don’t happen every day so it’s important to use what you can and put a creative spin on it to keep your output constant and stay relevant.

Self-promotion

You will naturally be proud of your brand or product and want to make consumers aware of your strengths. Use this in your content creation. If you’ve created a unique app or you offer a unique service, be sure to actively promote what sets you apart from competitors to ensure you don’t get drowned out by the masses.

Mutual benefits

Creating mutually beneficial relationships with content creators and media outlets is an ideal way to boost your coverage and get more eyes on your content. The specific details of your relationships will differ between each media brand and will depend on your financial circumstances. It could range from offering free products or trials for bloggers to organising an agreement of mutual promotion.

Keep going

It can often seem impossible to increase your coverage but things like this take time so it’s important to keep at it. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither is a successful company or marketing campaign. The most important thing is to keep producing content and keep putting your brand out there. If your product is of high quality and your brand is unique, you will find success eventually.

TIPS TO UPDATING YOUR MOBILE APPS

Thu, 29 Nov 2018 12:53:06 GMT

Being successful in the current mobile app market means accurately monitoring and reacting to user feedback while carrying out regular testing in order to identify bugs. More than that, regularly updating the structure and design of your app is an important part of keeping your app business competitive and relevant in an industry that is always changing and developing new trends. These tips will help you figure out when and how you should be updating your apps.

Monitor user feedback

No matter how rigorously you test your app during the development process, some things are bound to slip through the cracks. It’s rare that an app will enter the market without hitting any speedbumps but mobile users are sure to point out any bugs or problems that you overlooked. Ensure that you regularly check feedback in the comments section of the app store(s) that your app is available on. Users will often flag up any usability issues or important requirements that have been missed out.

Keep an eye on market trends

The app market is constantly changing and new trends are always popping up. In order to stay relevant and maintain engagement from mobile users (and to make a success of your app development business opportunity), keep your ear to the ground and stay up to date with all the latest innovations within the industry. New design trends will help you keep your app looking fresh while innovative new technologies such as augmented reality will allow you to add something new and unique to your app.

Carry out regular tests

While your users can help you identify areas for improvement and big interface issues, they are not able to identify backroom problems or potential security risks. This is why it is important to carry out regular software tests. This will help make sure everything is your servers are running smoothly and that there are no potential security breaches in the code of your app.

Monitor engagement

As well as checking feedback from users, it’s important to monitor engagement statistics and download figures. This information can give an indication of the effect that your updates are having and whether or not they have been well received by your users. Cross-reference your user engagement figures with your update patterns and look for any kind of correlation between the two.

Take your time with updates

While it’s important to address any big usability issues quickly to avoid negative feedback and a decline in downloads, you shouldn’t rush to instigate design updates before they’re completely ready. Small changes to coding or user agreements are one thing but if you’re planning a big overhaul, be sure to take your time and ensure it has been tried and tested.

HOW THE WEB IS HELPING SMALL BUSINESSES - GOOGLE RESEARCH

Thu, 08 Nov 2018 11:15:00 GMT

If you’re a new small business owner, an entrepreneur or a manager of an SME, Google has a ton of research which gives cause for optimism. Whether you’re reading this blog as an app agency franchise owner or are considering a new business opportunity, the World Wide Web is helping businesses to grow, globally.

Recent research commissioned by Google and carried out by Deloitte recognised the benefits of digital but set out to discover what hampered small business and entrepreneur use of digital. Here are just a few of the highlights…

Female SME heads use more digital tools

We’re often told the future is female and when it comes to embracing digital tools, the Deloitte analysis found that women lead the way. According to its findings, there was a 45% increase in female-owned businesses in the nine year period from 2007 to 2016. Those businesses with a woman at the helm were found to be much more likely to embrace and use digital tools, with 55% of women-owned small businesses using more advanced digital tools.

Where your small business is based will impact on how closely it embraces digital

If you’re an entrepreneur or small business owner living in a countryside location, Google’s research shows you’re less likely to be using digital tools to help run and grow your small business than city counterparts. The research found that US small businesses in rural areas where twice as likely to suffer from a poor internet connection – suggesting improved internet access in more rural areas could see even more small businesses thriving.

Micro-businesses are less likely to use digital tools

The saying goes, if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. For entrepreneurs, running a micro SME (with less than 10 employees) means you might be moving quickly but you’re less likely to use digital tools. The research found that very small businesses shied away from using digital advances, with only 12% of those with fewer than 10 employees being digitally advanced. In comparison, 39% of small businesses with between 100 and 250 employees are digitally advanced.

Many small business owners encounter barriers

A number of small business owners surveyed said that they encountered barriers when using or attempting to use digital tools. Reasons and problems varied, but 38% considered digital to be ineffective, 40% said it wasn’t relevant and 34% said they worried about how secure digital tools were and whether their data was safe or not. 28% said digital was too expensive but there were also worries about skills shortages, time constrains and a lack of experience.

5 ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR HEALTH AND FITNESS APP

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 10:08:41 GMT

Recently, the mobile health and fitness sector has boomed as more consumers look to improve their wellbeing. In fact, the use of health and fitness apps has grown by 330% which illustrates a lot of potential. That being said, 96% of those users are only using one specific health and fitness app. If you want to ensure your app business is the one that users choose, these tips will help.

Performance tracker

Whether you’re planning to release a personal trainer app with gym workout plans or a yoga app, it is essential that you provide users with a way of tracking their progress. The aim of any health plan or fitness regime is to improve which is why it’s so important that you integrate a progression system into the app. This means that users can create milestones that will give them a motivational boost when they are surpassed.

Personalised account

Studies have shown that retention and session time is higher with apps that allow for personalisation and customisation. This is particularly important when it comes to health and fitness apps as each user’s targets and personal goals will be unique to them. Giving the option to create an account allows users to save their progression data and tailor your app’s features to match their needs.

Social interaction

Social media is a great way of increasing engagement with any app but fitness apps, in particular, offer a useful way of extending your market reach. Health and fitness app users enjoy sharing their results and progress with friends on social media so it’s a good idea to integrate social media extensions into your app.

Push notifications

Market research has shown how effective well-timed and engaging push notifications are at improving user retention which is why you need to be utilising this tool if you hope to maintain and expand your user base. When it comes to health and fitness, push notifications are also a great way to boost motivation amongst your users and help them to stay on track with their health programme.

Targets and gamification

One of the best ways to boost engagement and increase retention rates, particularly with health and fitness apps, is to integrate a goals system. Gamification will give the user more motivation to engage with the app and stick to their fitness regime by setting specific targets. This concept can also work in conjunction with the use of social media to add a sense of competition.

5 TIPS TO IMPROVE APP ENGAGEMENT AND SESSION TIMES

Thu, 11 Oct 2018 12:40:01 GMT

The mobile app market is rapidly growing with forecasts indicating that it is set to hit $189 billion in total revenue by 2020. If you plan to make your app business opportunity a success, this means it’s vital that you know how to ensure your apps stay relevant. While download figures are an important metric to measure market share, monitoring user engagement and session statistics is also key to ensuring your creations convert consumers and retain users.

Here are a few great tips for improving both of these important metrics to expand your app business.

Use push notifications

If you’re struggling to increase engagement amongst your users, push notifications can help to generate more interest and increase the number of sessions your apps get. Statistics have shown that mobile users who opt for push notifications are retained twice as often. These commonly-used notifications allow you to inform, educate and entertain users. Use push notifications to make your users aware of new promotions or thank them for their engagement.

Let users personalise your app

Creating a personalised user experience is one of the most effective ways of increasing engagement and extending average session times. Give your users the option to create customised profiles or edit the interface and they are more likely to use your app for longer periods. This can also have a positive impact on your digital marketing strategy as users will be more likely to share their experience with fellow consumers.

Give incentives

Rewarding users for increased engagement can help to drastically improve user retention figures. There are many ways you can incentivise mobile users to download your app. Social media contests and prize draws are good examples of ways to generate buzz and convert more consumers. Incentives don’t always have to be costly. Consider instigating a loyalty scheme where regular users are rewarded with discounts or free memberships.

Make it competitive

Competition can be a powerful motivator for consumers and mobile users. Mobile games have illustrated just how beneficial for engagement it can be to pit users against each other in friendly competition. Even if you’re not developing a game, there are ways to implement elements of competition. For example, public leader boards could be used in fitness apps. Get creative and think of unique ways to increase competition.

Make it social

In the age of social media, everything is shared and distributed online. Mobile users love to interact with fellow consumers and update them on their latest achievements, discoveries and accolades. It’s vital that you are utilising this constant flow of information by adding a social aspect to your app that allows users to share their experience.

GEO-FENCING – HOW BUSINESSES CAN BENEFIT FROM PROXIMITY MARKETING

Thu, 20 Sep 2018 19:49:17 GMT

With mobile advertising becoming more and more competitive, businesses around the globe are looking at innovative and clever solutions to connect with their customers. Tracing the history of client to customer communication, we can see many examples of how it has evolved over the years. For example, we had the trusted letter which was replaced by email which is now being challenged by push notifications.

For those of us unfamiliar with push notifications, they are defined as ”a message that pops up on a mobile device. App publishers can send them at any time; users don’t have to be in the app or using their devices to receive them”. The reasons why push notifications are becoming increasingly popular are because they have an immediate impact and relate to the needs of the user who receives them.

Taking this a step further, many businesses are implementing geo-fencing to connect with their customers in a deeper and more meaningful way, thus doubling the click through rate of traditional mobile advertising. For example, you venture into a shopping centre and you receive a message from a local retailer alerting you to a flash sale. This is an example of geo-fencing whereby the retailer has only sent that message to your mobile device once you step into the shopping centre (geo-fence area). If you own a business, geo-fencing is a sure fire way to engage with customers in a cost effective and timely manner so that your business stays top of mind.

