If you are new to all the website hype & jargon, the following articles may help you to decide on your next move. James Burke, Owner / manager Bigger Picture Web - established in 1997 Web Search Industry News Page one presence essential in search results: With only 2.5% of searchers going beyond page 1 of Google results, you'd better be on Page 1. Appearing high in organic search results - as opposed to in paid ad listings - is critical to brand success on the web, and appearing on page one of the search results is vital. According to new data from internet marketing company iCrossing, at least 95 percent of traffic from each of the three big search engines - Google, Yahoo and Bing - originates from the first page of search results. Less than 3.5 percent of search-referred traffic came from users who went to page two of search results, and less 2 percent of traffic came from internet searchers who went beyond the second page. The study shows that online marketers recognise the importance of investment in search optimisation due to the huge portion of clicks that come from the top hits in search results... For more visit: http://www.emarketer.com/Article.aspx?R=1007521     Calling all search engines Search engines tend to send surfers to particular pages within a site rather than the homepage, for example, the online store. However, if you have a small site your homepage is still an important entry point for web users. "You tend to find that the search engines will land people on deep pages rather than homepages. They like to get people where they want to go without having to go through an intermediary page," says Richard Hearne, owner of search engine optimisation (SEO) company Red Cardinal. Whatever the size of your site, SEO is a key part of how you design your homepage. An informative paragraph or two is essential, as photographs and graphics don't contribute a huge amount to SEO. In addition, the text on your homepage should use suitable keywords that are relevant to your business. "If you have two plumbers in Kilkenny and they both have websites, the one whose homepage is more Google-friendly is likely to appear higher up in the results," says Redmond. McGuire adds: "Be as descriptive as you can. Sum up the business in a paragraph and make that your key piece of text. I would include the list of services that I provide." The title of your pages - that is, the text that appears at the very top of your browser - is one of the best areas you can optimise for search engines. "You only have to do a search and see what is returned. You will probably find that with any sort of competitive search, nearly all ten results will have the keyword you searched for in the page title," says Hearne. If you want to be in that top ten it's a good idea to have a homepage title with a few words about what you sell and where you're based, rather than just relying on the business's name. And you have to do all this in around 70 characters, or Google will truncate the title. "Page titles are really important for search engines like Google," says Redmond. "If you call your homepage 'Home', Google thinks you are selling homes. Name your homepage after your primary keyword or key phrase. For example, if you are selling garden sheds in Kilkenny your final key phrases would be 'Garden Sheds - Kilkenny' and you would call your home page that... "A lot of people will search for the branding - that is why it is important to have it in your title. If you are trying to get found by generic, non-brand-type terms, you are probably better off saying what you do rather than your company name," says Hearne. Bigger Picture Web will get your website found   Finally, Redmond and McGuire offered some Dos and Don'ts for those who want to create an effective homepage: Do 1 Do consider hiring an outside web developer to develop a homepage for you. Redmond estimates that web developers have reduced their prices by up to 50 percent due to the recession. 2 Do make sure your homepage reflects company branding and is consistent with the other pages on your site. Don't 1 Don't have a welcome page prior to the homepage, e.g. 'To enter our site click here'. This is an antiquated practice that drives web surfers away. 2 Don't use lots of Flash animations. Web users may be accessing your homepage on a mobile device which may not be able to load these. Plus they can be annoying. 3 Don't Use loud or garish colour schemes such as red text on a dark background source: http://www.ebusinesslive.ie/newsletter/Story/4/1457/ob.html/242 All Bigger Picture Web websites fulfill these criteria: excellent photography, Google-friendly keywording and sensible, user-friendly design. We also offer set-fee Google-friendly optimisation for existing websites. Contact Bigger Picture Web today for a value-for-money package or website overhaul and put the web to work for your business: James Burke Bigger Picture Photography & Web Design Doninga, Goresbridge, Co, Kilkenny, Ireland Tel +353 (0)59 97 26024 Mob +353 (0)86 8197455

 

Why Your Google Search Results really matter:

John Coburn - web marketing specialist trainer

"A constant stream of new leads is the cornerstone of any business. 80% of all purchases begin with a search on the internet, mostly using Google. Maximising your presence on the internet is by far the cheapest way to acquire quality leads and feed your business on an ongoing basis".

John Coburn, Co-founder - Praxisnow.ie

......

