https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/ Areca Design RSS News Feed Before COVID-19 your business may have been successfully operating without any need for an e-commerce website. However, due to the pandemic consumer buyer behaviours have now changed with more and more people spending money online.This fact simply highlights the importance of having a e-commerce website  for your business but also the importance of getting it right.Here are our top tips for your e-commerce website;1. Avoid too much clutterMake your e-commerce website simple and clean. People need to be able to see your products clearly and in the best light. Make sure any call to action buttons such as ?buy now? are clear to the customer visiting your site. If they are not, then people will not know how to purchase your products. 2. Include a search barThis is extremely important especially if you have a large amount of products on your site. Ensure people can get to what they are looking for in the quickest way possible. This will encourage customers to buy from you instead of leaving your website and purchasing from else where. 3. Set up automated abandonment basket emailsA great way to generate more sales is to remind people what they added to their basket but didn?t actually purchase. You know the user is interested in the product, they just didn?t purchase right away. A great way to make the sale is to add a 10% discount code for that product into your abandoned basket email. 4. Ensure your website accepts as many payment options as possibleNot everyone will want to pay with a VISA or MasterCard. Ensure you have as many ways to pay as possible including PayPal and ApplePay. This will enable as many people as possible can purchase from you site. Need any support with your e-commerce site? Let us know! https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Get_your_Ecommerce_website_right--post--292.html 292 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/How-much-is-an-eCommerce-website.jpg 2021-08-31 10:40:39 1 If you are looking to reach new audiences, drive traffic to your website or even boost your conversion rates, you may want to explore Facebook ads.However, the true question is are they right for your business and will the ROI be worth it?Well here are some key pro’s and con’s to utilising Facebook ads for your business. Pro’s of Facebook advertising1. Fantastic reporting and analytics toolsWith Facebook ads, the platform provides you with an extensive report on how well your ad is performing. This means that you are able to adapt your advertising strategy to get the best results.  2. You will reach far more people through a paid post than an organic postTired of posting on your Facebook business page but seeing little to no reach and interaction. Well one quick way to solve this is through Facebook paid advertising. You don’t need a massive budget to do this as Facebook gives a lot of bang for your buck however, you do need to spend something.  3. Its cheap!As a business owner, with an effective target audience strategy you can reach a larger audience for a relatively low cost. This means that you can ultimately made money off your ad from reaching such a large audience for such little cost.  Con’s to Facebook advertising1. It’s not the most popular social platform anymoreWith the huge growth of TikTok, Youtube and Instagram, Facebook isn’t the most popular social platform anymore. It really does depend on your businesses target audience and whether they are on Facebook or not. If not, then Facebook ads may not work for you.  2. It’s diminishing organic reachThe reason why you maybe tired of not seeing any organic reach on your posts is because Facebook wants you to spend money on promoting your content. Unfortunately, the more businesses pay for their posts the lower and lower organic reach is getting.  3. Users have to be on their newsfeed to see your adsFor your target audience to view and see your paid ad, they have to be logged into Facebook and actively using the app. However, with Google Adwords anyone browsing the internet via Google has the opportunity to be exposed to your ad.  Ultimately, it depends on your business and the target audience you would like to reach to whether Facebook ads will work for you. In general, it is cheaper than Google Adwords but also limited with exposure.  Would you like to explore Facebook advertising but unsure how to get started? Well, contact us today, our online marketing team will be able to support your business with this.   https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Facebook_ads_pros_and_cons--post--291.html 291 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Facebook-Ads-Cover.png 2021-08-02 15:10:39 1 If you have a personal Facebook account, I am sure you are apart of many Facebook groups. However, have you considered how you can use Facebook groups for your business?No? Keep reading?Build a communityFacebook groups are a great way to build communities. Your business can utilise this by creating specific groups for specific customers. For example, if you are a beauty salon you could create a VIP customer Facebook group where you share discount codes, last minuet appointments and beauty tips to your loyal customers. Alternatively, your customers can ask questions, share pictures and ask for appointments in the group. This helps to build a customer community for your business leading to more repeat customers. Event promotionFacebook groups are perfect for event promotion. Certain groups now allow business pages to join meaning that, for example if you are hosting a running event and find a group of people interested in running, you can share this event into their group from your business page. This will help to boost your reach, brand awareness and will drive interest for the event. Provide added value to your customersA great way to utilise Facebook Groups is to add value to your services. You can create a private  Facebook group and only accept specific customers into this. For example, if you are a Personal Trainer you could create a private Facebook group, add in your clients and then share exclusive diet, exercise and motivational tips. This keeps them focused and on track outside of their 1 to 1 sessions adding value to the offer. Gaining organic reach on a Facebook business page is difficult due to Facebook wanting businesses to spend money through advertisement. However, a way around this is utilising Facebook groups as outlined above. So boost your Facebook success today and start using groups!Confused on where to start with digital marketing? Well don?t worry, we can help your business! Give us a call today on 01386 570360 or simply email SalesTeam@arecadesign.co.uk https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/How_your_business_can_utilise_Facebook_Groups--post--290.html 290 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Facebook-Groups1-1024x576.jpg 2021-07-12 07:31:46 1 In the social media world, 2020 was the year of TikTok. Mass adoption of the new platform saw the app shoot to success, in particular with the younger generation.But is it just kids dancing and lip syncing or can it actually benefit your business? Well, here?s 5 ways the app can?1.It?s growing!Here are a few stats that you can not ignore as a business owner:It has 500 million active users globallyOn average, 1 million videos are viewed on TikTok dailyIt was the most downloaded app on the AppStore in 201990% of TikTok user access the app more than once a day2. Easy way to reach a large audience.Unfortunately, with other social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, they are now trying to profit from ads making organic reach rather difficult. However, TikTok is still new and growing meaning that the app pushes your content to as many accounts as possible. This means that from one piece of content, you could reach thousands of people which would likely cost you through ads on the other social media channels. 3. Marketing doesn?t look like marketing.Businesses currently utilising TikTok are being very clever. People don?t want to see ?ads? anymore. However, on TikTok you can create a short video showcasing your business without making it look like an ad. For example, you can do behind the scenes, product videos, team videos or even jump on fun trends. 4. It doesn?t take hours to generate content.The point in TikTok is short, sharp and snappy. The content doesn?t even need to be high quality meaning that you can create a video in seconds, edit and upload it. There is even a 100 character word limit meaning that you don?t need to spend hours creating a caption to support your post. This is a great way of creating and publishing content as a busy business owner. 5. The largest age group in the UK is aged 18-24.Now you may read this and think, well my target audience isn?t individuals aged 18-24 and if that is the case then TikTok may not be right for your business. However, it is still a fantastic way to increase brand awareness and exposure. If you create trending and entertaining TikTok?s people will watch them. So for example, if a parent or grandparent mentions to their 18-24 year old ?I am looking for a mortgage advisor? and they have seen you on TikTok creating entertaining videos about mortgages they will 100% mention your business as a recommendation. See how this could snowball?Think you want to try TikTok for your business but nervous about approaching the platform? Well we can help! Contact us today.  https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/5_reasons_your_business_should_jump_on_TikTok--post--289.html 289 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/1000x-1.jpg 2021-06-27 09:10:51 1 Google analytics is a fantastic website tracking and reporting tool that will help you analysis your website success, ROI and audience. The tool has a huge amount of reporting features that you can dive into but here are our top must use: Audience ReportsGet to understand your website users through the audience overview data. In this overview, you can explore user demographics, geo- location, interests and browsing behaviours. Analysing this data will help you to get to know your audience and ultimately adapt your website to best suit their needs leading to an improved user experience. Behaviour flowTrack the exact moves your users make on your site through the behaviour flow data. This diagram shows you the sessions per page, drop offs per page and click throughs to another page. Looking at this data, if you see a huge amount of drop offs on a particular page ask yourself why? Is the content poor? Does the page take a while to load? Have you got any call to actions on the page? Work out why, change it, then track the results to see if the drop offs decrease.       Website TrafficFind out where your users are coming from. Do they visit from a direct Google search, social media post or another website? For example, if a large percentage of your users are visiting direct from Facebook then put more of your marketing energy into promoting your website on Facebook, this is obviously where your audience are.  Need help setting up Google Analytics tracking on your website? Do not stress, we can help! Contact us today. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/How_to_use_Google_Analytics_to_measure_website_success--post--288.html 288 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/mockup-of-a-macbook-pro-placed-on-a-desk-by-a-magazine-494-el.png 2021-06-02 21:34:04 1 Email marketing is a fantastic element of the digital marketing mix. Businesses can utilise this form of digital marketing to communicate directly to its customers with the aim of building trust, relationships and consumer confidence. However, getting email marketing right isn?t alway as easy as it seems. Here are a few tips on how to make the most of your email marketing efforts;1. Segment your audience groupsDoes your business have a number of different customer groups? If so, never send the same email to all of your groups. Segmenting your email content will allow you to create more relevant and specific emails for the reader. 2. Get personal Making your emails personal to the reader is critical to the success of your campaign. You can personalise your email marketing by; addressing the individual by name, solving a subscribers needs, answering the readers questions or simply by providing relevant content to the individual. 3. Avoiding constant promotionsPromotions aren?t everything! While the goal of your email marketing campaign might be to drive sales and grow your business, using promotional emails aren?t always the best approach. The heart of your email marketing should be about nurturing your customers, building relationships and providing lifetime value. Need help with your email marketing campaigns? Look no further we can offer help and support through our online marketing team. Simply contact us today and never look back! https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Email_Marketing_how_to_get_it_right--post--287.html 287 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/over-the-shoulder-view-mockup-of-a-man-using-an-imac-36832-r-el2.png 2021-05-25 15:31:39 1 Updating your website content on a regular basis is extremely important. This will boost your SEO rankings and ultimately make your website more valuable to the user. However, there are some pitfalls to avoid when it comes to website content.  1.Vanity ArticlesAvoid writing articles that are completely focused on yourself. People don’t want to read about how amazing you are, instead try and write articles that solve people’s problems. For example, if you are a cleaning company, upload blog articles such as ‘How to get red wine out of carpet’.   This type of ‘problem solving’ content is likely to be searched in Google which will mean that people are more likely to come across your website rather than just writing blogs about yourself.  2. Not thinking about the readerA huge mistake to avoid when it comes to website content is not thinking about the reader. When you are writing content, think about it from your customers point of view. What would they like to learn, know, discover about your business, products or services. Tailoring this content to your customers will provide a better user experience meaning that they are more likely to buy into your business.  3. It might not work for everyoneAs a business, you may have a number of different customer groups that you are trying to target through your website. If so, always think about how to speak to each customer group. For example, a personal training business may write a website blog article about ‘fat loss’. However, they may have customers that also want to gain weight. To overcome this, simply add an additional call to action in the article such as ‘however, if you are looking to gain weight read our previous article on smart weight gain… click here’.  We hope you found these pitfalls useful and now know what to avoid when writing website content. If you ever need help or support with writing website content, then do not hesitate to contact us. We have an excellent team here at Areca Design. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Website_Content_Pitfalls--post--286.html 286 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/imac-mockup-of-a-man-working-2146-el1.png 2021-04-30 11:13:14 1 For all businesses now living in this digital world, having a website is a must. However, getting your website seen and noticed on search engines, such as Google, isn?t as straight forward. Here are our 5 top tips on how to get your website noticed:1. Create a blog sectionContinuously updating your website through a strategy such as blog writing, will help to get your website noticed. Having these extra pages is an opportunity to use more keywords throughout your site. But remember? quality over quantity. Google ranks your blog post by the number of people that visits it, not just the number of keywords. 2. ReviewsUtilise Google reviews. The more reviews your website has, and the better they are, the more likely your site is going to get seen. To do this, encourage satisfied customers to leave your business a review. The more the better. Tip- Make sure you respond to all review, both positive and negative. 3. Utilise social mediaOne of the easiest ways to get your website noticed is to post on social media. To do this use your call to action on your post to direct your audience to a certain area of your site. For example; want to learn more? click the link below.4. Think about your page titlesWhen it comes to your page titles, you want both Google and searchers to find them. Make sure you are using keywords that explain the page content but also grab peoples attention. This way more people are likely to click onto your site. 5. Images are keyYou will be surprised, people use Google images a lot to search for things. Utilise this by including high quality images of your products and services on your website. But don?t forget to choose an appropriate file name and add a caption to describe the image. Looking to get your website noticed on Google? Well don?t panic if this sounds overwhelming, we at Areca Design have a fantastic digital team that can help.Simply contact us today. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/How_to_get_your_website_seen_on_Google--post--285.html 285 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Untitled%20design-8.png 2021-04-12 09:22:37 1 Website design trends are always changing, like fashion, things go in and out of season. Because of this, we wanted to share with you what’s hot in the world of website design in 2021.  Horizontal Scrolling:According to research, horizontal scrolling is making a come back in the world of website design. This style of scrolling has been utilised to zoom in on large images or to highlight key parts of text throughout a website. For example, if you have an important quote or fact that you would like to enhance, you could do this by utilising this design feature.  3D Visuals:Thanks to high resolution screens, 3D design visuals can now be utilised to a high quality standard. Using 3D visuals in a minimalistic way throughout your site provides a bold and quirky look and feel. However, over doing it on the 3D design can look blocky and become annoying to the website user.  Augmented Reality (AR) experiences:Thanks to the development of AR, it no longer only means searching for Pokemon on your mobile phone. New software and technology means that we are now able to utilise AR to provide an outstanding user experience. For example, Jeep utilises AR for their build a Jeep feature which helps the customer visually experience their Jeep through their screen.  Want to bring your website up to date with new design features? Well, we can help! Contact us for a chat.   https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/2021_Website_Design_Trends--post--284.html 284 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/web-design-trends-featured-image-web-final.jpg 2021-03-27 12:32:02 1 As we are in lockdown with may businesses and industries still on pause, we thought we would provide you with a checklist of things you can do to get your website up to date ready for when business is open again. Website Checklist:1. Imagery:Utilise this time to update the images on your website. Have you got images that are years old or are stock images that you purchase? Yes? Remove them! Find recent high quality images that you can use that best display and showcase your business. Worst case, use this time to hire a professional photographer to take pictures of your products and services so that you can update your website content. 2. Website copy:Is your website copy up to date? When was the last time you published a blog post? Utilise this time to go through every page on your website and make sure that all your copy is up to date. If it has been a while since you wrote a blog post, create a few and schedule them to go out over the next couple of months. This way you will have up to date content continuously being published meaning that when your business is back open you don?t have to worry about updating your site. 3. Links: Check that all your links work! Spend time going through your website to double check that all your links work. This is especially important for any external links. Make sure they are still relevant and actually lead to a trustworthy and valuable sites. 4. Website speed:Check your website speed. Is it taking a while for a page to load? This could be due to unclean code, unoptimised images/ videos or too much flash content. If your website is taking a while to load then search engines will penalise this as it provides a bad user experience.5. Forms:Do you have contact us/ booking forms on your website? Yes? Then make sure they still work. Test that the forms actually collect the data you want and are sent to the correct place. If these forms do not work then you could be missing out on loads of customer website leads. Need help updating any of the above? Well our team at Areca Design can help you! Simply contact us with your questions. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Things_you_can_do_to_update_your_website_during_lockdown--post--283.html 283 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/imac-mockup-standing-on-a-wooden-desk-against-a-diagonal-ray-of-sun-light-a20980-2.png 2021-03-08 10:24:36 1 Search Engine Optimisation is the principle of improving your website traffic quality and quantity. This effort focuses on unpaid traffic rather than paid search ads. There are a few simple elements that you can begin with to enable your SEO to be more efficient…  1. Remove ANYTHING that slows your website down.When it comes to SEO, page speed is important. A slow loading website or web page will provide a bad experience for the user and will make your site seem untrustworthy. Usually this will lead to users bouncing off your site and clicking the next link in their search engine results. This will then leave you with a high bounce rate affecting your future search rankings.  2. Utilise links from other websites.Link building is a fundamental part of SEO. Including links on your website to other relevant and trustworthy sites will provide a better user experience ultimately leading to improved search results. You can include links to your partners, clients and customer sites or you can include links in your website blog to other relevant content linked to your blog topic.  3. Publish consistent and quality content. Make sure you keep updating your website content. You can do this by regularly updating;Blog/ news sectionPictures, images and video contentProducts & ServicesTeam profiles 4. Keep your URL structure simple and easy to read. Keep your URL structure simple so that the search engine and user can understand what content your page covers. Avoid URL’s that include a list of numbers on the end, for example joeblog/article/2739473 as this will explain nothing about what the article content includes. Remember to try and keep your URL short and sweet.  5. Encourage other partners to link to your website.Inbound linking is also extremely important. Try and encourage your partners, clients and customers to share links to your website on their site. This will help to increase the credibility of your website again leading to higher SEO success.  Sounds good but unsure where to start with this? Don’t worry, we can help! Our team at Areca Design can help with all your SEO requirements, simply contact us today.   https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/SEO_tips_to_improve_your_website_traffic--post--282.html 282 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/20160912191005-SEO-1300x867.jpg 2021-02-24 12:10:28 1 COVID-19 has certainly thrown many businesses into a state of uncertainty with lockdowns and restrictions impacting on business operation. However, whatever your business or industry it is important that you maintain your online marketing efforts. Why? This will enable you to stay relevant and available in some capacity throughout and beyond the pandemic. Following this, here are our three digital marketing tips to help maintain your business relevance and availability during this lockdown.  1.Social Media Marketing:Continuing to post content on your social media channels throughout lockdown will help your business maintain at the forefront of your customers minds. Whether you can operate from home or not, posting on social media will remind your audience of what your business offers by creating a desire for your products and services.  2. Website Blog’s:Keep your website content updated by publishing relevant blogs. This could be; latest industry trends, meet the team, behind the scenes or new products and services. Updating your website content will help to improve your sites SEO meaning that when people search for your products or services you will rank higher on the search engine results. This means that people are more likely to find your business online.  3. Video Marketing:Video content is huge, especially when many people are sat at home on their mobile phones with nothing to do but watch entertaining video’s. Jump on the back of this current trend and promote your business through video. Whether it’s a YouTube video, Instagram reel, TikTok or a Facebook live, get creative and have some fun.  Sounds great but unsure where to start with digital marketing? Well don’t worry, we can help! Contact the team today by emailing salesteam@arecadesign.co.uk or by giving us a call on 01386 570360.  https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/How_Digital_Marketing_can_help_your_business_during_Lockdown--post--281.html 281 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/s3-news-tmp-980-cellphone-cellular-telephone-close-up-2556700--default--1280.jpg 2021-01-31 13:36:51 1 Have you had to close your shop again as the UK plunges into another Lockdown?COVID 19 has certainly highlighted to us all the importance of digital, from the video calls to stay connected to our families to online shopping. E-commerce websites have grown dramatically over the past year as you can imagine. Here are our top 5 reasons why e-commerce websites are as important now more than ever. 1. Helps to reduce costs:Now a days, you don?t have to have a physical space to sell your products. Actually, selling online will help to reduce your overhead costs dramatically. For example, you can save on costs such as rent, electricity, water and other key bills. This will help to increase your business profits as costs reduce. 2. Ship Global:The beauty of having an E-commerce website is that you can sell your products to a global audience! With a physical store you are limited to a geographical area. However, online you can reach a massive audience with no limits on who you can connect with. 3. Better marketing opportunities with E-commerce:Selling online offers a massive opportunity with regards to marketing your business and online store. Marketing tools such as social media, email marketing, search engine marketing and pay per click advertising can help you generate a massive footfall to your site. Again, reaching a much larger audience compared to a physical store. 4. Open 24/7:Compared to a physical shop, online you can be open 24/7. This means that you can actually generate income while you sleep! Opening 24/7 means that you are available for the customer whenever they are ready to purchase but also means you will save costs on staffing the business during its opening hours as an e-commerce website will run itself. 5. Ultimately increase sales:Really, to conclude all the above points into one main point is that an e-commerce website will help you to increase sales. Everything mentioned above will help to reduce your costs and expose you to a much larger audience with much more opportunity. Are you looking to sell your products online? Well, we can help you create your dream online e-commerce website. Please contact us today by emailing salesteam@arecadesign.co.uk or by giving us a call on 01386 570360. