2024 Update – Home Group Financial

Home Group Financial Website

Home Group Financial is a Wiltshire-based Mortgage Broker and Advisor, providing advice and recommendation on mortgage, protection and insurance products to clients nationwide. Home Group Financial tasked 4D Digital with managing a new logo design, branding and website design for the company. In addition the project was to include digital marketing consultation and ongoing services for Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising.

Branding, Copywriting, Web Design and Marketing

The Home Group Financial brand reflects the bold, professional, yet approachable outlook of the company.

Home Group Financial Branding

The logo is designed to be minimal, creative and versatile. Importance is placed on it’s ability to be used in a wide variety of digital and print environments

Home Group Financial - Business Cards
HGF Logo

The website design builds on the Home Group Financial brand and logo, and further reinforces the main principles of simplicity, clarity and minimalism. Website content is subject to a thorough copywriting assessment during website build.

Home Group Financial Branding and Website

Initial research and analysis is carried out in preparation for ongoing marketing via SEO and PPC campaigns, managed by 4D Digital.

Client CRM integration

A key element of the website development is integration with the clients existing sector-specific CRM software. All new enquiries from the website automatically feed into the CRM, notifying advisors and providing feedback to potential customers.

Update – February 2024

Following its launch in September 2022, the brand and website developed by 4D Digital has enabled Home Group Financial progress and now to look forward to its next phase of growth. 4D Digital are delighted to partner with HGF to continue this expansion by offering ongoing marketing and website development services.

View website

4D Digital have been extremely helpful in designing and producing a fantastic website for my business and supporting the initial digital launch of the site. Chris is knowledgeable, has a wide-reach of contacts to support small to large projects and most of all trustworthy – very important in a digital market where I have little knowledge. I would recommend 4D Digital without hesitation.

Miles Robinson – Founder & Director, Home Group Financial

How does improving website accessibility benefit your business?

Website Accessibility report

Accessibility is the practice of making websites more easily usable by people with disabilities. This includes individuals with visual, hearing, motor, and cognitive impairments, as well as those with temporary or permanent disabilities.

Implementing accessibility on a business website is important for a number of reasons. Firstly, it ensures that all customers, including those with disabilities, can access and use the website. This can help to improve the user experience for all customers, and can make it more likely that they will return to the website in the future.

Secondly, accessibility can improve a business’s search engine rankings. Many search engines, including Google, now take accessibility into account when ranking websites. This means that websites that are more accessible are more likely to appear at the top of search results, driving more traffic to the website.

Website Accessibility report

Thirdly, implementing accessibility can help a business to comply with legal requirements. In many countries, businesses are required by law to make their websites and other digital products accessible to people with disabilities. Failing to do so can result in legal penalties and fines.

Overall, accessibility is an important consideration for any business with a website. By making their website accessible, businesses can improve the user experience for all customers, improve their search engine rankings, and ensure compliance with legal requirements.

How is website accessibility put into practice?

There are several examples of how accessibility can be implemented on a business website. Here are a few examples:

  • Providing text alternatives for non-text content, such as images, videos, and audio files. This allows screen reader software to access the content and enables people with visual impairments to access the information.
  • Using clear and descriptive headings and subheadings to organise the content on a website. This makes it easier for people with cognitive impairments or who use assistive technologies to navigate the website and find the information they need.
  • Using colour contrast to ensure that the text and other elements on a website are easily readable. This is important for people with visual impairments, and who may have difficulty reading text that is not sufficiently contrasted against the background.
  • Using clear and concise language to communicate information on the website. This makes it easier for people with cognitive impairments or who are not fluent in the language to understand the content.

How hard is website accessibility to implement?

We won’t deny that implementing accessibility on a business website can be a time-consuming process. It involves conducting an accessibility audit to identify areas of the website that may not be accessible, and then implementing changes and improvements to address those problems.

The amount of time required to put this accessibility in place will vary depending on the size and complexity of the website, as well as the extent of the accessibility issues. For smaller websites with only a few accessibility issues, the process may be relatively quick and straightforward. However, for larger or more complex websites, it may take longer to identify and address all of the accessibility issues.

