Forty49 Advertising and Design

Christmas vacation

2011-12-29T13:08:00.000Z

This Christmas I was fortunate enough to take a trip home to sunny south Africa, I have had a brilliant trip, seen family and seen sights and views that were outstanding, I would like to thank the friends and family that helped make this all possible, and wish everyone a great 2012.

Great Chamber Marketing Session

2011-11-29T09:10:00.001Z

We recently completed our second hosted event for the chamber of commerce on marketing, and by all accounts it all went well...

"Just a note to let you know that, I attended the ‘Is Marketing Making You Dizzy’ workshop yesterday at Torrington House in Burton and it was a great success. I thoroughly enjoyed my morning and found it very informative. The people were lovely and were open to any questions and gave lots of advice to the delegates that attended. I look forward to attending another one of their events in the future."

Kind Regards,

Catherine Malpass-Smith - Training Administrator

Always great to get good feedback especially when it is unexpected like this, our next event will be in the new year.

Are you being heard!!!

2011-11-07T15:43:00.000Z

Forty49 want to know if you are being heard?

The right message, at the right time, to the right audience, this is the key to getting the most out of your marketing materials. Be it a website, business card, brochure, advertising or emailer we believe and fully understand that getting a clear proposition across to your client base is very important.

If advertising is undertaken is it the right position in the right publication for the right audience with the right message, are you being heard?

Does your business card reflect the business, when I log onto your website will it deliver the messages we spoke about at our networking session recently, will that flyer, brochure or postcard appeal to my needs, will it strike a cord with my company needing your service?

Talk to Richard or Mark about being heard in your marketplace.

Make your message count.

2011-10-10T12:15:00.005+01:00

Hayley, a client who came to us recently with a limited marketing budget, needed help to promote her business. She had tried to do some things herself and wasn't happy with the result.

We discussed options with her and designed some no obligation concepts. Hayley loved what we designed for her and immediately commissioned us to produce a 6 page squared up, services and clinic brochure for Bareaesthetics Skin Care Clinic.

The rest, as they say is history, and the completed design can be seen here, delivered on budget and on time.

Hayley's happy with the end result and we hope this is the start of a relationship helping the clinic deliver a professional quality image at all times.

Steve Jobs: 1955- 2011

2011-10-06T09:32:00.000+01:00

It is with much sadness and respect I write this blog posting today to man that in my world has made a difference in everything I do, both professionally and personally.

Steve Jobs, influenced my career and so many other like me to the point now that his products dictate my daily life and personal life the products developed by Apple are my business and my personal life too, as I am a graphic designer and in a word there is no other than Apple.

I hope Apple continues to push the envelope on design and manufacture of the single best products in the world and the brand remains at the top of it's game, I have supported Apple my entire career and had many a discussion with my PC friends on why.

Apple is not just a computer it is a way of life, and this is what the world finally all started to understand with the launch of ipods, imacs and iphones.

RIP in Steve Jobs, job well done, long may Apple continue to inspire in design.

New website

2011-09-22T09:49:00.001+01:00

After months of pontificating we've finally managed to change our website. We wanted to move from the traditional brochure site to a more interactive bloggy type site, so we could have the ability to manage it regularly and keep the content fresh. After much stumbling around, aimlessly, with the likes of template sites Joomla and Word Press we finally came to the conclusion that we were out of our depth. So we decided to stick to a simplified portfolio biased version of at we had, directing visitors to the social media sites (blog, flickr etc) therefore allowing us to provide updated comment etc.
It's a good way of having a traditional site and taking advantage of the very popular social media sites to keep it fresh.

Marketing Surgery

2011-09-16T16:38:00.002+01:00

Hosted our first marketing surgery yesterday, and thoroughly enjoyed it. The format was very informal with 5 representatives from varying companies ranging from a bathroom company to a garment embroidery company. With 5 delegates and 3 of us huddled around a 24" iMac, Hannah Sookias our branding and social marketing expert fronted the whole event with great aplomb, with myself and Richard dovetailing on design, advertising and web related issues.

The format was based on us collectively dissecting the work brought by the delegates based on what we presented. This was the part of the 'surgery' that the delegates gained the most. Not only getting direction on there own attempts at marketing, but also learning from the mistakes made by the other delegates and remedies offered by ourselves on a variety of communications vehicles and processes etc.

I think it's a brilliant way to build relationships, share ideas, and potentially gain a bit of business.

Logo Design

2011-09-09T10:29:00.000+01:00

There are four principles that make for a great logo design. A great logo must:

• follow solid basic design principles
• be functional
• represent the company
• be unique

The fundamentals include, but are not limited to space, colour, form, consistency, and clarity. It is recommended that a design professional have some influence on your logo, whether it be redesign or touching up, to ensure basic design principles are followed.

A great logo must have the ability to be printed or used in all of the contexts mentioned above and still represent the company effectively. A few things that are important when talking about functionality are the simplicity, scalability, colour, and depth. It’s important to the functionality of a logo that it’s not too intricate and that it doesn’t incorporate things like gradients or shadows as integral parts of the design.

A logo needs to represent the company it serves. This means that the style must be easily identified with the industry/product/service and must give a clear picture of what is being marketed.

Another important trait of good logos is the the ability to stand out against the crowd. Copied styled logos are destined to fail or be confusing to the consumer. Usually they will result in a loss in sales.

Some successful logos we created for our clients....

Trouble in the UK

2011-08-09T09:47:00.000+01:00

It is really very sad to see what has happened in London and now spreading to other parts of the UK, in these very difficult times, it makes you mad to see mindless people wrecking lives, small businesses and communities just for a few moments of their own mindless greed.