Many of you reading this may think to yourselves, why should businesses set up geo-fencing? The answer is very simple, boosting engagement between their business and their customers with targeted, local information that they can act upon immediately. Thinking outside the box, there are many ways businesses can use geo- to benefit customer relationships, productivity, accountability and their bottom line.

Some of the popular uses of geo-fencing include:

Adding a personal touch

The critical reason behind a geo-fence is that allows a business to customise their marketing message based on location. For example, when potential customers are in range of a store they receive a personal message which gives the impression the business is waiting at the front door. The reason why it is so powerful is that it is a targeted message based on the location of the app user.

Offering a service

If a business is in the food and leisure industry, geo-fencing can be a great way to offer a service rather than advertise a product. For example, setting up a geo-fence area that notifies users of free Wi-Fi as they pass a store is a great way to drive customers into the store to stay connected. It also shifts the message from being an advert into being a service.

Free giveaway

Similar to the above example, but rather than offering free Wi-Fi, businesses may choose to give a free sample or demonstration of their latest product to customers in close proximity to their store. This helps to build goodwill between the business and their customers as well as giving an opportunity to assess the success of new products or services.

Connecting businesses to the world wide web

Having congruency with your marketing message is a great way to build a consistent stream of customers. Geo-fencing allows any business to connect their physical location with their internet presence. For example, remind people walking by to connect with your social media pages to grow your brand identity and consumer interaction online.

Conclusion

It goes without saying; the prerequisite for implementing a geo-fencing strategy into a business is having a mobile application that supports the technology. At E-Apps Solutions we can help your business develop a cutting edge mobile application that connects your business with your customers around the clock. To find out more, please contact the E-Apps Solutions team.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CREATING YOUR RETAIL APP

Thu, 06 Sep 2018 15:28:50 GMT

The world of retail has become increasingly mobile-centric, with more companies developing mobile apps and investing in responsive web design. The global revenue generated by mobile retail commerce will reach $669 billion by the end of 2018 which is a huge increase from $98 billion in 2013. It’s important for retailers to take advantage of this mobile app business opportunity. Here are some of the important factors to take into account when creating an eCommerce app.

Native app vs PWA

You will need to consider your options when it comes to the specific type of mobile interface you’ll use. When it comes to apps, the two most viable options are native applications and progressive web apps. Native web apps can offer more in the way of optimisation and streamlined performance, however, PWAs can be more beneficial when it comes to brand promotion through social media. Both options have their benefits so consider what your priorities are and choose the best one for you.

Streamlined buyer journey

The buyer’s journey is a crucial part of any retail platform and can have a huge impact on conversion figures and overall sales. This journey is affected by a number of factors like app design and layout. It is important for the user to find their way around the app easily in order to browse your product line. Also, the level of information you require during the checkout process should be minimised to speed up the overall process and promote high retention levels.

Regular stock updates

Ensuring that your inventory figures are accurate is vital when it comes to any form of retail but it is particularly important on such a fast-moving mobile platform. Be sure to invest a lot of time and resources into creating a system that regularly updates the stock levels on your app in real-time and keeps it in line with physical stock levels.

Product gallery

While mobile shopping makes the buying process much quicker and easier for shoppers, it takes away the physical experience of seeing and feeling products. This is particularly important for things like clothes and fashion accessories. It’s important to provide your customers with as much information about your products as possible. This is where a sleek and detailed product gallery can increase the chance of conversion and reduce the risk of returns or refunds.

GUIDE TO UPDATING YOUR MOBILE APPS

Tue, 21 Aug 2018 13:46:18 GMT

These tips will help you figure out when and how you should be updating your apps.

Monitor user feedback

Keep an eye on market trends

Carry out regular tests

Monitor engagement

Take your time with updates

5 ESSENTIAL STEPS FOR CREATING A SUCCESSFUL MOBILE AD CAMPAIGN

Fri, 03 Aug 2018 08:07:41 GMT

As the app industry continues to grow, app developers are having to invest more time and resources into promoting their products. In fact, recent studies have shown that around 40% of digital marketing funds from businesses were allocated to mobile advertising. This reflects the increasing use of smartphones and mobile devices. If you’re planning a mobile ad campaign to support your new app business or get your newly confirmed app business opportunity off the ground, these tips will help put you ahead of the competition.

Research your target market

It’s vital that you get a strong grasp on the needs of your target market and the size of your audience. Look at the consumer habits of your target market and identify trends. Try to narrow down the most popular online destinations, social media platforms and media outlets that are used by your target market. This will allow you to plan your ad campaign more effectively and aim it more specifically at the right market.

Create an optimised landing page

When a consumer clicks on your ad, they need to be able to access important content and navigate your website or app easily. Whether the link takes them to a webpage or a download page, it’s important that it is optimised for all desktop and mobile platforms.

Use social media

Popular social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter have become essential tools for mobile marketing. Research has shown that the majority of social media users access their chosen services through mobile. Twitter states that over 83% of users are on mobile and looking for new apps. Facebook offers some of the best advertising and sponsored content packages with multiple price brackets. Creating a brand account for free can also increase engagement and brand recognition.

Use images and video

The amount of sponsored video and image content on social media platforms has increased rapidly in recent years. Figures have shown that this type of visual content helps to catch the eye of consumers and drive up engagement. High-quality adverts, short videos, GIFs and memes are all forms of visual content that have become increasingly successful in mobile marketing.

Provide some incentive

Consumers will be more inclined to follow a link or share content if there is some kind of reward involved. Providing incentive in the form of prizes, extra content or free exposure is an effective way of expanding your brand and driving up ad clicks. A Facebook contest is a good example of this.

7 MOBILE MARKETING STATISTICS THAT WILL SURPRISE YOU

Thu, 19 Jul 2018 11:53:30 GMT

The move to mobile has come swift and sudden in recent years, with around 5 billion people currently using mobile phones around the world. This has forced companies to rethink their marketing and business strategies in order to keep up with current trends. Whether your app business opportunity focuses on the tourism sector or the eCommerce industry, here are the important stats you should know.

Mobile ad budget

It may surprise you to hear that in 2016, the average company dedicated 51% of its digital marketing budget to mobile advertising. This figure is set to increase even further to around 70% by the end of 2018. This illustrates just how invested more industries are becoming in the mobile movement.

Annoying mobile ads

In a study carried out on mobile users, it was found that the most annoying adverts are ones which pop up and cover the entire screen. If you’re hoping to intrude as little as possible, consider using text-based ads which were found to be the least annoying.

Seamless user experience

The fact that 61% of mobile users would rather visit a competitor’s site than use one that is slow to load or presents other problems, shows how important it is to create a smooth and structured experience across all platforms.

No measurements

Many companies are failing to maximise conversions and increase engagement by not tracking mobile leads. In fact, only 40% of companies are measuring the return on investment generated by their mobile platforms. This is a very important factor to consider if you’re trying to run a successful app business.

Mobile loading times

In the same vein, it is vital that you streamline your mobile website and reduce loading times. Research has shown that sites that load in under five seconds experience 25% more ad visibility and their average session times are around 70% longer.

Mobile app conversion

Although it’s important to have a responsive website that caters to mobile users, research has shown that users are three times more likely to be converted when using an app as opposed to a mobile website.

72 hour curse

It is a known fact that within the first three days of downloading your app, the majority of users will stop using it. To be specific, 77% of daily average users will never use your app after the first time and you will lose 95% of users within the first 90 days after installation.

REASONS TO HAVE A PERSONALISED COMPANY MOBILE APP

Thu, 12 Jul 2018 13:12:07 GMT

In today’s global digital market, more companies than ever are using apps to improve interdepartmental communication, increase efficiency and generate more relevant marketing strategies. However, bog-standard apps aimed at an industry-wide audience aren’t cutting it anymore. Research has shown that customised, company-specific apps can save employees around 7.5 hours of work each week. Here are a few benefits of using a customised business app.

Improved efficiency

There are plenty of apps which offer communication and scheduling services but in most cases, they are too generic. A personalised business app can provide a more comprehensive tool to help improve company operations by catering to the specific requirements and operations of your company. For example, you may want to integrate the app into the internal system you already have in place to add a mobile aspect and improve overall efficiency.

Better data security

Having a customised company app means that you are able to integrate more stringent security measures and data protection protocols at all stages of development. While security standards are generally going up in the app industry, it is more beneficial to have an internal data protection system set in place. This is particularly important for companies handling sensitive information.

Provides real-time interaction

Communication can be a problem for many companies, especially larger ones with multiple departments. Having a customised mobile app allows staff members to communicate instantly with each other to create specific plans and generate project strategies in real-time.

Increased productivity

The streamlined nature of apps means that interdepartmental communication, project planning and workload organisation will be quicker and more efficient. If employees are able to communicate instantly through their mobile devices, they are able to get more work done in a shorter period of time. Also, customised apps allow you to create a specific profile for each employee which can boost motivation by helping them to feel more valued.

Provides scalability

An app that is created specifically to match the needs of your company provides much more long-term usability when compared to generic apps. If your business experiences rapid growth, you will need an app that has features tailored to your business so they can be scaled up and expanded when necessary. Also, you are able to make changes to the interface, update any features and fix bugs on demand which is not possible with apps that were designed externally.

REASONS WHY YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS A MOBILE APP

Mon, 25 Jun 2018 09:18:21 GMT

Whether you’re an accountant or a golf club, a hair salon or a restaurant, you might be wondering if your business could benefit from a mobile app? If you already have a website and are doing well with your social media, this could seem like a tricky decision to make but, you can also see your competitors are launching their own apps too and you want in. So, what are the signs that your business should launch its own mobile app?

#1 Your site isn’t ranking well in mobile search

Google has made a big deal of mobile search over the last 18 months as it has prepared to switch over to a new mobile index. That means competition for mobile rankings is fiercer than ever. If your website has been left behind and is being outperformed, a mobile app could be just the tool you need to ramp up your mobile visibility.