Hands typing on a laptop

In addition, implementing accessibility is an ongoing process. As the website is updated and new content is added, it is important to continue to monitor the website for accessibility issues and to make any necessary improvements.

Overall, while implementing accessibility on a business website can be time-consuming, it is an important investment that can improve the user experience for all customers and help to ensure compliance with legal requirements.

The benefits of making your website accessible

In a nutshell, accessibility is all about making your website usable by people with disabilities. This is important for a number of reasons, including making sure all your customers can access and use your website, boosting your search engine rankings, and avoiding any legal headaches. Implementing accessibility can seem a daunting task, but the benefits are definitely worth it in the end. Plus, it’s the right thing to do!

At 4D Digital we can use our experience and knowledge to improve your website’s accessibility, just get in touch with us if you would like to talk further about how we can help.

Case Study – Balloon Letting Co.

Balloon Letting CO website

Balloon Letting Co. are a letting agent based in Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol. Founded by proud Bristolian Ben Giles, the company has rapidly grown it’s ethical brand over the last two years to become one of Bristol’s up-and-coming rental agencies. In a hugely competitive market, Balloon Letting Co. needed to upgrade its online presence in order to maintain growth and build its business.

Website Design & Development

Working closely with graphic design agency Bara Studio, 4D Digital integrated the existing client property CRM with the new website design and marketing strategy. Particular emphasis was placed on ease of use for the internal Balloon Letting Co. team, with automatic upload of new property information to the website an important factor. A fully bespoke website search was built in order for website users to quickly find suitable properties in their location.

Balloon Letting CO website

SEO Marketing Strategy

Alongside the website build 4D Digital worked on a marketing strategy, with SEO optimisation a key area. Building on a strong existing social media presence, 4D targeted key areas that would benefit ongoing investment.

Balloon Letting CO website search and property display

Aiding Growth

Launched in Spring 2022 the Balloon Letting Co. website has provided a successful platform to aid and maintain growth for the company. SEO progress in the first year is already showing benefits, with regular enquiries being generated for the team.

Balloon Letting Co.

“4D Digital have been absolutely fantastic throughout our work together over the past 12 months. Chris is incredibly knowledgeable and professional and 4D have launched themselves in to our project with a huge amount of enthusiasm for what we’re trying to achieve. I would thoroughly recommend.”

Ben Giles – Managing Director, Balloon Letting Co.
Balloon Lettings Website

Case Study – Body By Hannah

Body By Hannah website home page

As a newly-qualified personal trainer, Hannah Robinson found managing her classes with clients and taking both bookings and payments a time-consuming job to balance. After recent lockdowns, Hannah also wanted to be able to run regular online classes, keeping a regular income stream for her, and to be a flexible option for her clients.

Needing a new website, Hannah asked 4D Digital to design and build an integrated solution which would help meet these challenges and present her in a professional and friendly way.

Integrated solution

4D Digital recommended an integrated website solution which brought together a number of elements, including a booking calendar, online payments and online video. Pre-recorded classes could be uploaded into the website, ready for clients to view on scheduled dates. Clients can also now pay for and access live classes through Zoom.

Body By Hannah website home page

Website launch

Bringing all these elements together with a modern design, the website was launched in early 2022. The website also includes a blog which Hannah keeps up-to-date with Nutrition and Recipe advice.

Body By Hannah Website - Booking facility

We continue to work with Hannah to evolve the website, and look forward to new plans for 2023!

Mobile App Launch – CORESS

CORESS Mobile App

CORESS, a charity set up to improve safety standards in surgery, aims to prevent avoidable adverse surgical events by sharing lessons learned through anonymised reports. Due to the complexity of the existing reporting process, the CORESS team found that many surgeons weren’t reporting these events, and a need was identified for a more simple and intuitive reporting tool.