BACKGROUND

Quality never goes out of fashion

Check out Google search results for any Bigger Picture website and you'll see them up there on page 1. Good quality web design takes into account the search engine criteria for high placement in Google's Page Ranking.

When you combine real world web savvy with great photos, your website visitors will dwell on your site for much longer - and be more likely to make an enquiry. It's not rocket science, but it is a science - and one you neglect at your peril.

How people use the internet

When I started business in Ireland back in 2000, most businesses used a Fax machine. Few used email. In 8 short years things have developed rapidly - people now spend an average of 7 hours per week online. They source information, product & services nationally and internationally. Nowadays 80% of all purchases begin on the web and mostly via Google. Either be there online to meet them or your competitors will. (Don't forget - your online competitors could be anywhere in the country or even overseas - no longer in the local town).

For the equivalent price of 5 weeks advertising in the local paper, you can reach this large and growing audience for your business with an effective website, designed by a web professional with 3 decades of screen-based design and photography skills behind him.

Complete web & photo packages available, including stunning product photography, clear copywriting, effective web design, optimised for Google searches.

Time to get serious about your online business? - Think Bigger. Think Bigger Picture.

See some Bigger Picture photo & web examples are shown on the righ hand side of this page.

Experience counts

With a photographic and design background spanning three decades, James is well known in for his commercial photographic work. In 1984, he sold his Degree Show photographs to The Field magazine. In 2001, he won 2 gold medals at the Irish Photographic Federation National Digital Imaging Competition. Since then James has become known as one of Ireland's most diligent and proficient product photographers, and is certainly one of the best commercial photographers you'll find.

Photography can be used for vehicle wraps & display as well as on your website. Vehicle graphics are said to be one of the most cost-effective means of advertising your business.

TESTIMONIAL

"The website generates a lot of enquiries and sales and receives many compliments for it's simple navigation structure" Vincent Tully, MD, OutdoorFun Leisure Toys, Co Carlow

The Patio Approach to websites

James considers that the quality of his photographic work reflects on him. He never wanted to be anything other than a commercial photographer. Then the web arrived.

Visitor information signboards can include numerous photographs to set the scene.

"In response to his own portfolio web design being so well received, James added effective, visual web design to his services. With simple navigation structures, search engine-friendly design and good product photography, it has proved a winning formula for his clients"

It requires knowledge and a bit of work to get a website highly ranked in search engines. It also requires regular updates to keep it there. Google penalises sites which stay the same for years.

I call this "the Patio approach to websites". If you build a patio, you start with a solid base.

I have inherited some very poor websites and given them an overhaul. These include Stoneworld, Ballykealey Manor Hotel, Carlow Tourism and MagicalSWFrance.com family holidays in France. These are all now very successful sites and easily found on the web. Why not let me do the same for your company's site?

Costs:

Like all good tradesmen, I work on a day rate, so you get a clear idea of costs before we begin. If you are offering something that people are looking for, the benefits to your business will far outweigh the initial outlay.

With a huge increase in Irish customers sourcing product & services online, (83% in 2008 compared with only 48% in 2007) make sure you are there to meet your online enquiries.

I do updates to sites on an hourly rate, so you can spread the cost of keeping your site up there with the best of them.

Joint Venture

Effective web design is a collaborative process (as you know far more about your business than we do). What I concentrate on is making your site very visible on the web and in developing reasons for visitors to come to you, rather than your competitors. (Remember, your competitors on the web are those who share your Search Engine ranking - not necessarily the local businesses you are familiar with).

At Bigger Picture, not only will you get an effective website with great photography, but you'll also see your website become as much a part of your business as your telephone!

Impressive portfolio

You'll see from my portfolio that I design sites for real, commercial businesses. Not arty showcases or "awareness-raising" novelties.

The importance of good images

Look through any local paper. All of us have seen the dreary product snaps, taken by the local press man on his (usually rainy) day off. Ask yourself what that says to your customers?

As advertising guru David Ogilvy once said:

"The consumer is not an idiot - she is your wife".

In contrast to many mushroom web companies, I offer top quality photography, combined with simple and effective web design to get your message across. When you combine good images with straightforward design, people spend longer on your site and this increases your chances of sales.

"Get the web working for you with Bigger Picture"

..........

Remember - Bigger Picture WEBSITE PACKAGES - include professional photography.