I suppose the bigger issue is why this happened. Has the inner city communities reached economic breaking point or is social issues got to such a state that the word community no longer matters in the UK. I wonder if there has been a total breakdown in how we no look at each other as a society, is it now longer about the respect of a fellow human, more as a what they have I want and will do anything to get at it?

It is a sad time for the UK as a whole, and we can only hope that some good comes out of this current devastation.

Sudscape is launched

2011-08-08T11:23:00.000+01:00

We recently completed a new website for an amazing new product on the market to see more click on the image here to review the site and to see the product itself.

New day new designs

2011-07-15T10:59:00.000+01:00

So today is another new day in the life of Forty49 and we have done a bit of an office make over, thrown a bit of our creative results up on the wall, and I have to say the place looks pretty nice.

It is quite nice to look back at what has been the fruits of your labours and see the results something we have not done in while.

Take a look at the old portfolio as they say by visiting this link here, new day new designs.. or a fresh new look.

GET THE CREATIVE!!!

Clear cut communications

2011-06-07T09:05:00.000+01:00

One would think that this is a logical process and simple to implement, a clear no nonsense approach to good branding, corporate positioning and an uncluttered message that speaks to the right audience.

Well on the face of it it is simple, but there always seems to be some exceptions to the rule.

Clear communications either internal or external, need to be exactly that clear. Keep brand consistency, keep the same messages, and use a branding device that can hold well for all media.

Online ensure there is no confusion between the real world and the virtual one, do not hand out a business card at a meeting, so the end result when that person looks up your business online they see another set of logos and branded messages to the one they met in the real world.

Clear and strong communications across all media will strengthen positioning, worrying about the tiny little legalities and allowing these to spoil the overall messages will only result on one thing confusion.

Below is an example of a trade campaign well branded, with clear message across all the media used, result consistency leads to this be recognised and trusted company.

SEO works for online exposure

2011-05-06T12:04:00.000+01:00

We recently completed an upgrade of SEO works for our client Ingold Recruitment, and the results speak for themselves. They have had an immediate increase in traffic to the website, and google rankings have shot up too.

We designed and built the website over a year ago, but at the time they were just starting out and did not have the budget for SEO too, now with a small investment made they have suddenly seen an improvement, and realised the ROI will be well worth the effort.

To discuss your SEO or website needs call Richard or Mark on 01283 533196

New Website for Theatre Company Goes Live

2011-04-08T09:19:00.000+01:00

Forty49 have created a new website for a theatre productions company, with a CMS for them to edit and add the shows they put on.

Client has been happy at the overall impact and clean look of the new website, with added items like a Green Room for new membership. Forty 49 withs them every success in their online marketing and will support them with all their online and offline marketing needs.

To discuss your marketing needs contact RIchard or Mark at Forty49: 01238 533196
or visit us online

Marketing Communications Free Surgery

2011-02-04T12:47:00.000Z

Forty|49 Advertising and Design, based in Burton on Trent would like to help you get new client relationship off to a flying start. If really want to know if your products or services are attracting your clients then take advantage of this very special offer.

A free marketing surgery where you can come to us, or email us, with any of your current marketing material, or discuss your current strategy. We will then make an appraisal and give you feedback, totally free of charge.

To make sure the relationship with your potential customers really blossom, we are also offering a no obligation concept/design free*.
Just call Richard or Mark on 01283 533196 or email richard@4049.co.uk or mark@4049.co.uk

This offer is on selected dates in February and March 2011.

Filling the Gap

2011-01-22T13:08:00.000Z

Forty49 will fill the gap in your companies marketing needs, from a single project to a complete campaign, if your needs are marketing then talk to us.

We understand in these tough economic times, marketing is not at the front of budgets, and often a dedicated marketing manager or team is often the gap in your business, so we offer a service to fill that need. We can work alongside you to overcome the strategic thinking or executing proven creative on your ideas to get your product or service out there.

We are here for you and we like to build relationships for the better, talk to Richard and Mark to discuss the gap in your marketing needs.

Set website goals

2010-12-23T11:53:00.001Z

When building a new website or updating some existing one that needs a rethink, set clear defined goals in mind. Think about why you are going through this process but not from an internal point of view but an external one. By setting out goals that mean a real interest online in your business and services or products you are promoting it will keep you focused.

Think customer, client and see what they are looking at online, via blogs, twitter, linkedIn and so forth, considering the market you are in and what it is following is far more imprortant, than setting up a goal such as we want X number of visits on our website per month.

Setting goals for your marketing needs to an audience will undoubtably improve stats on your website. Be relaistic and use your website to appeal and talk to your market place.

Think of a game of football played by kids, the general concept for thm is to get the ball, and so this becomes the goal it is an instinctive inward approach. The only thing is in football the goal is at either endof the pitch and that is the ultimate target, scoring goals is what wins the game.

So get the ball and make it work with the team to reach the ultimate goal winning the game.

To set you goals call Richard or Mark on 01283 533196

Merry Xmas

2010-12-21T15:54:00.000Z

Dear all I just wanted to wish you all the very best this Festive Season, and to have a very good New Year. We have posted you all a card to review here:
Merry Christmas from Forty49

I shall be back in the new year with some thoughtful and new pearls of wisdom.

Richard

Mobile phones and websites

2010-12-03T16:36:00.000Z

Do designers of websites need to optimise for the mobile device and mobile phone markets?

Do we really need to worry?

Do clients care about this in their marketing strategies?

We cannot deny that mobile devices are more popular than ever, and that as we go forward more and more people will be using them to get online.

What I am not sure is if really need to worry about that trend when creating and managing clients websites.