4D Digital were engaged by We Are Superstar, the brand and creative agency assisting the CORESS organisation, to develop a mobile app which would enable surgeons to transcribe their report. Making the report verbally would make the experience far easier, increasing use.

CORESS Mobile App

Technical Solution & Mobile Development

Working closely with both the Superstar and CORESS teams, 4D Digital provided the technical solution to produce a mobile app for bath iOS and Android platforms. Adding a facility to the existing CORESS website administration area also enabled CORESS to download reports.

Mobile App Launch

Launched to app stores in Autumn 2022 the CORESS app is helping to create a safer surgical future. 4D Digital will continue to support the CORESS team with updates and further development of the app.

Web Design for Small Businesses

web design for small businesses

Designing and building a new website, or redesigning an existing website, can seem like a daunting task. To small business owners a new web design is often something that gets put off due to the thought of tackling the project whilst already running a demanding business.

With nearly two decades of experience in developing websites for small businesses, we have the experience in what it takes to create an engaging and successful business website. Whether a startup or an existing business, getting the results you are looking for can depend on a number of key steps and factors, which we outline below.

web design for small businesses

Register a Domain Name

There are many factors to consider when choosing a website domain name. Some of the most important factors include:

1. The domain name should be easy to remember.

2. The domain name should be short and simple.

3. The domain name should be relevant to your business or website.

4. The domain name should be available.

There are many places to buy website domain names. Some popular options include GoDaddy, Names, and Ionos. Should you wish to, 4D Digital can quickly check availability and register a domain name for you.

Website Hosting

A website host is a company that owns and operates servers that are connected to the internet. When you create a website, you need to store the files that make up your website on a server. Website hosting provides space on a server for your website, as well as the technology needed to connect your website to the internet.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a website hosting provider. Some of the most important factors include:

  • Price: How much does the hosting provider charge?
  • Reliability: How often is the website down?
  • Customer support: How responsive is the customer support?
  • Features: What features does the hosting provider offer?
website hosting for small businesses

Consider your goals

Some goals that your website might have are to increase sales, to get more leads, to increase brand awareness, or to generate more traffic.

More general aims for your new website should include the following:-

  • To be user-friendly and easy to navigate
  • To have a clean and modern design
  • To load quickly
  • To be responsive (to work well on mobile devices)
  • To be optimised for search engines
  • To be secure (with an SSL certificate)
  • To have contact information and a contact form
  • To have a blog or news section

Create a memorable and engaging website

The best way to create a memorable and engaging website will vary depending on the type of website and the audience you are trying to reach. However, some tips to create a memorable and engaging website include using high-quality visuals, telling a story, and making it easy for visitors to navigate and find the information they are looking for.

At 4D Digital we work with each client to design a website that engages the user and provides clear access to all website content and information. We believe that the content of a website has to take priority when designing layout and structure. This then enables website visitors to navigate through the website more easily and access information quickly.

Optimise for search engines

There are many things you can do to optimise your website for SEO. Some important things to consider are:

  • Making sure your website is accessible to search engine crawlers
  • Creating keyword-rich content
  • Using relevant keywords in your titles and headings
  • Creating backlinks to your website from other high-quality websites

Optimising for SEO will vary depending on your website’s context and application. For more in-depth information we are happy to advise and talk through your requirements. At 4D Digital we offer full Website and SEO Audits as part of any SEO service.

Implement a maintenance plan

A website maintenance plan is a service that provides regular updates and security for a website. This can include things like updating the website content, adding new features, and keeping the site secure.

Should your website be based on the WordPress platform, it’s important to keep up-to-date with plugin, theme and framework updates.

Promote your website

There are many ways to promote a website. Some of the most common include SEO (search engine optimization), social media marketing, and content marketing.

For Social Media some common methods include creating accounts for the website and sharing links to the website on these accounts; creating promotional content such as videos or blog posts about the website and sharing this content on social media; and running social media ads that link to the website.