#2 You want to make a bigger feature of your customer loyalty programme

Regardless of the nature of your business, having a customer loyalty programme is usually a great marketing tool – it’s a way to reward repeat customers (say with a free round of golf, a free drink or a free treatment) and encourages them to keep coming back for more. An app can help make your loyalty programme a bigger selling point and get more customers signed up, especially if it offers exclusive features or content– which can help you to build a loyal customer base.

#3 You can use your app to solve a problem or make life more convenient for customers

Very few of us spend much of the day far away from our smartphones, so a clever app design can tap into this and make light work of a common problem or, make life more convenient for your customers. If you do run a salon or restaurant for example, you could offer appointment or table bookings via your app – that’s much quicker and more convenient than having to call up. A travel company could offer exclusive destination guides, currency conversion or helpful packing lists for example. Features like this give a better impression of your brand because they elevate your customer experience.

#4 Your competitors have one

Just because your competitors have an app is not reason enough on its own to go ahead and have one developed but if several competitors do, it’s certainly well worth your time exploring having an app designed for you. Take time o study what they do well and what common features are and speak with your app developer about what you can offer that is different or better. Conversely, if no one in your industry has an app, and you can create one that adds value to your customers, use that to stand out from the crowd.

HOW TO INTEGRATE SOCIAL MEDIA INTO YOUR MOBILE APP

priyesh@digitalinspired.io (Priyesh Vaghjiani) — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 19:08:38 GMT

With billions of consumers and mobile users around the world engaging with social media every day, platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram have become essential tools for marketing. More developers are now finding ways to utilise the benefits of social media in their apps. Here are a few tips for using social media to boost engagement and increase your app business opportunities.

Add social sharing extension

Whether you’re designing a health and fitness app or you’re planning to release an eCommerce app, it’s essential to add some form of social networking if you want to increase retention rate and boost engagement. Certain apps and industries lend themselves more easily to social media integration but if you think creatively, it can be done with every app. For example, eCommerce apps can encourage customers to share pictures of what they purchased on Facebook or Instagram.

Social media sign-up process

More apps and mobile companies are now providing users with the option of signing up to their services through social media as a way to encourage positive promotion and also to increase conversion by making the process quicker and easier. Research has shown that consumers and app users are much more likely to convert if the sign-up and checkout process is quick and streamlined. This is where social media login options can help improve the UX and take away any potential hurdles.

Add social media feed

If you really want to reap the benefits of social media, an in-app feed is a great way to encourage communication between users and boost engagement. One of the things that make platforms like Facebook and Twitter so successful is the ability for users to track the activities of others and interact with them. Providing a live feed of user activity within your app can help to increase session time by generating more engaging content.

Share brand social media activity

Although the end goal of using social media is to get more consumers using your app, it’s also vital that you create a sense of community and establish your brand as a reliable source of information through social media platforms. It’s a good idea to promote your brand’s social media activity through your app in order to increase engagement. If you’ve uploaded relevant new posts, let your users know about it through things like push notifications.

GOOGLE RESEARCH ON HOW THE WEB IS HELPING SMALL BUSINESSES

priyesh@digitalinspired.io (Priyesh Vaghjiani) — Thu, 31 May 2018 10:06:29 GMT

Female SME heads use more digital tools

Where your small business is based will impact on how closely it embraces digital

Micro-businesses are less likely to use digital tools

Many small business owners encounter barriers

MONETISING INSTAGRAM POSTS IS BIG BUSINESS – INSTAGRAM RICH LIST

priyesh@digitalinspired.io (Priyesh Vaghjiani) — Thu, 17 May 2018 19:05:57 GMT

Instagram’s massive popularity and accelerated growth alone make it a big earner as it gradually becomes one of Facebooks largest ad revenue streams. But it isn’t just Instagram and ultimately parent company Facebook who are making big bucks from the platform. Celebrities and top digital influencers are pulling in some serious cash from the photography based social media giant.

Research released by HopperHQ, an online Instagram scheduling tool, revealed some of the biggest earners per post. For those not in the know, It is common practise for high fan base and strong influencer Instagram accounts to receive sponsorship payments to endorse products via their accounts to their audience. The research suggests that top audience capturing celebrities including Selena Gomez and Kim Kardashian are making upwards of $500,000 per sponsored post. A ludicrous amount of cash for essentially a piece of photographed product placement with a corresponding brand @handle.

Top 10 Celebrity Instagram Earners 2017:

Selena Gomez – 122 million followers – $550,000 (£424,000) per post
Kim Kardashian – 100 million followers – $500,000 (£385,000) per post
Cristiano Ronaldo – 104 million followers – $400,000 (£308,000) per post
Kylie Jenner – 95 million followers – $400,000 ((£308,000) per post
Kendall Jenner – 81.7 million followers – $370,000 (£285,000) per post
Khloe Kardashian – 68 million followers – $250,000 (£192,600) per post
Kourtney Kardashian – 57.8 million followers – $250,000 (£192,600) per post
Cara Delevingne – 40.4 million followers – $150,000 (£115,500) per post
Gigi Hadid 34.7 million followers – $120,000 (£92,457) per post
Lebron James – 30.7 million followers – $120,000 (£92,457) per post

Top 10 Influencer Instagram Earners 2017:

Huda Kattan – 20.5 million followers – $18,000 (£13,800) per post
Cameron Dallas – 19.8 million followers – $17,000 (£13,000) per post
Jen Selter – 11.3 million followers – $15,000 (£11,500) per post
Zoella – 11.1 million followers – $14,000 (£10,800) per post
Nash Grier – 10.2 million followers – $13,000 (£10,000) per post
Chiara Ferragni – 9.7 million followers – $12,000 (£9,200) per post
Julie Sarinara – 4.6 million followers – $10,000 (£7, 700) per post
Aimee Song – 4.6 million followers – $9,000 (£6,900) per post
Danielle Bernstein – 1.7 million followers – $7,000 (£5,400) per post
Liz Eswein – 1.3 million followers – $6,000 (£4,600) per post

What is most worrying about this trend isn’t just the insane amount of cash involved but the fact that less than 20% of third party sponsored posts are made clear to the user as an advertisement. The remaining 80% are being passed off as genuine posts and essentially organic true to life endorsements by the individual. Many millennials who make up the vast majority of Instagram’s 700million users choose to follow celebrities and industry influencers for a raw insight in to their real lives, habits and personality. Therefore, they are very impressionable and vulnerable when it comes to unannounced product placement the likes of what we’re seeing increase in popularity.

Facebook have commented that they themselves do not condone 3rd party sponsorship without what appear to be organic posts but that there is in actuality very little that can be done to police the trend accurately.

“Understanding where sponsorships or endorsement deals do or don’t exist is a complex challenge for the industry – online and off – and we are exploring what works best for our community. We encourage everyone in the Instagram community to follow local industry guidelines around transparency with any sponsored content,” – Instagram statement.

With the platform and its engagement only increasing, it’s unlikely we’re going to see a change in this trend anytime soon. For many brands, this type of celebrity endorsement is and will continue to be the backbone of their awareness campaigns and ultimate success.

TIPS FOR DESIGNING WEBSITES FOR THE MOBILE FIRST GENERATION

priyesh@digitalinspired.io (Priyesh Vaghjiani) — Thu, 10 May 2018 11:47:55 GMT

Designing a website for mobile

We probably don’t need to tell you why creating a mobile first web experience is important. But in case you do need a little extra convincing it’s worth reminding you that as of 2015 the steadily increasing rate of mobile device web browsing reached a tipping point at which mobile devices contributed more to UK and USA web traffic than desktop PC’s for the first time in history. Fast forward to 2018 and on the whole when you include browsing which takes place inside mobile apps, particularly for social media usage, and that figure is over 60% and rising still.

93% of millennials in the UK own at least one smartphone device and via this method they check their social media accounts on average more than 20 times per day. We really are in a mobile technology first era and there’s no signs of that changing or even slowing down in the coming years. Mobile usage statistics are a pretty compelling story for any brand or business to put mobile first in almost all aspects of marketing but there is another consideration.

Mobile devices by nature are a compulsive and reactive tool for consumers to get information or follow up on intrigue. For this reason mobile browsing has become a very important step in the consumer sales cycle. Both as a digital discovery vehicle but also as part of the traditional real world retail purchase journey. Price comparison is extremely common and increasingly takes place at the physical point of sale where consumers have been empowered by the mobile web to check they are getting the best price before buying. It’s not just price though, consumers will look at peer to peer reviews online at the point of purchase and even search for extra product details. On top of the part mobile plays in the greater consumer sales cycle, millennial online shoppers are increasingly trusting that mobile purchases are just as safe as doing so from a desktop. As a result mobile eCommerce transactions are also on the rise.

So how can you put mobile first thinking in to place? First place to start is your website. Here’s a few simple tips to get you thinking more mobile friendly:

Keep Touch in Mind
It’s surprising how often this goes amiss in modern web design. Some brands are so wrapped up in having a beautifully designed and executed cutting edge site on desktop that they don’t stop to consider how that same site will function on a mobile device when it comes to using touch. Almost all modern day smartphones are use a touch screen user interface.

The best tip here is to think about the mobile design right from the start of your design process and just assume everyone in the world has fat fingers. Make navigation’s clear and not overly cluttered and use large images for easy touch navigation around the site. Don’t wait until the end of your design process to test out the mobile version of the site. Run this alongside your desktop build so you don’t find yourself going back and re-doing your basic design templates.

Use a Single Vertical Page Structure
This tip is mobile specific but it also fits in with modern day desktop trends as well. The days of fitting as much info on to a single page by creating various columns and content areas above the fold are long gone. Users like to scroll. They will swipe bottom to top with their thumb as they browse so create a page narrative that suits that style of browsing and allows all the content on the page to be viewed big and bold in that design style.