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Importance_of_an_Ecommerce_Website--post--280.html 280 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Blog-Post-Banners-3-1.png 2021-01-17 17:52:55 1 Happy New Year! 2021 is finally here? so let's check out what the website industry is saying about fashionable trends that will appear in 2021. From research, here are 3 trends that we could see in website design in 2021:1. Scrolling feature.User engagement on your website is always important. So one way to increase user engagement and interaction on your website in 2021 is to implement the scroll feature. Scrolling is a subtle form of interaction but website designers are ramping this up to make each scroll feel like a new page. This can be done through full colour scheme changes or animations of text and graphics. Check out this website as an example of the scroll feature.2. Three dimension colours.Gradient colour schemes on websites have been growing in popularity for a few years, however this year web design could go a step further with three dimension colours. Similar to Apple?s designs, three dimensional colours make it feel as though you can pick the icons straight out of the screen. This is done through fine shading and rounded edges of your on screen icons. 3. Easy on the eye colour schemes. Due to the digital shift in 2020 with more people spending time online, we now need websites with easy to digest colour schemes. To avoid user eye strain, web designers need to find the balance between light and dark. Soft colour palettes such as pastel greens and light browns are more calming and easier to visually view. This will help us to view more content with comfort. Well, keep your eye out for these trends in 2021 and let?s see how popular they become!Has this blog made you feel that your website is starting to look a bit dated? Don?t worry, we have a fantastic website design team that can give your website a revamp making your design and features more modern and trendy. Give us a call to talk about your ideas on 01386 570360 or enquire on our website at www.arecadesign.co.uk. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/2021_Website_Trends--post--279.html 279 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/960x0.jpg 2021-01-02 18:24:37 1 Well 2020 has certainly been a ‘different’ year! Due to the world wide pandemic, we now communicate with each other differently as human to human contact has been limited. As like many businesses, your business may have been affected by this, switching to the world of digital communication. 2020 has seen a massive boom in video conferencing due to meetings, networking events and social events heading online.  According to ITPro, at the start of the pandemic Zoom reported a revenue growth of 169% as people flooded online at the start of lockdown. However, even though Zoom is a very popular and easy to use video conferencing tool, there are alternatives out there that could be more suitable for your business.  Microsoft Teams:Microsoft Teams is a feature of Office 365 meaning that if your business already operates in Outlook or Sharepoint, this conferencing software will be a tight fit within your business operations. However, if you do not already operate in Office 365, don’t worry anyone can sign up using a personal email address to access the free version. The free version includes;Up to 300 membersGuest accessOne-to-one video callsGroup video callsAudio callsFile sharingScreen sharing Find out more about Microsoft teams. Cisco WebEx:Believe it or not, WebEx was founded in 1995 and acquired by Cisco in 2007 meaning that this video conferencing software has been around much before the COVID pandemic. Cisco WebEx also offers a free version for up to three users. The features on the free version include:HD videoScreen sharingRecording options50 participants per meeting40minuet meeting time cap However, if you find this free version a bit too basic for your business needs, there is different paid plan options that you can choose from that will unlock more features. This video conferencing may not be the cheapest option but certainly a good investment with the paid plans.  Click here to find out more about Cisco WebEx. Google Hangouts Meet:Google Hangouts Meet is the video conferencing business tool for G suite subscribers. The service is designed to work in a Google Chrome browser meaning that if a lot of your current business operations is already focused around Googles apps and software then Google Hangouts Meet is for you.  External participants can also join your meetings but the features you can access highly depends on the G suite subscription access your business already has.  Learn more about Google Hangouts Meet.  Hopefully you found this video conferencing alternatives blog useful. If you would like any advice or more information about different video conferencing tools, then do not hesitate to contact us. We can hopefully give you some more advice on which conferencing software fits best within your business.  Contact the team today. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Video_conferencing_alternatives_Which_one_is_best_for_your_business--post--278.html 278 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/mockup-of-a-man-working-on-a-macbook-pro-at-home-2443-el1.png 2020-12-07 19:29:28 1 Does your organisation have a Google My Business account? Not sure what it is?Well, do not worry! We have all the answers for you here?Google My Business is a FREE marketing tool that enables your business profile to be listed across Google Search and Maps. The tool enables you to connect with customers across Google, understanding how they interact with your brand. So what are the benefits to having a Google My Business Account? 1.It?s FREE.As mentioned above, Google My Business is a free tool for businesses to use. It helps to promote your organisation across the search engine, enabling you to reach a huge audience. 2. Aimed at local businesses.Google My Business is aimed at helping small to medium sized organisations establish their mark on Google Maps. This is especially useful when people in a local area are searching for things such as ?restaurants near me?. If you have a Google My Business account, it will pull up your website and inform the individual on how close your restaurant is to them, ultimately promoting your business to the customer. 3. Better search visibility. Having an account will improve your websites search visibility, ultimately improving the sites search engine optimisation (SEO). Over time, as people search for keywords that link to your business, for example ?Hairdressers Evesham?, having an account will help to pull up your website. The more this happens and the more people click onto your website, the higher you will start to show in the search engine rankings. 4. Better knowledge of your audience.Google My Business will also provide you with free insights on your customers. These insights will help you to understand your customers actions more, for example are they clicking onto your website or picking up the phone? This will then help you tailor your communication efforts hopefully leading to a higher future lead generation. So why is Google My Business so important during Lockdown? Well, additionally to the above, the tool is also a fantastic communication tool that you can utilise to quickly inform your customers about any changes. For example, if your business shop or unit has had to shut because of the lockdown, you can list your organisation as temporary closed. This will avoid people trying to visit your unit whilst you are not operating. You can also change your open hours quickly. So for example if your business premises is operating on reduced hours during the lockdown, you can again inform customers of this through Google My Business. Communicating to your customers is certainly key to establish and remain positive relationships. If you need any support with creating a Google my Business account, or advice on SEO, then please do not hesitate to contact us. Give us a call to talk about your requirements on 01386 570360 or Enquire on our website at www.arecadesign.co.uk. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Importance_of_Google_My_Business_during_Lockdown--post--277.html 277 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/mockup-of-an-imac-placed-on-a-minimalistic-table-by-a-houseplant-36572-r-el2-2%20(1).png 2020-11-21 15:34:58 1 Now more than ever, the ability to attract, engage and bring visitors back to your bespoke website design, is critical to the success of your company.  Video can be a creative way to get noticed and stand out from your competition, bespoke videos are a great option that provides many benefits to your website design and company brand.  Below are top 10 benefits, of adding custom video to your website development.Deliver your message quicklyA bespoke video is a great way to get your message across in a format the viewer will quickly and easily digest.  Video should completely replace written content on your website design, but it is a great complement to your website copy and will strengthen your message overall.Website visitors are more engaged by videoWell thought out and engaging video is a great way to bring visitors to your website through improved search engine rankings, enhancing your website design to get them focussed on your message in serveral ways (visually, audibly, etc) and get them to spend more time on your website. Bespoke video offers the unique advantage over other forms of content because it does not just tell visitors about your company, product, or service ? it SHOWS them. As a rule, people learn and remember information better if they are actively engaged. Bespoke video accomplishes the goal of your website actively engaging visitors.Increase your reachJust as you can increase your reach by integrating your blog with social media networks, you can do the same with custom videos.  By both sharing your video through your own social media networks and allowing visitors to share do the same through theirs, you create the opportunity for your video to go viral.  Remember, post that video to your YouTube channel (Google loves YouTube videos) so you have an additional place to promote, and to get promoted.Social Media is how you can really maximize your reach and how your video will get seen by consumers or businesses that might not have otherwise.  If they video is truly engaging and has strong calls to action, that is going to result in an increase in new visitors to your website.Stand out from your competitionIn a world of ?me too? companies, bespoke video is a great way to differentiate yourself from your competition via your website design.  The simple truth is, not many companies have the vision, the creativity, or the guts to put a living, breathing representation of their company and product/service on their website design.  Those that do will have a major advantage over their competition.  Bespoke videos on your web design will make you stand out.Encourage regular visits to your websiteGetting someone to visit your website design once is a good thing, getting them to come back over and over again is the best thing.  Every time someone comes back to your website, it is an opportunity to expose them to your value propositions and encourage them to take specific buying actions.  A great way to get people to regularly visit your website is to add exciting, engaging and useful videos that deliver your targeted message and provide value to viewers. This benefit is especially true if you are using video to educate your website visitors about an issue, topic, or other area of concern.  Want to teach your website visitors how to use your product in their home?  Or, rather than one long video, break it up into segments for each use and promote when the next video will be released at the end of each video. Have a list of benefits your clients will receive from using your service?  Create a short video for each benefit and release the videos one at a time, letting viewers know when they can come back to your website and see the next video.Add SEO value to your website designEvery time you add content, your search engine rankings will see an uptick ? be it a blog, a newsletter, page content of video. You can enhance the SEO value by using targeted keywords (limit to 1-2) in the video title, tags and description.   Plus, you can maximize the benefit of improved SEO by sharing the video through your social media networks.  Be entertainingUnless the bespoke video is of a technical or legal nature, you should make an effort to have the video included in your website design to be entertaining as well as informative.  After all, that is how viewers will remember and share it.Give your company website design a personalityWhat you do on the video could be seen as fun or cool, if that is what you want your business image to portray, maybe you would rather be seen as professional, technical, personable or surreal, all can be brought out on your website design by your videos.Strengthen the bond with your website visitorsPeople like to buy from people they know, or at least that they feel they know. So, why not introduce visitors to your team through bespoke video built into your website design?  Whether the video are employee profiles; your web design team, your app design team, marketing and management, or an overview of your business, bespoke video is a great way to get visitors closer to you and your company.Be rememberedPerhaps we saved this benefit for last because it is the embodiment of all of the prior benefits rolled into one. Think about the goals you established (or should have) when you went about creating your website design and even the ones you have now.   https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/10_great_benefits_of_adding_video_to_your_website_design--post--275.html 275 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/VideoBlog.jpg 2020-04-06 00:00:00 1 Double Celebration for Evesham Design AgencyMarch is proving to be an exciting time for Evesham based creative design agency, Areca Design. Not only are they celebrating 10 years of providing successful marketing support for businesses and community groups, but the agency has also just been awarded the title of Midlands Digital Communications Business 2019. Managing Director Mick Hurst, was presented with the winner’s trophy at the prestigious Athena Conference Venue in Leicester on Friday 8th March. The packed out, black-tie event had representatives of businesses from throughout the midlands, covering a huge region from as far afield as Herefordshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Birmingham, 100’s of professionals from all over the midlands area entered the competition to find the best in regional business. In October last year, Mick presented to the panel of judges in a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style interview. Areca Design’s technical innovations in web and mobile app development, especially the cutting-edge augmented reality really struck a chord with the judges and could see the potential for themselves. Mick commented “after 10 years of hard work and dedication in providing innovative solutions and great customer service, it is an honour to have this recognition for the entire Areca Design team past and present”. He continued “due to the demand for our design and digital services we have also recently moved offices to allow our business to expand. I foresee that in the near future we may have to recruit more staff to build our eleven-strong team – which is a good sign especially in the current uncertain business climate”. Now located in Market Place, Evesham, the creative agency offer the full marketing suite, including; brand design and development, exhibitions, signage and display solutions – along with a fantastic portfolio of print and marketing materials. Mick commented “Over the last 10 years we have worked with some very prestigious national organisations and well known tourist destinations throughout the UK, along with supporting many local businesses and start-ups. The next 10 years looks even more exciting as we help develop innovative and engaging technologies to educate and entertain. To find out how Areca Design can help your business visit www.arecadesign.co.uk or call 01386 570360 to chat with one of the team.   https://www.businessinnovationmag.co.uk/areca-design-wins-digital-communications-award/https://www.circle2success.com/double-celebration-for-evesham-design-agency-areca-design/https://hwchamber.co.uk/double-celebration-for-evesham-design-agency/https://www.finditinworcestershire.com/news/double-celebration-for-evesham-design-agency https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Double_Celebration_for_Areca_Design--post--274.html 274 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Midlands%20business%20awards%20(1).jpg 2019-03-14 16:43:23 1 Case Study: Worcester Produce Website  Worcester Produce now have a fresh new website to support their distribution of locally sourced fruit and vegetables. Our designers and developers have worked together here at Areca Design to design and build this bespoke website with the aim of capturing the fantastic produce that they deliver.    Located in Pershore, Worcestershire, Worcester Produce provide a comprehensive fresh produce service to:– Hotels– Restaurants– Gastro Pubs– Schools– Colleges & Universities– Contract Caterers– Care Sector– Procurement & Supply Groups      Situated in the Vale of Evesham Worcester Produce have a farm and orchards to provide a unique and extensive range of fruit & vegetables. As well as their own farm they have long standing relationships with many growers, giving them a greater understanding and knowledge of the journey from field to kitchen. Worcetser Produce source as much of their produce from their own farms or local growers when in season and also import for year round availability where possible. This also allows them to teach people a better understanding about seasonality throughout the year from their own produce.  As a thank you for building the website we received a fruit basket from Worcester Produce, to taste their quality and fresh produce for ourselves!    If youre interested in a website similar to this, enquire at Areca Design or give us a call on 01386 570360  https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Worcester_Produce_Website--post--270.html 270 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/Worcester%20Prod%20Logo.png 2019-03-06 10:47:02 15 5 Social Media Marketing Lessons From NetflixOpinion: It isn’t the streaming industry leader by accidentNetflix’s success despite its price hike, VPN ban and other controversies is interesting for two key reasons:Over 30 million Netflix users access the service with a VPN or other location-masking technology.Since instituting the ban and price hike, despite the backlash and controversy, Netflix has added over 40 million new users. Netflix seems to be doing something right... What is its secret? Besides the fact that it has a unique, in-demand product, Netflix’s success also lies in the fact that it is a marketing genius, and its social media efforts aren’t taking a backseat in its marketing strategy.  Below are five key social media marketing lessons we can learn from Netflix:Good social strategy won’t help a subpar product - Netflix spent about $6 billion on content in 2017, $1.5 billion more than Amazon, and in 2018, it will spend about $8 billion on new content. Don’t be afraid to be authentic – Know your audience, and if they want casual rather than formal, why not? Make social listening a core part of your social strategy – When Netflix users complained about falling asleep mid-way through a series binge, Netflix created Netflix Socks – they paused the show when the smart socks detected the user had dozed off.  Proving that not only do they listen, they act. Genius…  Numbers matter, but there’s more to it than that – Focus on quality rather than quantity, tweets. Not just for numbers but engage through creativity and understand your audience.  Encourage sharing your content – make it easy for your audience to share with friends on social media.  Make it fun, easy, and grow your audience exponentially. Netflix does a lot of things right, and it isn’t the streaming industry leader by accident. It has a solid marketing strategy, and there’s so much that businesses of all sizes can learn from its approach to social media.Source: John Stevens, Adweek, July 2018  Need some help with your social media presence online?Give us a call to talk about your requirements on 01386 570360 or Enquire on our website at https://www.arecadesign.co.uk/    https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Netflix_Social_Media_Marketing--post--273.html 273 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/Netfliximage.jpg 2019-02-18 11:34:48 1  Why Voice Search Will Dominate SEO In 2019 & How It Can Affect You  Would it surprise you if I said that by 2020, 30% all website sessions will be conducted without a screen?The future is voice-activated searching allowing your customers to find what they want without scrolling through sites on either their desktop or mobile devices…When users use voice search, they are typically hoping to complete an action (playing a song or purchasing a product, or information on a subject etc.). However, despite the two different intentions, Google uses the same algorithm to rank sites. Below are 4 simple steps to improve voice search rankings, no matter your goal.Ensure your website loads quickly (optimized, compressed responsive)Write the way you speak (‘who are the…’ rather than ‘top 10…’)Include featured blocks of content (Featured ‘snippet’ under 30 words)Concentrate on local searches (’near me’)  Investing in voice search optimization is proven to improve brand awareness, online purchases and revenue, and although you can’t generate a report to prove how much traffic this will achieve via your website yet, it won’t be long until this will be a reality. We can all agree that mobile devices are here to stay, so if you optimise your website for voice search now – you will be ahead of the game.   (Source: Forbes.com, contributor: Gabriel Shaloolian)     https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Voice_Search_will_dominate_SEO--post--269.html 269 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/blogpic4.png 2019-02-05 16:28:45 1 Augmented reality: AR will become more widespread in 2019... Great AR experiences, like seeing Nike trainers via Facebook Messenger, will become more widespread over the next coming year.Nike are using the latest technologies to add value to their brand and engage from enticing new customers and their most obsessed fans. Located at their Flagship store in Paris, Nike has unveiled ‘NIKE ID’ an AR experience that projects custom designs onto sneakers and makes them viewable to shoppers in real-time.https://youtu.be/SUKUz-YcuYwNike has also been among the first companies to roll out an app, giving customers the chance to shop limited-edition sneakers and see the shoes up close and personal using AR. To snag the initial pair, the Kyrie 4 “Red Carpet” edition, fans of the brand had to link their SNKRS account to Facebook Messenger, enter a code of emojis and unlock the shoe, which was displayed on a red and gold platform and could be moved or manipulated by the user, as well as shared with his or her friends to get a second opinion.Nike is also getting into augmented reality to push shoe sales and you’ll need an iPhone to get in on the action. The sport and athletic footwear company has teamed up with Momofuku & the SNKRS app so customers can be among the first to buy its latest shoe designs by pointing their iPhones at special posters on city walls.If youre interested in Augmented reality, get in touch with Areca Design to see what we can create for you – 01386 570360.        https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Nike_Augmented_Reality_Shoes--post--268.html 268 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/Picture1%20(4).png 2019-01-23 10:55:03 16 Merry Christmas everyone! Just a quick note to spread some festive cheer from Areca Design and let you know our Christmas hours:Christmas Eve - Open until 12.30pmChristmas Day – ClosedBoxing Day – ClosedThursday 27th – normal working hoursFriday - normal working hoursNew Years Eve - normal working hoursNew Years Day – Closed2nd January - normal working hoursHave a great time - chat soon! Mick Hurst and the team at Areca Design. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Merry_Christmas_everyone--post--265.html 265 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/Christmas%20Banner-FB.jpg 2018-12-21 00:10:00 1 Did you see our latest enewsletter?We featured the new website for Greswolde Construction Limited, established in 1983 is a privately owned company with a well established reputation as a regional contractor carrying out prestigious new builds, refurbishment and fitting out projects.We love supporting local businesses - please be in touch if you'd like to keep it local when it comes to web design, creative marketing, AR and so much more ... https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Keeping_it_local--post--267.html 267 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/A-RubyImages/0.png 2018-12-17 00:00:00 1 A quick note about emails, as we continue to improve our work processes, we are using a new CRM package called ProWorkflow.com.If you receive an email from ProWorkflow please do not disregard it as this is one of our team sending you a message, update, or quote on your project.Any problems please call one of the Areca Design team on 01386 570360. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Pro_work_flow--post--266.html 266 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/A-RubyImages/Home%20page%20screen%20print.png 2018-12-07 00:00:00 1 Did you receive our latest enewsletter? We hope so, as we're keen to share our news, updates and features with you. If not, please sign up!After nine fantastic years based at Abbey Gate, Evesham, the Areca Design team has outgrown the space available. On the 26th October we moved to larger offices in Evesham that will allow us to expand our team - with Mick Hurst.Please can you amend our address on your records to:Areca Design, Market Place, Evesham, Worcestershire WR11 4RW.Thank you! https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Seasonal_news--post--264.html 264 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/A-RubyImages/47472703_2026780957360719_6491169900499828736_o.jpg 2018-12-05 00:00:00 1 Last week, Mick Hurst and the team Areca Design joined the staff and students at Evesham College. The open event allowed students to get to look round the buildings and see some of the fantastic facilities our local college holds.Students and prospective students had the chance to talk to tutors from many different areas and also get advice from their independent careers staff and chat with local businesses and experts - to have a first-hand look at what we do and how we might provide support and a pathway for a future career.We demonstrated the cutting-edge Augmented Reality (AR) technology that we've gained a great reputation for – both regionally and nationally. To date our innovative team have supported various industry sectors including; engineering, automotive, higher education, tourism, sport and local government, bringing to life their products, services and attractions with the engaging mobile applications.Mick said:“It is essential for local businesses to reach out to local schools and colleges, not only to support them, but also to hopefully inspire the students and help them decide on a career path.”Click here to find out more about the college. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Careers_fair--post--263.html 263 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/46421747_2005025656202916_2711445512896118784_o.jpg 2018-11-22 00:00:00 1 Did you see the latest newsletter from our colleagues at finditinworcestershire?Will you be joining us for the last Meet the Buyer event of 2018 - with leading UK property specialist Stoford Developments? If you'd like to know more, head over to: www.finditinworcestershire.com.See you there ... https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Find_it_in_Worcestershire--post--262.html 262 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/A-RubyImages/FindItIn.jpg 2018-11-07 00:00:00 1 We were recently asked what we do, so thought we'd share a testimonial from one of our clients to help explain:      "We use Areca Design for a wide range of design and marketing solutions, from packaging and advertising material to successfully launching our website (design and support). We have been constantly impressed by the professional, creative and friendly manner in which they conduct their business and now consider them to play an integral part in driving our business forward." Andy, Gripping Beast Ltd.To hear more about Andy's business and our work with Gripping Beast, click here. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/What_we_do--post--260.html 260 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_66891.png 2018-11-05 00:00:00 1 Do you have a moment? If so, why not take a look at a new website we've created for Specialist Retailers - a training company aimed at transforming independent retailers into highly-sought after specialist retailers.Founded by Ian Retallick and following on from the success of his book, David and Goliath How Independent Retailers Can Take on the Giants and Win, Ian decided to launch Specialist Retailers in 2018 to help independent retailers to implement the five steps outlined in his book. Ian believes in the High Street and more specifically in the need for independent retailers. However, traditional retailing is no longer effective and there is an urgent need for retailers to tap into the massive resources that are available to them to build a strong and loyal customer base.If you'd like support with your latest project, please give our friendly team a call on 01386 570360. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Specialist_retailers--post--261.html 261 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/A-RubyImages/050918%20Specialist%20Retailers.png 2018-11-05 00:00:00 1 Is it too soon for Christmas?!Please get in touch if you're ready to bring on the festive ideas! We celebrated with lots of different christmas themes on our website last year, so can you!!! https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Too_soon--post--259.html 259 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/Christmas%20Banner-FB.jpg 2018-11-01 00:00:00 1 The team at Areca Design wish you all a very happy Halloween!If you like the way we celebrate and would like to chat about making your own images then give our fiendshly friendly team a call on 01386 570360. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Happy_halloween--post--258.html 258 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/A-RubyImages/44574745_1963642477007901_3126578673562419200_n%20(1).jpg 2018-10-31 00:00:00 1 After nine fantastic years based at Abbey Gate, here in Evesham, the Areca Design team has outgrown the space available.On the 26th October we are moving to larger offices, in Evesham, that will allow us to expand our team even further.Please can you amend our address on your records to:Areca DesignMarket PlaceEveshamWR11 4RWThis will allow us to employ another 5 to 10 extra staff over the next few years.We will be looking for Client Account Handlers, Website Developers, Graphic Designers and Augmented Reality / Mobile App Coders, ­of course, so if you know anyone please ask them to get in touch. Thank you! https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Moving_forward--post--257.html 257 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Lights_Camera_Action_Areca_Design_to_feature_in_Online_Video_59135.png 2018-10-25 00:00:00 1 We'd like to share our good news with you - we're a finalist for Midlands Digital Communication Company of the Year 2019 in the Midlands Business Awards?.What an achievement! We provide a full service creative graphic design and digital marketing from our base in Evesham, Worcestershire. By employing the very latest in visual recognition technology, we offer a versatile augmented reality solution, that enables businesses to connect with their customers by bringing the physical and virtual worlds together - with Mick Hurst.If you'd like to know more about our services, please give our friendly team a call on 01386 570360. Thank you. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Midlands_Business_Awards--post--256.html 256 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/A-RubyImages/MBA%20resize.jpg 2018-10-22 00:00:00 1 Not only do we work with a variety of World famous sports clubs, international tourism destinations and Local Government throughout the UK - we also support local business too.Take a look at www.offenhampark.co.uk a local, family owned and run business which is a little bit special!The park is bordered on one side by Ox-Meadow (Vale Landscape Heritage Trust), by Windmill Hill Nature Reserve to the rear and by the River Avon to the front.Beautiful. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Beautiful--post--254.html 254 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/A-RubyImages/Offenham%20Parka.jpg 2018-10-15 00:00:00 1 Did you know we work with a variety of World famous sports clubs, international tourism destinations and Local Government throughout the UK?For example, we've worked with MK Dons supporting them with creative marketing - including this ticketing booth."Areca Design provided us with outstanding service in every stage of the buying process. Mick Hurst and Areca Design gave several options that matched our budget and requirements. Areca Design had excellent response times to emails and calls, meeting all deadlines with design and delivery. We are pleased with our pop up ticketing unit and will be using Areca Design again in the future"MK Dons Football Club ? Jake Wyatt, Sales Manager. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/MK_Dons--post--253.html 253 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/A-RubyImages/43577697_1948005605238255_2384020158554308608_o.jpg 2018-10-10 00:00:00 3 Did you see our latest newsletter? Not only have we showcased some of our latest website designs but also featured our client XACT Training.XACT Training specialise in fire safety and fire engineering courses and qualifications.A fire safety training business which offers high quality in the fire safety sector with a variety of courses and qualifications including sprinklers, Fire Safety Level 3 and 4, FRA 3 and 4 as well as Investigation and Interviewing.For more courses and other details please head to: www.xact.org.uk. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/XACT--post--252.html 252 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/A-RubyImages/XACT.jpg 2018-10-08 00:00:00 3 Thank you to everyone who came and said hello to us at WorcestershireHour Festival of Business 2018 on Friday - we had a great time!We hope you enjoyed using our interactive app as much as we did?! We?re excited to announce the winner of the Gtech #Gtech Pro live on tonight?s WorcestershireHour with Stuart Allen. See you on Twitter from 8-9pm tonight #WorcestershireHour!As an official Partner of The Worcestershire Festival of Business 2018we look forward to next time! Find out how AR can benefit your business by contacting the friendly team at Areca Design for an initial discussion on 01386 870560. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Quizzing_for_business--post--250.html 250 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/A-RubyImages/42087786_1918778761494273_5315996548289527808_n.jpg 2018-09-17 00:00:00 16 Win a Gtech Pro in the Event App competition we're running by joining in at WorcestershireHour's Festival of Business a week today!It's FREE to visit - register on arrival - so please join us Chateau Impney Hotel next Friday. Be in it to win it! https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Win_a_Gtech_pro--post--249.html 249 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/A-RubyImages/FOB2018c.jpg 2018-09-07 00:00:00 16 Check out our new team members in the latest edition of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce BD Magazine! We've lots more to tell you very soon about our growing team, new premises and special projects! https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/In_print--post--248.html 248 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/A-RubyImages/11111111111111.jpg 2018-09-03 00:00:00 1 Look out for our latest AR App innovation at the WorcestershireHour Festival of Business. Hidden in and around the show stands will be 10 AR presentations, find them all, answer the Worcestershire-themed quiz questions on the App and stand the chance of winning a fab prize too!We aim to have the logos of every business who has a stand at the festival loaded on the app, most will just open up the business’s own website, but 10 secret logos will also include a quiz question. The WorccestershireHour Festival of Business App is free to download on both IOS and Android devices. The App will be launched on Monday 10th Sep to allow festival visitors plenty of time to pre-download the App and avoid any possible issues with multiple downloads on the day.If you are unsure if your business or destination could benefit from Mobile Apps or other creative marketing support, find out by contacting the friendly team at Areca Design for an initial discussion on 01386 870560.   https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Official_partner--post--246.html 246 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/A-RubyImages/FOB2018c.jpg 2018-08-27 00:00:00 16 The local media have been very supportive of the Areca Design team recently - check us out in the Evesham Journal last week! Our new team members are settling in really well and we look forward to telling you more about them and their projects soon! https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Local_media--post--245.html 245 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/A-RubyImages/Evesham%20Journal%20160818.jpg 2018-08-20 00:00:00 1 Did you see us in the latest edition of the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce's BD Magazine? Our work with Shakespeare's England has been recognised across the Counties and is causing quite a stir!The team at Areca Design have been busy producing an array of creative projects, including design work for the famous Shakespeare?s Birthday Celebrations and the creation of the new Explorer Pass ? a discount travel and entry pass for members of the public to enjoy.In addition, Warwick Castle, one of the key members of Shakespeare?s England commemorated the legend of Guy of Warwick ? a Medieval English Hero, with the new festival held on the 26th ? 28th May. The creative team at the local design company based in Evesham, created the logo and supplied the materials to help promote the event.For more information on the latest technological innovations on offer by Mick Hurst and the team, give us call on 01386 570360.  https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/In_the_news--post--244.html 244 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/A-RubyImages/39441395_1865645753481473_638606760118059008_n2.png 2018-08-18 00:00:00 1 Absolutely brilliant to see so much support for the #BattleofEvesham this weekend - thank you to everyone who supported, volunteered, sponsored and joined in with us including Nigel Huddleston MP, The Fleece - Bretforton and Evesham Hotel and Spa ...www.battleofevesham.co.uk/Supporters/Partners https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Brilliant_battle--post--243.html 243 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/A-RubyImages/38693376_1118769434937974_6746438709052178432_n.jpg 2018-08-06 00:00:00 1 How to combine a Medieval Battle, a beer mat, and cutting-edge digital innovation, is a task Areca Design relished. To help promote this weekend?s Battle of Evesham Festival, the creative team have developed a first for the UK. An animated Simon de Montfort, founder of the English Parliament, who springs to life, waves his sword at you and described the battle, which happened in 1265.The beer-mat reverse brings to life a computer-generated version of the battle, where 15,000 men fought on Green Hill, on the northern edge of Evesham. 5,000 men were killed on the day, including deMontfort.The free to enter festival encourages visitors to step back in time to the 13th Century when the Battle of Evesham is re-enacted on the 4 & 5 August 2018. Taking place in the Heart of Evesham, featuring a medieval festival and camp with life-demonstrations of cookery, weapons and medicine, plus the main battle re-enactment.The latest digital offering from Areca Design, augmented reality or AR ? allows the user to bring printed objects to life. Probably the first to use AR technology in this way, which makes this probably the best beer mat in the UK!The beer mats are found in all of the local pubs in Evesham and by simply downloading the Discover Evesham App, users can transform their drinking experience by learning about the upcoming event.Find out how AR has supported the promotion of the Battle of Evesham and how it could benefit your business, by contacting the friendly team at Areca Design for an initial discussion on 01386 870560. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Probably_the_best_beer_mat_in_the_UK--post--247.html 247 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/A-RubyImages/Beer%20mat%20250718.jpg 2018-07-25 00:00:00 16 With thanks to Find it in Worcestershire we've received some lovely local coverage about our new recruits strengthening our team.Take a look at a snippet below and the full story here :Local graphic design and digital marketing agency, Areca Design, has further expanded its growing team with three key appointments to support its growing portfolio of local and national clients. The Evesham-based creative graphic design and digital marketing agency, has strengthened its team following the demand for its latest innovations, appointing Dr Jamie Elliott, Charlie Sharp and Sadie Allen.The new roles represent further investment by Managing Director, Mick Hurst who said: "My aim has always been to expand the business using local and enthusiastic talent. Evesham is often overlooked as a location to run a successful business. However, we continue to support the growth of many businesses in the local area and will look to support more, now we have additional in-house skills and resources?. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Strengthening_team--post--242.html 242 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/A-RubyImages/Strengthening%20team%20240718a.jpg 2018-07-24 00:00:00 17 In addition to our 3 new team members - Jamie, Charlie and Sadie - we were also joined by Miles last week. He lives in North London but wanted to spend a week learning about the cutting-edge technologies we use at Areca Design. Here's what Miles had to say about his week with us :"During my week at Areca Design I was fortunate enough to meet an array of friendly characters who each brought to the table a wealth of knowledge covering a variety of fields. I began the week using Unity Pro to create a series of games, having never used this software I was initially felt out of my depth however this was quickly remedied as everyone was more than happy to help and provide guidance, no question was too stupid or too difficult. This assistance helped me to transition from never having coded before to feeling confident in Unity Pro and having a solid base knowledge of coding on which I now have the opportunity to build upon.Later in the week I was utilising Photoshop and although I had thought of myself as a strong Photoshop user I was able to further develop and vastly improve my use of the software thanks to help and advice from Areca team members. Being present in a professional work environment like Areca Design's allowed me to better understand the work flow and operation of a design company. I was fortunate enough to have staff share with me current and former projects Areca had produced. This provided me an insight into working relationships with clients and an understanding of where the design industry is headed due to the team's use of cutting edge technologies and software¹s such as consumer ready Augmented Reality.My time at was Areca Design extremely helpful and enjoyable and I have left with no doubt that I have gained knowledge that will be of great service to me in the future. I would wholeheartedly recommend that anyone who seeks to work in any sort of design or web development company in the future snatch at the opportunity to work with Areca Design if they get the chance."Thanks Miles - you're welcome back anytime! https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/My_week--post--239.html 239 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/A-RubyImages/37350869_1813572738688775_5053038597226102784_n.jpg 2018-07-23 00:00:00 17 Please join us in welcoming Jamie, Charlie and Sadie to our Areca Design team! Allow us to introduce to you - from left to right :Dr Jamie Elliott ¬ Digital Innovations Manager, an experienced business lecturer and innovations expert;Charlie Sharp ¬ Website Developer, who's completed a year¹s apprenticeship with us and now has come on-board full-time, andSadie Allan ¬ Website Designer/Developer, whom joins us again after coaching Soccer in the USA. Sadie returns to the team as an experienced website designer.More about each of the team over the next few months, for now - welcome! https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Welcome--post--238.html 238 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/A-RubyImages/37271078_1825577634147720_6345213442764308480_n.jpg 2018-07-18 07:00:00 17 Anyone enjoy a quiz?! For charity!?Head to The Valykrie Bar in Evesham tonight in aid of Battle of Evesham - sponsored by Wychavon DC, Evesham TC,  Riverside Shopping, Haines Watts, Evesham Tennis Club, Evesham FC, Chadbury Farm Shop, The Fleece Inn - Bretforton, Western Power Distribution, Travis Perkins, Karndean Designflooring and Areca Design.BattleofEvesham.co.uk https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Charity_quiz--post--237.html 237 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/A-RubyImages/36566504_613382962377051_432729023202721792_n.jpg 2018-07-17 00:00:00 1 We have a large amount of very prestigious AR and VR projects landing in our studios, this includes World famous sports clubs, international tourism destinations and Local Government work throughout the UK.If you know #Vuforia and preferably #UnityPro (other app software would be useful), and you get excited about developing innovative AR and VR apps, to push the potential to new limits - our team of designers and developers would love to welcome you to join them here in sunny #Evesham.The package would include the usual stuff; pay/experience etc. our new studio will have a pool table and a roof garden, situated smack in the heart of the town, above the coffee-shops, wine-bars and restaurants. The Areca Design studio is walking distance from Evesham Railway Station and we have free car parking.If you are interested in finding out more, contact Managing Director, Mick directly on: 07887 621856 or drop a CV over to: mick.hurst@arecadesign.co.ukHave a great weekend! https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Developer_needed--post--236.html 236 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/A-RubyImages/0.jpg 2018-07-06 00:00:00 17 What a wonderful weekend in Evesham.Here are some of the Areca Design team at the Port Street International Fayre promoting the town's own Medieval Festival and Battle re-enactment landing on 4-5th August 2018. Wonderful Worcestershire!battleofevesham.co.uk https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Port_Street_International_Fayre--post--235.html 235 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/A-RubyImages/DhA0iE1XkAAyycy.jpg 2018-07-02 00:00:00 1 We had that early morning Friday feeling at The Vale Golf and Country Club, Bishampton this morning - thanks to Peter Heming, Steve Nolan at Clement Rabjohns and everyone else who joined us for a little networking.Great to see you all and welcome new members to the group. Thanks having us and see you next month! https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/An_early_start--post--234.html 234 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/A-RubyImages/IMG_1472.jpg 2018-06-22 00:00:00 1 Check out the details of the childrens' competition for the Battle of Evesham on 4th and 5th August 2018 - the best designed flag competition will take place at the grand parade on the 4th August 2018 in Evesham Town #battleofevesham - join us! https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Competition_time--post--233.html 233 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/A-RubyImages/34759146_1397551830382455_8407503279122022400_n.jpg 2018-06-19 13:58:17 1 We'd like to extend really BIG thanks to Angela Edwards from Circle2Success Ltd for a lovely lunch with Titania hosted at Worcester Racecourse at the weekend - alongside Baxter Williams, Brewin Dolphin, ISO Quality Services Ltd, Haines Watts, CCPCharity, Jelf Sutcliffe & Co Insurance Brokers, Zentano and GBE Converge.See you next time! https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Circle_to_success--post--232.html 232 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/A-RubyImages/IMG_1438a.jpg 2018-06-18 00:00:00 1 Thrilled to showcase our work at the National Refuse Championships today - alongside Vince Dignam from the City of London Corporation: City View #NRC2018Designed in #Evesham  - delivering innovative marketing support across the UK. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Innovation_across_the_UK--post--231.html 231 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/A-RubyImages/Refuse%20champs2.jpg 2018-06-15 00:00:00 1 It's official! We're a sponsor for #WorcestershireHour's Festival of Business at The Chateau Impney on 14/9 - alongside Bank House Hotel, Spa and Golf Club Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership and Business & Innovation Magazine. Thanks for the warm welcome #WorcestershireHour - we have some innovative ideas to share soon with you soon! https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Festival_of_Business--post--229.html 229 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/A-RubyImages/IMG_1861-002%20a.png 2018-06-12 08:48:10 1 The team at Areca Design are absolutely thrilled to work with the wonderful Shakespeare's England to produce an array of creative projects, including design work for the famous Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebrations, the creation of the new Explorer Pass – a discount travel and entry pass for members of the public to enjoy - and the recent Warwickshire Festival at Warwick Castle.Mick Hurst - Managing Director at Evesham-based Areca Design said :“To be asked to support businesses and events associated with such a globally recognised character as Shakespeare is an absolute privilege. We have a fabulous reputation in bringing historic venues and stories to life with our digital innovations and Augmented Reality Apps – but none have been quite as famous as the Bard himself”.Check out the pics from the fantastic festival and all our work at Areca Design - www.arecadesign.co.uk https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Warwick_Festival--post--228.html 228 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/A-RubyImages/33689843_1069360379877679_3495990112066469888_n.jpg 2018-05-29 00:00:00 1 From quill and ink, to digital innovation ? supporting Shakespeare?s England ensuring that they are seen on the main stage.Evesham-based agency, Areca Design have been commissioned to provide brand development and marketing materials for a prestigious Midlands tourism destination management group.Shakespeare?s England is located in Stratford-upon-Avon (Shakespeare's home town) and covers tourism businesses in Warwick, Leamington Spa, Kenilworth, South Warwickshire and The Cotswolds, helping them to get their messages out, attracting visitors from around the world.Producing an array of creative projects, including design work for the famous Shakespeare?s Birthday Celebrations and the creation of the new Explorer Pass ? a discount travel and entry pass for members of the public to enjoy.In the near future, Warwick Castle, one of the key members of Shakespeare?s England is to commemorate the legend of Guy of Warwick ? a Medieval English Hero, with a new festival held on the 26th ? 28th May. The creative team at Areca Design have created a logo and supplying materials to help promote this new event.Kate Varvedo, from the Marketing and Communications Department at Shakespeare?s England, said:?Shakespeare?s England has reached out to Areca Design to work with a local business, furthermore we were conscious to work with one supplier who will understand our brand requirements and able to produce consistent design for our brands and products.?Mick responded: ?To be asked to support businesses and events associated with such a globally recognised character as Shakespeare is an absolute privilege. We have a fabulous reputation in bringing historic venues and stories to life with our digital innovations and Augmented Reality Apps ? but none have been quite as famous as the Bard himself?.If you and your business could benefit from creative marketing support or Mobile Apps - please give us a call! https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Shakespeares_England--post--226.html 226 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/8805_WarickCastleFestLogo%20compressed.jpg 2018-05-09 00:00:00 3 We're very happy to be sponsoring Evesham Rowing Club's 2018 Regatta this weekend.Our best wishes to everyone involved - from the team at Areca Design.Good luck! https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Evesham_regatta--post--225.html 225 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Evesham-Regatta.jpg 2018-05-04 00:00:00 1 Check out one of our latest innovative projects using Augmented Reality! We worked with the University of Gloucestershire to develop an engaging Mobile Augmented Reality App to allow students to take a virtual tour of the various University campus buildings. Past students spring to life from the printed-pages, appearing as animated avatars to enthuse about their time at the Uni, along with video-footage of the campus and classrooms. A 3D carousel of works of art, hovering over the Prospectus, illustrates the creativity of the University?s students! It's pretty cool, even if we do say so ourselves!Our Augmented Reality projects have been diverse, from recreating history to 3D visualisation of proposed buildings and from business promotions to training demonstrations. The augmented future is indeed very engaging! Mick said ?people rely on their mobile devices like never before and so Augmented Reality Apps (AR) have become the perfect way to drive customers from print, adverts, exhibitions or packages, into your world of digital ? be it on-line or in-app. The world of AR is only limited by your imagination! The University of Gloucestershire is just one of a long line of prestigious clients that have commissioned Areca Design for Mobile AR Apps. These have included; global engineering organisations, Local Government, tourist destinations, sporting arenas and business networks.?If you'd like to know more about AR or our other innovative projects, please give us a call! https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Engaging_with_the_future--post--224.html 224 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/UoG_AR_App%20small.jpg 2018-04-23 00:00:00 16 We're getting ready for action and thrilled to be involved with the awesome Battle of Evesham on 4-5th August 2018!In 2015, the battle attracted 15,000 to our town Evesham, offering the community and business a great opportunity to raise the profile of the Vale of Evesham.If you'd like to join in with this grand local medieval festival we're currently seeking sponsors and volunteers so would love to hear from you!Please contact Kate : 07921 030286kate@BattleofEvesham.co.uk www.BattleofEvesham.co.uk www.arecadesign.co.ukLet battle commence! https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Battle_of_Evesham--post--223.html 223 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/BoE_logoAW.jpg 2018-04-18 00:00:00 1 Young Enterprise Company Programme:Empowering young people: to learn, to work, to live About Young EnterpriseYouth unemployment remains a critical issue in the UK, with 850,000 16-24 year olds (11.8%) not in employment, education or training (NEET).Young Enterprise is the UK's leading business and enterprise education charity. The company provides 210,000 learning opportunities for young people each year with the support of 6,100 volunteers from local business.These activities aim to enable young people to develop and apply crucial skills that help them to succeed in work and in life: teamwork, confidence, problem solving, initiative, financial literacy, communication, organisation and resilience. Students with regular access to enterprise education are 5 times less likely to end up NEET. Young Enterprise aim to prevent youth unemployment and ensure that employers are able to source a quality pipeline of young employees. The Company ProgrammeThe Programme is a true test of young people’s readiness for a real work environment. The programme is truly unique in quality, reach and effectiveness and sparks the entrepreneurial spirit in young people, supporting them to work in a group and start a business for 1 academic year.Each year around 20,000 young students set up 2,000+ Companies across the UK, with support from Young Enterprise and volunteer business mentors; in 2016 they generated £2 million in sales. These are real companies that experience the real challenges and opportunities of the business world, providing a practical insight to what life after school is about, including trading with the general public. Sponsoring Awards EventThe Young Enterprise (YE) Company of the Year Competition is the annual celebration of the achievements of students and their companies. It is a tremendous achievement for each group of students to attend the event to proudly present the results of their company and their learning. This year, Areca Design were proud to sponsor the South Worcestershire Area Final. There were lots of awards presented at the Event, all of which were supported by local businesses. The Four Finalists going forward to the Hereford & Worcester final on the 9th May are:Hidden from Tudor Grange Academy Worcester -Received the Innovation award, supported by QinetiQBest Presentation, supported by Worcester BoschBest Finance Director, supported by Bishop FlemingProduct is an anti-bullying t shirt.Illuminate from Malvern St James -Received Best Use of Technology Award, supported by PCA PredictBest Company Report, supported by Worcester BoschProduct is Posh Squash made of locally sourced fruit.Dynamic from Malvern St James -Received Best MD award, supported by Federation of Small BusinessesProduct is a well-being book produced by the students, aimed at mental health.Millennium from King’s -Product is British developed baths salts, soaps and incense sticks that come in a variety of scents.  