Are you following these easy steps to brilliant blogging? Read 5 quick ways to generate traffic, and be a master of the craft before you’ve even finished your lunch…

1. Enthralling Title

Something eye-catching, compelling, engaging: your blog posts need to be different. The title needs to shine through the murky sea of Google results and suggest it can do one better than the others.

• ‘How-to’ titles are some of the most popular, as the viewer instantly recognises that they can gain something from reading. Giving free knowledge is an appealing company trait as it can make a business appear knowledgeable and professional.
• Lists suggest content is manageable and to the point, and will often be picked over wordier articles.
• Titles that are funny and amusing, or make use of ellipsis are fantastic for social media sites. Let your humour add some spark! It generates traffic in one sentence and stands out so your tweet doesn’t get lost in the newsfeed.

2.Research on forums

Not only do you have to provide people with interesting blog content, it also has to be on topic. People have to want the information you are giving away.

• Try looking at related forums and chat boards. Notice what questions seem to be popular – see what everyone is talking about and once you’ve had a look around your blog ideas should write themselves!

3.Create regular content

Creating regular content for your viewers makes it more likely that they will stumble upon a topic that is relevant or interests them, and also helps with your blog’s Search Engine Optimisation. The more archived content Google has to go by, the more your blog will pop up!

Using Social Media regularly will also show viewers that you are competent in your field and successful.

4. Read related articles and comment

Reading others blogs will only do you good! Not only could it give you some valuable advice and ideas, if you comment and create discussion it will give off an aura of expertise and insight whilst also putting your name out there!

5. Links

Do not be afraid to link to other people’s articles. It will show you are actively networking and also will attract bloggers to track you down to see whose been linking to them. If they are feeling gracious they may even link back – gaining you more traffic that is interested in your topic, and a better reputation.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for the latest hints and tips, case studies and news. Or if you’re in need of design help and wisdom please contact us here. Don’t forget that we are on Facebook and Twitter too!

THE MOBILE TRANSISTION: STARTS NOW.

The online world is changing. Rapidly.

Over the past 30 years, computers have changed from huge pieces of coded machinery, to brick-like Windows ’95’machines, to the streamlined laptops and PC’s of today - which are now rapidly being replaced by the likes of the Tablet and SmartPhone. They are now a vital accessory of everyday life – not only for our sanity but also for the success of business, event organisation, and as a main source of news! This topic was first presented by Guy Whitcroft of Marmalade at a recent Business Forum Meeting (www.thebusinessforum.biz) and has prompted much thought at MAXX about how the Internet has changed our modern world.

As you can see, dear old MAXX now only has to browse his computer for all his viewing, listening and social activities! And because being online is vital for most activities, developers have done everything within their power to make your experience as portable as possible. Laptops turned to Netbooks, Netbooks to tablets, and tablets are gradually merging with the unstoppable force: The smartphone.

This is ultimately where the future lies for social media, websites and the world of internet. The amount of people using mobile internet is going to rise in the next five years to just under ten billion users (some with multiple devices) – and so it’s important for you to GET MOBILE. Get QR coding on all your print work and products, and make yourself ridiculously easy to find. People won’t search too hard for you when there are thousands of alternatives at their fingertips: so the secret to mobile marketing is to get found quickly.

DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that there are around six billion mobile network subscriptions out there at the moment? With people using multiple mobile units to use the net at their disposal, the numbers are growing rapidly. Already this is an astonishing number, due to the fact that the seven billion people that reside on this planet don’t all have mobile phones! And guess what?

In the next few years it’s set to reach around 10 billion units. This phenomenal number can only suggest that internet usage is going one way: MOBILE. Already Youtube gets 400 million hits per day: purely via mobile, and 50% of people using Twitter are tweeting by mobile. Facebook now has 425 million mobile active users – more than half of its total 800 million+ monthly active users! More and more people are going to be converting from PCs and laptops, to iPads and smartphones. You need to be compatible!

A big thanks to Marmalade for inspiring this article with the vast amount of research and knowledge included in the original presentation. Marmalade is at the forefront of cross-platform application technology for developers and has worked with companies such as Electronic Arts and ARM, alongside Blackberry, Samsung and more. Check out their website here!

MAXX can help with all your web quandaries and has a skilled digital team as well as web design. If you are in need of SEO, design, or even social media – don’t hesitate to contact us – and subscribe and comment for more vital hints and tips. We’re also on Facebook and Twitter!