With web browsing taking place in portrait mode for the significant majority of browsing sessions it makes sense not to over clutter your pages horizontally and if you are going to do this you’ll need to optimise the mobile layout to work vertically when loaded on certain devices. Tell your story from top to bottom with easy and clear calls to action along the way to move around the site.

Reduce and Forms & Data Entry
Web forms are a UX nightmare in themselves. We all love data collection and learning as much about our customers as we can. There is a purpose to it but the simple truth is users do not like it. What’s worse is that on a mobile device form filling and data entry is more tedious and fiddly than on desktop. Keep form entry requirements to an absolute minimum and use simple drop down selection for responses where possible to make life easier.

Keep it Simple with Your Navigation
This is another tip that works well on mobile and desktop modern day web design. Big cluttered navigation’s are off putting for users. You should be able to architecture your site in a way that allows for the most effortless browsing possible. Drop downs with multiple options can be hard work but drop downs with additional drop downs and sub categories are just mind boggling. When it comes to the mobile user experience most navigational items are hidden or pushed to the side of the template to make room for the largest possible viewing area for page content. You’re going to have a tough time stuffing your big navigation’s in there so try to keep them as concise as possible.

Keep Imagery & File Sizes Limited
Mobile internet is faster now than anyone would have imagined by this point and our infrastructure is constantly improving but roaming cellular internet speeds still can’t compete with wifi connections. Keeping images and other files reduced in size is an easy way to ensure your mobile loading times don’t suffer. Consumers don’t have the patience to wait when they’re used to having what they want when they request it so don’t be the site that loses traffic because you were too slow to load.

Faster page loading times will also impact for SEO scoring significantly as slow loading times are considered by search engines to provide a poor user experience. And let’s face it, they right!

For all web design queries, please do check us out at E-Apps Solutions.

4 TYPICAL MARKETING ERRORS TO AVOID

priyesh@digitalinspired.io (Priyesh Vaghjiani) — Thu, 03 May 2018 12:24:49 GMT

DON’T MAKE THESE 4 TYPICAL MARKETING ERRORS

Whether you’re just starting out on your entrepreneur journey or already have an established business, a successful marketing strategy can have a huge impact. Unfortunately, it’s an area that many organisations struggle with, making common mistakes that ultimately harm their growth potential and customer base. But don’t worry, we’ve covered four typical marketing errors so you can reassess your plan going forward.

An effective marketing campaign can have multiple benefits, attracting new customers, improving engagement with existing clients, adding credibility, and so much more. With so much to gain, it’s worth investing time to make the most of your resources. These are four errors you should make sure you don’t make.

Failing to understand customer personas

Every business needs to fully understand its customer persona, it doesn’t only inform product and service decisions but your marketing too. Twitter might have over 320 million active users but if it’s a platform that your audience rarely uses, a Twitter campaign will have a limited impact. A clearly defined customer persona can help you capture the right tone, style, and context for your marketing efforts.

Don’t be too rigid with you customer persona concept though. Your marketing strategy should bring you a wealth of data to understand what your customers want and how best to connect with them, allowing you to evolve.

Focusing on yourself

When you start a marketing campaign shouting about yourself and what you do is typically at the centre of your mind. But focusing on you is often a quick way to turn off both your current customers and prospects. Instead, every marketing aspect should be crafted with the audience in mind. So, make it about them – It’s all about value proposition. Rather than simply announcing your latest product, tell your customers why they need it.

A disjointed marketing strategy

A common mistake, especially for those new to the world of marketing, is to put all your eggs in one basket. If the bulk of your efforts are focusing on a single area or each element is working separately from others, it’s time for a rethink.

Every aspect of your marketing plan should connect to create a well organised machine that’s constantly developing. Understanding that different marketing tools can result in a variety of benefits, with each element complementing other platforms. Your email marketing might be used to point existing customers in the direction of a sale, while your blog adds authority. Blend different techniques to create a plan that’s right for you.

An inconsistent approach

Do you go through periods where marketing is a key focus but then enthusiasm drops off? It’s a common mistake that many businesses make. Of course, with multiple areas to juggle it can be easy for businesses to put marketing on the back burner but it could undo all your progress. Consistency is essential when it comes to marketing. Setting out a regular plan that’s frequently reviewed in light of recent analytics is the way forward if you really want to maximise your marketing potential.

WHY BUSINESSES SHOULD HAVE A PERSONALISED MOBILE APP

priyesh@digitalinspired.io (Priyesh Vaghjiani) — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 07:50:05 GMT

THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A PERSONALISED COMPANY MOBILE APP

Improved efficiency

Better data security

Provides real-time interaction

Increased productivity

Provides scalability

TIPS TO ENSURE YOUR APP IS DOWNLOADED

priyesh@digitalinspired.io (Priyesh Vaghjiani) — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 08:44:07 GMT

How to ensure your app is downloaded

After careful consultation, meeting with the developer and looking at your business model, you’ve made the forward thinking decision to get a mobile app for your business. Congratulations! You’re one step closer to modernising and expanding your business. But there’s one key question to consider; How do you make sure people to download the app? Lets look at some ideas and tips that will ensure your customers, old and new, always want your app on their smartphone.

Is It Worth It?

The simplest way to ensure customers will download your mobile app is to make sure the app adds value to the customer experience. To ensure your app will be valuable to everyone, you should have a clear idea of the areas of your business that the app can improve. You can do this by consulting with your customers and staff before you sit down with your developer. You can appeal to all your customers if you offer specific rewards for making purchases or bookings within the app, or appeal to particular groups with more specific features that the app offers; the ease of booking an appointment at your salon, or the informative Push Notifications that guide their retail decisions.

Pro Tip; if you use customer or staff suggestions in the app, mention this in your marketing. It shows that you listened to their answers and you’re happy to share the credit. Plus, it will encourage downloads as people will want to see their suggestions in action.

Cross Promote with Other Businesses

It’s common marketing practice for small businesses in complimentary industries to support each other through cross promotion. If an area has separate hair, beauty and nail salons, all three business might regularly refer customers to each other. With a mobile app the same process is just given a digital twist. If the hair salon already has an established mobile app, they could use their push notifications to tell their customers about the nail salons new app. The favour can then be returned and repeated. If you’re the first local business to get an app, just lean on those same connections with your new promotional material. Add information about your new mobile app to your posters and fliers, and include a QR code that takes people to your Android or App Store page.

Pro Tip; Don’t feel limited to promoting within your industry. If you’re a restaurant you can still market through a hair salon or a local shop; be creative, make a flier that encourages the hair salon customers show off their new style at your restaurant- with 10% off if they scan the QR code on the poster.

Email, Text and Social Media

You should already have a social media presence, mailing list and systems to text message your customers individually or all at once. When launching your app, utilise all of these platforms to promote, promote, promote. Make an event of the launch day and offer a reward to the first 100 customers who download the app. Once your app has been launched and is established, you should make sure that any new customers are always in a position to download the app. Feature links to the App and Android store pages prominently on your website and social media platforms. When new customers join your business, email and text them links where they can download the app. You might consider having a permanent link to the download pages in the signature of all your business emails.

Pro Tip; Encourage customers to Forward, Share and Retweet your promotional materials by offering rewards for referrals.

Staff Upselling

Your staff will be face to face with your customers almost constantly. Just like in larger business your front line staff are positioned to encourage customers to download your app at their point of purchase. Feature QR codes visibly around your business and at the checkout counter, so customers can always just scan and download. Your staff could mention the app if a customer calls on the phone to make an appointment, pitching it as a way to make their next booking even easier. You could give customers 10% off their purchase if they download the app there and then, or upsell the Loyalty feature that your app can include. Let regular customers know they are missing out on rewards by not downloading the app.

Pro Tip; Reward your staff for promoting the app in a way that suits your business but feels real and tangible to the staff.

For more advice on creating the right type of download strategy for your mobile app and maximising interactions, contact E-Apps Solutions today.

JUST HOW BIG IS THE PRESENT DAY MOBILE APP MARKET?

priyesh@digitalinspired.io (Priyesh Vaghjiani) — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 08:32:06 GMT

If like us, your smartphone never leaves your side, it will probably come as no surprise to hear that there are 6.5 million apps currently available to mobile users on the world’s top app stores. What’s more – there is a huge consumer demand for those apps, with research from Yahoo showing that 90% of time spent on mobile is actually spent with apps rather than mobile internet browsing.

The majority of the world’s 6.5 million apps are available from the two biggest players in the industry, Apple and Google. The Apple Store lists 2.2 million (a figure that’s growing each day), while the Google Play Store offers upwards of 2.8 million mobile apps. This figure has consistently increased over recent years and is expected to rise even further in the future.

It’s not just the number of available apps on the market that has increased. Statistics show that the number of app users and the average amount of time they spend using apps has also risen concurrently. The average mobile app user will download as many as 8.8 apps every month on average and will spend 90% of their time accessing information using app-based content. That’s just 10% of all mobile screen time allocated to mobile web browsers.

With such a rapidly increasing customer base, the app industry has become one of the most profitable markets in the world. In 2016 global app revenues were at 88.3 billion U.S. dollars, which was an 18.6 billion dollar increase on the previous year. These figures take into account both app store purchases and in-app advertising revenue. Projections suggest that if the industry continues to grow as it has been doing, market revenue will be at 188.9 billion dollars by 2020.

Such rapid growth offers many opportunities to developers and potential business ventures. App development is becoming an increasingly popular field of work, with an estimated 12 million developers currently working around the world. Increased integration of mobile apps into industries such as banking and travel, along with an increasing number of smartphone users in emerging economies , is also helping the global app market to grow even further.

Thanks to improvements in software technology and an increase in market accessibility it’s now easier than ever for new companies to penetrate the app market. The number of smartphone users around the world is expected to hit 6.1 billion by the year 2020 , which offers a lot of opportunity for new ventures to flourish and for existing companies to utilise the opportunities offered by mobile apps.