On the 9th May, there will be a total of 10 companies competing to go through to the West Midlands final on the 15th June at Wolverhampton University. One company from the West Midlands will go through to the UK final on the 6 July 2017 at BFI Southbank.Areca Design are excited to be part of the Young Enterprise Company Programme, supporting young entrepreneurs and new business innovation.If you would like any information on how we can support your own business with creative, professional marketing and digital campaigns, please contact us today. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Areca_Design_Sponsors_Young_Enterprise_Company_Programme--post--222.html 222 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Areca_Design_Sponsors_Young_Enterprise_Company_Programme_52358.png 2017-05-05 09:44:01 1 Following Areca Design's launch in March 2009, we're excited to announce our 8th year of business! Delivering a complete range of full-service marketing and digital support for businesses across all sectors, we have seen consistent and exciting growth over the years.Mick hurst, Managing Director, states:"Working out how to do things quicker and easier has always been in my heart, from attaching racing gears onto my Chopper push-bike back in the 1970's, to now streamlining engineering processes via a Mobile App for BE Aerospace… combining this innovative mind-set with a long career in creative Graphic Design, has kept me busy...""Areca Design was set up eight years ago, to service Local and National clients, building up the team organically – reacting to market demands, especially for Websites and Apps. We are now looking for another App Developer to join our dynamic team as the demand for our Augmented Reality Apps has gained good traction, from as far afield as Australia." There are a number of upcoming events and exhibitions coming up, where we will be celebrating our 8 successful years of business, please do not hesitate to pop over and wish us a Happy Birthday, and take a look at our latest AR and Website projects, or discuss how we could help your business:The Business ExpoWe will be exhibiting at The Chamber Business Expo, on Thursday 2nd March. Come and visit us at Stand No. 77 to play around with some of our AR triggers and see our latest App Developments on the day!Date: 2nd March 2017Time: 9:30am – 3:00pmLocation: Three Counties Showground, Malvern, WR14 6NWThe Spring Business ExpoThe team will be attending the Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Spring Expo, on Friday 3rd February. If you are attending, feel free to say 'hello', we would be happy to discuss your marketing and digital technology potential.Date: 3rd March 2017Time: 10:00am – 3:00pmLocation: Birmingham Conferences and Events Centre, B5 4EWWorcs Skills ShowAreca Design are excited to be exhibiting at this inspiring career-focused event on Wednesday 8th March, to discuss and demonstrate some of the latest marketing and AR technology with the future generations.Date: 8th March 2017Time: 3:30pm – 7:00pmLocation: Worcester Warriors Sixways Stadium, WR3 8ZE For further information, or to discuss any upcoming projects you may have, please contact our team today. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Areca_Design_Celebrates_8th_Birthday--post--220.html 220 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_89177.jpeg 2017-02-28 13:08:45 1 IntroductionThis guide is intended to help you understand how to fix mixed content issues and can be used as an accompaniment to our HTTPS review and reporting tools.To read more about what mixed content is, read our “ HTTPS, Mixed Content & Why It Matters ” blog here.You can also read the excellent guide from Jo-el van Bergen on Google’s Developer pages about how to Prevent Mixed Content, here.Finding Pages With Mixed Content IssuesThere are 3 ways you can find mixed content:1. Roll your sleeves up and get stuck inVisit each individual HTTPS page in a modern browser like Chrome and use their developer tools to see if there are errors on the page. The problem with this method is it is time-consuming for larger sites.2. Sit back and waitPassively collect issues from across your entire site by implementing a Content Security Policy. This reports issues found on pages as and when they are visited by users . Our HTTPS review tool can collate these reports as they come in so you have an easy fix list to work from. The drawback with this method is it could take quite some time to identify all the issues for a site, so you might wish to perform an active crawl of your site first, especially if preparing to migrate to https.3. Actively find and fix issuesUse a specialised tool to crawl your pages and report on issues which you can solve in a planned fashion. Our HTTPS review tool was created for this purpose since there was no other at-scale tool available. Once done, use our HTTPS reporting tool to report ad hoc issues. For more detailed information on finding and fixing issues, refer to Google’s post.Finding Secure Versions Of Content & Fixing IssuesMixed content issues occur when there are “HTTP” resources being used on a HTTPS page. For example, an image file is called via a URL starting “http://” rather than “http s ://” i.e. the “s” part is missing. Other files causing issues might include javascript, fonts, css, audio and video.To fix the issue check whether the secure version of the file is available. Open a new tab and change the file’s address to start “http s ://” and see if it is available without any error messages and the “green padlock” is present in the browser.If the HTTPS version is available:Change your web page so the file’s URL starts with “http s ://” and re-publish it. Refresh the page and make sure the issue is fixed.REMEMBER: You Can Use Relative Links In Your Content? Use protocol relative URL’s for external links e.g.. “// www.site.com/file.xx ” rather than “http:// www.site.com/file.xx ”. This allows your site to load the link via HTTPS once it is available.? Similarly, use relative links for internal files e.g. “ /file.xx ” rather than “http:// www.site.com/file.xx ”.If the HTTPS version isn’t available, either:1. Find the file on a different server which uses HTTPS and use this one.2. Download then add the file to your own website it it’s allowed, or source an alternative you can use on your site.3. Remove the file from your site entirely.Keeping Your Site Free From Mixed Content IssuesTo keep your site free from new issues once it is fixed:? Check every page that has content added or changed is secure via your range of supported browsers or install a plug-in to your site that checks content you post does not create issues.? Implement a Content Security Policy on your site then collect and action reports of issues as they occur, for example via our HTTPS reporting tool.? Run a scan over your site on a periodic basis and action any issues found. Our HTTPS checking and reviewing tool can be used for this.Content Security PolicyFor more information on understanding and implementing Content Security Policy, visit Google’s Developer pages. When implementing policies you have to consider browser usage and compatibility as well so the following links will help:? Strict Transport Security - Supported BrowsersDeclare that a website is only accessible over a secure connection (HTTPS).? Content Security Policy 1.0 - Supported BrowsersMitigate cross-site scripting attacks by whitelisting allowed sources of script, style, and other resources. For further informaiton on integrating HTTPS on your own website and to discuss how we can help you, please contact us today. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Guide_to_Fixing_Mixed_Content--post--218.html 218 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_63662.jpeg 2017-02-16 13:48:50 1 Introduction to HTTPSWhat is HTTPS?HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is an internet communication protocol that protects the integrity and confidentiality of your users' data as it is sent from their computer to your website, including public networks such as WiFi hot spots. This is visible to users when browsing websites, because it displays a green padlock in their browser.Why is HTTPS so important?Privacy is a very serious concern and users want to be reassured that their data is secured, especially when they enter valuable data via forms, for example logging in to a site, making a purchase or subscribing to newsletters. This information can be exploited by criminals if they are able to view the data or interfere with it as it flows between the user and the site, something called “man-in-the-middle” attacks. Keeping data encrypted stops others being able to view and exploit it for criminal purposes. Login data is valuable because it can be used to steal identities or access sensitive data on any other sites you access using the same login details.Interesting Fact: 64% Of Internet Users Use The Same Passwords On All Or Most Websites!According to Ofcom’s 2015 Adults’ Media Use & Attitudes report, nearly two thirds of internet users have a single password that they use to login to all or most of the websites they visit. This is up from 57% in 2013.Users want better security!Users increasingly expect better security and the use of ‘formal judgements’ (e.g. padlocks or system messages) has increased, from 43% to 55% according to the same 2015 Ofcom report. It is therefore in the best interests of website operators to provide secure transmission of data via HTTPS.How do you move to HTTPS?Implementing “HTTPS” protocol starts by installing an SSL certificate ideally on an entire site, or at least on those parts which capture sensitive data, and the browser will then display the familiar green padlock to users unless there is “mixed content”.Google’s guide to securing yours site with HTTPS:For more information on moving to HTTPS, use Google’s guide to securing your site with HTTPS, by clicking here.What is “Mixed Content” & why does it break HTTPS?Mixed content issues occur whenever a secure HTTPS page contains a reference to a non-https resource, for example a link to a Javascript file or an image that starts with “http://” rather than “https://”.Some types of resources have more serious implications than others because they affect how a page works or looks and this is called “ active mixed content ”. Resources include Javascript, CSS and fonts; modern browsers will not load these resources meaning the page may not work as required or display properly to visitors. This could lose revenues or lead generating opportunities as well as undermining confidence in your site.“Passive mixed content” includes resources which have a lot less impact on page behaviour, such as links to “http” versions of images, audio and videos; browsers will load these pages but without https meaning you lose the green padlock which users are looking for.WARNING: Active Or Passive Content Can Both Be Exploited!Whilst active and passive content may be different in how they affect a page load, both types of mixed content can still be exploited by hackers . Example exploit: Daniel goes to lunchDaniel pops out for a coffee at lunchtime and decides to use the free WiFi available at his coffee shop. Being a customer, the waiter helpfully gives over today’s WiFi password and Daniel connects and starts browsing for some shoes on his favourite menswear site. He finds just the right pair and places his order. Daniel then goes onto some of his favourite sites for 10 minutes, checks some account balances, responds to an urgent email and then goes back to work.The exploit:A hacker sits at a table near to the coffee shop and gets their WiFi code without asking because it was posted onto an app like WiFiMap (which anyone can browse to get passwords for public WiFi hot spots). The hacker sniffs the network using a freely available tool and sees Daniel browsing for shoes. The hacker starts to watch for insecure resources and, finding a page which has mixed content, uses a simple method to capture his login details. Daniel didn’t spot that the green padlock was missing because it was okay on previous visits. The hacker continues to see all of the other sites Daniel visits and decides to log into each of them to see if he uses the same login details. Bingo, it works on 2 out of 3 of them.Daniel’s accounts have now been compromised, the level of impact will now depend on the type of sites he was on and the value these can deliver to criminals.For more details about mixed content attacks on, please see White Hat Security’s blog.Worried you’ve been a victim of cybercrime?Find out how to report online scams in the UK at Action Fraud or the FBI in the US.But remember, it's not just about exploits...Whilst exploits represent the scarier end of HTTPS issues, it is still important to remember that increasingly users are looking out for green padlocks or warning messages and may abandon their purchase or enquiry if an issue is apparent.How can we help?We can provide a highly efficient HTTPS review tool to proactively scan sites initially and then capture and report ad hoc issues in real-time. They can be used independently of one another.Our HTTPS review app proactively crawls your site to detect pages with mixed content which you can then update to use secure resources. This is much easier than trying to perform manual checks across all pages, especially on larger sites.It provides an overview of issues by severity plus a PDF report and downloadable data in CSV format which administrators can work from to fix issues.The app also includes warnings about other common issues and offers advanced settings, for example crawling with different user agents such as mobile browsers, and robots.txt style pattern-matching to split down crawls on large sites.Our HTTPS review tool captures mixed content issues from across your entire site as and when they are visited by users. In addition, the HTTPS review tool can collate these reports as they come in so you have an easy fix list to work from. This works in conjunction with you setting up a Content Security Policy on your site.Do all businesses need this?The short answer is yes, especially if you collect any type of data on your site. There is a big push for businesses to move to “SSL everywhere”, with new, reputable  organisations offering free SSL certificates, and governments amongst others advocating adoption of HTTPS. Google confirmed on 6th August 2014 that HTTPS had become a lightweight ranking signal so there is even a small SEO benefit to be gained too.Where can I find out more about HTTPS?Read more about HTTPS from the following sources:Google’s support forumThe Chrome Browser teamMozilla Developer NetworkInfosec Institute Try our HTTPS revew app today!Contact us today for further information and to discuss how the HTTP review checking app can help you. References:Man In The Middle Attacks: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man-in-the-middle_attackOfcom’s 2015 Adults’ Media Use & Attitudes: http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/binaries/research/media-literacy/media-lit-10years/2015_Adults_media_u se_and_attitudes_report.pdfGoogle’s Guide To Securing Your Site With HTTPS: https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/6073543?hl=enWhite Hat Security’s blog: https://www.whitehatsec.com/blog/why-is-passive-mixed-content-so-serious/Action Fraud: http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ FBI: https://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/fraud/internet_fraudLet’s Encrypt: https://letsencrypt.org/ Google Ranking Announcement 6th August 2014: V2.0 Issued 21st July 2016 Page 7 of 8© ecommerce.co.uk HTTPS, Mixed Content & Why It Matters httpschecker.net https://googlewebmastercentral.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/https-as-ranking-signal.html US Government: https://https.cio.gov/Chrome Browser Team: https://www.chromium.org/Home/chromium-security/marking-http-as-non-secureMozilla Developer Network: https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Security/Mixed_contentInfosec Institute: http://resources.infosecinstitute.com/https-mixed-content-vulnerability/ https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/HTTPS_Mixed_Content_and_Why_It_Matters--post--217.html 217 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_95062.jpeg 2017-02-15 15:11:32 1 The end of the year is not always just a time for drinking mulled wine, festive partying and having fun with friends and family. For many of us it is also a time to evaluate the past year and make decisions on what we vow to change in the upcoming year. In business terms, as we glance ahead to 2017, it is the ideal time to consider your upcoming marketing plan and relevant strategies to help your business achieve results.Make your business's new year resolution to start the year with an integrated marketing plan. Your marketing plan should clearly outline your unique business objectives, along with the tactics you plan to use to achieve them. Do what matters most for your brand; identify areas that are no longer working for you and introduce tactics that will provide the results you need.5 Marketing Strategies to start 2017- Refresh your online presenceSince your website is one of the most important places to let your customers know who you are and what you can offer, in a digital world full of competitors, this is one area that you need to get right for your marketing plan. Is your website mobile responsive?  Is your content up to date? Are your products promoted correctly? Is the design original and appealing?- Revitalise your content marketing strategyTry to define and develop the larger story of your organisation. Focus on ways to engage your audience by using content to drive the most profitable behaviours. Good quality, relevant, unique content is crucial if you wish to dominate search engine rankings online and maintain consumer engagement.- Update your social media strategySocial media is one of the most powerful tools that an organisation can utilise. When used correctly, your business can create strong personal relationships and a great connection with prospective customers. In order to build up a successful social media strategy, you should create realistic objectives, characterise your most valuable customers, choose your most useful platforms and constantly develop your messages.- Network with potential customersWith the whole New Year to look forward to, there will be plenty of industry-related events and exhibitions, for your business to attend and exhibit. If you are going to be attending such events as part of your marketing plan, it is important to be fully equipped with marketing materials that will get you noticed and remembered by potential customers – and maybe even close a sale on the day! Engaging exhibition stands, when designed well, can make a great impact on event visitors.If you would like to discuss your marketing plans for 2017, or you would like further support in marketing your business, please get in touch with our team today. Areca Design can provide marketing, advertising and PR support for all areas of your marketing plan – from website design and content development, to social media and exhibition management.  https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/New_Year_New_Marketing_Plan--post--215.html 215 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_79047.jpeg 2017-01-05 11:33:30 1 Areca Design's Augmented Reality (AR) DemonstrationsWith a huge increase in the interest of Augmented Reality Apps, here at Areca Design, we have been attending a variety of business and networking events to demonstrate the innovative marketing technique. Augmented Reality (AR) has proved to be a huge point of interest during many events and is generating more and more significance as innovative marketing continues to up the game for digitalized customers!Areca Design at Sterling Business ShowThursday 29th September – Cheltenham RacecourseOn Thursday 29th September, our sales team made a visit to Cheltenham Racecourse to introduce further organisations to the world of AR. The Sterling Business Show provides a fantastic opportunity for many business decision-makers to grow their business through a combination of marketing, networking and exhibiting. With up to 40 exhibitors and up to 200 delegates at each show, the event aims to bring people and business amidst every industry together. Being non-industry specific, businesses from all sectors can find new and productive ways to help their business grow…We gained a great deal of interest in Augmented Reality Apps, from businesses from many industry backgrounds. Since the event, we have been involved in further discussions with businesses within the banking and manufacturing industries, in order to boost their marketing activity and generate increased sales. Exhibiting at Malvern Festival of InnovationTuesday 4th October – Malvern Three Counties ShowgroundAreca Design was excited to be exhibiting at the Malvern Festival of Innovation on the 4th October. The Festival of Innovation is an excellent networking event, where delegates can discover new technologies, interact with the professionals, connect with potential partners and be inspired by new, innovative products of the future.By focusing on innovation, Areca Design provides professional, creative and strategic marketing plans and techniques that are lead by innovation. By exhibiting at the Innovation event, we gained a great deal of attention on a range of our new Augmented Reality Apps. We were also especially excited to demonstrate our new Areca Design app – to view a 3D animated version of our design studio, alongside our promotional video, head to the app store and download Areca Design AR for free, then scan our logo. Visiting the Worcester Sterling Business ShowThursday 10th November – Worcester Warriors Rugby ClubOur sales team visited the Worcester Sterling Business show at Worcester Warriors Rugby Club, on Thursday 10th November, fully equipped with a range of our Augmented Reality App projects for demonstration.We gained particular interest in our Augmented Reality Apps, which bought to life 3D models, such as a flying helicopter and a detailed waste vehicle, along with virtual historic tours around Evesham and an animated, educational representation of a new wetland area, with on-screen flying animals and insects! Demonstrating AR to Future Generations at Christopher Whitehead CollageThursday 17th November – Christopher whitehead college careers fairIt was a pleasure to be requested to exhibit at the Christopher Whitehead College, to demonstrate some of our recent Augmented Reality Apps in action. Not only were we excited to be present at such an esteemed college, with the opportunity to discuss the potential value behind AR applications, but to also communicate the business opportunities of such platforms to younger generations, who are already up-to-speed with the plethora of today’s digital technology.Our range of Augmented Reality Apps gained a great deal of interest and enthusiasm from the students at the event, who were intrigued to find out more about the technology itself, and propose their own interesting ideas on how Augmented Reality could be used within many different industries!We were also able to discuss recent projects and the potential of new AR projects with additional exhibitors at the event, including prestigious brands such as Yamazaki Mazak, Marks and Spencer’s, The University of Birmingham and many more.For further information on Augmented Reality (AR) Apps, or to discuss a potential project, please contact our team today. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Increased_AR_Interest_at_Networking_Events--post--214.html 214 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_28773.png 2016-11-23 15:13:44 16 It's as predictable as the arrival of some young spooky witches and ghostly gouls turning up on your doorstep on the eve of Halloween, but every October, brands of all shapes and sizes welcome the launch of various Halloween-themed marketing campaigns. With the Halloween season well-and-truly upon us, it is a time for marketers and businesses to really have some fun with their marketing strategies and advertising campaigns. Utilising non-traditional and interactive techniques, brands have the opportunity to connect with customers and really get into the spirit of Halloween, whilst raising brand awareness. Especially with the plethora of digital marketing potential in today's marketplace! Halloween offers a unique opportunity for many businesses to introduce some festive fun – with an aim to gain some business interest and bring new customers through the door.We're sure you are all aware of some of the most recognisable marketing campaigns among brand giants during Halloween, including examples such as Topshop's Trick-or-Tweet, Tesco's #Hallowine, Kellogg's Rice Krispies Scares and Ford's Spooky Halloween Car Wash. No matter what industry, this seasonal time of the year is one of the few times where marketers have the chance to use creativity to connect with target audiences and not stick to specific rules or expectations in terms of marketing.We have outlined some fun Halloween marketing ideas to bring some festive fun to your business and appeal to your customers at the same time: Feature your products in Halloween-themed designsIf any of your products or services can be 'Halloween-ified', utilise this idea for your content strategy. For example, edit product images with hanging spiders, cobwebs, witches hats or spooky skeleton bones to promote specific items. If you offer homeware items, you may wish to provide alter the product images to include some funky Halloween decor, to give inspiration to potential customers and provide ideas for incorporating such items within their home during the Halloween period. Similarly for clothing items, garden pieces, makeup, or any other item you may sell online – use this opportunity to promote your products in a relevant way and gain interest from online visitors. Share some of your customers’ most inspiring Halloween campaignsEncourage you customers to show off their Halloween creations by posting them on your social media account. Ask you customers to tag themselves in the images if they use any of your products and then credit them in your own social media post to encourage other users to share similar projects with you. This is a great way to boost business interaction as well as actually promoting your products in a unique and valuable way. You could even introduce a competition – the most interesting / spooky / unique / most people involved in one photo will win a gift voucher or 10% off their next purchase with the company. This offers endless potential to get customers involved and purchasing items from your business. Have some fun with hashtagsIntroduce a marketing campaign that will encourage customers to use a dedicated hashtags, determined by the business. This offers the opportunity to show off customer's new products (as above), get involved in online competitions, answer questions via social media, share business information to friend and family about the Halloween-themed campaign etc. Provide themed product bundlesIf you have a range of products that lend themselves to a particular Halloween theme, or seasonal sector, offer them together at a discounted rate. For example, a nail polish company may offer groupings of products with Halloween coloured polishes or nail accessories. Another example may be to offer a small promotional item or gift when customers make a purchase between the Halloween period, or offer a 'limited edition' orange version of your product.At Areca Design, we offer creative marketing support for businesses in any industry sector. To help you business in developing a unique social media marketing campaign, creative graphics, digital marketing and traditional advertising during, please contact our team today on: 01386 570 360 or email: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk.In the meantime, please take a look at our newly decorated website and team Halloween costumes for some inspiration!Happy Halloween!  