To say thank you to our followers and fans: Happy Valentines day!

Be you client, tweeter, or a brand new wanderer onto our page, we would like to offer you a massive welcome and thanks on this ‘highly discussed’ celebration. Are you in the mood for Valentines today? Or are you doing your best to ignore it? Leave your thoughts here on what you think, or link us some Valentines pictures to share and enjoy!

Please remember to join the blog community, and subscribe for more hints, tips and updates on the world of design, social media, SEO and digital. Or add us on Facebook and Twitter!

Most artists, writers and designers all state that they work better with some sort of musical accompaniment – as it causes them to reflect and reach a deeper thought level.

The same theory is used in advertising! Music in advertising not only builds the brands identity, but also causes certain associations, for instance when you hear the jingle accompanying that well loved product or shop chain you like! An example: – when you hear Ernie K Doe’s ‘Here come the girls’, what do you think of? A fantastic 70’s jingle that just missed the charts? Or do you think of the hundreds of gorgeously made up and excitable young women, pouring out of the office for the Christmas Boots advert?

We thought so!

It’s amazing how the right song choice can bring any ad campaign out on top – even if it’s for the wrong reasons! The sickeningly sweet love song by match.com: ‘girl on the platform’s smile’ was stuck in our head for weeks after they first started playing it, and I’d like to think I’m in no need of a dating site… Never the less, if I ever find myself in need of one, match.com will be the first port of call. The endlessly looping song has ensured it to be one of the most memorable dating ads.

If you are a company that makes use of video advertising – even if it’s your YouTube, give them something to listen to and identify you with! The effects can be rewarding and immense. Have you experienced the taunting tastebud teaser of the sexy Marks and Sparks jingle and voiceover? The moment one hears the advert, the stomach suddenly realises its hungry, and it can suddenly only settle for a £10 meal for 2 deal from Marks and Sparks, nothing less.

If music accompaniment can evoke this kind of reaction, it’s definitely something marketers should be experimenting with! People are catching on fast, with every car, insurance and compare company set to outdo each other with the next loveable character and tune. Confused.com is certainly making a worthy contribution with its wacky haired, ballad-belting mascot! And of course we can’t forget Alexander Meerkat. Get creative and inventive this year, and see what you come up with! Simples.

Don’t forget to subscribe and join our creative community – for hints, tips, design and more! (It’s free!) Don’t forget that we’re on Facebook and Twitter too!

Growing business – The power of referrals

According to some reports, a referred customer is 400% more likely to engage in business, after landing on your page, than a new visitor.

It applies to everything: whether it be shopping online, research on venues, restaurant browsing or something else – around half of the newcomers visiting your site will have been referred there by some kind of trusted recommendation.

Did you hear about that new zombie thriller movie? It. Was. Awesome.

In fact, you probably hadn’t heard of it, and even if you had, you probably hadn’t intended on going, as you’re a little squeamish. But now a trusted friend has told you about it, you may just find yourself sitting in the cinema anyway. This is what happens when someone trusted or respected refers you on with enthusiasm to something else, because they had such a good experience, you expect to as well.

Businesses work this way too – and in the world of business, word spreads fast. The impact it can make on a small growing business is sensational. It can gain you the work and reputation that you need to expand even further and if you can get other businesses and the public talking about you, then it will encourage positive repeat business and a brand new stream of fresh clients!

But how do you get a good referral?

1. The first thing you need to ensure is that you are delivering consistently high quality work and have good relationships with your clients. An unsatisfied customer will not refer you on and may even prevent business by spreading negative publicity.
2. Encourage happy customers to refer you. If you have a good relationship with them, then there is no harm asking them to spread the word to relevant contacts. They should be happy to do it if they have had a good experience but won’t necessarily think of doing it themselves until you ask! You should always thank them personally when referrals have been achieved, so that they naturally carry on.
3. Additionally, have you used LinkedIn and Facebook recommendations yet? The power of referral on LinkedIn is phenomenal and one of the first things users will see when they look you up. Recommendations show up on your main profile, with details of how many you have received and a link that directs viewers to the original referral. You can see how when conducting a business search and you’re presented with a choice, where referrals would be useful. Say ‘ABC Laptops’ has five recommendations, and ‘Mr Chips & Bytes’ has one. Who would you click on? (Regardless of the fantastically witty name). You can request recommendations, and also compose them yourself. Make sure you write for other people, as it shows willingness and professionalism. This function is also present on Facebook, when you ‘like’ a page it will sometimes suggest you write a recommendation! This currently is an add-on, and to find out more please see: http://developers.facebook.com/docs/reference/plugins/recommendations/
4. Make referrals yourself. If you have successfully referred someone into a business opportunity, they will be more likely to reciprocate in the future. This builds a positive relationship with the existing client and will encourage repeat business as well!