GDPR AND ITS IMPACT ON APP DEVELOPERS

priyesh@digitalinspired.io (Priyesh Vaghjiani) — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 15:28:53 GMT

Data protection has become a hot topic recently as more consumers and internet users fall victim to security breaches. The mobile industry has seen the brunt of this problem and in 2016 alone, it was discovered that over 200 apps were exposing users’ personal data. The EU has decided to crack down with the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation which is aimed at strengthening data protection. But what does this mean for app developers?

Data erasure

One of the main features of the GDPR is the right of users to request their personal data be deleted permanently. The new regulations will give mobile users the power to make data handlers and app developers erase their personal information and sensitive data. In addition to this, users can preemptively stop the publication of their data for any purpose outside of the initially agreed terms.

app developers

Data movement consent

Until now, the regulations around the movement of personal data have sat in a legally grey area but after the implementation of GDPR, app developers with users in the EU will not be able to collect, move or use personal data without explicit consent from users.

Notification of data breaches

In the wake of numerous high profile data breach cases, the EU is aiming to crack down on development companies and raise the standards of software security protocols across the board. Under the new rules, developers will be required to notify their users and the relevant authorities within 72 hours of a breach or face strict consequences.

Privacy by design

The idea of privacy by design is a concept that is already practised by reputable app development businesses, however, under GDPR rules, it will now be a legal requirement. This means that before, during and after the development stage, app creators must implement measures that restrict the unnecessary flow of user data and can only use information that is specifically required to complete the app.

Data Protection Officers

After GDPR comes into effect on 25 May, app developers will be required to keep detailed logs and internal records regarding data protection protocols and security breaches. These will be monitored regularly by relevant bodies to maintain consistency. Larger development companies will also be required to appoint Data Protection Officers whose job it will be to monitor data protection and ensure all regulations are being adhered to.

5 TIPS TO CREATE A SUCCESSFUL MOBILE AD CAMPAIGN

Thu, 15 Mar 2018 10:10:00 GMT

Research your target market

digital marketing tips

Create an optimised landing page

Use social media

Use images and video

Provide some incentive

SEO MYTHS THAT ARE DAMAGING YOUR BUSINESS

Tue, 06 Mar 2018 08:39:00 GMT

SEO can serve as a very powerful and effective marketing tool in the right hands but often loses the credit it deserves thanks to misinformation and ill-advised marketing ‘specialists’. There is a lot to learn about managing an effective SEO strategy and with changing algorithms, your work is never done. However, it is possible to have a good grasp of the basics. To that end, read on to make sure you’re not guilty of falling for (or worse, actually carrying out) any of these common SEO myths.

SEO Myth 1: It’s a cheap trip to page one of Google
The truth is there’s no quick trick that can get you to the top of Google. There are plenty of offers from companies promising higher rankings for a small fee but they do more harm than good. They spam websites with inefficient and unnecessary backlinks which result in penalties from Google that can drastically impair the website or company’s online presence. You can’t buy a position one rating. It takes time, patience and more than a little skill.

SEO Myth 2: Your SEO has Google contacts
Often you will hear SEO ‘experts’ mention the fact that they have a friend who works at Google who can help with optimisation. Don’t fall for it. While there are plenty of employees at Google, the company does not hire people to deal with business SEO requirements. With constant algorithm updates, the only way to keep your SEO strategy in line is by following best practice and focusing on offering a superior user experience. Whether you’re an app development business or a local restaurant, the search engine wants to know that if it sends you its users, they’ll find the answer to their questions.

Common SEO Myths

SEO Myth 3: Keyword overload
Many people in the marketing world still hold the outdated belief that cramming a website full of keywords can bump you up to the top of search results. Unfortunately, things aren’t so easy and Google can pick up on spammy domain names and keyword-stuffed content in a nanosecond. Keywords are important because they tell Google what your page is about but, they should be used naturally.

SEO Myth 4: All backlinks are good backlinks
Despite what many people believe, not all backlinks are created equal. Think about it. The things worth having often take the most time or are the most expensive. The most effective backlinks are authoritative, natural and relevant. Buying dozens of cheap links is a waste of money because they won’t make any worthwhile contribution to your SEO (and can do more harm than good in some instances).

SEO Myth 5: More pages equals more traffic
Many companies and websites fall into the trap of thinking they will experience higher traffic figures and climb search engine rankings simply by churning out more content. When it comes to SEO, quality always trumps quantity. No matter how many web pages you have, they will never be noticed if they don’t contain high quality, relevant content. Focus on informing, educating or entertaining your visitors by providing them with useful, unique and in-depth content that serves a purpose, answers a question or is otherwise useful.

WHATSAPP’S NEW APP – HOW CAN IT HELP SMALL BUSINESSES?

Mon, 26 Feb 2018 10:49:00 GMT

The global communications brand, which boasts an average of 1.3 billion active monthly users, has recently announced the release of its new business-focused app. The new product aims to provide a more streamlined web of communication for small businesses around the globe. After revealing breadcrumbs of information for the last year, the company has finally released WhatsApp Business along with a detailed list of all its features. Here’s a look at what business owners can expect from the new app.

The key focus of developers was to utilise the same streamlined communication features that users of WhatsApp have become accustomed to but apply them to an interface designed for business owners and professionals. The new app allows users that have a personal number and a business number to use both simultaneously from the same device. This is just one of the new features that will help businesses improve communication.

Business profiles

One of the key features of WhatsApp Business is the ability for companies to create unique profiles. Much like the profiles found on Google, these will provide customers with all of the essential information about the business such as location, contact details and web address.

Smart messaging

In order to help companies engage with more consumers even when no one is available, the new app will feature smart messaging features that will send out replies automatically. Greeting messages will provide new customers with essential information and automatic replies will inform them when a brand is unavailable.

Smart messaging

Message analytics

The new app will include basic analytics features, allowing companies to see the level of messages being read and what specific content is being best received. The depth of the analysis seems to be relatively shallow so far but it’s expected that WhatsApp will roll out more intricate analytics further down the line.

Company groups

The ability to make groups on WhatsApp has been one of the app’s most popular features and it will carry over to the business version. Companies will be able to make closed groups in which staff can contact each other quickly and seamlessly without having to go through several channels of communication.

As of now, the WhatsApp Business app is available for Android but no iOS release dates have been confirmed. The app has already been used in countries like Brazil and India, with research showing that 80% of small businesses reported increased growth. While there are sure to be a few teething problems, the new app offers a range of benefits for small companies and startups.

GROW YOUR FACEBOOK ENGAGEMENT

Mon, 19 Feb 2018 14:03:00 GMT

With the new Facebook News Feed algorithm, the platform has taken steps to push business content further down the News Feed display. This means less of your social media audience will see your posts – unless Facebook judges it to be worthy, via the amount of comments, reactions and interactions you generate.

As an entrepreneur or new business owner, you’ll also know the value of using social media marketing to drive awareness and traffic of your new business opportunity, so how do you balance these two seemingly conflicting actions? The answer is in growing your Facebook engagement.

If you create posts which resonate with fans, get Facebook users liking, commenting and sharing, you’ll find your new app business off to a flying start. Here are a few ways to grow your Facebook engagement and send the right signals to the platform to boost your News Feed ranking.

Use Facebook Live: Some types of content naturally generate more engagement than others and Live video is one of those. If you’re struggling to generate lots of engagement on posts, try switching up your content format to include regular Live streams.

social-media

Experiment with post times: Facebook, and tools such as Hootsuite, allow you to schedule posts ahead of time. If you always hit send at the same time, you may not be hitting the sweet spot for post engagement. Hootsuite has an optimum time feature which will auto schedule posts for the best engagement or, if you update manually, swap the times of your regular posts. Study the impact and make note of when more engagement is actually flowing in. The Insights tab on your Facebook Business page will help you see when your audience is online so you can experiment accordingly.

Use curated content: If you read an interesting article and find it to be funny, relevant or interesting, chances are others will too. Reshare these posts on your Facebook page. This is called curated content and is a great way to boost engagement by sharing already great performing content with your own audience.

Boost your posts: Facebook allows you to pay to ‘boost’ posts for a certain period of time. While this does mean you need to put some budget to it, you control the amount you want to spend. Because it’s a paid promotion it’s guaranteed to show to more people.

Run a competition: Competitions naturally get people liking, sharing and commenting so run a competition regularly and you could well improve Facebook’s perception of your page by racking up a good influx of user engagement.

APP DEVELOPMENT TRENDS FOR 2018

Tue, 13 Feb 2018 10:22:00 GMT

2017 saw an increase in revenue within the mobile app market and with a projected 2020 global figure of $189 billion looming large, there is a lot of room for rapid growth within the sector. Here are some key trends to look out for.

Internet of Things

The term Internet of Things has been thrown around a lot within the mobile technology industry in recent years. It is predicted that the technology will be worth around $661 billion by 2021 so it’s well worth getting to grips with it sooner rather than later.

The concept of IoT is built on the idea that everything from household appliances to video and audio equipment can be connected to the internet. The huge push by companies such as Google and Amazon to introduce smart home technology shows the importance of IoT and illustrates how important it will be for app developers to consider it this year.

latest technology

Progressive Web Apps

Progressive Web Apps (PWA) have become increasingly popular in recent years and we predict big things in 2018. These hybrid style apps combine the easy access and simplistic interfaces of native mobile apps with the rapid response and accessibility of mobile web pages. If you’re looking to take your app development agency to the next level this year, be sure to ask us about PWA.

AR / VR

There has been a surge of new gadgets and apps over the last few years which take advantage of the huge leap forward in augmented reality and virtual reality technology. Although it took a while for the new industry to find its feet, it seems that the new breakthroughs have provided a wealth of opportunities that app developers and digital start-ups would be wise to take advantage of.