https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Halloween_Marketing_Tips_for_Business--post--212.html 212 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_42305.jpeg 2016-10-13 22:11:55 1 It's been quite some time since we updated the way the website Admin Centre looks and we have been working on a cleaner and simpler interface which better highlights important core metrics, whilst still working the same way operationally.  This means more helpful dashboard information (which reflects whether you use the site for content management or selling products) plus simpler program layouts and record management.This is part of the ongoing progression of REC to ensure you always keep pace with the market in terms of features, search engine changes, web security and of course the user interface, which uses Google Material Design as the guiding design principle.We will be pushing out this new look during w/c 17th October 2016 and will welcome your feedback to make further improvements to the interface.Hopefully you're excited to see the new look, so here's a quick preview for you now:The New CMS Admin Screen Design The New Ecommerce Admin Screen Design Interface Changes At-A-Glance From the team at Areca Design. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/REC_Admin_is_getting_a_makeover--post--213.html 213 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_94303.jpeg 2016-10-12 14:49:47 1 We are pleased to release two major new changes to the REC platform:  the roll-out of the new Admin Console design to all REC users worldwide and the introduction of REC+.This comes into effect on Wednesday 19th October 2016. New Admin Console Re-design Now LiveLast week we previewed the admin console re-design which follows Google Material Design guidelines and this is now being rolled out to all REC sites worldwide. We will be closely monitoring feedback to the new graphical user interface and using this to shape future improvements so please let us have your views! Click here to see the previous post on the Admin Re-design. REC+ Is Now AvailableWe are pleased to introduce REC+, our latest software product offering many advanced features typically only found in specialist software or enterprise versions of competitor products. REC+ has everything that's available in REC and works in the same tried-and-tested way with which you are familiar, making it a seamless transition.And it's free to upgrade!We are making many of the new features totally free to REC users as a thank you for being loyal users of our software. So your charges will stay the same unless you opt to use the paid features. Follow our instructions to implement the new features on your site or let our team do it for you (charges apply). REC+ FeaturesGenerate Real Time LeadsGenerate leads from email campaigns and receive instant notifications when the prospect opens them, meaning you know when they are most interested to buy.  Improve Email CampaignsSend high volume email campaigns at set times with better deliverability through stronger email settings. Track Client & Prospect ConversationsTrack interactions with clients and prospects via our EasyNotes system so everyone knows the latest conversations taking place.  Offer Gift Vouchers Sell and redeem gift vouchers. Sell Downloadable GoodsSell intangible goods delivered electronically, such as e-books.  Follow-up PurchasesSend automated emails to buyers which are specific to the products they have purchased. Uses include cross-selling related products, sending information on warranty / technical / care & handling / support information / pre-ordered items. Move Your Site To HTTPS EverywhereSwitch to the HTTPS "green padlock" to keep in line with the drive by the web industry to encrypted data transmission between users' computers and your website. Google in particular is promoting this and rewarding sites with better rankings as well as avoiding Chrome messages advising the connection is not private. Cover your whole site (recommended) or just your checkout process (ecommerce sites). Cost implications apply. Includes SSL certificate plus apps for HTTPS mixed content checking and fault reporting. Requires migration to Cloudflare Content Delivery Network and DNS changes. Implementation does not include resolving mixed content, contact sales for more information.Please Note: You will need to accept the new REC+ Terms & Conditions when you upgrade. These are substantially the same as the current REC terms but have been updated to include our established methods of operation and presented in a better format. Terms are not varied on an individual basis. For further information, please contact our team today. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Introduction_of_REC--post--219.html 219 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_96498.jpeg 2016-10-03 12:56:49 1 The Top 5 Characteristics of a Great Brand LogoWhen it comes to designing a good business logo , there is a lot to think about. With the huge volume of competition that all businesses face, in every industry, it is detrimental to get brand identity right. In a world where brands are becoming more and more easily accessible, and much more daring with regard to digital revelations, the idea of getting your branding spot-on is every companies modern day aspiration.So, what characteristics do successful logos and brand have in common? When you take away your own individual preference, what is it in a logo design that speaks to your clients and demonstrates a truly ‘great logo design’. 1. SimplicityAbove all, a rule that is always consistent within graphic design, is that: simplicity is key. A good logo is distinctive, appropriate, practical, graphic and simple! The majority of the time, the best logos don’t actually need any words at all – they can stand alone as a single entity and be widely recognised as a symbol of the brand itself. Simplicity in a logo design allows for quick and easy recognition across every platform.2. UniqueFor many years, professional businesses continued to market their brand with bland, undifferentiated messages, which were limited in creating compelling impressions in the minds of their customers. Nowadays, 'me-too' brands just do not make the cut anymore. This is where the development of a professional, distinctive and unique brand logo comes into play.Creating a great brand identity requires something completely unique and distinctive. Distinctiveness produces good memory recall, allowing brands to stand out amid a heavily infiltrated market. The Disney logo, for example, with it’s infamous ‘D’ has children and adults of all ages recognising some our favourite childhood films. Apple’s renowned, sleek Apple logo has become known worldwide for their innovative products and minimalistic appeal.3. ConsistencyA brand ultimately communicates what you do and what you stand for as a business. Your branding should therefore be applied clearly and consistently across everything you do and all of your communication channels. A strong, consistent business logo will reinforce brand identity and drive positive customer response and trust.  When consumers return to a business, they expect to receive the same standard of service as their previous encounter – if not better. No one wants to deal with a company that that cannot consistently rely on to provide a valuable, unique service.4. ExpertiseA great logo successfully conveys it’s companies expertise or ethos. Heinz traditional label theme, for example, portrays the product trustworthiness and reputability. The Nike tick, in addition, immediately communicates speed and therefore sport. With a well-designed, quality logo, businesses can simply and effectively demonstrate their industry expertise and encapsulate everything that the business stands for in one logo appearance.5. VersatilityAn effective logo must be practical across a variety of mediums and applications. A truly versatile and functional logo can be scaled to any size, work in both horizontal and vertical formats and can also be utilised across small and large scale campaigns. A well-designed logo, for example, will work well on both and company business card and website, a promotional leaflet and a digital billboard, a magazine publication and a multifaceted exhibition stand.Areca Design have experience in designing and creating great brand logos for businesses within a range if industry sectors. To discuss your logo design requirements, or to find out more about how to create a great business logo, please contact our team today on: 01386 570360 or email: DesignTeam@arecadesign.co.uk. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/The_Top_5_Characteristics_of_Successful_Brands--post--211.html 211 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_48517.png 2016-09-07 16:46:57 1 At Areca Design, we have been successfully creating Mobile Augmented Reality (AR) Apps for the past five years, for multiple business sectors.As a full service Design and Marketing Agency, technical innovation has always been at the forefront of any creative project at Areca Design. Combined with innovative marketing materials, website design and branding, our creative team have developed Mobile AR Apps for many sectors, including Tourism, Environment, Automotive, Education and Marketing industries. The Evesham Historic Trail and The Pershore Avon Meadows AR App are just two local examples of how powerful this engaging technology can be.It was only a matter of time before one of the big technology giants tapped into the full potential to bring AR into mainstream awareness. And the Global phenomenon, Pokémon GO, has done just that – bringing to life a popular childhood game that a large demographic will be familiar with and introducing the Pokémon experience to a whole new mobile generation. Augmented Reality (AR) has recently been adopted by sectors such as the car industry, with brands like Ford and Audi allowing users to actually preview vehicles with AR Apps. In addition retail industries such as House of Fraiser have begun to introduce the concept of AR technology, where shoppers can scan shoppable windows. A Game-changer for Augmented RealityBut, Pokémon GO has made the interactive AR technology an every day, go-to platform. so, how does it all work?Pokémon GO uses Google Maps to integrate the real world within it's virtual universe. Users can take on the role of a Pokémon trainer and catch various Pokémon monsters by exploring the real world. By using their smart phone, users scan the environment around them and attempt to catch all of the pokémon monsters located around the World, with specific in-game rewards, only available if a user walks up to 10km.Pokéstops, which provide crucial in-game items, are also positioned throughout the real-world at designated landmarks and local businesses, including pubs and restaurants.Mick Hurst, Managing Director at Areca Design commented:“The challenge will now be to make sure that businesses in all areas engage with Mobile Augmented Reality, before they assume that it is purely a games technology. Mobile AR has the power to bring history back to life, assist in training, deliver product information at point of interest and provide a huge amount of data for planning and analysis.” Mick continued:“The Avon Meadows AR App has the wow factor to ensure that a small, but very important, water meadow in Pershore can engage and educate children of all ages and abilities – bringing to them the importance of the natural world, on their doorstep. The potential of Mobile AR is endless…” For further information on the Mobile Augmented Reality, or to discuss a potential marketing project, please contact our team today on: 01386 570360 or email: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Global_Success_of_Pokemon_GO_shows_how_powerful_AR_applications_can_be_for_Marketing--post--209.html 209 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Global_Success_of_Pokemon_GO_shows_how_powerful_AR_applications_can_be_for_Marketing_81435.jpeg 2016-08-01 11:47:48 16 Largs Tourism will be at the centre of cutting-edge technology with the introduction of a new virtual reality information sign, to showcase the local area.The new sign, located at the picnic area on Haylie Brae, Largs, will allow mobile phone users to view animated images overlapping the real scenery in front of them, through their mobile screens. Users will be able to load up the app, scan the sign and see images from the past, including animated hawks landing on the sign or Viking ships sailing down the Clyde.With a variety of options being presented to the councillors, it was decided to utilise an information sign at the Haylie Brae picnic area, since it is one of the major gateways into Largs and the surrounding area. The cost was split between the physical sign itself and the use of innovative augmented reality technology.Bruce Macaulay, of 6274 Public Art, noted that it would also be possible for the augmented reality software to include video footage of Largs from the past, from the National Film Archive.Speaking to the Largs and Millport News, Mr Macaculay stated: “Once people have downloaded the app, it can find the experiences we created based on your location – we would do Vikings and a hawk coming out of the sign. It will be quite spectacular to see.”He continued: The whole power is that we can change this at any time. I don’t think anywhere else in the area has this augmented reality signage as all…”As a completely new area of technology for the area, the new augmented reality app is expected to gain a great deal of interest around the area. As a highly cost effective and modern way to help promote the local area, the new technology and signage has been funded by Largs seafront car park funds.  At Areca Design, we are currently working on a range of upcoming Wirtual Reality Tours and Augmented Reality Projects. For further information on Augmented Reality technology, to see some of our previous success stories, or discuss a potential project with us, please contact our team today on: 01386 570360 or email: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk.(information and image sourced by Largs and Millport News)  https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Largs_Tourism_uses_Augmented_Reality_to_promote_the_local_area--post--206.html 206 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_42157.jpeg 2016-04-29 16:30:58 1 Aldgate is Changing AR App – See the Upcoming Developments with Augmented RealityAldgate, central London, is fast becoming a hub for mixed-use developments, offering a booming retail sector and expanding residential areas. In preparation for the major redevelopment work in the Aldgate area, The City of London Corporation required a unique piece of technology, that would illustrate the planned major highways and infrastructure improvements within the Aldgate area.Areca Design was commissioned to provide an innovative Augmented Reality (AR) App, to help bridge the gap between the building site and the expectations of what would be in place, once the £14m redevelopment operation had been completed over the course of two years. The aim of the AR Mobile App was to develop a way that locals and tourists could envisage what was going to be in Aldgate, after the renovation work was finished, in an educational and interactive way. View the Developments of Aldgate In-situThe main innovation was for creative team to create a bespoke 3D model of the finished landscape, including trees, pedestrian areas and a new pagoda/cafe, using a new Mobile Augmented Reality App.We provided the ability for users to appear to be stood inside of the 3D model of Aldgate, when they were actually standing in-situ with the Aldgate area itself. This means that, upon opening the app and scanning the area, users can actually see all of the existing buildings, augmented with how the new landscaping will look.Augmented Reality and the Potential for the Construction IndustryWe foresee that Mobile AR Apps will quickly become more widely used as technology booms and awareness of the mobile device capabilities and innovations increase. The construction industry, in particular, has the potential to adopt this technology gradually, as it provides many benefits:- It becomes increasingly easy for potential clients and the public to envisage proposed developments- Allows concerns in design to be addressed within the early stages- Introduces initial concepts and enables feedback to be channelled quickly and efficiently- It is cost effective, in that issues and research can be focussed and tailored before the development work takes place- It is educational, interactive, inspiring and utilises the latest modern technology to demonstrate expertise in the industry sectorThe Aldgate is Changing App is free to download and is available for both ios and Android devices – please search for Aldgate is Changing in the Apple Store or Google Play.If you require a discussion on how we could help support your business with innovative Augmented Reality, please contact us today on: 01386 570360, or email us at: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Brightening_up_Aldgate_with_Augmented_Reality--post--205.html 205 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_86842.png 2016-04-13 12:21:14 15 Visitors to Avon Meadows, Pershore’s Community Wetland and Local Nature Reserve, will soon be able to get even closer to nature, with the upcoming launch of a new, interactive, Mobile Augmented Reality App.The Avon Meadows App, designed and created the team at Areca Design, uses Mobile Augmented Reality (AR) technology to bring the wetland to life, through the use of smart device.By hovering a phone camera over the new information boards or the official visitors map at Avon Meadows, people will be able to see the various birds, small animals and creatures living there – moving around before their eyes. The interactive nature of the app allows you to click on each moving creature, onscreen, to find out more information, whilst enjoying a walk around the wetland. There are also various viewing points on the in-app 3D map functionality, which when clicked on will transform the meadows into full bloom.Liz Etheridge, Wychavon’s Wetlands for All Officer, said: “The free-to-use Avon Meadows AR App will allow people to learn more about the Meadows in a fun and interactive way and is just another way for visitors to enjoy what the site has to offer, especially when some of the wildlife is harder to spot. People will also be able to see and share our vision of a flower-filled paradise, through this creative technology, which is as great for wildlife as it is for people.”The app will be officially launched on Friday 22nd April at 3:00pm, when a special tour will take place to demonstrate how the innovative technology works. The app is free to download, on iPhone as well as Android devices. Simply search Avon Meadows in the App Store or on Google Play. If you want to join the tour, please bring your smartphone or tablet and download the app before you come along.If you have an exciting project that could utilise the potential of Mobile Augmented Reality, or you wish to discuss potential creative options with our team, please contact us today on: 01386 570360 or email: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk.  https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Avon_Meadows_Bring_Wetlands_to_Life_with_Inspiring_Mobile_Augmented_Reality_App--post--204.html 204 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_47793.jpeg 2016-04-12 17:29:11 15 Another Two New Starters Joins Our Creative Web Team...Today, Areca Design welcomes another two new members to our growing team of creative, digital and marketing experts! Our new recruits are: Website and App Developer, Jordan Meacham and Website and App Developer, Irina Petrova.Jordan is our young, fresh-faced digital developer, with an immense interest in the field of web. He is constantly on the lookout for interesting and innovative ways to enhance online user experience and is ready and raring to start solving technical problems and digital design briefs for our many clients.Keeping on-top on the latest trends and technology within the industry, Jordan is keen to ensure every project is the greatest that it can be, no matter who the client or end-user. Jordan says:'My personal goal is to help create efficient websites for clients, who can utilise them successfully for business growth. I specialise in creating websites using HTML, CSS3, Javascript and PHP, although I am continuously learning new, exciting skills that will help benefit my area of expertise; and, in turn help our clients thrive online'.Irina joins the team as our enthusiastic developer, with a personal quest to provide exceptional online user experience. With an additional computing degree in hand and professional experience with web, Irina continues to keep up to date with the latest digital trends and technology. Irina states:'I always look for better, more robust solutions for every technical, web and digtial project, and it is my aim to keep up to date with the current practices, established patterns and upcoming issues that may rise. I value constructive criticism and focus on achieving unique business goals, with specific and valuable digital solutions.'Jordan and Irina will be working on a range of new website design and development projects, as well as offering website technical support to our clients.For further information on how our creative team of website designers can help to support your marketing strategy, please contact us today on: 01386 570360, or email: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk.  https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Two_Web_Developers_Join_the_Areca_Design_Team--post--203.html 203 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_88983.png 2016-03-30 19:24:20 1 You decide who will dress up at Areca this Easter!Easter Eggs, Chicks or Easter Bunnies?With the Easter Bank Holiday just around the corner (plus, an upcoming birthday and the great news of our new web designer) we thought we would celebrate in style...Forget the chocolate eggs, just for a moment, and cast your votes to Dress up Areca for Easter! Our Twitter Poll will be live from Monday 21st March! All you need to do is:- Visit our Twitter page- Cast your vote on our Twitter Poll- The winning team (or, losing team whichever way you look at it) will have to dress up! The possible teams, waiting for your votes are:Sadie & LauraEd & DanDan & MickJamie & IrinaVote for the team who you think should dress up for Easter and the team with the most votes will be dressing up on Thursday 24th March 2016 as Easter Eggs, Chicks or Easter Bunnies...Cast your votes now... Visit our Twitter Page. For further information on how you can create successful marketing campaigns and promotional material, please contact Areca Design on: 01386 570360 or email: DesignTeam@ArecaDesign.co.uk.  https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Dress_up_Areca_for_Easter--post--201.html 201 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_49621.jpeg 2016-03-18 16:37:49 1 This job position is no longer avaialble Job: Website Designer / CoderWhere: EveshamType: PermanentWe are searching for an experienced, creative Web Designer / Coder to become part of our expanding digital marketing agency, in Evesham. This is an exciting opportunity to influence and develop a fast-growing business; working with some fantastic big-name clients.What you will be doing:The successful candidate will be joining a small team of friendly designers and marketing professionals, working on a variety of exciting projects – for clients around the country and international corporations.What we're looking for:Strong creative flair and passion for web applicationsA key interest in user experience principlesProficiency in creating technically innovative designs from scratchThe ability to work simultaneously on dynamic projectsA strong team player with good initiativeTwo+ years experience within an agency / web / IT industryTechnical skills you'll need to be familiar (or awesome...) with:Good working knowledge of HTML, Jquery, Javascript, CSS – CSS3 (creating and styling)A strong understanding Photoshop (or equivilent) to create new web conceptsFamiliar with content management systems, such as WordPress (other packages are a bonus!)Experience with responsive web pagesBonus skills (desired, but not essential):HTML5, PHP, MysqlQualification in web design / development or similarKeen interest for further progression into Mobile Augmented Reality (AR) and app developmentWhy work with us:Areca Design is an expanding digital marketing agency, with a great reputation for innovation. Based in the market town of Evesham, our innovative studio is a converted 16th century building, with plenty of space to get the creative juices flowing.The successful candidate will be joining a dynamic, friendly atmosphere, with plenty of scope for advancement and development. As an integrated marketing agency, we aim to help our clients thrive in their own marketplace – as a member of our team, you will be integral in helping big name brands achieve this.Other cool stuff you will get at Areca Design:Helpful training and support from experienced developersAppropriate technology, equipment and resources provided20 days holiday as standard, plus bank holidays to spend at your leisureThe opportunity to quickly develop your career path and enhance your skill set with an expanding businessInterested?If this sounds like the perfect role for you, please get in touch, we would like to hear from you. For further information, or to arrange a discussion, please contact our team with your CV and a short covering letter to: work@arecadesign.co.uk. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Innovative_Website_Designer_Coder_Wanted--post--200.html 200 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Innovative_Website_Designer__Coder_Wanted_38316.jpeg 2016-02-26 11:52:05 17 New Streamlined Branding Strategy to mark 70-year Milestone Areca Design have recently been working with International manufacturer and Distributor, Strickland Tracks, to launch a fresh, consistent branding approach, after reviewing 70 years of trading.BackgroundSince it’s establishment in 1945, Strickland Tracks has rapidly expanded into a global leader in tracked undercarriages, prompting the need for a fresh marketing strategy. Originally founded for the repair and service of agricultural machinery, the organisation has since developed into a 20-acre industrial site, with purpose built factory for the manufacture of a huge range of crawler and undercarriage systems, used all over the world.Matt Cox, Operations Manager at Strickland Tracks stated: "The pace of business growth had left the total brand in it's wake. The branding had become disjointed and uncontrolled. Deciding to redevelop the website prompted the long overdue need to put some 'manners' back on the brand". The SolutionWith creative support from local Website Design and Marketing Agency, Areca Design, the re-brand incorporates Logo Re-design, Website Design, Business Stationary, Vehicle Livery and comprehensive Branding Guidelines, to keep the organisation’s image on track."The main basis for our decision to select Areca, was the people; we felt that these were people we could work with. Beyond that, the pitch was well-rounded, showing a balance of flair and business acumen." A Fresh Branding Solution for Crawler Track Manufacturer BusinessThe unified branding structure aims to better address the needs of their target market and uplift the brand positioning for both customers and colleagues. The new website design, which will be launched within the upcoming months, aims to surpass customer expectations with a consistent brand message, purchasing efficiency and realm of specific, detailed product information.Matt continued: Strickland's are quite excited at extending the existing project into the re-development of the Strickland Tracks office and factory; we want to keep the new brand them consistent throughout the revamp. There are also good prospects for the inclusion of augmented reality marketing solutions in the future."it’s much easier to take a business card and a mobile phone into a meeting than a 5 ton track system!" For further information on how Areca Design can help your business with comprehensive Marketing Support, including Websites, Augmented Reality, Exhibition Stands, Printed Material and more, please contact the design studio on: 01386 570360, or email us: DesignTeam@ArecaDesign.co.uk. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Branding_Redesign_for_International_Tracks_Manufacturer--post--198.html 198 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_92714.jpeg 2016-02-17 21:07:53 15 The 2016 Intelligently Green Awards aim to celebrate green projects and activities around Whychavon that also benefit the community or save money. About the AwardsDuring the end part of 2015, world leaders gathered in Paris to negotiate a new agreement that would help to reduce the effects climate change. Organisers of the Intelligently Green Awards, Whychavon District Council and Transition Evesham Vale, highlight that we all have a part to play in protecting the environment around us.The Award scheme is about recognising and promoting local, intelligently green activities – things that not only have a positive impact on the environment, but also have community or financial benefits. Who is eligible to enter?You are able to nominate yourself, an organisation you are involved with, or someone else for an Intelligently Green Award. The five categories are:Individual and householdLarge business and public sectorSmall businessCommunity groupSchool / CollegeAll nominations must be associated with projects and activities that took place in the Whychavon district, between 1st April 2014 and 31st March 2016. The project or activity must be classed as intelligently green, by contributing to at least one of the following themes: energy, construction, transport, food, tourism and green space. Why enter the Intelligently Green Awards?The Awards are a great way to promote your project or activity, find out about other green initiatives and become an Intelligently Green advocate in Whychavon.All eligible nominees will receive recognition for their particular project, along with the following:A CertificateA lovely AwardTwo tickets to the Awards CeremonyPublicity through print, online and social mediaBranding to use on business collateral – emails, letters and other materialsThe winners of each category will be announced at the Awards Ceremony, at Pershore College’s new sustainable building, on Friday 17th June 2016. The event is to be hosted by Evesham born impressionist and actor, Alistair McGowan, who is an ambassador to WWF-UK. Alistair is also part of the Global World Wide Fund for Nature and campaigns on a number of environmental issues – providing a great spokesmen for the environmentally focused occasion.How to applyNominations will open on 12th February 2016. To nominate yourself, or someone else for one of the Intelligently Green Awards, you will need to fill out a nomination form, which will be available via the Whychavon website, shown below. You can also pick up a nomination form from one of the Community Contact Centres.In your nomination, you are required to clearly describe how the project or activity has a positive environmental impact and also how it has community or financial benefits. You may also submit photos or a short film, to support your nomination.The deadline for all nominations is 5pm on Friday 22nd April 2016. Supporting local green projectsAreca Design are helping to support the Intelligently Green Awards, as we are firm believers that every individual can help to make a positive impact when it comes to taking care of our environment.We are sponsoring the award for Larger Businesses and Public Sector organisations. Located in Evesham Town Centre, our creative team support a diverse range of businesses, of any size, with innovative marketing solutions – to help them succeed online or engage in a memorable way with their audience.We aim to use environmentally friendly printing solutions, for tailored marketing materials, to become a long-term partner in the business growth. The Whychavon Intelligently Green Awards are sponsored by: Rooftop Housing Group - Overall SponsorshipFortris Living - Awards EventPershore College - Awards VenueImaGine - Individual/household categoryJellyPickleHam, Evesham Greengrocer - Small BusinessAreca Design - Larger Business and Public SectorHayloft Plants - Community GroupUniversity of Worcester - School / College For further information on the Intelligently Green Awards, please visit the website below.To discuss your marketing requirements with a member of our team, please contact us today: 01386 570360 or email DesignTeam@ArecaDesign.co.uk. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Areca_Design_Support_Larger_Business_for_2016_Intelligently_Green_Awards--post--197.html 197 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_90550.png 2016-02-09 16:39:27 3 First of all, we would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our clients, friends and contacts a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!It has been an exciting year for us, at the Areca Design studios, with two new employees joining our team, huge success stories with new Augmented Reality Apps and the development of new services to help boost your customer relationship management. We are currently working on further, exciting projects with a range of new and existing clients, which will be announced in the New Year...To get into the Christmas spirit, we took Christmas Jumper Day 2015 a step further on Friday 18th December and came to work in wacky onesies, festive jumpers and a full Elf costume – complete with jingling bells on the shoes! (Yes, he wore those all day...)    We will be returning to the studio from Tuesday 29th December, to continue scheduling in your new projects for the year ahead and we look forward to working with you all in 2016!For further information on how we can help support your business with creative marketing support, please contact us on: 01386 570360 or email us at: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk. Take a look at some of our highlights from 2015...A New Employee for Creative ExpansionSupporting the 750th Anniversary of The Battle of EveshamA 10,000ft Charity SkydiveAreca Design's Cyber Security CertificationA Brand Revamp for Property ConsultantsA Flush of Success with City of London New AppA New Web Starter at Areca DesignThe Black Friday Forge Results  https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Arecas_Christmas_Jumper_Day--post--190.html 190 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_24729.jpeg 2015-12-21 09:49:05 1 It’s not too late to order your personalised printed Christmas cards, Festive Invitations or Promotional Coupons! Printed in full colour with your company name, logo, seasonal message and bespoke design, you can ensure you create maximum impact with your marketing materials, so that your customers remember to return to use your services, as we swiftly move into the New Year.Our last order date for your printed seasonal greetings is Friday 18th December, to ensure your messages reach you in time. Whether you want to go modern with a flat, postcard-style Christmas card or a more traditional, folded card for additional design space. When it comes to personalised printed materials for Christmas, we can cater for all of your needs.  Our in-house Graphic Designers will work alongside you, to incorporate your desired festive message, just in time to share the joy over the Christmas period. We can include unique photographs supplied by you, if you want to add a personal touch, or innovative graphics and imagery for a more illustrated message.Available in various sizes, from standard A5, A6 (small) and DL (slim), supplied with or without envelopes, simply let us know your desired message and we will put our thinking (Santa) hats on to create the ideal seasonal greeting for your range of customers or contacts. Don't worry if you are unsure on what type of card to send, or what design them you wish to include, just let us know and we will create something completely bespoke for you.Contact our friendly team today, to discuss your unique print requirements, on: 01386 570 360, or email us at: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk and we will come up with a creative, visually impacting idea to suit your business this festive season. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Merry_and_Bright_Get_Your_Christmas_Prints_Just_Right--post--189.html 189 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_59493.jpeg 2015-12-16 12:31:35 1 It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but before you leave the office, to swap the computer screens and notepads with Christmas hats and tinsel, get into the festive spirit in the lead-up to your annual holiday. Whether you are having an office party with co-workers, or the afternoon to exchange gifts in the workplace, we have put together a list of games that will add some fun to your celebration.Naughty or nice, everyone enjoys playing various games during the festive season. They're a great way to break the ice and encourage team building, as well as increasing excitement ready for the Christmas Holiday. Whether your team want to get involved in active Christmas-themed antics at the staff office party, or you want to introduce some festive spirit with a selection of memory or trivia games. There are many activities that have been designed for everyone to enjoy this Christmas...Trivia GamesChristmas General TriviaChristmas Movie TriviaChristmas Song TriviaIndustry Related TriviaCompany QuizName the LogoChristmas-themed Memory GameHow well do you know the CEO? Exchange and Gift GameSecret SantaChristmas Dice Gift ExchangeGift Stacking RelayStocking Guessing GameFind the Chocolate SnowmanPresent Wrap RaceChocolate Coin HuntHow Many Presents in the Box? Other Office Christmas GamesWho am I?Christmas BingoWho's Santa? (Winking Game)Fill the Christmas StockingSnowman Wrapping ContestPhoto booth with Christmas PropsPin the Nose on RudolphSnowball and Spoon Relay Here at Areca Design, we will be taking part in our own Secret Santa on Friday 18th, during Christmas Jumper Day – where we will be supporting Text Santa. The Areca Design studio will be closed during Christmas Eve 24th December until Monday 28th December. We will be open as usual from Tuesday 29th December.If you require any marketing support during the Christmas period or into the New Year, our creative team can provide effective Print Management, Website Design, Graphic Design, Exhibition Stands and innovative Augmented Reality. Please contact a member of our team today, to discuss your requirements on: 01386 570 360, or email us at: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Have_a_Ball_this_Christmas_Fun_Office_Christmas_Game_Ideas--post--188.html 188 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_12706.jpeg 2015-12-15 12:36:35 1 Forge Motorsport and the Successful Results of Black FridayThe much-anticipated Black Friday may have passed, but for many businesses, now is the time to review the day’s success and identify the next steps to provide future winning, rewarding campaigns for their base of customers.What is Black Friday?Now said to be one of the UK’s biggest shopping days, Black Friday sees a whole host of retailers offering dramatic deals and discounts on their products in the run-up to the Christmas period. Providing reductions both online and offline, the tradition originally came from America, with the national sale typically falling on the day after Thanksgiving.Forge Motorsport’s Winning Black Friday DealForge Motorsport utilise their in-house, state-of-the-art facilities to develop the largest range of replacement aftermarket vehicle parts. With the complete range of car parts and accessories proudly stating ‘Made in Great Britain’, Forge Motorsport combine product quality with dedicated customer care and after service worldwide.The car parts manufacturer reported a record-breaking start to the Black Friday weekend, starting on Friday 27th November this year. With a huge 25% off their complete product range, dealers, retailers and domestic customers were able to purchase any Forge products online, insert their coupon code and reduce their cost.The discount saw a huge increase in online purchases within a matter of hours. A day-to-day sale intake, for Forge, would generally consist of around 20 to 30 orders. During the Black Friday event, the motorsport specialists acquired around 250 single orders, from their loyal database of customers – a huge increase, well over 900% of usual trade.The team at Forge Motorsport were delighted with the response to their first-time Black Friday deal and with an increase in daily sales of over 800% it has set a new record! It seems that many customers were happy to bag themselves a Forge bargain this Black Friday. With the creation of new online marketing materials, by Areca Design, Forge Motorsport were able to promote the cost-saving deal to their online visitors, via tailored newsletter designs and website graphics. The website saw a huge increase in online visits due to their successful product offer. During the Black Friday weekend, Forge received a total of 6,442 session visits ­– an enormous 98% increase from the same date during the previous year.Russell Butt, Business Manager at Forge Motorsport UK, stated:"We decided to participate in this event, as we typically see a decline in sales at this time of the year. I am so pleased to report that it has been a huge success, for both the company and our customers. It not only surpassed all our desired aims and expectations, but all involved found it an enjoyable experience. We are happy, with all the creative support from Areca Design, that the Black Friday weekend was a huge success."At Areca Design, we can design and produce innovative marketing campaigns to effectively promote your business offering. For further details on how Areca Design can help your business market itself online and offline, please contact our team today on: 01386 570360, or email us at: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Forge_Motorsport_and_the_Black_Friday_Phenomenon--post--187.html 187 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Forge_Motorsport_and_the_Black_Friday_Phenomenon_69931.jpeg 2015-12-03 12:28:42 15 The Power of Festive Advertising – Some of the Best Christmas TV Adverts 2015The battle for the best Christmas Advert on TV gets more and more heated every year. The seasonal screenings have become a big deal for retailers and can now make or break the business year. Whether it's the big, red recognisable truck that gives us a gentle reminder that 'holidays are coming' or a tear-jerking gift delivery to the 'man on the moon', that really gets us into the Christmas spirit...And it would seem that the festive advertising phenomenon is much more than purely promoting a brand and their products over the busy period. In the last few years, retailers have become less interested in simply shifting their products and more focused on competing in the televised Christmas ad campaigns. It's all about who can stir up the most emotion amongst the viewers – whether it's tugging at your heartstrings or raising a smile, and this year retailers have gone all out to generate real emotional loyalty. Even more so in an environment where the Internet and digital advancements are creating ease of buying and quick switching from brand to brand.  With all the big name adverts now airing on TV, plus a number of new contenders aiming for the top Xmas spot, retailers want to create a significant difference with their campaigns over Christmas. For many, if not all, this will be most important time of the year (or, 'the most wonderful time of the year'...) Coca-Cola – Holidays are coming!For many of us, the twinkling Coca-Cola Truck is a critical part of Christmas and the lead-up to it! The familiar sight of the glistening red truck travelling across a white, snowy landscape is the exciting indication that holidays really are coming. Having become a Christmas icon since they were first launched on TV screens in 1995, the trucks, featuring Santa Claus himself, continue to create that magical Christmas feel. You can now get even closer to the magic by visiting them on Coca-Cola's annual Christmas Truck Tour, all over the UK. View it Here...John Lewis – Man on The MoonThe Christmas adverts from John Lewis have become a true festive tradition during recent years. This year, the upmarket department chain have partnered up with Age UK, in an aim to encourage consumers to consider those who will be alone this year. The whimsical two-minute advert features a young girl who spends much of her time looking through a telescope (one that is, of course, available to purchase from John Lewis). After failed attempts of trying to contact an old man she spots living alone on the moon, on Christmas Day, we see a parcel delivery attached to helium balloons landing at the feet of the man. A present from the young girl – a telescope, which he then uses to spot her back on earth... cue a tear of joy.Limitations in the laws of astrophysics put aside, the advert is beautifully-shot and touching. John Lewis appear to have perfected their winning campaign formula in recent years, keeping viewers wondering what they can pull out of the bag next. Their strategy? – Casting cute children, no speech, a plot that revolves around giving rather than receiving and commissioning an up-and-coming singer to cover a well-known pop track.Rachel Swift, Head of Brand Marketing at John Lewis stated, "It's about storytelling through music and emotion. The sentiment behind that hasn't changed – and that is quite intentional". Watch the Advert here... Sainsbury's – Mog's Christmas CalamityLast year, the bar was set extremely high with Sainsbury's three-minute touching take on Christmas Day in 1914. It featured a heart-warming account of the British and German troops during First World War, who laid down their arms and came together on neutral grounds to share greetings, treats and a friendly game of football.This year, Sainsbury's have gone for a very different approach, to promote a similar idea of sharing simple moments with loved ones. Working with children's book author, Judith Kerr, Sainsbury's developed a new story, based on a beloved icon in children's literature - Mog the Cat. The story became a three-and-a-half minute long advert combining live action as well as animation, whereby Mog sets off a chain of unfortunate events, almost completely ruining Christmas Day for the Thomas family. Partnering up with Save the Children, the retail giant produce a magical story that would not only support an important cause, but also focus on bringing viewers together and putting a smile on their faces.Mark Given, Director of Planning and Propositions at Sainsbury's claimed, "More than any other time of year, the Christmas season is when people come together with family and friends to share simple moments and kindnesses". Watch Mog's Christmas Calamity Here...Asda – Because it's ChristmasThis year, Asda are fully embracing the phrase that many of us will utter over the coming weeks! The fun-packed, sing-along Christmas Advert incorporates everything we know and love about Christmas time. It has just about everything to get everyone in the festive mood, from extravagant house decorations, cosy classic film nights, dancing Santa Clause, snow, snogs and ice skating snow men. The 60-second ad featuring the up-beat song by 2014 X Factory Finalist, Fleur East, has been followed with a series of five-second 'blipverts' across TV channels as a subtle, seasonal reminder.With the lead-up to Christmas being just as exciting as the special day itself, Asda focus on the extreme efforts that people go to fully enjoy this time of year. The chain's Chief Customer Officer, Barry Williams said, "Christmas is a time you can really go for it". He continued "I know it's not just my family who feels this way, our customers have been saying they act exactly the same at this time of year, so we're celebrating that spirit throughout our Christmas campaign". See it Here...The Importance of Christmas AdvertisingThere is undoubtedly a great deal of pressure for retailers during the important Christmas period. Companies endeavour to create catchy, likable campaigns that engage and resonate with their audience. With the main aim of creating loyalty with their customers and building a brand personality that people actually want to shop with – no pressure! Tesco, Lidl, Aldi, Burberry, PayPal and Littlewoods are a few more of the big-name brands competing for the top spot this year.If you are looking for a way to promote you business in the lead-up to Christmas, we can help support you with a range of marketing materials based on your bespoke requirements. From Seasonal Graphic Design, Printed Greetings Cards and Festive Digital Newsletters. For further information on how we can help support your business, communicate with your audience and generate a positive brand personality, please contact our team today at: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk or call: 01386 570360. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Let_the_Christmas_Advertising_Begin--post--186.html 186 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_91332.jpeg 2015-11-25 17:30:15 1 Areca Design recently welcomed a new member to our growing team of creatives. Our new recruit has been appointed as an ambitious Website Design Apprentice, to work alongside our web experts, developing an array of skills and building a good working knowledge of digital practices, website development, coding and creativity.Jamie has joined our Worcestershire-based Design and Marketing Agency, specialising in Website Design, Graphic Design, Exhibition Stands and Augmented Reality, completing an apprenticeship with one of the UK’s largest and most successful providers of work related vocational training, LMPQ. Taking his first step on the career ladder, Jamie will be completing an advanced apprenticeship for IT and Telecoms Professionals.Once completed, he will have gained a Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence and a Level 3 Certificate in ICT Systems and Principles. We aim to instill the correct, pro-active business practices and values from the very beginning. With vital training and support, combined with invaluable working experience with us at Areca Design, we feel that Jamie will be a valuable asset to the team and our growing client base.For further information on how we can help support your business with tailored marketing activities to encourage your ROI, please contact our team today on: 01386 570360, or email us: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk. We’re HiringWe are currently recruiting for a new Senior Website Developer to join our team, please click here for further information on the job requirements. For career opportunities and to enquire about our current available position, please get in touch with us at work@arecadesign.co.uk. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/First_Step_On_The_Career_Ladder_For_New_Apprentice--post--184.html 184 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/First_Step_On_The_Career_Ladder_For_New_Appentice_14229.jpeg 2015-10-21 11:23:27 1 Ideas For Marketing Your Business Efficiently During HalloweenHalloween is just around the dark, dismal corner and immediately you probably think of pumpkins, skeletons, witches and the favourite seasonal tradition, trick-or-treating. But, Halloween is no longer simply a time for the kids – autumnal activities such as pumpkin carving, Halloween shopping and scary treats open the door to unlimited opportunities for businesses to take advantage of the seasonal festivities.While the lead-up to Halloween will expose you to many a eerie email, pumpkin-themed picture and witchery across social media accounts, every year companies aim to come up with new, creative ways to make themselves stand out from the competition. It is a well-known fact that almost every company can scare up some new business during the annual eerie celebrations, but how can effective marketing help accomplish this?The most important aspects to consider for your Halloween Marketing tricks must:Be UniqueHalloween is truly unique – it is not a traditional gift-giving annual event, similarly to Christmas. There is no set of rules to follow, although many will stick to the theme of being a little spooky. There is no harm in creating a terrifying campaign with skulls, ghosts and pumpkins, but this will be a very common theme for most businesses. Remember the real aim of your campaign; whether this is to accomplish more sales, generate leads or encourage repeat buying behaviour. Try to introduce something that is really unique and memorable, whilst relating to the current seasonal activities.Add True ValueIf you have done your research and know your consumers, it will be much easier to provide something of value through your campaign. If you are offering incentives, discounted services, free advice, bundles etc., make sure it is something worth the customer’s time. Providing something that is memorable, valuable and appreciated will add a great deal of credibility to your company and should encourage a return visit. If you are stuck on where to begin with your Seasonal Marketing tactics, why not take a look through the following 10 Halloween-themed ideas and combine a few tactics bespoke for your business:1. Halloween-themed offers – Voucher codes/ Discount Flyers/ Posters2. Distribute a Newsletter – Promote special offers / Segment your audience to target specific sectors3. Utilise online content – Create a Blog Post/ Take over your website with spooky slogans (take a look at our Team Page)4. Take to Social Media – share Blog Posts across Facebook, Twitter, Google+ etc./ Communicate with customers/ Introduce unique campaign images/ Create a Social Media Competition to encourage user-generated content4. Internal Costume Contest – Employee Halloween costumes/ Raise money for charity when dressing up/ online competitions such as Dress The CEO etc. interesting and amusing competitions can create great PR!If you require further assistance with your Seasonal Marketing, please contact our team today on: 01386 570360 or email us at DesignTeam@ArecaDesign.co.uk. We can help to design and create innovatve marketing materials, to get your business noticed, for online and offline campaigns. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/How_Sweet_Is_Your_Marketing--post--183.html 183 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_26698.jpeg 2015-10-13 13:16:00 1 Get Your Business Noticed Online with Great Content.... Even if You're Not a Professional WriterDon’t you always find people telling you that you need great content on your website? Content has been king for a very long time, for a number of reasons… And it doesn’t look like this important marketing factor will be changing any time soon.The digital age has introduced many technology-based ideas and has set the standard for modern day searching and shopping online. No longer is it necessary to drive to the nearest supermarket to purchase groceries, or take a visit into town to buy new clothes… Businesses are now recognising the importance of their presence online and thus the need to provide a valuable platform to purchase, when potential customers need it.The Importance of Good ContentThe path for content marketers and businesses alike is clear. Great content not only helps to provide interesting information for visitors, it is also critical from an online perspective.Great content will:Boost SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) rankingsGenerate more exposure and higher positions in search resultsGain traffic/ potential leads through related online searchesEncourage more valuable visitors to your siteKeep visitors engagedIncrease overall website strengthEssentially, the two main things that you need perfectly combined, to be successful online are:To initially get traffic to your websiteTo have fabulous content that keeps them thereNow, that’s is all well and good for the A* authors and whimsical writers among us, but what happens if you want to pack your website to the brim with motivating, unique content, but you can’t quite get the knack of putting finger to keyboard?Since there is already an abundance of well-written content online, if you don’t know how to take your content from average to great, you’re ultimately going to keep getting the same results. Evidently, this will result in a waste of time, effort and resources.How To Create Great Content1. Be OriginalOriginal, unique, innovative content goes a long way with Google, other search engines and of course your audience! Copying another site or individual’s content will end up with your business getting penalized by Google and can cause damage to your site. Not only can this influence how Google perceives your brand, but could also reduce trust from your customers.2. Prioritise QualityIt is important to note the ever-advancing ability of search engines, such as Google, to identify good quality websites from spam-filled, keyword-stuffed websites. One of the main goals of the most recent Google update (Hummingbird) is to create content that is valuable to online visitors, rather than cluttered and useless. Following the updates, businesses that engage in good content, combining both quality and quantity, should naturally rank higher in search engines.3.  Grab Attention with HeadlinesA catchy headline will generate interest and invite your readers in. Anyone in the world of writing, for both online and offline content, knows the true value of a captivating title to motivate readers. When faced with a multitude of options along with limited time, it is highly important to introduce a title that will catch your reader’s eyes. An interesting, compelling headline can help to boost lead generation, sales and return on investment by ensuring they are engaged.4. Use Visual StimuliOnce you have caught the attention of your visitors, it is even more important to keep them on the page! The use of sub-headings, bullet points, bold text, additional links and images can keep the interest rolling, as well as assist in providing further vital points of interest for your reader.5. SEO SuccessSEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is a highly powerful concept used by content marketers. SEO provides great value in online content, allowing search engines to rank your site for relevant search queries and making it easier for visitors to source the information they require. Relevant, well-selected keywords are a must when it comes to optimised online writing. Relevant keywords should be utilised frequently (but not too frequently) throughout the content and in primary positions such as the title, sub-headings and formatting tags.6. Drive an ActionGood content advises the reader on the next step to take during their visit to your site. An effective ‘call-to-action’ should provoke an immediate response from the reader, following the stimulating content that they have just read. The goal of this action point is inevitably to spur an enquiry, generate a conversation between customer and business, create a sales lead or to complete a sale. Call-to-actions can include such terms as: ‘Click here to visit us on Facebook’, Call us now to find out more about our promotion’, or ‘Visit our website to take part in the competition’.There is a great deal of time, effort and resources involved in the difference between average content and great content. At Areca Design, we can help support you with valuable content writing, that combines SEO techniques with online marketing expertise to boost your online presence. For further information on how we can help you, please contact our team today on: 01386 570360, or email us at: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/How_to_Create_Great_Content_Online--post--182.html 182 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_85409.jpeg 2015-09-28 17:23:04 1 The Growing Importance of Responsive Website DesignIn light of the current topic, Responsive Website Design, we wonder what device you are reading this blog post on? A laptop? Maybe you’re at your desk reading from a cinema-sized computer screen? Or, perhaps, you’re scrolling your way through a smart device such a tablet or smart phone?Whatever device you are currently using, it is clear to see that the plethora of varying mobile and smart device on the market today. It is no surprise that mobile Internet usage is soaring within the 21st Century, technology-driven world, which provides a great opportunity for businesses to communicate with their customers. What is a Responsive Website?A Responsive Website is simply a site that will automatically re-format itself for the best viewing capability, depending on the device being used. These devices include mobile phones, tablets, games consoles, TV’s and desktop computers.With a Responsive Website Design, all content and layout styles aim to make the whole web browsing experience much more user-friendly. Visitors no longer need to pinch and pull the screen, to zoom in and out of the text on a mobile device. This is managed by creating one website, that is coded in such a way that it can adapt to the specific device it is being viewed. What are the Benefits of Responsive Website Design?Whatever the nature of your business, a Responsive website design is now not only more favourable for users, but it is also critical platform preferred by by Google. So, why should businesses plan on ensuring their website is responsive?Mobile Internet Usage is Quickly Increasing…This may seem like a simple point to make, however, it is important to recognise the boom of the mobile device usage. With a plethora of mobile devices widely available and utilised, the majority of online searches now take place on such devices – a continual rise during the past few years. Responsive is Preferred for SEO…Google now gives preference to responsive website designs, for huge variety of reasons, and will boost your site within search results if it complies with the responsive requirement. Having only one URL makes it much easier for Google to crawl your site, in addition, this will reduce the chance of on-page SEO errors.  Improved User Experience…Websites these days need to cater to a tech-savvy generation. With the number of mobile device users continuing to grow, websites must create a platform that provides exactly what they are looking for and is easy to navigate through. If a visitor lands on your site and becomes frustrated by having to adjust their screen or is simply unable to find what they are looking for – there is a good chance they will leave immediately. A positive online experience is a must and is much more likely to end in a purchase or enquiry. Easier to Manage…Prior to Responsive, if you wished to cater for mobile and tablet device users, you would have needed at least two websites – individuals created to suit the device being used. This, in turn would mean that you would need to update, manage and run campaigns on both sites. With a Responsive platform, there is only one website to take care of – a ‘one size fits all’ approach.This means that any changes made to the site, SEO campaigns being carried out or content shared will be carried out across the multiple device platforms. Having one Responsive Website also means that reporting is much easier, with only one single set of statistics and analytics to investigate. It’s Future-proof…Not only will your site be perfectly displayed on a wide range of currently used mobile devices, but a responsive design will ensure that, as new devices are continually used for web browsing, your site will still look great.Moving forward, it will be more and more important that your website provides visitors with an easy-to-use, enjoyable experience. With the majority of the population now using a smart device of some sort on a constant, daily basis, businesses should ensure they are not neglecting the whole world of online searchers.  Areca Design can now create Responsive Website Designs that are loved by Google. For further information on our bespoke websites, how we can help to support you and for a full quotation, please contact us today on: 01386 570360, or email us here. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/The_Importance_of_Responsive_Websites--post--180.html 180 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_87608.jpeg 2015-09-01 15:55:31 1 Areca Design are pleased to announce recent success in gaining Cyber Essentials CertificationDefence Against Cyber ThreatsThe Government-backed and industry-supported Cyber Essentials Scheme aims to help organisations implement basic levels of protection against cyber attacks, demonstrating to customers that they take cyber security seriously.With a huge amount of business taking place online in today’s technology-driven and mobile–focused environment, there is an increasing concern for cyber attacks on personal and private data. It is important, therefore, for businesses to ensure they have robust measures in place, to combat such threats – for both internal safety measures and customer data protection. Successful Cyber Essentials AssessmentAreca Design have successfully received the Cyber Essentials Certification, confirming our focus on good cyber security practice. Having completed one of the two possible levels provided by the scheme, Areca Design were required to take part in an independently verified self-assessment. As a business, we were to assess relevant cyber practices against five basic security controls. Answers were then verified by a qualified assessor, based on the information provided.The Cyber Essentials Scheme state 'The five basic controls within Cyber Essentials were chosen because, when properly implemented, they will help to protect against unskilled, internet-based attackers using commodity capabilities – which are freely available on the Internet.'As a Digital Marketing and Creative Website Design Agency, we feel it is important that we have a good cyber security awareness and implement successful practices that can help to prevent cyber attacks. As we move more and more into the 'online world', it is increasingly valuable for customers to feel that their websites cover the basic cyber precautions, and that they are delivered by a trustworthy, professional design team.For further information on Cyber Essentials, please click the link below.If you would like more details on how we can help support you with a creative, professional website design, please contact our team today on: 01386 570360, or email us at: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Areca_Design_Awarded_Cyber_Essentials_Certification--post--179.html 179 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_22020.png 2015-08-27 15:02:45 1 Reasons You Should Choose A Professional Web Team When it Comes to Your WebsiteFrom a local clothing outlet to an international automotive company, there is one element that many businesses have in common – to establish a website that will attract new and existing customers, enhance your brand identity and ultimately generate increased sales.The need for businesses to be online is no longer regarded as an after-thought to marketing and promotional activities. In an increasingly technology-driven environment, having a professional, well-designed website is critical for any business. With more and more customers spending hours online hunting for products and services, having successful online visibility is critical.Why is it so valuable to head to a team of professionals to create your Website?1. Saving you timeNot only do you have a business to run, customers to attend to and sales to make, but now you need to think about how to market your business and ensure you can make a valuable, credible online appearance. Hiring a professional Website Designer gives you the benefit of a dedicated specialist who knows how to create a successful, efficient Website quickly – whilst you dedicate time to your business.2. Creating a unique online platformBy simply taking a look at the number of search results with any given search query, you can quickly see the vast amount of websites accessible online. There are billions of websites on the Internet and within the current age of the smart phone... how will you make yours stand out to potential customers? A professional web team can create a unique design that is tailored to your business, has an easy-to-use navigation system, an efficient loading experience and adheres to all major online browser platforms.3. Trust is earnedThe way your website looks and works is extremely important to visitors. Consider searching for a new shirt or pair of shoes and arriving at a Website that has clear spelling mistakes, image loading problems, unreliable page links or a general unappealing layout. A skilled Web Design team understand the importance of an efficient, aesthetically pleasing website and utilise their years of experience to create an online interface that demonstrates your business value. It has been noticed that the majority of consumers do not trust and are unwilling to make a purchase from a poor website design!4. Getting ahead of the competitionIt is a Web Design Agencies' role to understand the online marketplace, have a passion for great design and ultimately create a compelling site that will stand out amongst the competition. Not only will a professionally designed site give your customers confidence in the products and services your business is offering, but it will also generate a great first impression with your visitors and be seen as a valuable online destination by search engines.5. Making it search engine friendlyOne of the most important factors of a Website is content... and this, in turn, will effect the ability to appear efficiently within search engines. A professional Web Designer will know exactly how to develop your site in a way that is search engine friendly.6. Creating a site that's easy to useBy working alongside a team of professional Designers, you can feel confident that you will have all the assistance and expertise that your require throughout the design, build and maintenance stages. Not only will you have the ability to understand, first-hand, how your website can be designed perfectly for you, but the experts will also ensure ease of use and navigation for your visitors.7. Easily highlighting your expertiseYou are the expert of your business and professional designers will know exactly how to display this to your potential customers. By suggesting the best ways to communicate with your audience, how to display information, how often to communicate through various platforms and what mediums to utilise throughout the site, a professional website will ensure your company looks highly knowledgeable within the field.8. Communicating your message appropriatelyYou know your stuff and you know all there is to know about your business... but how can you get this across appropriately on your website? Hiring a professional Website Designer will assist you in developing valuable, consistent content across your website. Whether this is through colour schemes, site layout, use of appropriate branding, call to actions, fonts, graphics, content styling... Web Developers can help you achieve your communication goals, so all you have to do is provide the facts.9. Less Bugs and More SecurityA professional Web Designer will ensure that any new site design is clearly viewable and compatible on all major browsers – ensuring that potential customers do not miss out on seeing your great content! Having a range of experience within the online interface, Designers will also know how to keep your sites secure and may provide assistance on copywriting issues for your design and content.10. The difference between homemade and professionalThere is a difference... and visitors do notice! Having an efficient, appealing website will allow small businesses to compete with larger businesses online and on an International scale. The ability to promote your business, services or products on a well-designed website will allow great amounts of credibility and will also ensure your visitors are interested in what they see on their screens.As a professional Website Design Agency, Areca Design know how to create websites that work. Having a new website that just looks good is not enough in such a technology-based environment, that's why we design and create sites that are tailored to your unique business requirements. Our websites offer a unique platform that is optimised, offers easy navigation, an enjoyable visitor experience and an attractive responsive layout.If you would like further information on how we can help support you with professional Website Design, please contact our team today on: 01386 570360, or email us here. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Why_Should_You_Invest_in_a_Professional_Website_Designer_For_Your_Business--post--178.html 178 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_80812.jpeg 2015-08-21 11:11:32 1 An holistic approach for an innovative Cyber Security CompanyAreca Design has designed a new website for Xreach an innovative Cyber Security company, based in Hereford, specialising in securing mobile communications.BackgroundWith cyber security at the heart of the business, Xreach provide a range of services focussed on keeping you safe in cyber space. In an ever-evolving world of technology and the increasing risk of more and more cyber threats to personal privacy, Xreach actively engage with their extensive client base to inform, update and adjust relevant security measures to manage the emerging cyber dangers.The ChallengeXreach required a professional, modern-looking Website Design to keep up-to-date with the quick pace and advances within the cyber world. With a focus on mobile communications, Xreach are constantly innovating and developing products to account for the ever-growing and well-documented cyber threats to individuals, corporate business and governments. The new website design and layout, therefore, needed to represent the business as responsible, reliable and quick to react.A fresh, unique design was required in order to represent security, trust and the potential building of new business relationships. With a current logo design, the website also needed to compliment the business colour scheme in a professional, confident and aesthetic manner.Our SolutionWebsite DesignOur website developers began by communicating with the client to ensure we were heading in the right direction for the new design style. Following  design concepts and confirmation, the bespoke, branded style was selected, which encapsulated everything 'cyber security', via images, colour schemes, straplines and a simple naviagtion system.The website design includes a large slider image, which immediately captures the visitor's attention – visualising images of padlocks, closed envelopes, computer screens, puzzle pieces and cogwheels. Alongside a black, white and red colour scheme, the greyscale background photographs depict buisnessmen in smart suits, carrying out daily business routines, to add a personal, comforting approach to the site.Individual icons have also been created to promote each service provided by the company, which links in perfectly with the slider image icon clouds and also offers a quick and easy navigation system.The overall look and feel of the site aims to 'install confidence' in the minds of the visitors, through it's modern and professional, yet personal touch.Printed Marketing MaterialComplimenting the new Website Design project, Areca Design were requested to design and produce creative Business Cards for the management team a Xreach. A unique design approach, combined with a high quality print, allowed us to provide Xreach with professional-looking business cards – consistent with the online platform.To take a look at the new Xreach website and for further information of their range of Cyber Security services, please click on the link below.For further information on how Areca Design can help support your business with bespoke marketing activities, from Website Design and Print Management to Exhibition Stands and Augmented Reality, please contact us today on: 01286 570360, or email us here. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Installing_Confidence_in_Cyber_with_Innovative_New_Website_Design--post--177.html 177 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_45510.jpeg 2015-08-17 13:30:17 15 Designing a new Website to connect with the core client baseSLJ Finance provide a comprehensive Commercial Mortgage and Business Loan Service for SME's, across all business sectors.BACKGROUNDBusiness Owner of SLJ Finance, Steve Jones, maintains 20 years of commercial banking experience, plus a further 10 years as a financial broker. With a wealth of knowledge and expertise, SLJ Finance help to provide business owners with the most suitable commercial property mortgage or business loan.THE CHALLENGEAs a highly experienced Commercial Mortgage Broker, SLJ Finance required a fresh Website Design to increase awareness of the company, promote bespoke services and communicate the breadth and depth of expertise in a competitive market. The newly designed Website also aimed to captivate the attention of the audience, interact effectively and build a renowned brand reputation.  SLJ Finance, based in Kidderminster, required the personal, honest and reliable nature of the business to be apparent with bespoke website design. To aid this, SLJ Finance wished to easily and regularly update online content; sharing expertise and connecting with vast audiences.OUR SOLUTION Our Website Design team began by putting together innovative Website concepts, which suited the client requirements. By designing various layout options, which were tailored to the current branding style, SLJ Finance could envisage how the new design would look online.Using our bespoke website software, the selected design allowed SLJ finance to update content with ease, through web page content and blogs. The blog feature boasts a social media linking option, where live blogs can be shared straight to social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. This would then increase the online audience further and allow for the desired personal approach. In addition to bespoke clickable tabs within the navigation system, the new website design included fresh, friendly content in the form of video. The aim of this is to put a face to the name of SLJ Finance. Visitors can feel assured that they will be receiving an honest and trustworthy service from the information they hear in the video footage.To see the new Website Design in action, please visit the SLJ Finance Website, shown below. If you are looking for a new Website Design or Marketing Support, please contact Areca Design today on: 01386 570360, or email us here. We can design and create bespoke website designs and innovative marketing materials to perfectly suit your business objectives.  Like on Facebook     Follow on Twitter    Connect on Linkedin     Connect on Google+   https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/A_New_Website_for_SLJ_Finance--post--176.html 176 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_18361.jpeg 2015-07-27 17:30:34 15 The Design and Production of The Fifth Battle Box for Gripping Beast  BACKGROUNDGripping Beast are the manufacturers and retailers of quality 28mm war-games figures and accessories. Based in Evesham, Gripping Beast have been creating and delivering a huge range miniature war-game products, covering various historical periods, for over 15 years and have a huge collector following.  THE CHALLENGEWith a large collection of historical products and accessories available and the regular introduction of new product lines, Gripping Beast required two new packaging boxes to be designed and produced. The creation of additional battle boxes signified a total of five new boxes being designed and created by Areca Design. They needed not only to protect the contents inside, but also create a sense of quality and user experience before the gamer becomes a warlord...Gripping Beast also required a brand new Website to promote their popular products. This online platform required a simple navigation system, which would allow dedicated customers to identify and purchase various items with ease. The Website Design needed to be not only fully functional, but also successful in providing the initial point of call and exciting platform for an immersive war-gaming experience. OUR SOLUTIONProduct Packaging DevelopmentThe packaging design for the complete 5-box set used intricate, detailed, hand-drawn artwork supplied by Gripping Beast, to re-enact true historic battle scenes. The style and branding continued from the previous packaging boxes to ensure continuity throughout. The colour schemes, branding and historic skirmish themes from the new website build also complimented the design, in addition to providing informative details about the product within. Website DesignBy recreating an immersive, fully functional platform, the new Gripping Beast website establishes an online Lair of miniature war-game products, with a clear historical theme. From Ancients through to Modern, 28mm Figures to War-game Accessories, the product areas are clearly established with relevant, exciting imagery.   It was important when designing the comprehensive website, that the product categories and themes would attract the hobby creators, as well as tournament and campaign day attenders. We also ensured that the product quality was demonstrated clearly throughout; identifying Gripping beast as official manufacturers of their various products and providing quality image products for visitors to witness. To see Gripping Beast's Lair in action, please click here.?  