For more hints and tips on how to be cutting edge on the web, join our blog community and subscribe! We are also on Twitter and Facebook, and as well as having a team of talented web designers, SEO professionals, we also have fantastic social media plans at our disposal. Please contact us if you have any web worries!

Edible design – or an excuse for cake?

Design and social media aside, lets talk pudding. It’s cake Thursday here at MAXX – (therefore an ideal reason to visit us) and this Thursday the team were thoroughly taken aback by the gobsmacking beauty of this very pavlova. This morning we sat and demolished David’s (our very own junior web developer) creation. We thought, as a personal reward for such fantastic food – that this was definitely something to show the world.

They say working at Twitter is a dream job.
They haven’t worked at MAXX.

Cake, design, wisdom and much more. Visit the team for Web design, rebranding, social media help and much more – with no shortage of biscuits and confectionary. Add us on Facebook and Twitter!

Lancing college magazine

During the winter of 2011 MAXX Design was delighted to work on Lancing College’s annual magazine. This top UK school is steeped in history and has been publishing a school magazine for over 100 years and we felt privileged to be asked to take responsibility for the design.

To give it a fresh and recognisable new look MAXX’s talented designers carefully utilised the variety of photographs and articles given to them – which already were full of personality and identity – and made the most of showcasing the students’ work, laying out single pages and glossy spreads of the pictures and text. MAXX knew it had to feature Lancing’s iconic blue corporate colour and it appeared subtly throughout, giving the magazine a clean, crisp and classic look.

The finished magazine is a piece of striking print, emitting an exciting sense of quality, pride and excellence: reflecting the College itself.

Consequently the magazine ended up with over 100 pages of text and photographs, and all 5,500 copies were printed on time. Although the design is set for the next 2/3 years it is likely to need updates in line with new yearly content and it will be a pleasure to work with Lancing College again. The school commented that the design was “bright and inviting” and “the change of style has moved the publication on for a new generation.  Thanks for all your hard work.”

Find out how we achieved 120% more of a Facebook following for Breakthrough.

In late 2011 MAXX had the privilege of working with the charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer, who were looking to create something over the Christmas period that would not only raise awareness of the charity and increase their following online, but also add to research and raise donations.

MAXX got on the job straight away to think of an original and compelling concept that would meet the brief.  We came up with an idea that encouraged people to send a snowflake for the festive season in memory of a loved one. The ‘Send a Snowflake’ campaign, which was built in conjunction with Breakthrough’s in-house team, allowed users to send heartfelt messages onto Facebook via the microsite so that others could read them. MAXX designed a cheery snow-capped background which could be changed to morning, afternoon or evening to get people in a festive mood and set the scene for the personalised pink snowflakes. The app was a huge success – did you send a snowflake?

The objectives for new users set at the beginning of the campaign was met in under a week of the app going live.  Overall, the campaign achieved over 120% of the initial number of users and the page received over 2000 likes in just one month! With a huge number of people turning the snowflakes pink, messages were sent all over the UK, the United States, Australia, Thailand and France – and many other countries!

Working with Breakthrough is always rewarding and is a fantastic cause. If you feel like supporting them this month then go to their website, or check back for their fabulous Mother’s Day events – coming very soon!

MAXX unlocked the power of Facebook and web campaigns with this project and will continue to drive clients towards success with these tools. If you are interested in how we can help you, or you have a cause worth shouting about – contact us at www.maxx-design.co.uk or subscribe to our blog for weekly read musts! Find us on Facebook and Twitter also.

At the start of last year everyone was talking about the all-new social media platform that popped up. Alongside LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and blogging, the world was wondering whether it had time to get savvy with the all-new Google+, and whether it could be bothered to get to grips with something that could potentially be the same! Well, there is an answer. It’s not the same and what’s more it is worth it.

So what does it mean for you? What does it mean for business?

