I have been doing some reading on the effectiveness of email marketing – or sending out newsletters via email- and was surprised at how it stacked up against social network profiles and optimising websites for organic search. Here are some facts and figures for those who like to read them. [Read more...]
Email Marketing – Is It Effective?
October 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment
The Best Websites Make You Rich
August 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment
What makes a good website great? Is it increased traffic to the site? Is it visitor engagement? Is it increased turnover? It is none of these things, although all of these items help toward the one goal we look for in a successful business. The best websites will increase your bottom line. [Read more...]
How Do I Get A Facebook Fanpage?
August 11, 2011 By 4 Comments
I get asked this question a lot. First, what is a Facebook “Fan Page”? When you have a “Page” in Facebook (that is a marketing page for your business) people who ‘like’ the page then get your updates when you post as your page. A “Fan Page” is the page a first time visitor lands on. This should be your conversion message to get them to “like” your page. As an ongoing strategy you should also have a plan to engage your fans to ensure they keep receiving your messages. [Read more...]
Online Video – the Marketing Secret Weapon
December 3, 2010 By 2 Comments
Online Video – does it work?
I’m all excited about my new video (see my Home Page) created by the nice folks at Tuatara Pictures. People today love watching small clips, as long as they are not too long and as long as they have something interesting to say. It’s a great way to get your message across in a user friendly way because the viewer can just click the off button, so it’s not [Read more...]
Launching my new 0800 number
September 29, 2010 By Leave a Comment
0800 4 ALIRAT
October 1st not only marks the new GST regime, but the launch of my 0800 number. 0800-4-ALIRAT appropriately enough. I have quite a few out of town clients, (even clients overseas- although the 0800 number isn’t going to help them!) and I want to be accessible. [Read more...]
3 Reasons Not To Let Your Brother-In-Law Do Your Website
June 26, 2010 By Leave a Comment
There are probably many more than three reasons not to let your brother-in-law, Uncle Joe or your best friends geeky son design your website – but I’m just going to keep it simple.
One – Looks. It is said that you have 3 seconds to impress the potential visitor to you website and if it looks “home-made” [Read more...]
Do Your Customers Find You or Do They Find Your Competitors?
May 8, 2010 By Leave a Comment
The world is changing. Fast. What used to work does not seem to be effective any more and not grasping this can cost a business a lot of money.
Let me explain. Five years ago we still used the Yellow Pages to look up a business. Now most of us reach for Google, the Yellow Pages propping up our computer monitor while Yellow (the corporation) post eye watering losses. [Read more...]
Websites that Suck
March 20, 2010 By 1 Comment
I’m going to have a little rant here, so put on your rain-hats, bring out the popcorn and listen up!
The website industry here in New Zealand seems to have very little (make that no) regulation and anyone can set themselves up as a website designer. Apparently there is an association, but I’m not overly impressed with their website – [Read more...]
Friends of the Rat
August 21, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Whats all this about? Do I have to wear a costume? Will it hurt?
Basically this is a referral rewards programme. If you want to sign up as a “Friend of the Rat” just email us and let us know. [Read more...]
And we have…Contact!
August 3, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Its been a month since I launched Alirat Website Design officially and what a full and exciting month its been! It struck me the other day that, personality or socially-wise I am and have always been a bit of a loner. Being an accountant gave me the opportunity to hide away and count beans by myself all day, and I was comfortable with that. Now the world is turned upside down (in a good way) and I have to make contact with people all the time in order to promote my business. [Read more...]