The number of users accessing your website via a mobile device will be big enough to matter, those devices will no longer need a special version of your website anyway. If you think about it, the iPhone and similar smart phones are closing the gap from mobile phones to computers. You can already visit most websites with those devices without needing to load a special version of the site. The software is definitely there, and the hardware is arriving.

Most mobile devices are able to load websites just like your desktop computer does today. So, web designers can keep focusing on building usable and accessible websites, and that is it. There will be no need to create special mobile versions because mobile devices will behave just like any other computer or do we need to look at this again?

If this seems to be worth chatting about, call Richard or Mark at Forty49 Ltd: 01283 51196

For more of this type of discussion visit the online marketing mix blog.

We have moved!!!

2010-11-19T09:24:00.000Z

Forty 49 has moved to Torrington House, 75 Branston Road, Branston, Burton on Trent, DE14 3BY. We have got some new offices in a loverly big old house, in Burton, from here we can grow and improve our overall services to our client base. Come and visit us.

The cart before the horse?

2010-11-19T09:22:00.000Z

So the client wants a great new website, sure no problem we say, design, plan , manage and execute the project. Looks great, works great answers all the clients needs…. Or does it?

This client has read a little about SEO and Social Media, likes it, wants it. So here is the dilemma, do you put the cart before the horse as they say. Build the site then look at SEO, look at a Social Media strategy or offer the whole mix?

I think the main issue here is understanding the clients needs and trying to offer the right balance to achieve the expectations…. horse and cart in my eyes have both use and reason. Call Richard or Mark to discuss.

Does your website display correctly in all browsers?

2010-10-15T15:03:00.000+01:00

Internet browser technology has come along in the last few years, with upgrades constantly being added for better security along with a more pleasant experience for users. Usually sites developed more than a couple of years ago are missing out on new technologies and features that new browsers offer. If your website does not display or function correctly in these new browsers visitors will not stay or return to your site. Users are a fickle bunch even when they are interested in your product or service offering.

This is becoming a bigger issue for websites and for companies to consider right now, companies often fall into the trap of “seems to look fine here at the office” when in reality their clients, are viewing a website that does not work or the menu has moved simply because they have a later addition of a web browser and or dare I say it they do not use Internet Explorer, they use another browser.

The world has moved on, and so does the technology next time you go out of the office, and visit a client or potential client, see if you get the opportunity to use their PC and see if they see your website how you think you see it, it may surprise you. But do not panic most times it can easily be fixed, it is all about caring how you come across as a company in you online marketing needs.

To talk more about websites and marketing needs both off and online speak to Mark or Richard at Forty49.

Can I build my website at home or with a mate I know?

2010-10-11T09:29:00.000+01:00

It never fails to amaze me how a website is treated as some separate entity to a business. Online presence in this day and age is critical that it reflects your company. Sure if you know someone and trust them to build you a website go for it, but consider this would you ask that same person to help you come up with a marketing strategy to promote that same business?

It is imperative it this highly competitive market place to build and develop websites right for the markets you want to compete in.

We come across a lot of websites that have all the right information, perform fairly well online, but something is missing… The professional credence. Websites’ should reflect the company as much as a well paid driven sales person or professional representing that company would do.

Even more so in most cases websites represent the very first point of contact in business, even personally now, with social media having such an effect on our lives.

To find out more speak to Richard or Mark at Forty 49.co.uk or read more about this subject and other on the ONLINE MARKETING MIX BLOG

Adding Value

2010-08-23T12:40:00.000+01:00

Times are tough they say, money is tight, we cannot afford it.
We understand this, and all I want to say to you is add value, cutting costs is not the answer, if we all go down this route we will all suddenly find that no businesses will be making money which will result in no economy.

But... by showing to your clients where in these tough times you can add value to an order or service rendered, I feel that this will strengthen your position in the market place. Forty 49 Limited, have a long history of adding value to it's client base, we understand that to be competitive we need to resource additional offerings that are not always considered.

Add value to your marketing needs, look for diverse options, and make your budget work harder for you.
Speak to Richard at Forty49 limited today 01283 533196

What Is Social Media?

2010-08-18T08:49:00.000+01:00

Many of you interested in search engine optimisation or internet marketing may have heard of the term social media. It is a phrase that gets thrown around a lot nowadays in the search engine marketing world but, upon questioning, many people do not know what social media actually is and what types of websites are classed as social media websites.

So what is social media?
Essentially, social media incorporates the online technology and methods through which people can share content, personal opinions, swap different perspectives and insights into world issues and generally discuss the evolution of media in itself.

Social media website content can come in many shapes and forms, the most popular being, twitter, Facebook, blogging, LinkedIn and so forth.

There is more too, YouTube, Flicker as well as creating online advertising campaigns, Emailers, Ezines and other general PR activity.

To find out more on how social media can help your business grow please call Richard or Mark here at Forty49 on 01283 533196.

Stats, Data and Analytics

2010-06-24T10:08:00.000+01:00

So you got a new website up and running, brilliant, it ha been indexed by all the relevant search engines, you have entered it into all the local directories relevant to your business and finally you added some measuring tool to see how it performs.

Or did you? we recommend and embed Google Analytics on all of the websites we build, understanding and using this tool is very powerful. Think of your website like a high street shop, people browser pass have a look...(hit), they move on , bounce rate. The next one pops in has a look around, again a hit, but this time they stay on the website.... potential. I could go on for a while on this but, i think you get the idea.

Having a tool like Google Analytics gives you the power to understand what you as a business want your website to be, combine this with good SEO work, online and off line marketing, and then it will start to perform for your business, instead of being another item you tell clients about, you invested in the site, make it work for you.