Cloud technology

More mobile users around the world are becoming used to the idea of cloud storage, leading to a huge growth in the sector. In fact, research has shown that by 2019, 90% of all mobile data traffic will be driven by cloud apps. Successful digital brands such as Dropbox and Google Drive have illustrated how useful cloud-based services can be and more developers will be looking to utilise this technology in 2018.

PAGE SPEED WILL BE A KEY RANKING FACTOR FOR SEO

Tue, 06 Feb 2018 19:24:00 GMT

News of a brand new Google algorithm update has just broke with the search engine confirming that page speed WILL be a mobile search ranking factor. This is absolutely critical information if you’ve just taken up a mobile app business opportunity – so read on to find out what this means, how it will work and how it will impact your new app business.

When?

Google has confirmed that from July 2018 it will use mobile page speed as a ranking factor for mobile search results. This new algorithm has been named ‘Speed Update’.

Who?

Google says that its brand new Speed Update will impact pages that deliver the slowest experiences to users. That means pages that take long seconds to load up on mobile.

Why?

Slow pages are annoying for mobile page users. The longer a page takes to load, the more likely it is that that user will bounce back to the search results and choose a different site. Google obviously doesn’t want this to happen and as a business, you shouldn’t either.

What can you do?

The very last thing you want as an app developer is to be found guilty of having web pages and content that isn’t optimised for a mobile device. Having a page that is slow to load on a smartphone or tablet not only means that you’re more likely to see your search engine rankings suffer, it also presents a very negative impression of your mobile app business.

The Speed Update algorithm won’t come into effect until July so you still have a good six months to bring any slow loading pages up to speed (quite literally).

Even if you consider your pages to be fast enough, today’s announcement from Google is a timely reminder that it’s worth checking at regular intervals.

Google says search intent is still a ranking factor so if your content is great then you can still rank well but, it’s wise not to rely on this. Do all you can now to optimise your page speed.

An easy way to check your mobile page loading speed and access advice for improvement is to use the revamped Google PageSpeed report. This will give your page a grade (fast, slow or average), an optimisation score and optimisation tips to help you bring slower pages up to spec.

HOW CAN FACEBOOK LIVE HELP YOUR BUSINESS?

Mon, 29 Jan 2018 20:54:00 GMT

With the development on modern day internet speeds both wired and via mobile carriers, streaming content has become and extremely popular consumption method. A large portion of TV viewing is now done on demand or via a streaming service. Advertising is now following suit and social media leader Facebook have launched their streaming function Facebook Live.

Facebook Live is essentially video content which is filmed and streamed live. Originally launched in 2016 to user accounts only, the service is now available to all Facebook users including personalities, brands and business pages. This development means that essentially all online brands using Facebook now have access to a video broadcast style mechanic to their social media advertising for their business. While this is exciting and opens up the doors for even small brands to start engaging their followers with video content, there are a fair amount of considerations you should stop and take stock of before jumping right in.

Here are some of our pros and cons of using a live streaming advertising function like Facebook Live that you might want to look over before deciding if it’s the right advertising method for your business:

Making Video Accessible

The fact that Facebook have introduced this service will be music to the ears of smaller brands with less resources as it provides them an accessible route to start video marketing. The functionality is available directly via the Facebook App and works perfectly on the vast majority of modern day smartphones. So there really never has been such an affordable way to utilise what is considered one of the most engaging advertising formats around.

It’s Live

There are pros and cons to this one. Being a live stream service is great for grabbing attention and disrupting user behaviour to bring them immediately in to an engaging format. The down side to being live is that, well, it’s live. That means things can go wrong. You need to ensure you go in to any live stream with a clear outline of what the content is you’re going to deliver. It’s recommended to even consider a loose script to follow and a rehearsal just to make sure everything goes ‘alright on the night.’

Getting the Tone & Feel Right

Live stream video is very different from typical video formats and advertisement style videos. You’re addressing a live audience. For many brands, this won’t be something they have done before. It can be tough to get the tone of voice right or to really know how to speak to your audience in this way.

Many brands choose a host for video streaming. A senior member of the business or a brand ambassador. If you are already using ambassadors on social media then these individuals make the best choice as your audience will have already built up some brand association and a relationship with them. But it’s also worth remembering not everyone is great on live camera so choose wisely and make sure you rehearse!

Managing Feedback

One of the features of Facebook live that makes it so appealing is that it allows the audience to interact with the feed while it’s live. The stream can be liked, shared and commented on similarly to a standard Facebook post. While this opens up a superb like on interaction with your audience, managing this isn’t always easy. Just like any social media communication you are open to public feedback meaning that negative feedback and comments about your brand or business are visible to all.

There is also the case of using the interaction to your advantage to create more compelling streaming sessions. You will be able to pose questions to your audience or immediately get their feedback on products and services you may choose to show them. Consider appointing someone to moderate the comments while the session is in progress.

Summary

Facebook live can be a compelling and accessible route for brands of all shapes and sizes to start video marketing activity. It needs to be stressed though that in order to do your brand justice and not create a potential negative impact, planning and careful choices need to be made. It’s certainly not a channel you want to go rushing in to.

KEY TO ENGAGING CONTENT

Thu, 25 Jan 2018 20:27:00 GMT

For any small business creative online content is a direct link to a business’ customer base. It’s a way of staying relevant and present in their minds, and a valuable tool for securing repeated business, visits to the company website, or use of the dedicated mobile app. Online content can mean a range of different things. Today we will focus on the most popular methods of producing online content for a business, and how Eazi-Apps can make it easier to share this content with customers.

Blogs
Blogs are probably the most popular form of online content available on the internet and it’s easy to see why. There are thousands of free blogging platforms that only require an email to sign up, and can easily be integrated to a mobile business app or to a web, mobile or micro site. Consumers enjoy the smart, informative content blogs contain and reading will never fall out of fashion. Blogs are a great outlet for any industry. Writers can discuss manufacturing innovations, business news or support the business’ latest promotions with detailed write ups. It should go without saying that a business blog should have a business focus.

That said, if business owners have spent the time getting to know their customer base, they will know if they can produce blogs that are more informal or have a more general focus. A business can also consider having more than one blog, and give each one a different theme. Eazi-Apps mobile app platform allows for the integration of web pages and RSS feeds, meaning blogs can be hosted on any mobile business apps with ease.

Podcasts
Since 2013, the number of podcasts available on the Apple store has more than doubled and Podcasting is being considered the new form of blogging. Podcasts are popular with consumers because they don’t cost anything to access, they can be enjoyed on the go and they can be very valuable and informative for listeners. Written blogs, with a few exceptions, tend to be informative, but short and to the point. A podcast gives you the room to expand on subjects or discuss them with a co- host or guest.

Of course, podcasts are a little more involved than writing a blog. As well as the research and writing about the subject, content creators have to record the piece and may want to edit in music or sound effects. Podcasts can range in length and can cover nearly any subject, though again, a business podcast should have a specific focus. Podcasts can also be made more exciting by inviting guests, industry peers or experts who can offer their unique insight on the subject matter. Eazi-Apps mobile app platform enables business owners to easily integrate a podcast that customers can listen to. The podcast can be in audio or video form, giving the business owner more freedom and control over the content within their mobile app.

Videos
Videos are immensely popular with consumers but businesses often ignore this platform. Though most video sharing sites offer free accounts for both creators and their audiences, the perception is that video equipment is still costly, and more time is needed to record and edit a final product. But in the age of smartphones, things have changed. A high quality webcam, smartphone or tablet can be mounted to a tripod and turned into a more than suitable device for recording video. Dozens of apps for either desktop or a smart device can make editing simple even for a total novice.

Like all the discussed content, videos should try and maintain a business focus, but video, by definition, allows for a creative interpretation of those words. A restaurant could consider posting videos of staff trying unusual food from around the world, or a beauty salon might make videos examining different hair styles through history. This maintains the industry focus, but allows room for creativity. Eazi-Apps mobile app platform allow for the integration of a Youtube page directly through the app. This means customers don’t need to open another app to view content and keeps them within the app for longer.

Summary
Content plays many vital roles for any business. As well as a useful marketing tool, creative content can let a business’ personality shine through. By creating tutorials or offering advice and insight, content can be used to position an organisation as an authority in their industry.

E-Apps Solutions mobile app platform is optimised to enable content sharing at the touch of a button. For more information on how E-Apps Solutions can help your business take advantage of mobile apps, contact us today.

GEO-FENCING – THE BENEFITS OF PROXIMITY MARKETING

Tue, 23 Jan 2018 13:25:00 GMT

Some of the popular uses of geo-fencing include:

Adding a personal touch
The critical reason behind a geo-fence is that allows a business to customise their marketing message based on location. For example, when potential customers are in range of a store they receive a personal message which gives the impression the business is waiting at the front door. The reason why it is so powerful is that it is a targeted message based on the location of the app user.

Offering a service
If a business is in the food and leisure industry, geo-fencing can be a great way to offer a service rather than advertise a product. For example, setting up a geo-fence area that notifies users of free Wi-Fi as they pass a store is a great way to drive customers into the store to stay connected. It also shifts the message from being an advert into being a service.

Free giveaway
Similar to the above example, but rather than offering free Wi-Fi, businesses may choose to give a free sample or demonstration of their latest product to customers in close proximity to their store. This helps to build goodwill between the business and their customers as well as giving an opportunity to assess the success of new products or services.

Connecting businesses to the world wide web
Having congruency with your marketing message is a great way to build a consistent stream of customers. Geo-fencing allows any business to connect their physical location with their internet presence. For example, remind people walking by to connect with your social media pages to grow your brand identity and consumer interaction online.

Conclusion
It goes without saying; the prerequisite for implementing a geo-fencing strategy into a business is having a mobile application that supports the technology. At E-Apps Solutions we can help your business develop a cutting edge mobile application that connects your business with your customers around the clock. To find out more, please contact E-Apps Solutions.