Go to top

..........

Uniquely, Bigger Picture web sites include top quality gold medal professional photography, so all you need bring is your own ideas. To get a brochure-style website up and running costs less than you might imagine. Contact me for an estimate and see some examples below to get an idea of various styles available. Each design is unique to you.

Prices start from an affordable €900 (plus third-party domain name and hosting costs which is roughly €150 per year) for a well-designed website, with good photography and search engine optimisation to get you listed highly on Google. You keep control of your hosting and domain name ownership. Compared with rip-off local press adverts, having a good website means you'll reach more people and save money too. What could be better for your business?

June 2008 IRISH WEB FACTS

Did you know that 83% of Irish internet users turn to search engines in order to track down information and services they want, compared to 48% a year ago! If you dont have an up to date website you are missing out on this potential business. source: Novara.ie

We can upgrade existing websites, but this is subject to our ever-increasing workload! Please contact us for an estimate and try to allow plenty of time to get relisted by Google.

TIPS:

What you should do after the website launch:

• Include your new web address on all literature and as your email signature
• Seek reciprocal and high quality links from other relevant & prominent websites (no freebies, paid directories or link farms).
• Issue a press release to local press or trade press if you have a good story. Offline publicity is great for your website and comes back to haunt you
• Update your site! - even small changes will make Google look favourably on your website and increase your rankings. No business stands still. As your business grows, your website should reflect your success. (We can keep your site updated on an hourly rate or by annual maintenance contract).

WE PRACTICE BEST PRACTICE:

You'll be relieved to know that we speak English, not Jargon and, unlike some web companies, we won't take advantage of your techno-innocence by trying to flog you a raft of unnecessary add-ons. Our low overheads mean less cost to you and, by doing updates as you need them, you can spread the total cost of your website. There are no hidden extras with our websites.

After all, do unto others...

About our Photographer / Design Lead:

Award-winning web designer since 1997, IPF Gold Medallist photographer, James Burke ARPS trained in London. Now based in Co Kilkenny, Ireland since 2000. "I now have an International client base for web and photography work, based solely on referrals. My only advertising is through my websites and by word of mouth, which proves to me that the web can work in building a business".

"I can also offer my clients bespoke training on effective email use and other essentials for modern business. Again, this is subject to my workload considerations".

Mission Statement:

"I'm not running a Mission, but I do offer friendly, professional, timely and knowledgable service, backed by real-world experience"

..

Quality Product Photography that works

Did you know? Magazine editors like to use good photography to illustrate their editorial pieces and this has been the case with 3 of my clients recently, so you might get lucky and receive an invaluable "feature" as a result of choosing Bigger Picture for your photography.

Bigger Picture's James Burke has built an international reputation for excellent photography by the simple method of taking and evaluating photographs since the '70s. You'll benefit from this passion for excellence when you commission Bigger Picture for your visuals.

 

Case Study - from Google page 8 to page 1:
Leinster Stone  SEO work by Bigger Picture Web

"A passion for quality "

Product Photography, Commercial & Industrial

Image handover:

Unlike many photographers, I hand over original images to my customers. These will be of glossy brochure quality. Under Irish Law, copyright remains with me, but the use of the images is yours, (except for reselling them of course). There may be a small admin charge for image retrieval if you want copies at a later date.

 

Studio work: contemporary, bespoke jewellery product shots for Emma Jane Jewellery client: www.EJJEWELLERY.com

Testimonial:

"I was very pleased with the way my Crafts Council of Ireland portfolio looked...it wouldn't have looked half as good if it weren't for your brilliant photographs!" EJ Jewellery

...

 

...

Go to top

web assets - online brochures

Sample PDF brochure for Garrison House self-catering houses, bar & restaurant.

High quality Bigger Picture Web photography can be used for your website & company newsletter. I can also create high quality PDFs with photographs, for your customers to download from your website (or you can email them out on request). They are more likely to remember you if they have a hard copy in front of them - and they will be making choices from your services.

County Enterprise Board Assistance

In Ireland, your business may be eligible for up to €1000 (or max 50% of the cost) grant towards your new business website. Several of my clients have availed of this. It might get axed by future government cuts, so make sure you apply soon.

...

I offer Commercial Photography - Sorry No Weddings!

More Examples overleaf

 

See my personal photo galleries: PBase Ephotozine