To find out more speak to Richard or Mark at Forty 49.co.uk
or have a look at the analytics tour: http://services.google.com/analytics/tour/index_en-US.html

The World Cup - History in our time!

2010-06-11T06:54:00.000+01:00

Today it starts, and as a South African, born in the UK, but grew up in SA, it is a proud day for us all.

The world cup for the first time ever is being played on African soil, this is surely history in the making. As a South African, I for one, wish I was back home to celebrate what I believe will be a fantastic festival for all who take part and have gone to support.

We wish the boys all the very best and extend our good wishes to the England team, who stand a good as chance as ever to win.

Go Bafana, Bafana.

Good Advice

2010-05-19T15:09:00.000+01:00

Good advice does not cost a thing, as a design company we welcome good advice, and we like to think we give it out too, free!

Now I don't mean to sound like a smarty pants, but there is not left in this world, especially in business that comes for free. I strongly believe by adding a bit of good advice when taking on a marketing/design job, we add value, it may be something simple like using a single colour to reduce costs on an item that needs print.

I often wonder if my life had not been peppered with good advise from my peers and associates, that I would somehow have missed a trick or two.

Now bad advice well there is a different story.... Lets stay with the good advice, if you need some for any aspect of marketing your company, talk to Richard or Mark on 01283 533196 we are full of it (no pun intended!)

Wave of change is here

2010-04-09T12:21:00.000+01:00

Do you or your business ever use pull up banners, pop-up displays or other larger format displays at trade shows, receptions, road shows and so forth?

Are you fed up with the poor quality, bad fitting, and difficult set ups? Do you want something better, something more flexible to your needs?

If so the ISOframe Wave is the solution, starting with a simple 800mm wide format, you can add units to your design, bend it, flex it, straighten it, it will fit any shape of stand, any floor space, at any venue. The graphics can be changed and used as you require. Simple to put up no tools needed, one person can do it al in a matter of minutes. All comes in great light weight carry bags that will fit in the boot of your car.

To see a larger unit in action click here now.

Call richard or Mark at Forty49, to discuss how we can help you get your hands on one of these locally made unique display units now, at great trade pricing.

Taking the Pee

2010-03-18T18:45:00.000Z

Today after a client meeting, and one medium Latte, but just before a 40 minute drive back to the office, I felt the need to use the conveinences at the place where the meeting was held. It was a national coach station, and very nice modern place it was too. I followed the new signage, and found what I was looking for, only to be confronted by and electronic turnstile requesting I pay 30p for the use of said convenience.

Now I know that spending a penny is a figure of speach but in this case it was a 30 pence spend for the priviledge. Anyway having completed my transaction, and used the appropriate facilities, I left via pressing the button on the turnstile entrance. It was at this point I noticed an attendant, who's job it was to advise members of the public, that only exact change worked, where to put the exact change, or to open the free disabled access for their usage. The poor attendant was getting a lot of verbal about this facility.

Now I am not sure, but surely if this attendant was on minimum wage at least, it seems to me, that you would need more than 20 people in an hour to cover the cost of the attendant alone. Now lets not forget the cost of the two not one, but two electronic access turnstiles to get in and out(these cannot be cheap, all stainless steel, and flashing lights too), the cost of collecting, counting and banking all those 30 pences at the end of each day, the cost of maintianing those turstiles, cleaning them etc.... This is surely taking the pee to the extreme. Where was the sense?

What really confuses me, why go to the expense of making over the station to end up putting all your customers backs up at the cost of charging them 30p to use a toilet, that happens to be in your building, and they are there to travel on your service they paid for, probably drank or bought something in your coffee shop, or store, which by the way you rent out to get even more revenue.

To be honest I was totally amazed and really did feel like the pee hand been taken... well certainly 30p at least.....for a pee... Customer matter, we believe this and we do not want to take the pee.

For non nonsense cost effective advertising, design and website design, call Richard or Mark on 01283 533196.

Looking for the answers

2010-03-02T13:23:00.000Z

Recently we have done a far few website quotes, we have also sent in a range of print pricing and finally managed to do a credentials presentation and a pitch.

We have been busy, no what we would really like is some answers, very often and we appreciate the fact we are all busy, we do not hear back at all. It really does help to get feedback as a business , we like to know if we were over priced, not in touch, or out of tune with the request made of us. The responses we get will only make us better for the next time round.

To know if you missed out on a website on price alone is important to us, to understand our clients is so important, we love communications, we enjoy getting answers both bad and good to what we offer.

For answers to you advertising and designs call Richard or Mark

The art of quoting - more bang for your buck

2010-02-01T17:36:00.000Z

So we quote a lot, we think we know what we are quoting for, and generally speaking we get it spot on.

What have realised in this recession there is a fine art to this now, when quoting, do you leave in endless descriptions showing value for money? Or do you quote with just enough content to ensure you don't sell every thing in one go?

I am not 100% sure which way is the best at the moment, what I do know, is I can usually judge by having, emailed, and called to discuss in detail, that we offer the best service for the right budget in mind.

I am convinced it is never about the final cost, but the service and the quality of delivery. Sure we would all love to be able to set massive budgets for campaigns, but the world has changed and to me, it is getting more bang for you buck, by using people that listen and want to make difference. So to find out more how we can make the pound stretch in your marketing budget, but not compromise on quality or delivery call Richard or Mark on 01283 533196 or visit www.forty49.co.uk

Is your Marketing Team getting the Whole Full Service from the Agency?

2010-01-14T14:45:00.000Z

I hear a lot about full service advertising agencies these days but when you probe, can they really offer your Marketing department the whole spectrum that you need to support your overall marketing strategy?