There are a number of ways you can use content marketing to promote your website. You can use blog posts, infographics, videos, and other forms of content to attract attention to your site and encourage people to visit it. You can also use social media to share your content and drive traffic to your website.

web design for a small business

Commonly asked questions

Does my Small Business website need a content-management system?

A content management system (CMS) is a website framework that allows you to create and modify digital content. Most websites are built with a CMS which allows the business owner to modify and add content themselves.

If you want to create a Small Business website, you will most likely need a CMS.

What is UX and how does it affect my website?

UX, or user experience, affects your website in that it determines how easy or difficult it is for users to interact with your site. A good UX will make it easy for users to find what they’re looking for and navigate your site, while a poor UX will make it difficult for users to use your site.

Should I use WordPress for my website?

WordPress is a good choice for many websites, but it may not be the best choice for your specific website. At 4D Digital we specialise in developing for WordPress but will advise on the framework that we fell can best help your business reach its goals.

As a small business, do I need to be ready for e-commerce?

E-commerce refers to the buying and selling of goods and services over the internet. This can be done through a variety of different platforms, including online marketplaces, online stores, and mobile apps.

If your business has any plans in the future to sell products or services online, then good advice is to build the website framework with e-commerce enabled from the outset.

Do I need to add to my small business website every month or more frequently?

As a general rule, it is a good idea to add new content to your website on at least a monthly basis. This will help keep your site fresh and relevant, and will give your visitors a reason to come back.

How much does it cost to create a website for a small business?

The cost of creating a website for a small business can vary depending on the size and scope of the project. Generally, a simple website can cost anywhere from £500 to £2,000, while a more complex website can cost upwards of £5,000 or more.

Do you have to pay monthly for a website?

Should 4D Digital produce a website for you, you do not have to pay monthly. You may be required to pay for hosting with us, but that is separate from your website itself.

Summary

At 4D Digital we aim to use our experience and knowledge to ease the process of building a new website and, hopefully, even make it an enjoyable task. Please get in touch with us if you would like to talk further about your business website.

Home Group Financial

“4D Digital have been extremely helpful in designing and producing a fantastic website for my business and supporting the initial digital launch of the site. Chris is knowledgeable, has a wide-reach of contacts to support small to large projects and most of all trustworthy – very important in a digital market where I have little knowledge. I would recommend 4D Digital without hesitation.”

Miles Robinson – Founder & Director, Home Group Financial

Website launch – Transition 15

Transition 15 Workshop

Founded by ex-professional rugby international Matt Perry, Transition 15 combine world-class sport and business methodology with corporate coaching expertise. Transition 15 earlier this year asked 4D Digital to develop a new website, which was to include new video content and photography of their team.

Clean, responsive website

Using the WordPress framework for speed of build, 4D worked to migrate existing content into the revised design. A clean, modern feel to the website was to be key, keeping the information on methods and programmes Transition 15 provide easily accessible.

Video & Photography

Supported by Matt Doherty and his team at Bara Studio in Bristol, we were delighted to provide superb new video and photo content for the website. Helping clients feel and act naturally whilst in front of the lens is a skill not to be underestimated!

Ease of use for client updating

After training for the internal team on updating and managing the content, the website was launched in August this year. Additional support will be provided post-launch in marketing and maintaining the website.

Matt Perry - Transition 15

“4D Digital have been superb in helping us develop our new website – from defining key requirements with a website audit to bringing new ideas to life. The level of support, advice and guidance has been fantastic. It’s a real pleasure working with 4D Digital.”

Matt Perry – Founder & Director, Transition 15

Website launch – NVH International

NVH International Logo

NVH International are a leading Noise Vibration & Harshness (NVH) testing and software supplier based in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire. Formed following the acquisition of the division from Anthony Best Dynamics, NVH are looking to continue building on their 38 years of industry experience.

Brand, logo & website design

Having approached 4D Digital in the spring of 2022, NVH required new branding and website design in a relatively short time frame for the launch of the new company. 4D worked with the team at NVH to develop a brand guidelines, logo and website design. Clear access to technical information was key to the success of the website project.

