User Names and Passwords | Keep them safe...

Published | 14.35, 30th of June 2009, by Paul Butler | Random

Many software applications and web based portals use user names and passwords to secure private areas and protect valuable information. This might include bank details or personal data for example. In addition, email accounts require a secure gateway to protect against identity theft and rogue spammers.

When you receive your user name and password or U/N and P/W, keep it safe. It is not the responsibility of your software/ web/ email supplier to store information such as this. In most cases they will offer to reset your user name and password on your behalf if mislaid.

Most, including Artlines Media would also recommend that users:

• Refrain from selecting OK when a browser asks if it is to be remembered for future entry.
• Use a combination of letters, words and symbols for a password.
• Also, use an unrecognisable format. For example, something other than a name, place or DOB.
• Change a password regularly.

Remember: Keep it safe, change it regularly and make it unrecognisable...

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How much is a website? How much will it cost?

Published | 13.51, 30th of June 2009, by Paul Butler | Business

There are several ways to purchase a website. Some providers offer low cost off the shelf solutions where owners upload their own company logo with content for a limited or specific number of pages, available as part of the deal or pre-determined package. Others will create a website based on what the customer specifically requests.

Alternatively, the creative team at Artlines Media will take into consideration what the client perceives as the priorities for their new web based presence and integrate that with any wider marketing strategy for the business as a whole. Advice is therefore based on knowledge gleaned from years of experience in various industry sectors and understanding what really works well and what does not.

Fixing a leak in one place won't cure a burst dam elsewhere in the business process. In other words a website is one element, one tool, one weapon used as part of a more complex commercial marketing strategy. However, as with any vehicle, everything has to complement and work together to drive the business forward in the right direction. In addition, as we've said many times before in other Blogs, you have to provide measured results from all your marketing activity to be able to benefit from it in future. Something so many website suppliers loose site of or simply lack the specific expertise to be able to advise effectively.

If you want a price for a website you need to devote enough time during the early stages to ensure what you - a) get is what you want and - b) receive is a website that is going to provide a considerable return on investment (ROI). That means sitting down with a professional consultant to determine all your marketing activity is focusing on the right audience and delivering the right message. It's the difference between buying a computer on-line direct from a manufacturer or popping into the local store. If you know everything there is to know about websites and web marketing then go ahead and pay off the shelf prices. If you can't afford to make any mistakes then ask a professional.

Talk to Artlines Media now for a free consultation, followed by a fixed price quotation within a fully defined proposal document. It doesn't make us expensive, it just helps us save you money.

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Social Media Marketing (SMM) | What's it all about?

Published | 12.48, 22nd of June 2009, by Paul Butler | Marketing

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) recently published an article in their member's publication the Voice, relating to Social Media Marketing (SMM). At Artlines Media, many people we speak to believe it is not for them or their type of business. Usually this is because of time restraints when running a small business on your own, a fear of technology or a lack of knowledge when it comes to newer marketing methodologies.

So if you have shied away from using Facebook, Twitter and other Social Media to generate more business for your company here are some hard facts:

• Social Media interaction is on the increase.
• More than 100 Million users log into Facebook at least once per day.
• First time visitors to Twitter grew from 475,000 in February 2008 to Seven Million in February 2009. This includes 6,000 SMEs a day according to O2.
• In May of this year, LinkedIn celebrated it's 60th Birthday by welcoming it's 40 millionth member.

If you own a business that is suffering from the current economic downturn and would like to learn more about Social Media Marketing and how it can help generate more revenue for your business then contact the team at Artlines Media today.

Don't let your compeition gain the advantage...Let them miss out for a change!

Artlines Media on LinkedIn

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£5,000 Grants for businesses in Buckinghamshire | Find new customers, invest in a website...

Published | 11.04, 16th of June 2009, by Paul Butler | Business

If there are two main revenue channels for any business a) New Business b) Existing customers, why not apply for a grant from Buckinghamshire County Council and improve your chances of survival by investing in a more effective commercial website?

Bucks County Council in association with the Bucks Enterprise Learning Partnership (BELP) are offering small business grants to help struggling businesses suffering from the current recession. £100,000 is being made available and grants of up to £5,000 will be offered to businesses in the area that apply within the next 3 months.

Artlines Media offer various marketing solutions and promote being smart with any funds that are available. This includes a new website, a revamp of an existing website for more effectiveness, Search Engine Optimisation campaigns, Social Media Marketing (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook) support, email marketing campaigns providing live statistics and measurable results and direct mailing management.

Read the full article here or visit the BELP website for an application form.

Other related Links | www.businesslink.gov.uk / www.buckscc.gov.uk

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Marketing can bring new business through the door during a recession

Published | 11.03, 15th of June 2009, by Paul Butler | Marketing

A recent article in the Times highlights the need for small businesses to spend on marketing during a recession. Theo Paphitis, star of Dragons' Den recommends using smart money to maximize the potential for new growth through effective marketing and quality website designs. The results from The Times/Barclays Have your Say survey show that concerns relating to attracting new business are the main priority for many smaller enterprises and the advice is to keep spending on marketing and invest in web technology and SEM (Search Engine Marketing). Many small business owners agree that they could do better with their marketing and that finding new customers was the biggest concern on their minds. Other suggestions include keeping a close eye on the competition and learning from their strategies.

Click here to read the full article or call Artlines Media if you would like specific advice for your own business.

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