These days it seems everyone is eager to offer every service in the hope that they’ll score a more lucrative client but is it what is really offered in today’s market place? Marketing and advertising have been totally revolutionised by the web and we accept that the approach to traditional advertising is vastly different to that of new media – or is it simply that the gap between the two is created by the generational gap in the expertise offered?

I’ve spoken before about the way the generation gap creates issues in marketing and ad agencies and sadly, these issues are largely still unrecognised. Take for example the energetic youthful approach of the Gen Xers. Their technical skills are leveraging the overall generic and more strategic grounding of the BabyBoomers. They need each other. The problem is, not every advertising or design agency has that broad spectrum of experience to offer.

One of my main bugbears are those dubbing themselves new media agencies but also full service agencies. Do they mean that they’re full service agencies within the spectrum of new media only? When you scratch the surface it seems you often end up with a group of GenXers and GenYers who certainly cannot complete the necessary offering of a generational vantage point that would make up a full service agency. In fact, there seem to be few that can.

As a Marketing Director ask yourself what happened to looking at the bigger picture? Surely full service agencies need to understand a company’s needs, services and products as well as the end users perception to tools like a website, an ezine and a blog and the interaction between them to deliver a successful message? Without this insight how can an agency deliver on the promise of ‘full service’?

These days marketing and advertising staff are verbose when it comes to compliance, rankings and build but surely that all goes without saying? Surely an agency offering full service still needs to think of a client’s website as their brochure?

We all know that the advent of the internet changed the rules but without applying a little of the traditional strategies – like asking what the purpose of a client’s investment is - agencies will be hard pressed to fulfil their offering of ‘full service’.

This is where the generational vantage point or insight can benefit. David Foot, a well known demographer says, ‘Age is the best forecasting tool because it is guaranteed to change.” There is still a lack of skill where the generational gap is not bridged and none more so apparent than in the advertising industry.

If you’re looking for a new advertising agency choose one with a generational advantage that truly offers full service and doesn’t just pay it lip service and remember it could be more beneficial to work with an agency made up of BabyBoomer management than GenYer’s as they do have the experience of the big picture in mind and can outsource the technical skill when it’s needed!

The Surveys and Rules, where does it end?

2010-01-13T16:04:00.000Z

Yet again we have a new survey to fear the results of, the lunch box survey, no not what woman want to see in the men's 100m. What we send our little angels off to school with, where will this all end.

I went to school with 4 rounds of white bread and some sort of luncheon meat, and a bottle of home made orange squash if I was lucky, and I think I am okay by all rights, I seem to have all my bodily functions in order, and all my own teeth, I also seem not to have suffered any ill side effects, to then taking my own pocket money and buying crisps etc at the tuck shop.

The survey may have had good intentions, but what i would like to know is to whom is this to benefit? The kids, us parents, the school or some government statistics that we have to conform to. As a parent quite frankly I am a little fed up with all this advise, my parents never got it, and neither did there's trust me, go ask your grandparents, they managed well enough, and so did my parents I am sure I can too.

If the government could issue a perfect manual to bringing up kids to become the perfect being's on earth, surely we would of all had a copy by now, and the cost of such a manual, yes it would be paid for by us tax payers, along with everything else we pay for now it amazes me as to where they get the money for all these surveys... oh yes I forgot I signed up for it, when I pay my taxes to the powers that be.

For some common sense no nonsense approach to your marketing needs, talk to Richard or Mark at Forty49 limited.

Happy New Year

2010-01-04T14:33:00.000Z

Dear all, happy new year, whew so that was 2009 done and dusted.... Not much to say at this stage other than here is to a stronger 2010. It will be an election year and this will have an effect on business I am sure, it is also a very exciting year for any South Africans out there, we are hosting the World Cup.

I am confident that we will put on a good show, with all the warmth and welcome that I know South Africans can deliver.

All the best and to start your New Year with a new change in direction or future web developments contact us here.

The Internet and the recession for SME

2009-12-04T17:30:00.000Z

The internet as the ‘critical difference’

According to the findings, 65% of UK SME respondents believe the internet is either an important, or the most important, tool for helping them through the recession.

While until now it was relatively safe to assume this, we now have some solid data to support this notion. It’s great to see businesses finally feeling confident about the internet, but it’s important to remember that to have any degree of success takes work. There isn’t some magic switch that suddenly transforms a company overnight, the instant it starts engaging with online media.

Having a good online strategy is essential and overall objectives need to be realised. There are an enormous number of factors that dictate whether a business survives or fails, so understanding your aims and how to achieve them, as well as potential hurdles you may face, is extremely important.

As the study notes, having visible confidence towards the internet is a good starting point, but “needs to be reinforced by clear strategies to convert opportunities into benefits.”

Following the idea of strategy, the second issue covered was:

The internet as a dual marketing and cost-cutting tool

When respondents were asked about their strategic views of the internet, interestingly, there was rough split of about half between those who were planning on using it to drive new revenues and market share (42%) and those who saw it as a means to cut overall business costs (43%).

Furthermore, most responding organisations said that they would be adopting both approaches during the next few years. This is extremely encouraging to see, especially given that it was recognised that a combination of the two can successfully drive a business forward. However, this also creates various challenges, as with limited resources, time and (often) expertise, smaller businesses can become overwhelmed by the vast range of options, technologies, strategies and resources available. Understanding how this ties in with unique goals and objectives can also become problematic.

For more information on how Forty 49 can help you with your online marketing get in touch via our website here, or call Richard on 01283 533196

The full article can be found here

You can get stuff for free

2009-11-13T06:51:00.000Z

The other day my car decided to start flashing me a warning light that there was something wrong with my airbag. So being a brave but maybe foolish man, I decided to ignore for the fear of what it may cost to have it repaired by the local dealer in town.