For 2012, Google+ will be the place to make a difference: especially if you are struggling to find your place on other social media platforms. It’s gaining popularity, with 50 million users signing up within the first few months – but it still isn’t as competitive as Twitter and Facebook. 2012 is the time to get familiar and establish yourselves – grab a head-start before the others catch on!

Not many people know, or have had the chance to find out: but there are some hidden advantages to having Google+. Lets talk about the benefits.

1.  As Google+ is a Google product, it ties in with all other Google functions: like maps, analytics, Gmail and Google search. This makes your business much more likely to show up on search and helps Google place you more efficiently.
2. Google+ keeps you logged in when using any Google products. This means it is constantly learning about you and what you like and need – it will eventually refine the results of all your activities to make Google products, and Google search a personalized experience. Of course, this could also be a worry for users who feel Google already uses too much data and has too much power over what we see: so if you are worried you can log out and revert back to using it as an outsider.
3. The use of ‘circles’ is a brilliant tool. If you appear in someone’s friend circle: the friends/businesses in their circle have a greater chance of running into your content if they share similar interests – even if you are not connected! It is far more effective than other social media platforms in this sense, at getting your work out to an outside audience. This is similar to ‘sharing’ on Facebook, only far more automatic with the use of the +1 button. So: all in all Google plus is more like a data sharing account personalized for you, than a ‘social media platform’.
4. The power of the Google plus button is immense and can easily be embedded into any article. It also means it is flagged by Google +, and therefore is seen by any Google + users that regularly search for your type of content on Google.

As you can see, if utilized well Google+ could be an incredibly powerful tool and is based around showing off your content. And seeing as its home is the biggest and most powerful search engine on the planet – the benefits are evident and you can immediately make your mark on Google. However, be aware that Google have now changed their privacy policy. Allowing them to see you as one distinct user across all Google products: Plus, search, maps. This can easily be avoided if you find this function undesirable, by simply logging out.

So Google+ in 2012 summed up: To get on it fast – before the rest of the world cottons on.

If you are interested, or need to ask advice regarding Google+ or any other social media platforms, don’t hesitate to contact us – or join the following and subscribe for regular updates, tutorials and news. Also find us on Twitter and Facebook!

Ellie Selby likes

MAXX Design Limited

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The power of a logo can be simply astonishing if used correctly. You can take the world by storm. How many of these examples can you find etched into objects all around you? Lets have a look at the biggest logo campaigns existing worldwide: and see how far they’ve come!

First off we have the biggest apple on the tree. This logo has become so iconic it’s impossible to miss and is almost infectious.

The impressive thing about Apple Inc.’s logo is that even though there are clear modifications: smoothing edges, adding a 3D dimension – Apple were pretty spot on 35 years ago. The most important feature of a logo is to be timeless and always relevant, to be versatile and ‘tweakable’ for times ahead. Apple have undoubtedly perfected this. Loving the retro colours though…

Now here’s some food for thought! Everyone knows the great golden arches from McDonald’s…

From basic word clip art to a smooth and well-structured template – they’ve gotten rid of the pixels and gone for bold style and sophistication. We’ll say nothing.

This should make you smile. Who remembers this little fellow as you waited that timely half an hour for your computer to load, idly flicking your corded roller ball mouse and watching the large rotating sand timer on your desktop…?

Microsoft Windows have done exceedingly well though and gone for minimalist and modern with bright dimensional colours. You can just about see the remnants of the fantastically retro past in the new design, and we are thankful.

Next we have a simple change, but they still manage to sum up logo modernization through the most basic of techniques.

Goodbye old, chunky text! And in with curved, outlined and embossed text. Subtle, but genius. Good job Mars! Oh, and well-done for the logo design too…

Last we come to our good friend Google, who seems to have gone against the trends and done the complete opposite! Google have gone from shiny and polished 3D and transformed the famous colour ball back to an astonishingly retro design.

It seems to make sense: instead of showing off with unneeded effects, they have reverted back to a simple structure with minimal shading. Looks much nicer, and cleaner on the desktop too, and we think it’s a good move!

Do you have any examples of some famous logo changes? Or are there any you’ve spotted in dire need of a makeover? Comment below with suggestions – and don’t forget to subscribe!

MAXX have a fantastic design team for logo development and re branding – so if you are ever in need of design help contact us via our website.We can help with a plethora of worries and queries on web design, brand development and social media. Also find us on Twitter and Facebook.