MOBILE SEO TRENDS FOR 2018

Fri, 19 Jan 2018 12:46:00 GMT

The rise of the mobile internet needs no introduction, but did you know that 2018 is the year that Google is expected to complete its transition from its current default desktop index to a new mobile index?

Already started to some degree, the mobile index will mean that web pages are judged on how suitable and optimised they are for mobile devices – making a mobile SEO mind set key.

With this shift, it’s fair to say that mobile SEO will take on a whole new level of importance in 2018 so, here are our predictions for the biggest and most important trends to be aware of and optimise for over the next 12 months.

Mobile apps and the mobile web will become more integrated than ever

We’ve already stressed the rise of progressive web apps (PWA) and, this year we think millions of people will agree with us. They don’t require download or installs, are easy to maintain and provide the functionality of an app with the ease of the web. You heard it here first – expect PWAs to be the mobile standout of 2018.

Everyone will go mobile first

Google has already started to transition to its mobile index which means that any switched on business is about to follow suit. That means we’ll see a much more mobile-friendly mindset pervading usual SEO practises. Expect more content to be created that considers not just the smaller screens of mobile devices, but the different search patterns of voice search (more on that next).

While the implications of the new index for SEO are somewhat of an unknown right now, we think that the fog will lift throughout 2018. That means a better understanding of link building for mobile prominence, a greater understanding of how to write and serve mobile content and a much greater focus on page landing times, image compression and mobile-friendly calls to action and forms.

Voice search

Voice search will be bigger

Hand in hand with mobile SEO comes voice search. It currently accounts for around 20% of all mobile search queries but this is likely to spike in the next 12 months.

Voice search is, as the name suggests, where users tell Siri or Alexa what they want and their voice assistant goes off and finds it. Voice search is especially useful when hands are tied- such as driving – which means searches for things like ‘near me’ are on the up. With this comes a need to adapt content and keyword research, as the way we say search phrases and speak to our mobile devices differs greatly to the way we type them.

WHY ENGAGEMENT, VALUE AND REACH CAN EQUAL MOBILE APP SUCCESS

Tue, 16 Jan 2018 10:22:00 GMT

Mobile applications are becoming increasingly sophisticated both in terms of features as well as engagement across the board. We have seen many popular mobile applications this year that have generated considerable excitement and coverage through their innovative approach. A successful mobile app will be one that is constantly evaluating its performance and introducing new features that are sure to excite its intended audience. A popular example could be the Facebook app that introduced ‘Facebook Live’ that allows mobile app users to stream directly from their mobile device to friends and family at any time. By focusing on engagement, value and reach the Facebook app is constantly innovating to adapt to the needs of their users.

In today’s blog, we wanted to highlight why engagement, value and reach can equal mobile app success for any business. The corner stone of any successful mobile app strategy largely depends on engaging content for the mobile app user, perceived user value and maximum reach in the form of download numbers. Let us examine each section and understand why it plays such a crucial role in the success of any mobile app.

User Engagement
User engagement can be defined as, ‘an effect, a reaction, a connection, a response and/or an experience of customers with a company or a brand’. In other words it means how customers react to products, services or offers communicated by the business or mobile app owner.

It is imperative that customers are engaged by the content that they receive after they have downloaded a mobile application for a business. For example, having high quality imagery, engaging video content that is becoming increasingly popular with customers and various methods for customers to engage with the business are all important considerations.

Furthermore, user engagement levels should be measured by detailed analytics and reports which identify app usage, time spent in the app as well as indicating the most widely used features. By analysing the analytics and drawing upon different metrics, any business can assess the impact that their mobile app is having upon user engagement.

Value
Every customer or mobile app user wants to receive value both in terms of quantitative and qualitative factors. With limited space on the home screen of many mobile devices, it has never been more crucial for the mobile app to offer value to the intended audience.

For instance, customers want to feel as though they have received real value by downloading an app related to a business. Offering mobile app specific loyalty programs, mobile commerce/ordering as well as localised, hyper targeted push messages is a method that every business can utilise to offer value.

Although value can be deemed a subjective term which varies from individual to individual, every business should strive to offer maximum value to their customers and mobile app users. By doing this, not only are businesses ensuring the success of their mobile app but they are creating a loyal customer base that can be retained over the long term.

Reach
The reach or total download numbers that a mobile app achieves is also a crucial component of mobile app success. Having a large install base allows businesses and mobile app owners to leverage the various marketing benefits that a mobile app offers. A large reach allows businesses to communicate special offers, discounts, promotions or relevant news to their audience through free push messages. Combined with geo-targeted and geo-fenced push notifications, businesses can better align their products and services to the needs of their customers.

Moreover, constantly reviewing mobile app data/statistics and implementing download strategies that seek to increase the reach and install base for a mobile app are key to long term success.

Conclusion
As we have seen throughout this blog, it is important to generate customer engagement, offer value and maximise the reach of a mobile app to ensure success. By focusing on these three areas and constantly evaluating the success of mobile marketing strategies any business can position itself to take advantage of the marketing activities that mobile apps offer.

To find out how E-Apps Solutions can help your business build, deploy and leverage mobile technology contact us today.

WHICH MOBILE APP DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY IS RIGHT FOR BUSINESSES?

Thu, 11 Jan 2018 14:01:00 GMT

As mobile apps grow in popularity around the world through popular applications such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and WhatsApp to name just a few, more and more businesses are looking to implement a mobile app into their marketing mix. Supply and demand are big factors that determine the type of mobile apps that are being created as well as governing the prices being charged.

When it comes to mobile app development, or any type of software development to be fair, there are usually two main avenues to explore – custom vs. feature driven solutions. During the course of this blog we aim to explore both methodologies and understand which development strategy is right for your business.

Custom App Solutions
As the name suggests, custom app solutions are created usually from the ground up and tailored exactly to the requirements of the organisation or app owner. A good example would be large multinational organisations that develop custom apps for internal use that help employees record and track information whilst out in the field. Another example could be organisations that need their mobile app to communicate and integrate with existing systems within the organisation through the use of an API (application programming interface). As we have seen, the custom app option is attractive to businesses looking for specific and seamless integration between existing systems and tailored to their requirements.

However, opting for a custom app solution is not always the right course of action or indeed best solution for many app related projects. One of the biggest negatives surrounding custom app development is the cost associated with the project. For example, employing a specialist company to code an app to your exact requirements will cost many multiples of opting for a feature driven solution. As a result, this method is often not economically feasible for most businesses interested in creating an app to complement their marketing activities.

Another aspect to consider is the time investment needed for a custom app development project. For instance, it generally takes a substantial amount of time for developers to understand the clients business and even longer to then code the application. Added to this is the amount of bugs that naturally occur as part of a custom app development project that will affect the launch date, cost and ultimately user experience if not fully resolved.

Feature Driven App Solutions
Mobile apps developed using a feature or drag and drop interface compare very well to more expensive custom apps due to the advances in technology and range of features available in most app development platforms. For most businesses looking to add a mobile app to their brand identity, a feature driven solution is a good choice as it combines great features with manageable costs. A feature driven mobile app can benefit from features such as ordering systems, reservation systems, and loyalty programs to engage customers and provide a streamlined user experience.

As well as lower costs, another big advantage is the speed in which a feature driven app can be launched. Since most of the features are ‘pre-built’, only information unique to the business (e.g. contact details, menu’s etc.) is needed to populate the app. This immediately saves time and money when comparing it to other solutions.

One of the limitations of a feature driven solution is the lack of flexibility afforded to modifying any of the core features and in particular the source code. Since all features introduced into a feature driven mobile app development platform are built independently and thoroughly strength tested, it is not always possible to edit the source code of the feature set. However, this does not present a major obstacle to fulfilling the needs of most businesses as they do not require large amounts of customisation.

Conclusion
Having assessed the merits and drawbacks of both methodologies, which option is best for most businesses? In our opinion, the feature driven solution is ideal for the majority of businesses as it combines cutting edge features with minimal costs and quick deployment. For the majority of businesses such as restaurants, hair salons, bars, schools, sports clubs, accountancy and law firms etc. a feature driven solution is ideal.

To find out how E-Apps Solutions can help your business enter the mobile revolution and demonstrate how you can develop a mobile app that gives the edge over competitors contact us today.

WHY ALL BUSINESSES NEED A MOBILE APP

Thu, 11 Jan 2018 13:44:00 GMT

We are all becoming increasingly familiar with mobile apps, whether it is updating your status on Facebook, giving your opinion on a particular topic via Twitter, requesting a taxi on Uber or ordering food via JustEat. Whether we realise or not we are using mobile apps to complete a variety of daily tasks. As technology evolves it is becoming crucial for businesses to be aware of mobile technology and how best to leverage this platform for future growth. With that being said, the focus of today’s blog is to highlight exactly why all businesses need a mobile app as part of their marketing activities.

Customer retention is crucial
We have all read articles on the benefits of a mobile app, from better engagement to increased customer loyalty to a boosting of revenue. However, drilling down and analysing the issue we can see that the primary reason for every business to have a mobile app is the way it solidifies the relationship between a business and its most loyal customers, therefore boosting revenue from repeat business.

A major concern for all businesses is ensuring that their customers become ‘regulars’ or repeat customers over time. With research showing that it costs between 4 and 10 times more to acquire a new customer than it does to keep an existing one, mobile apps are the perfect vehicle to help build that customer relationship.

Each feature serves a purpose
Now that we have identified the primary reason for having a mobile app it is important to consider what features can really help any business make the most of mobile technology. Although it seems obvious, almost every aspect of a mobile app can result in a tangible benefit for a business but sadly this fact is often overlooked by most business owners or mobile marketers.

Push notifications can be localised
Taking some key features of a mobile app and delving into the benefits paints an interesting picture. For example, push notifications are a great way for any business to communicate with their customers and notify them about offers, promotions or events relevant to the target audience. With the ability to send out geo-fenced push messages any business can localise their marketing activities in a way that simply was not possible before now.

