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.
“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.”
4D Digital are pleased to be renewing our sponsorship for our local rugby club, Corsham RFC, for the 2022-23 season. We are Player Sponsor for first team player Adam Draper. Adam plays centre for Corsham and is part of the 1st XV who play compete in Counties 2 Tribute Dorset & Wilts Central, Dorset & Wilts Cup and the Bath Combination Cup.
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.
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.
In June this year Google began rolling out a major change to the way its search engine rankings are displayed. This is important because in the UK over 93% of all searches use Google, and many businesses rely on search engine traffic to generate new enquiries through their websites.
Although Google already had user experience factors within its algorithm, the new update was to include a revised Page Experience ranking method. Previously websites were encouraged to be mobile- and tablet-friendly, and to enable secure browsing through use of HTTPS connections. The Google Page Experience update, however, included a number of new ranking factors, and after some delay was rolled out from mid-June 2021.
What are the new ranking factors?
A core focus of the update was to include metrics involving how fast your website page loads. Firstly, Google checks to see how long it takes for the most important content on the page to load. This largest contentful paint timing (LCP) is key to a good user experience, and if your website takes over 2.5 seconds to load then its ranking can be adversely affected. Large and too many images, slow scripts and poor website hosting are among the main factors that cause a poor LCP rating.
The next loading factor included is a measure of how the page loads visually. If you’ve ever noticed the elements on a page moving around and changing position as a page loads (often caused by too many adverts on the page), then you’ve seen what Google refers to as Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS). A low CLS score is indicative of a website that loads smoothly and allows the user to start viewing content without too many interruptions.
If you’ve ever had to wait for a page to load before being able to complete a form, such as a contact page enquiry, then you’ve suffered from First Input Delay or FID. This delay is another sign of a slow loading page, as website code is required to load before your browser lets you enter form details. Frustrating to the user, and another usability factor that Google looks at.
Non-intrusive advertising
The last major metric Google has introduced is around the use of advertising on website pages. Not considered to be an issue in itself, the problem can arise (and we all know the media/newspaper websites that are the worst offenders) when a page has so many adverts and popup messages that the page content itself becomes difficult to access. Again, within the theme of keeping usability at the forefront, if adverts are used on a website they need to load quickly and efficiently, with minimal interruption to the main content. If not, the website will start to lose importance as far as Google is concerned.
How can these Page Experience factors be measured?
Helpfully, Google has added to its Search Engine Console tool a section for Page Experience. This includes data on Core Web Vitals as well as a report on the mobile usability of your website. Building over time as Google measures how users interact with your website, the data provided indicates which usability areas are performing well, and those that need attention.
Google Search Engine Console – Mobile Usability Report
Existing ranking factors still matter
Although these new Page Experience ranking metrics are seen as important by Google (and give an indication of how its algorithm may alter over the next few years), the existing reasons why your website will rank highly on search engines still very much remain. If your page has content that is relevant to the search term and is regularly updated, within a website that is easy to use and well presented, then you are going a long way to ranking highly for that search term.
If you think your website would benefit from some work on the points we’ve raised above, or would just like a view on what may be needed to improve it’s performance, please email us on contact@4d-digital.co.uk or call our office on 01249 561010.
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.
4D Digital are delighted to launch the new website for Wiltshire-based company Industrial Mergers & Acquisitions (IMA). IMA are a team of consultants working with acquisitions and mergers in the energy and industrial sector.
4D Digital have worked with IMA within a short timescale to provide branding, website, email, social media setup and printed materials, supporting the company launch in May 2020.
LinkedIn banner
Improved website build times
Using the latest WordPress framework enabled a fast development time, thus keeping down project costs. The framework has superb content management and straightforward integration with external providers such as MailChimp and Google Analytics.
WordPress page editing
Ongoing support
We look forward to working with IMA, offering ongoing support and experience in helping their business grow. Our services include Web design in Wiltshire, SEO and Digital Marketing.
WordPress continues it’s growth as the most popular website CMS and blogging platform, and here we look at the most popular and effective ecommerce plugins available.
Updated May 2020
With the ongoing government restrictions due to COVID-19, the ability for businesses to sell online is clearly gaining in importance. With over 14 years experience in helping clients move into ecommerce, we would like to help businesses should they wish to make the step to sell online. We are offering free phone call consultations, simply call our office on 01249 561010 to arrange a callback or video meeting.
WooCommerce
By far the leading ecommerce plugin for WordPress, with over 29% of market share according to Datanyze most recent report, WooCommerce is still the leading solution for selling online with the framework. It’s a go-to platform for 4D Digital, and we have extensive experience in developing and extending it’s capabilities.
With a large selection of extensions, WooCommerce can cover most website needs and it’s huge contributor base means that any security updates are monitored and released with good regularity.
Easy Digital Downloads
As it’s name implies, Easy Digital Downloads offers a solution for those who are looking to sell download files such as music, articles or eBooks. With an easy set up, website owners can relatively quickly have their very own digital sales platform running.
With the basic plugin free, the premium very of Easy Digital Downloads offers extended functionality regarding email marketing and payment gateway integration.
BigCommerce
BigCommerce is a standalone ecommerce software solution that has gained popularity in recent years. Many would argue that it’s checkout experience is superior to WooCommerce. Now that the WordPress plugin for BigCommerce has moved out of beta, this is going to be a serious option for WordPress retailers in 2019.