NVH International Logo

CMS Integration

A core element of the website included integration into internal client CMS tools. NVH needed seamless progression of prospective enquiries to fit their sales processes. Particular emphasis has been given to all email form and contact enquiries as part of ongoing lead generation.

Further support

Over the coming months 4D Digital look forward to working with NVH International to continue development of the website, reinforcing its position as a key marketing tool.

NVH International website

Case Study – Stronghold Healthcare

Stronghold Global are an established and growing supplier to trade of workwear and business goods throughout the UK. Stronghold required a new website to be quickly deployed in order to react to market changes – specifically to provide PPE supplies due to the second wave in the UK of the COVID pandemic. A short deadline of four weeks was needed in order to be able to offer both quoted goods for trade volumes and paid orders for new customers. 

4D Digital recommended existing branding for the Stronghold Global to be used as the company is well known within it’s target market, but subtle amends were used to enable the Stronghold Healthcare website to have it’s own identity.   

Stronghold Healthcare within the Stronghold Global brand

The WordPress framework was used in conjunction with WooCommerce as an ecommerce module to enable fast development prior to product and content entry. Management of the website content, orders and products by the internal team was to be a key requirement post-launch.


4D Digital worked swiftly with the team at Stronghold to specify the website requirements and deliver the website ready for launch earlier than anticipated. Orders and quote requests were active within a day of launch.  Particular importance has been placed on continual development of the website, with marketing channels set up with the internal CRM for access by the UK sales team. 

Ongoing support is in place with internal CMS training and website maintenance. 4D Digital continues to work with Stronghold on SEO and paid ad campaigns to progress the website.


Progressive Web Apps – How they can help your business

Most businesses realise that mobile technology needs to be at the forefront of any digital strategy. We all know how powerful and addictive mobile apps and websites can be. However, businesses can harness this (in a good way) by using a technology that creates a new type of mobile app or website – the Progressive Web App.

Add to Home Screen

A Progressive Web App (PWA) is a website or application that interacts with the user just as a native app would do. Unlike a native app, a PWA is not installed via an app store such as Apple’s App Store or Android’s Google Play. The application is simply a website visited by the user, who is prompted to install a shortcut onto the mobile home screen.

This seemingly small difference offers a huge benefit to anyone developing and maintaining the app. No app store means no commission fees, no time-consuming approval process every time the app is updated. In addition to bypassing the app stores, being based on web technologies enables the application to written in only one codebase – not the multiple versions that are needed to maintain iOS, Android and Windows apps. Reduced development and maintenance costs, quicker release to market – it’s easy to see why many some of even the world’s largest brands are pursuing the PWA route to market.

PWA Functionality

Only in the last two or three years have PWA’s been given access to the hardware device functions a native app could use. Camera, Microphone, Push Notifications, Geolocation, File system – all of these and more can now be accessed by mobile web technology and therefore a PWA. Transferring data on secure https connections, the ability to work offline – these are now default functionality for a PWA and make for exciting possibilities.

Starbucks leads the way

Let’s have look at three of the best PWA examples currently in use. All are from big brands who are slowly moving away from building native iOS and Android apps.

Starbucks

Like them or loath them – Starbucks have led the way with PWA apps. Featuring geo-location for nearest stores and good offline capabilities.

 

Twitter Lite

The Twitter PWA or Twitter Lite as it’s referred to, can be installed via https://mobile.twitter.com

The performance is so good that it’s easy to forget this is not a native app.

Debenhams

The might not be considered bang up-to-date in the fashion stakes, but the team at Debenhams are ‘en mode’ with this one.

https://www.debenhams.com/webapp

The future’s bright – the future’s PWA?

There may always be a place for native apps. But we would suggest that anyone looking to build a new app should seriously consider the PWA route. Reducing development cost and time as well as removing the need for app store approval, can make a serious difference to any new project.

Update – November 2020

Since we put this blog together in August 2018, the PWA has grown even further in popularity. Major brand names such as Uber and Lyft have both explored the PWA route.