Used in the right way, push notifications are a direct and personal way for businesses to communicate with their audience. By keeping the message relevant to the audience being targeted, all businesses can benefit from push messages whether they are a customer facing business or not.

Loyalty systems really work
As we have already seen above, customer retention is a huge reason why many businesses are excited about implementing a mobile app within their business. A great method for many businesses to enhance customer loyalty is via the introduction of a loyalty program that encourages and rewards repeat visits. With physical loyalty cards being gradually phased out by many businesses, a digital loyalty program within a mobile app is a great way to incentivise customers to visit again and again.

In-app purchases are on the rise
A mobile app for most businesses can also lead to an increase in revenue thanks to in-app purchases or transactions being completed. For example, having a mobile shop selling your best products or a food ordering system within the app is a great way to make a business more accessible to an increasingly savvy customer base. With people becoming more familiar with shopping and paying through their mobile phone device thanks to the likes of Amazon, eBay and Apple Pay, mobile commerce is a big area that many businesses can benefit from.

Conclusion
As we have seen throughout this blog, all businesses need a mobile app as the benefits can be experienced in all areas of the business. Although customer retention and loyalty is a key driving force behind having a mobile app, there are many other uses for why any business would choose to have a mobile app developed.

However, it is important to note that while a mobile app is a great marketing tool the onus is very much on the business to drive the success of the app. Just having a mobile app and expecting it to make a tangible difference is not realistic. Having a clear, coherent and consistent strategy when it comes to mobile is a great way for any business to experience significant benefits. To find out how E-Apps Solutions can help your business develop a feature rich mobile app, contact us today.

HOW IN-APP LOYALTY PROGRAMS CAN BOOST CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT

Thu, 11 Jan 2018 13:27:00 GMT

As mobile marketing specialists we understand that different businesses have different needs and aspirations for developing a mobile app. For some clients a mobile app is a marketing tool to help businesses interact with customers and provide timely information that can be acted upon immediately via push notifications. For others, a mobile app provides the perfect platform to add an additional revenue stream for the business by incorporating mobile commerce as a key component of the mobile app.

However, one area that can benefit any business or mobile app user is through the development of an in-app loyalty program that can reward customers for repeat visits. With the mobile app industry growing month on month and forecasted to double to $101 billion by 2020, there has never been a better time to implement a winning mobile strategy. The focus of today’s blog is to highlight how in-app loyalty programs can boost customer engagement for every business.

Mobile Retention
There has often been a debate within the mobile marketing industry that centres on whether a mobile app should be considered a customer acquisition tool or a customer retention tool. The acquisition theorists would argue that a mobile app allows a business to reach out to new customers and grow their customer base. In contrast, advocates of customer retention would suggest that a mobile app allows businesses to reward customers for repeat visits or purchases which leads to long term, loyal customers that will have a greater sense of affinity with the business.
Our opinion is that a mobile app is a great vehicle to drive customer retention because of the opportunity it affords many businesses in terms of how they engage and interact with their customers. With buyer behaviour studies showing that customers are more likely to base purchase decisions on perceived value for money it is crucial that businesses understand the need for retaining customers over the long term. In addition, it is cost effective for many businesses to retain existing customers than to constantly acquire new customers.

In-app Loyalty Programs
There are three generally accepted methods of in-app loyalty programs that reward customers for repeat visits or purchases but are administered to customers in different ways. Firstly, we have the digital loyalty stamping card whereby customers collect stamps/tokens on each qualifying purchase or visit and redeem an offer once they have reached the target amount. This works well in many different environments but especially within the hospitality industry where waiters or waitresses often engage with customers throughout their visit. The digital loyalty program is a great way to boost customer engagement as it allows employees to interact with customers and build relationships with repeat customers.
The second type of loyalty program that can be integrated within a mobile app is often referred to as QR (Quick Response) coupons. A QR coupon or code can be seen on promotional literature you find in any busy high street or shopping centre and resembles a bar code in appearance. The QR coupon is redeemed when the customer qualifies for a scan through a purchase or visit and is presented with the QR code that is scanned using the camera of the mobile device within the mobile app. It is a fun and engaging way for customers to participate in their in-app loyalty journey and again allows front line employees to communicate with customers.
The final type of loyalty program that can be offered within a mobile app focuses on GPS coupons. Although similar to the QR coupons mentioned above, the onus is on the customer “checking-in” once they visit the business premises through the GPS feature within the mobile app. Although this type of loyalty program offers less interaction between staff and customers it is a great way to entice mobile app users to take ownership of their loyalty program.

Selecting the right offer
There are a number of methods that a business can select when implementing an in-app loyalty program as seen throughout this blog. However, the effectiveness of any in-app loyalty program is largely dependent on the type of offer that is being promoted. Popular loyalty offers include a percentage discount after a certain number of visits or a free gift/item once the goal has been reached. It is vitally important that any offer created by a business is one which is appropriate and enticing to the audience. Furthermore, as discussed earlier within this blog post it is crucial that the loyalty program offers real, tangible value to the customer in order to boost customer engagement.
A popular method for adding value is to implement an in-app exclusive loyalty offer that can only be redeemed within the app. This not only offers value to the end customer but serves as a great incentive for customers to download the app initially.

Conclusion
As we have seen during the course of this blog, in-app loyalty programs can boost customer engagement for any business by allowing customers to take advantage of special offers or discounts that offer real value. By enticing customers with appealing and relevant offers a business is able to build a long term relationship with customers which will assist with profitability in the long term. In addition, it gives employees the opportunity to engage with customers and build affinity with loyal customers that are frequent visitors.

HOW TO DEAL WITH YOUR BRANDS NEGATIVE ONLINE FEEDBACK

Thu, 11 Jan 2018 13:14:00 GMT

The digital revolution has been fantastic for small businesses, offering a multitude of exciting ways to reach out to customers and grow their company. But with so much exposure online, there’s the increased risk of bad reviews or a PR disaster which can have a negative impact on a brand’s hard-earned positive reputation. All it takes is one or two poor ratings or some unfavourable reviews, and your brand’s status could go down the pan.

If your brand is ever faced with the kind of negative feedback that can bring your whole business down, you’ll need to know how to turn these circumstances around and bag those five-star reviews once more. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you deal with a poor reputation:

Don’t ignore the negatives

Getting a negative review or some poor feedback can be awkward, and many companies can get into the mindset of ignoring them, perhaps hoping they’ll go away of their own accord. This is almost never the case! The best course of action is to respond to a poor review. Never try to question or argue with the customer – that can only lead to even further negative exposure. Don’t delete the comment (if it’s been made on social media). Instead, address reviewer directly and ask how you can improve your service for next time. Not only are you making the reviewer feel valued by listening to their concerns, you’re also showing other potential customers that you’re always looking for ways to improve. Potentially turning a negative into a positive.

Encourage reviews from loyal customers

Another way to counteract bad reviews is simply to balance them out with plenty of good reviews. This doesn’t mean you can ignore the bad reviews, but to potential customers, it will look as though the poor reviews are one-off incidents, rather than the norm. Be careful not to offer any incentives for reviews – companies like Google, TripAdvisor and Yelp have made it clear that this is against their guidelines, and you may be penalised for it.

Likelihood of obtaining a review tends to be a time sensitive. Consumers are far more likely to produce reviews if approached for them close to the time or service or receiving their product.

Be human

It can be tempting to simply fire off an automated response or a generic reply to something negative online, but this can backfire – it makes your business look as though it doesn’t care enough to even craft a few sentences to answer a bad review. It’s important for your brand to show its personality when interacting with customers, and that means getting personal. Allow your staff to introduce themselves by name when responding to complaints or negative reviews, and encourage them to develop a rapport with the customer in question. The customer is likely to be far more responsive and positive when dealing with a human than if they feel like they’re dealing with a faceless corporate avatar. Ask for their name, and use common sense when dealing with a complaint, rather than rigidly sticking to policy or procedure.

A LOOK BACK AT THE MOST INNOVATIVE SMARTPHONES OF 2017

Tue, 09 Jan 2018 15:52:00 GMT

As we come to the end of 2017, tech companies, app developers and online businesses will be looking back at popular trends, trying to predict what next year will bring and looking for ways to innovate. 2017 has been a very exciting year in the world of mobile technology, with a number of new product releases and industry innovations leading to a more diverse and active market.

AR filters, portrait mode and face detection are just some of the new software features that came this year. Here we take a look at the devices and hardware innovations that made these features possible.

iPhone X

The iPhone X is Apple’s first iteration to feature a borderless screen design. This, along with the new A11 Bionic CPU chipset, has helped developers create more immersive and responsive apps.

The big talking points about Apple’s new tech, however, is the addition of facial recognition technology and advanced AR capabilities. Moving ahead of the fingerprint trend, Apple now allows iPhone X users to unlock their phone simply by looking at it. This has opened up a range of new possibilities for app developers.

iPhone

Google Pixel 2

When Google released the first version of the Pixel, it was a sign that the tech giant had made a decision to tackle the mobile industry head on and really put some money into the development of new tech. The initial release was welcomed with huge popularity within the community and Google followed suit with the release of the Pixel 2 this year.

As well as innovations to the device’s camera that is ahead of most other competitors on the market, the developers behind the Pixel 2 integrated a plethora of new gestures. These new concepts make for an incredibly smooth and intuitive user experience and have allowed app developers to add new levels to their digital products.

Huawei Mate 10

The rise of Chinese phones in the western market has been responsible for a number of new innovations and it has forced large tech companies to improve their products in order to compete. Among the popular eastern brands, Huawei has released some of the best devices in recent years.

The Huawei Mate 10 is one of the latest additions to the company’s product portfolio and features a number of innovations that were seemingly unimaginable five years ago. As well as increased hardware specs, the mate 10 incorporates customisability settings, multi-app capabilities and more gestures than you could possibly remember.