The short answer: Yes, with now 1 billion active users TikTok is labelled as the fastest growing social media app of all time. The app was originally known as Musically, which was used to create short lip sync videos. However over the past 2 years this has developed this further into an advanced video editing tool.
How could it benefit your business?
TikTok is a great marketing tool for business, as it’s easy to gain exposure from relevant hashtags and target audiences. Statistics state that 41% of the market are ages between 16 – 24, which is to do with the growth of ‘Generation Z’. Although this may not be your ideal demographic, it does leave 59% of the market open for targeting your current audience.
Just like any other social media apps that you may already be using, you can follow other users, like and comment on content, and share that content to other platforms.
Video Boosts Conversions and Sales
As many of us know video content can make you some serious profit. Now that there is a rise in influencers, many individuals are charging anywhere from £100 to £2,000 per promotional video post.
Video is showing great ROI and statistically 83% of businesses have said that it has benefited their current growth. The other great benefit of video is that it doesn’t have to be the perfect edit. Some of the most viral videos have been recorded on a mobile phone and even most devices record in 1080p or higher!
Videos less than two minutes get the most engagement because they are short, eye catching and have the clearest message.
How do I start using the app?
To download TikTok you will need to go to the App Store or Google Play Store.
Account setup
Fill out your business information, email, phone username etc
Complete your bio information – add a short business description
Add your profile picture or logo
Go to click the “•••” and click ‘pro version’ to add your analytics
Start creating videos!
Once you hit 1000 followers you will be able to live stream
How can you promote your business on TikTok?
The best way for your business to stand out is to create fun content. If you are able give advice, show creativity or start challenges you will definitely get noticed on the platform.
Hashtags
It’s very common for businesses to launch a hashtag challenge in order to get their content trending.
Business Example: Last year a hashtag was trending on TikTok called “#businesscheck”. The concept was to explain or show the process of your product or service in 15 seconds.
Multiple businesses got exposure to millions of new people, made more connections and increased overall revenue from one viral video. By simply promoting the video online and adding relevant hashtags, it allowed businesses to tap into their desired target audience.
Online Advertising
It seemed inevitable, and sure enough advertising is now possible on TikTok. There are four ways your business can target users:
Infeed Native Content: Similar to snapchat, this video will appear in users home feeds, you can promote app downloads or link clicks.
Brand Takeovers: Brands can take over the tiktok platform for the day by promoting banners, images, links to landing pages.
Hashtag Challenges: Instead of following others trends, you business can set the challenge and promote a hashtag to go viral!
Branded Lenses: Create your own branded lens or filter that users will want to use, and link it back to your page.
For our third offer of 2018 #blogmas, we’re offering the chance to have a Free Local SEO Assessment. This report looks at how your website ranks for a given set of keywords, in your area. Local search results can be a useful tool to gain traffic and enquiries.
All we ask it that you use our contact page to get in touch before the end of January and within 2/3 working days we’ll send you a report to let you know what could be improved and those aspects that are being done well.
Local search results are a great way to market your business through Google or other search engines. Many businesses are suited to local marketing, and with a Local SEO Assessment we guide you through the latest techniques.
In recent months, social media signals have had more importance in Google’s search results. Some experts believe social posts are now one of the top ranking signals for your website.
Why is social media important?
Social media is important not only to individuals but also small businesses. If you utilise it correctly, it will create many opportunities for you to grow and connect better with your target audience.
Did you know that Facebook has an estimated 2.7 billion people using it every day. They have one of the largest databases across on social applications, also owning Whats App, Instagram and Messenger.
Increases brand awareness
With nearly half of the world’s population using some form of social media, it is now becoming a natural place to share & promote your brand. Social media advertising now gives you a way to target your audience effectively and achieve worth while results.
Values & authenticity
Social media brings real value to your community with content, images, offers and discounts. It now gives you the ability to build real relations with your customers, whilst also allowing you to give someone back to them.
Increases Website Traffic
Whilst posting content is beneficial to your followers, you can redirect your traffic straight to your website. Links from social media to your website are developing as strong ranking signals for SEO. Did you know that your twitter and instagram links can be found in the search results?
Ad Targeting
Online advertisement is one of the most popular ways to generate leads in 2019. It displays valuable data that gives your better insight in your customer behaviour using analytics. Facebook is one of the most cost effective forms of online advertisement and it also provides one of the largest databases.
Whilst ad targeting is popular, it can also be easily spent if small businesses don’t know how to optimise their ads correctly.
Why should you post content?
Content on social media is what makes up the internet. Just like a website, if we didn’t have quality content, we wouldn’t have a working web.
Images & video
Social media started very basic, it used to always be messages and captions updating friends on their daily life. However updated quickly because it gave businesses and users the chance to show their skills through images and video.
32% of marketers say that images are the best form of content, and this is why the photography industry has grown drastically over the past years. Companies are finding it easier pick up a camera and generate their own unique style of content to display their audience.
Video is now continuing to grow in industry, driving customers away from still visuals and directing them to something authentic. Video is also introducing other areas such as augmented reality, 3D photos and drone footage.
Grow a following
Having an audience on social media gives you a better representation of customer loyalty. It demonstrates who wants to continue following your content and also who will return again as a regular customer.
Followers have also given brands trust and strong authority across the web, giving them higher success and growth rate in the long run. Marketers also believe that having a strong follower increases brand awareness by 91%!