However after a couple of days of a mono tone beep, every time I turned the ignition, and as much as I like the stunning orange day glow effect this light presented to me, I plucked up the courage to call and independent local specialist that only deals in my vehicle make. He said pop it down at 3pm and we will run a diagnostic on it to find the fault, come back at 5pm, or I will call you to say what is wrong.

The afternoon passed, no call, I popped back to collect my car, expecting a bill for the diagnostics and some sort of message to ask me to bring it back in for a day for the repair. How wrong I was, a sensor had come loose while I had cleaned my car, the garage ran the diagnostic, fitted the sensor back in, and handed back my keys, no charge he said, it only took me 5 minutes.

I was truly amazed and pleased, as it is very rare in this day and age that you get something for nothing, but now I come to think of it, what he gained form me is a client, as form now on any future little lights beeps, or other such noises, I will be straight down to see that garage, and entrust them with my car every time.

Get out there

2009-11-11T18:48:00.000Z

Yesterday my business partner and I attended a Business Trade Show, we went with a "not sure" attitude to this thinking that in the current climate it would be a bit of no go.

How wrong were we, generally speaking it was a good show, a lot of regional businesses showing their services and wares to each other and all talking, there was a real buzz in the room, and that was great.

It just goes to show not to pre judge these things, we came away feeling that it had been a worthwhile 2 hours, and we had made some one to one contacts to talk to, now I realised we won't necessarily gain some work off them tomorrow, but we chatted introduced ourselves and swapped business cards, the reason being you just never know, unless you get out there and give it a go.

To find out how we can help you get noticed visit our website or call us here at Forty 49 Limited

Assaulted by a pensioner at a live rugby game

2009-11-09T09:43:00.000Z

On Friday night, I went to see the Springboks vs Leicester Tigers, it was a gift that my wife had bought for me. So there we were sitting down, wrapped up, burger in hand, and enjoying a festival of rugby that was a first for the Leicester Rugby Club.

The springboks, managed to get a break on and the winger was screaming down the line for a try in the corner, as a good supporter along with many other we rose up to cheer him on. At this point I felt this thump on my back, followed by another, then another, and load screaming I can only describe as a man whom had stubbed his toe on a lump of concrete, it went like this "SIT DOWN!, SIT DOWN, SIT DOWN, WE CAN'T SEE!!!!). He was standing at this point to hit me repeatedly as I am 6'2" tall and he was thumping my shoulder. To say I was startled was an understatement, its a live game I screamed back, what do you expect?

My wife not having been to many live games, said its okay keep calm.... the game carried on, and again, this time the Tigers made a break, and some good rugby fans rose as one cheering them on, this time our mad pensioner, rose up to his feet again and leaned over my wife to then hit and scream at the row in front of us, we having learnt our lesson decided it was best to stay seated, as I was in fear of what I might do next. What I cannot understand is why he only rose to his feet to attack other fans rather than rising to celebrate the action, as we all did?

So here is a lesson to you all, when watching live sports beware the pensioner whom failed to get front row seats, as you may get assaulted for just enjoying the game, its a mad world and I would never have thought I would get hit at a rugby match in my life. Leicester went on to win the game, against the third string springboks, but none the less a good day for their club, a great occasion for the home supporters, even if one grumpy old man did not quiet get the idea.

Promising the Earth and delivering peanuts!

2009-10-29T15:28:00.000Z

Truth be told there is a lot to be said about the amazing savings you can get by sourcing a service or product via the internet. However can I offer a small bit of advice, remember that you need to be sure that the company behind the website delivers.

What I mean by this, is, if you make an online order, does someone phone you up, confirm all is as it should be, if they are experiencing problems, do they have good one to one personal contact with you to offer reasons, and advice.

Sometimes the cheapest option is not the best option, we have experienced some online services lately that leave a lot to be desired, and it has made us realise that price is not everything in life, quality of service and standard of the company is paramount at all times. I advise this, contact the company direct, even if you made an online order, ask if they got it, can they deliver at the agreed time, speak to a human.

To talk to a human about your needs in marketing, advertising or design, call Richard or Mark on 01283 533196

I'm not bitter. Promise

2009-10-13T17:01:00.001+01:00

Well this is my first attempt at blogging or should I say blagging.
I’m from a traditional advertising background, above the line, below the line and all the stuff. Yep I know I’m a dinosaur. I genuinely miss those days. There always seemed to be time to craft things properly - weeks conceptualising, scamps papered all over office walls, internal review after internal review and the occasional ego driven blowout. Typographers and finished artists sticking there noses in, and then the mad rush hours before the presentation to execute masterpiece layout after masterpiece layout by highly skilled, specialised staff bla bla bla.....

Then things suddenly changed. A deadly force appeared out of nowhere and greedly devoured the industry. THE MACINTOSH!!!!! It gobbled up half of the skills of the industry. And in a very short time junior art directors, who previously survived on stealing crappy briefs off senior creatives desks, had become not only art directors but typographers, finished artists, designers, illustrators, photographers, production houses and even agencies. Yes apparently all it takes now-a-days is a Mac and hey presto I’m an advertising agency!! Well, need I say it, we see the results all around us.

So for some passionately crafted creative in any medium forty49 (yes that’s a lot of years of experience folks) is where you’ll find it.

Brand consistency

2009-10-13T16:18:00.000+01:00

We recently completed a project for a company in the East Midlands, they had one company name, but under that name other brands had to be developed for their other services.

We developed a series of brands for them, and although each one can stand up by itself, we have shown to them the benefit of brand consistency, by developing a group theme. To see what we can do for you visit our website: www.forty49.co.uk

Tender submission

2009-10-08T18:04:00.000+01:00

So this week we had to put in a tender to be short listed for graphic design services for a three year contract. There we were thinking this is not a problem we know what we do and we know how to do it.

Well not quiet, it actually is a really good thing to do, stop and work out what you do as a business and what you offer, and then put it down in a clear concise way so that the reader gets a good grasp of you and your business quickly and effectively.

It has been a good exercise for us to really tie down our skill set, our experience and what makes us different for all the rest. Try it some time, enter into a tender for new business, you never know you may even get short listed or better still win the business. The worst that can happy is you walk away knowing yourself and your own business even better, and that is not a bad thing really.

To see what we do, visit us online at: www.forty49.co.uk

Be positive, how is business?

2009-10-01T11:26:00.000+01:00

So there we are at our last networking session, and once again I was asked the same question. "How is business?" So I think to myself how do you answer this, so as not to upset the person asking. I mean are they asking you because for them things are slow in the current economic climate, and they want re assurance that they are not alone? Maybe you reply, "business is great," and run the risk of scaring them?

What I do say is things are fine, but as always no matter what the situation we are looking to improve constantly, and this is the thing, to be positive, in the current climate. I often look at each aspect of our business each day and try to find one good positive that can carry the day, maybe it is a simple comment made by a client, a better price you got, or a simple cost saving to help your own business, but to me each small positive is worth shouting about right now.

So next time you have a meeting or a networking session, and get asked, How is business, maybe the answer can be positive, and that positive message can carry to the person asking, and so, on, we have to start somewhere, it's no good waiting for the government to say it, we are in business, it is down to us, to be positive and make a better direction. Forty49 are here to get your business seen in a positive light visit us online now at: www.forty49.co.uk

Good client relationships

2009-09-28T16:07:00.000+01:00

To us, and what we do for our client's comes down to good client relationships. Right from the very start, we really need to have a good understanding as to what you do, or what your business does. If we are to deliver a solution that works, even if it is a logo, or a small flyer, it really helps us to get the most out of you.

You know your business, you know your areas of expertise and what is important, all we can do is try and extract that information by asking the right questions, to create the right solutions. It is this that creates the starting point of good client relationships. We have other clients that we work with on a long term relationship and it is come to the point where we are almost 'telepathic' in our responses to their requirements, but this only comes with time, and going back to that first point of contact, asking the right questions.

Good relationships are important to delivering good results, both for us and for you and your clients, to find out more about us and what we do, visit: Forty49.co.uk

Doing the books

2009-09-24T16:46:00.000+01:00

Today was month end day for us, and we refer to it as doing the books, and thank less task, but a necessary one none the less. It's done now, and we will go through the process again in 30 days or so.

It's a funny thing to think of it as a task when actually, it is a really important part of the business, making sure all adds up, and all invoices are correct and everyone gets paid too. Which brings me to quality of service, to us, making sure our suppliers get paid on time, ensures we get the service we expect, and in turn we try to do the very same thing with our clients, ensuring that service is comes first at all levels.

To see more about who we are and what we do please visit us online at: Forty49.co.uk

We have been busy

2009-09-21T17:16:00.000+01:00

I thought it would be a good opportunity to show you what we have been up to recently.

We have completed a new website for a local Health and Safety company, giving them a new look, and offering a clear structured message to all of their services please review here: http://www.salvitas-consulting.com/

Not so long a go a Coach Glazing company approached us, to help with their brand identity and pull together the look and professional feel of the company, we undertook the project, completely re-designing the vehicles, the website, the brochures, flyers and we are now busy helping them with an exhibition. Please have a look at their website here, note the van livery: www.jwglass.co.uk

Another project that has been of great success even in these difficult times has been the awareness and improved look, marketing and greater profile of Brown and Holmes Engineering, we took their branding, and opened up a new point of view to market sectors, the work we have done in PR, advertising design and website design, has paid off and they rank extremely high for (workholding fixtures) which is one of the main services they offer in their industry, again please review the website by visiting here: www.brownandholmes.co.uk

Free website reviews

2009-09-18T11:35:00.000+01:00

At the moment we are offering a free website review for performance and usage. Basically all we ask is you send in your web address, officially asking for it to be reviewed.

Soon as we receive it, we will review the site from a technical and marketing point of view, and then offer you feedback. We will advise you if we fell you are reflecting your business in a professional manner, and whether the site is being seen on all the major search engines and performing to the best of it's ability. Once you have that we would welcome an open discussion with you on how you want to act on that information.

We are happy to offer this free advice, and if you don't want to go any further you are free to walk away at any time.

Visit us online at: Forty 49 Limited

Small steps will improve the bigger picture

2009-09-15T10:10:00.000+01:00

Listening to the radio today, BBC 2, the thought of the day, talked about how life was so busy, the stress of financial burdens, the threats of social well being, the issues globally about the war on terror, and so on, we to ask is there actually any time left in a day to worry?

In this statement is a small lesson, and it is this, we cannot sit and worry about the big picture that is around us all the time, but what we can do, is look at each of the smaller issues we need to deal with and attend to them. If you look at today, and say I have so much on, I don't know where to start! It may be easier to draw up a list of that (so much!) then deal with each one, on it's own, once done, tick it off and move on, you may be surprised at what can be achieved in one day.

In much the same way here at 4049 when we develop websites, we do look at the big picture, but we draw up a step by step process, and move through this with our client's, and although they may ask, how is the site coming, or when it will go live, often they get a surprise when we say to them, please approve to go live. Keeping up a constant line of communication, and process to the client, ensures, that all required is achieved, and delivered on time to the standard expected.

So don't panic, the big picture is not that big, if you cut it up, number the pieces, and then re assemble it in a clear concise order. We are here to help you with that process, call or contact us online at Forty 49 Limited.

Rugby, a winning thing

2009-09-14T15:08:00.000+01:00

This weekend, the Springboks won the Tri-Nations, making them the current world number one in rugby rankings. They are the Tri-Nations holders, the current World Champions, they recently beat The British and Irish Lions, they have the title of Super 14 holders (The Bulls), and are also the current IRB World Seven's champions.

Now besides that fact that myself and business partner Mark are very happy about all the above, there is a point to be made here in business, this current squad of Springboks, started way back in 2003, winning takes time!

We like to think that the relationships, we build with our clients grow over a period of time, resulting in a combined effort that wins them the new business or growth they also desire.

Well done to the Springboks, and we welcome you to visit us online at: www.forty49.co.uk

How Much!

2009-09-11T09:31:00.000+01:00

The big question we get asked every day, is how much is it going to cost? We encounter a huge variety of challenges as designers, creative situations are thrown at us, and we meet them but the underlying issue today is cost.

I often ask my clients what is their budget which is promptly replied to me as well how much is it going to cost, this often makes me wonder why the budget is not set. I am a home owner, and I have a family, I drive a car all of these things cost money on a monthly basis. I have a monthly budget for these costs it is my budget, and if I have anything left I use for other needs, or try and save a little.

It is not the same in business, we meet so many start up companies that have not set aside some sort of marketing budget, even if it is only enough to get a logo created and some business cards done, if you have a good business plan, part of that should be for marketing and awareness. The question you should be asking us as a creative advertising agency is how far?

If I have a budget of £XXX, what can you do with it? Promote me, get me noticed, offer my services, promote or push my products into the market place, can I get a website, a logo, business cards, a set of flyers, some direct mail, some PR, how far can you make my marketing budget go?

The reason I say this is simple at the end of the day we are in business to make money, we need to promote ourselves all the time, I don't mean spending thousands on a TV commercial, I am talking no nonsense, the basics, the essential tools you will need to ensure your clients, or target customers, see you as a professinal business that knows what it is doing.

So it is not how much? I t really should be how far, you may be surprised at the results.

If you want to know more, or how we can help, contact us online at: Fort49 Limited

Why is my website not number one on Google?

2009-09-10T15:39:00.000+01:00

This question is asked by client's, friends and associates on a regular basis. So why is it not number one? My business would be the best website design agency in the UK, if I could guarantee that soon as the website we built for you was live on the internet it would be the top hit in a Google search, but the real world is not like that at all.

SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is an organic subject that requires constant work, on an on going basis, there are no quick fixes or guarantees that will ensure your website will be the top hit on any search engine. Google alone has more than 200 'ranking factors'. Some factors are more important than others. SEO is about long-term results, it will not happen overnight and no-one can guarantee a number one ranking. Search engines like Google, Yahoo and MSN do not reveal how their algorithms work, so SEO is a combination of reverse engineering, experiments and educated guess work.

What I am trying to say here, is besides building great website, that conforms to all required for a search engine to index the site, it is so important that SEO work goes along with the site, once the site goes live. You have to work at it on an ongoing basis to get the results you want, SEO is a combination of online and off line marketing, using the tools to build awareness, in your market place.

If you want to know more, or how we can help, contact us online at: Fort49 Limited.

Keeping up appearances

2009-09-09T08:54:00.001+01:00

I was chatting to our copywriter last night, and she was on her way to see one of our client's today, we started to discuss how great it was to see the effort we have put in over the last 12 months or so really make an impact for this client.

We have seen this company go from virtually no standing in their market sector to a great number two listing in Google, for one of their key product manufacturing services, in addition to this the work done by sustained PR, and advertising, as well as a new identity and literature, the overall standing of the company within it's market sector could not be better.

The big issue is now that we are in this economic downturn, they have very limited budget to sustain the impact we have created, they may now decide to cut back to nothing at all, and this is probably the worst thing they could do. If you look around on the high street and on television, it is the big brands that maintian and sustain awareness even when money is tight, the main reason is to keep customer loyalty high, and again, they are the brands who's awareness is sky high come the time that the economy turns around.

We are encouraging our client, as we all should to try and keep the momentum, bear in mind, to suddenly stop the PR and the advertising momentum or even the SEO work on the website, may send out a negative perception, ask yourself this, would you be raising questions if you suddenly stopped seeing your favourite brand in the high street or on television or the internet?

It does not cost a lot to maintian all the effort you as a company has invested in to raise your company profile, it requires a little effort and some creative thinking, to keep up the momentum, we would love to talk to you about this, and know the ways on tight budgets that can really work.

Call us or have a chat here at Forty 49 Advertising and Design.

To begin something new

2009-09-08T14:48:00.000+01:00

So I decided to start this blog, as everyone keeps telling me I should, not sure what to write first but lets make a start. I think a group of first's will do for now.

My daughter went back to school today, so it is a first for her too, a new day in year 4... I spoke to another accountant today, which is a first for our business too, having met him via a business networking group, I felt it was time to see if there was a better option, watch this space, but all looks positive so far.

I along with my business partner Mark, run our own advertising and design agency, Forty49 Advertising and Design, we are currently setting up our new website and hope to have it live soon, so I will add the link to my next entry, which will be another first.

Last night my son drove me to the shops to get some food, ( he is currently learning to drive) in this instance I can say that we had 2 firsts here, one is I was not nervous for the first time, and the other is we made it back!

Finally my wife started her new teaching job at a local school so that is another first too.

So there we go I have made a start to this blogging gig, and that is a first now for me...

Call us or have a chat here at Forty 49 Advertising and Design.