For further information on how we can help support your business with a range of innovative Marketing materials, or to arrange an initial discussion with Areca Design, please contact us today on: 01386 570360, or email us: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk. Website Design     Print Management      Promotional Merchandise      Exhibition Stands  https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/The_Hobby_Battle_of_The_Five_Boxes--post--174.html 174 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_66891.png 2015-07-20 16:17:43 15 Areca Design Colleagues Raise Funds For 10,000ft Charity SkydiveSwapping the computer screen for sunny skies, one of our colleagues, supported by Areca Design, will take part in a Charity Skydive, to raise funds for Beat – The UK’s Eating Disorder Charity. On the 1st August, Laura will be leaping from a plane at 10,000 feet, in a tandem skydive, to raise money and awareness for the cause. Beat charity was chosen, as it is one close to Laura’s heart, having a family member suffering with a severe eating disorder for many years.Beat is the UK’s Leading Charity, supporting anyone affected by eating disorders or difficulties with food, weight and shape. In an aim to support those suffering with a mental illness, such as an eating disorder, Beat provide a range of services including Helplines, Message Boards, Treatment Finders, Online Support Groups, Peer Support Groups and Regional Projects.With just two weeks to go until the Charity Skydive, Laura is determined to raise as much as possible for Beat. Laura said: “I wanted to do something different to support my cousin, who is currently suffering with an eating disorder. I felt like a skydive would be a really unique challenge and an opportunity to fundraise for the charity.""I hope to raise awareness of the impact that eating disorders can have on those affected and how vital it is to seek additional support and guidance from experts, such as Beat and specialist mental health professionals.” To find out more about the Charity Skydive, show your support or make a donation, please visit Laura’s JustGiving page here. Every kind donation is greatly appreciated and will go straight to the charity, to provide the great range of support and services for sufferers, their family and friends. Website Design          Augmented Reality          Animation         Print Management https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/A_10000ft_Jump_for_Charity_Skydive--post--175.html 175 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_87001.png 2015-07-16 12:30:49 1 2015 marks the notable 750th anniversary of The Battle of Evesham; fought on the 4th August 1265. To commemorate the medieval milestone, The Battle of Evesham Festival 2015 will take place, including a series of talks and tours, between Saturday 1st and Saturday 15th August, at the Crown Meadow, Evesham. Whitness the Battle Re-enactmentAs part of the medieval fesitval celebrations, the largest mid-13th century battle re-enactment will showcase local heritage to the world, from Saturday 8th to Sunday 9th August 2015. Visit The Battle of Evesham and travel back in time to the historic feud, where visitors will be entertained with the portrayal of medieval living.The event includes live Battle Re-enactments, Battle Beer, a Medieval Banquet Theatre, Medicine & History, Archery & Falconry displays, Craft Activities, Musical Entertainment and much more.Be sure to keep an eye out for the Individual Battle Flags, created by Areca Design for the commemorative event! The flags, which were designed by selected winning school students in the Flag Design Competition, are to be flown through Evesham town centre during the course of the event. To invite and inform visitors to the medieval occasion, Areca Design were requested to come up with a new Logo design and Website Design, in keeping with the historic theme. Shield emblems and flag integrations formed the overall look and feel, to compliment the significant time in history. To see the new designs in action, please visit the new Battle of Evesham website by clicking here.  About The Battle of EveshamThe Battle signifies a national and local momentous part of English history, which took place on the morning of the 4th August 1265. Simon De Montfort and his army were soundly beaten, by the troops led by the future King Edward |. Despite defeat, Simon De Montfort is hailed as a hero to this day – as the man who setup what some historians class as the first true parliament. For further information on the history behind The Battle of Evesham, please visit the website.If you would like support in promoting an upcoming event or the design of any marketing material, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our team today on: 01386 570360, or email us at: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Visit_the_750th_Anniversary_of_Battle_of_Evesham--post--173.html 173 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_69517.png 2015-07-14 18:09:39 1 Following a presentation to the City of London Corporation, the Areca Design team were commissioned to provide a way for  the residents, workers and visitors to London City to locate toilet facilities.In addition to the twelve award-winning toilets and four pop-up night time urinals that the City provides, 75 local pubs, restaurants and shops signed up to their Community Toilet Scheme. This Scheme, which has now been running for around five years, enables members of the public to use these private facilities without having to make a purchase, in return for a small annual fee paid to the business by the City. However, the challenge has always been to inform and direct these available facilities. Until now, a small window sticker was the only method of identifying the toilets’ location.Areca Design’s solution was to provide a GPS enabled mobile app, which identifies the user's position, overlaying relevant information about the toilets through the smart device's camera. The City Toilet Finder App makes use of Augmented Reality to present useful information to the user. GPS markers show where the toilets are located and then the viewer simply walks towards the selected toilet. The viewer can also use a map feature to find a toilet, select more information about the location, view the facilities available and leave a rating score.              Since the launch, in April 2015, there has already been around 2,800 people download the app, on both Apple and Android platform devices, such as tablets and mobile phones. The City of London Corporation will now start to promote the app to visitors and commuters who find themselves within the Square Mile.Philip Everett, Director of The City of London's Built Environment stated:"The City of London has a growing night-time economy and visitor population, and this App will help improve our street environment. It's an important piece of green technology, because it guides Londoners to the Square Mile's public toilets, but also to the restaurants, shops and pubs that have signed up to our Community Toilet Scheme, which lets the public use their toilets for free".Mick Hurst, Managing Director of Areca Design commented, “It was a great honour to be asked by such a large, influential public body, such as the City of London Corporation, to provide a solution to an issue that was often bought to their attention. The subsequent projects currently underway are definitely more prestigious but might not be as appreciated by the public as the ability to easily and quickly find a toilet.”Following the success of the first commission for the City of London Corporation, Areca Design has been asked to work on several other high profile projects, which will be launched throughout the upcoming months.Click the Youtube link below to see the Areca Design City Toilet Finder App launch video. Areca Design can help support you with innovative Marketing techniques, from interactive Augmented Reality, Website Design, Logo Design, Print Management, Online Marketing and Promotional Merchandise. To discuss your requirements with a member of our team, please contact us today on: 01386 570360, or email us: DesignTeam@ArecaDesign.co.uk.  https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/A_Flush_of_Success_for_City_of_Londons_Toilet_Finder_App--post--172.html 172 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_48716.png 2015-05-29 17:33:17 15 DMG Associates is a strategic Business Development Consultancy, working with growing businesses, in order to achieve sustainable performance improvements.  BACKGROUNDDMG Associates support businesses with tailored development solutions, including Interim Management, Project Management, Transformation for Growth, Continuous Improvement and Team Development. Mike Gee, Managing Director of the company came to Areca Design with a request for a brand new Logo Design, Website Design and various, branded Printed Materials. THE CHALLENGEThe project began with an insight into the precise ideas, styles and concepts the company wished to portray through the new brand identity. DMG Associates required a new, unique Logo Design, with potentially grey/green/blue colours, rather than a corporate ice blue – used by many consultants in the field. Combined with the overall style and colour scheme, DMG Associates hoped for a variety of key personality traits to be apparent throughout the branding concept:- Analytical- Problem-solving- Results-focused- Precise and purposeful- Function and attractivenessThe new logo design concept needed to work both online and offline, with the design of a new website and production of printed materials aimed at promoting the business. DMG Associated required the website design to steer clear of the 'clinical' feel, include a useful blend of colours and follow a simple, easy to navigate layout. Here is how we helped... OUR SOLUTION Logo DesignBy combining a fresh, green/blue colour scheme with innovative design concepts, Areca Design devised a concept that encapsulated the core business ideas for DMG Associates. The colour scheme, which was selected due to the businesses liking towards the Areca Design branding concept, identified a unique presence within the business consultancy sector, in addition to a calming and professional atmosphere.DMG Associates are passionate about sharing knowledge and experience, to generate improved business performance. This aspect was incorporated into the overall look and feel of the branding through use of subtle arrows, icons and images that stimulate the idea of growth, sustainability, improvement, development and transformational change. Printed Marketing MaterialThe new design concept was consistent throughout quality-printed marketing materials including Business Cards, Leaflets and corporate Letterhead, which were happily distributed to potential clients at events and trade shows. Innovative Website DesignWith a user-friendly flow, attractive, professional style and value-orientated offering at the forefront of the design, the new DMG website offers an information portal for potential clients and a simple contact point for enquiries. Along with the design, we have incorporated SEO-friendly Content to enhance opportunities to be found online. Areca Design have also been commissioned to provide Social Media design services in the near future. Click here to view DMG Associates' new website and find out more information. Arrange a discusion with Areca Design to see how we can help create or re-design your businesses branding. Please contact us on: 01386 570360, or email us at: DesignTeam@arecadesign.co.uk.  https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Fresh_Branding_for_Independent_Business_Growth_Consultants--post--171.html 171 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_18952.jpeg 2015-05-28 16:45:12 15 Engineers at BAE Systems have collaborated with University of Birmingham academics, to develop new Augmented Reality Systems, which aim to improve emergency response and military operations.Huge Potential of AR within the IndustryThe notion of Augmented Reality, which can creatively overlay virtual data in a real-world view, has huge potential for various military operations. This increasingly popular concept aims to revolutionise the battlefield and is already being rolled out to both ground and air troops.Whilst existing systems typically rely on extremely expensive and bulky hardware, the Augmented Reality systems hope to ultimately lead to the production of much lower cost procedures and smaller devices, which are as small and light as a pair of contact lenses.Combining the real and virtual WorldThe research undertaken so far has focused on two main concepts: a briefcase sized ‘Portable Command Centre’ and a ‘Wearable Cockpit’. The Portable Command Centre uses commercial technology to create a semi-virtual environment, that can be transported in a briefcase and set up anywhere from within a tent to an office. The idea of the concept is to combat a range of emergency scenarios, including an outbreak of fire or an act of terrorism. The Wearable Cockpit is a virtual cockpit created by a headset, that offers various virtual displays and controls, enabling pilots to customise their interface with the aircraft based on their own preferences, mission objectives and the immediate task at hand. It aims to ultimately enhance a pilot’s situational awareness. After putting on the headset and interactive gloves, the user will be able to monitor situations anywhere in the World.    Actions include zooming in and manipulating environments, directing soldiers and viewing virtual videos that allow them to monitor news channels and feeds from unnamed aerial vehicles. “Our unique approach will identify the optimal balance between the real world and the virtual world – enhancing the user’s situational awareness to provide battle-winning and life-saving tools and insights wherever they may be.”– BAE Systems Futurist, Nick Colosimo The collaboration and introduction of Augmented Reality technology has introduced creative results, delivering ‘the next generation of advanced mixed reality interfaces for future applications not only in defence, but also in such important domains as engineering and healthcare”, says Colosimo.Bob Stone, University of Birmingham Simulation and Human Factors specialist also stated: “Being able to physically manipulate virtual objects in the real world has been challenging scientists for 40 years”.Many industry sectors are recognizing the potential for Augmented Reality to enhance educational, sales or entertainment objectives, through highly interactive environments. Areca Design have, to date, created effective Augmented Reality Apps for a range of industry sectors, including: Automotive, Historic Tours, Environmental and Education.For further information or to discuss how Augmented Reality could benefit your business, please contact us today on: 01386 570360, or email us at: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/BAE_and_University_of_Birmingham_collaborate_to_develop_Augmented_Reality_Environments--post--170.html 170 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/BAE_and_University_of_Birmingham_collaborate_to_develop_Augmented_Reality_Environments_15789.jpeg 2015-05-28 12:20:11 16 Zurich Insurance introduce Augmented Reality in Business Management Training Global brand, Zurich Insurance, have become another successful corporation tuning into the potential of Augmented Reality in Business. The $74 Billion turnover general Insurance company have identified the need for Augmented Reality Smartphone Apps to assist with management training, coaching, project management and people management skills.Zurich Insurance aim to secure the capabilities of the innovative system, in a bid to train 10,000 employees across 170 countries. The new system will be actioned to pinpoint the key skills required by the next generation of managers in 2016. Employing Augmented Reality in BusinessWith the multi-million figure investment, Zurich Insurance are developing Mobile Device Apps, which will track a manager's training and then direct them to tailored materials for their own style of learning. The AR Technology is expected to take form during classroom-based training sessions. Managers will have the ability to point their mobile phones at a poster or 'learning card', which will transform on screen into a video, online training course or book offering thorough information and educational pieces. Daniel Neubauer, Group Head of Learning Innovation at Zurich, claimed "I would expect to see an immediate return on investment". He continued, " It is going to help identify the managers who want to develop further and those who don't want to lead anymore". "The challenge with training 50 people is how you direct them. Augmented Reality allows people to self-direct"- Daniel Neubauer, Zurich Insurance AR Insuring More Business Spin-offsThe innovative technology has begin generating spin-offs throughout additional parts of the Zurich Insurance brand. In one of the prototype applications, vehicle drivers are able to point their phones at an SOS Card on their dashboard. Upon the AR launch, users will then receive immediate help on their device, if they are involved in an accident. The specific App will also assist the driver in finding a garage, sourcing a lawyer and recording details of the other party, for a smoother accident control process.  Developing Business for ARThe educational project launch was initially inspired by Google, after using data analytics to provide a list of key skills, in answer the question: "What makes a good Manager?" Zurich Insurance pursued with it's own research exercise, to identify the main eight attributes that are required for the definition of a great Manager. Neubauer secured an initial investment of 80,000 Swiss francs (approx. £55,000) a year, from the corporate communicate and marketing department, in an aim to kick-start the new project.However, a much wider business case was going to be needed in order to invest heavily with Augmented Reality in Business. Based on this theory, an exhibit was arranged to showcase how Augmented Reality could be utilised within the company, at the 2015 Leadership Conference in Rome – attended by 500 Senior Leaders. The demonstration booth showed how AR could be integrated, not simply just for training purposes, but also in marketing and to assist car insurance policy holders who may have been involved in an accident.One Augmented Reality Example demonstrated how consumers were able to point their mobile device at a branded poster, which then automatically launched a video with further information on the topic.  The Benefits of Augmented Reality in Business Following internal feedback from the business, 30% and 40% of managers did not believe they had received the correct training for their current role. The system, which is expected to launch in October 2015, aims to focus on this flaw and provide rapid payback through an effective AR Training System. Neubauer highlighted, "I expect all 10,000 managers will find the immediate training they need, and next year we will see if all managers will reach the standard we are expected. We hope to see employee engagement go up". Areca Design have created successful Mobile Augmented Reality Technology within a range of industry sectors, including Automotive, Education, Historic Tours and Recycling, Marketing and Analytics. The potential of Augmented Reality in Business is virtually endless. For further information on how we can support your business, combing valuable content with interactive experiences, please contact us today on: 01386 570360, or email us at: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk.  https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Augmented_Reality_Potential_For_Zurich--post--169.html 169 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Zurich_Insurance_Introduce_Augmented_Reality_Management_System_36615.jpeg 2015-04-24 14:54:49 16 SEWJO came to Areca Design with the request to establish a greater presence at Events and Exhibitions, through the creative design of Printed Marketing Materials and Unique Signage...BACKGROUNDSewJo, a bespoke sewing business, creates handmade, personalised handbags and unique textile work for weddings. With a focus on creating a one-off piece of art for every individual customer, SewJo highlights that 'each and every item is a talking piece of textile art, something people are going to invest in; I cater for people who want something a little bit different'.               THE CHALLENGEWith a focus on unique, creative items for each and every customer, SewJo required it's very own talking piece to support the brand whilst attending events. The small business hoped for something that would grab the attention of passers-by at events, but also a piece of art that would capture everything that SewJo stands for...From small purses to beach bags, laptop bags to handcrafted evening bags, wedding accessories and bridal cloaks, new Event Marketing Materials were required to not only promote new products, but to also identify the focus on British fabrics, the range of styles available and the personalised nature of each product. OUR SOLUTIONUsing SewJo's theme – the quality fabric ranges and focus on bespoke items for individuals were central to the design solution. Introducing an innovative focus point for the brand revolved around an oval shaped signage board, including the main business logo, a new floral artwork design and business contact details. A simple, yet creative approach allowed the floral, quality and handmade touch come to life. Using a thick, robust, unique shape board, the material was durable enough to promote the brand as well as attach handbags to truely showcase the attractive items at any event.Consistent with the style of the Signage Board, SewJo required a Leaflet to distribute at events, which would give further information on the items and how individuals could get their hands on them. We developed a four page DL Leaflet, which incorporated images of the fabrics and products, combined with how the SewJo story began. PROJECT RESULTSA delighted client, who was impressed that the final Event Marketing Materials, which created the desired impact. The project introduced freshness to the brand, with a touch of creative thought. Jo Smith, owner of SewJo, stated, "The show went down really well and the branded sign, especially, was very well received. I liked how all of the unique brand elements had been combined together through the new sign and leaflet, which enabled me to positively promote a business that I am passionate about, and see customers intrigued by my event presence". Areca Design creates innovative Exhibition and Event Marketing Materials to suit your business needs. With interactive options and Augmented Reality possibilities also available, we can supply great exhibition stands, signage and displays that will perform beyond your expectations. For more information on Marketing support for your business, please contact the Areca Design team on: 01386 570360, or e-mail: DesignTeam@ArecaDesign.co.uk. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/The_Sew_Jo_Story--post--168.html 168 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/The_Sew_Jo_Story_97941.jpeg 2015-04-24 12:19:14 15 MINI Augmented Reality Technology To Provide Valuable Information Whilst On The Move Using Augmented Reality (AR) whilst driving is not something you expect to see on your day-to-day driving endeavors… But BMW’s MINI brand has exceeded many expectations before, and their latest revelation is set to break a further few boundaries! Headed by the firm’s owner, BMW, the brand have announced their debut of the new wearable AR device to be showcased at the Shanghai Auto Show in China, which opens on 22nd April 2015. The automaker has been working alongside Qualcomm to create the Augmented Reality Technology, which will provide valuable information whilst on the move, within your field of vision! Future MINI drivers may be able to make use of the new, innovative AR equipment, which can offer relevant information whilst on the move. Drivers will have the opportunity to view details such as: destination points selected pre-drive, the navigation display of your first and last mile, heads-up information including speed and speed limits, navigation arrows, points of interest on your route, incoming message notifications, fuel alerts and a passenger-side mirror for parking assistance. The Augmented Reality Technology makes use of AR Glasses, which ultimately allow Mini drivers to keep their heads and eyes up, whilst driving. Visible information, such as directions, Augmented Reality parking and miles travelled would appear inside the eyewear device, therefore not causing an obstruction to the view of the route ahead. Not only is this concept being introduced to make driving a MINI vehicle more reliable and efficient, but it is also presents a safer environment where individuals will not need to keep looking away from the road to a Sat Nav or map. Perhaps one of the greatest features of the AR Glasses, is the ‘X-ray vision’, which allows drivers to fundamentally see ‘through’ blind spots in vehicle. This virtual view is created through cameras mounted onto the vehicle, to help external areas, pillars, pedestrians and so on to remain visible. Project Manager, Jörg Preissinger, highlights the Mini Augmented Reality Vision project will provide an insight into how intelligent connectivity between vehicle and a wearable device, which presents valuable content, could be rolled out in the future. He claimed: “This prototype with its customized, interactive functions succeeds in fusing Augmented Reality with the brand’s tradition trademark sense of lifestyle”. Areca Design have created effective Mobile Augmented Reality Technology within a range of industry sectors, including Automotive, Education, Historic Tours and Recycling, Marketing and Analytics. For further information on how Areca Design can support your business, combing valuable content with interactive experiences through Augmented Reality Apps, please contact us today on: 01386 570360, or email us at: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk.   https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/MINI_Reveal_Big_Augmented_Reality_Vision_For_Drivers--post--167.html 167 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_84054.jpeg 2015-04-15 11:36:08 16 Your Chance to Win Free Augmented Reality DesignWith the 'eggciting' Easter Bank Holiday just around the corner, we are giving you the chance to win a FREE Areca Easter AR Treat! (Try saying that with a mouthful of Easter Egg)...All you need to do is join us on our Areca Design Facebook page, Like and Share the #ArecaEasterAR post, and we will select one happy bunny to be our winner! Our competition will end on Tuesday 14th April.Our winner will have the opportunity to provide virtually any image, for example a company logo, along with chosen digital content, such as a video, animation or other interaction. We will then augment your selected image using our free downloadable Areca AR App. Once your image has been transformed using Augmented Reality, scan the image with the app using a mobile device and see it come to life on screen.  You can utilise this image throughout all promotional materials, products or even premises to grab the attention of your customers and add an extra layer of value to your current marketing materials! Augmented Reality gets businesses noticed... not only are more and more businesses recognising the importance of unique, forward-thinking marketing techniques, but also the importance of communicate with customers with valuable, interactive experiences.Mobile Image Recognition Technology (Augmented Reality) works simply by scanning your selected image using our Augmented Reality (AR) App, which will automatically launch a video, 3D animation, interactive presentation or a simple web page. Since virtually every individual uses a mobile device of some sort, innovations such as Augmented Reality are becoming the norm in our ever-advancing technological 21st century.New Karcher Product Prototype, utilising interactive 3D Animation through Augmented Reality, developed by Areca DesignWith the power of Augmented Reality, you can bring your business to life, combining the physical and virtual worlds in order to communicate effectively with potential customers or other businesses. Whether you wish to promote a new product, inform customers of new business plans, promote a virtual tour, introduce a 3D animation, launch a video... the possibility is virtually endless! Join us on Facebook now to be in with a chance of winning FREE Augmented Reality for our Easter Competition! All you need to do is Like and Share our #ArecaEasterAR post and we will select one winner on Tuesday 14th April! Augmented Reality powered experiences and the use of pinoeering Augmented Reallity Apps are increasingly becoming the norm within a vast number of industries, as the potential is seemingly endless. Areca Design have created effective Mobile Augmented Reality Apps (AR) within Automotive, Education, Historic Tours, Reporting and Analytics. For further information on our Free Augmented Reality Easter Competition, or how this innovative technology could work within your business, please contact us on: 01386 570360, or email: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Happy_Easter_Competition--post--166.html 166 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Happy_Easter_Competition_10976.jpeg 2015-04-01 18:17:40 1 Nasa Introduce Smart Augmented Reality Glasses For AstronautsNASA continues to build upon its plans to harness virtual and Augmented Reality for more valuable spac­e exploration.  The space agency and Osterhout Design Group announced that they will be discovering the use of ODG’s Augmented Reality Smart Glasses for a range of terrestrial and space-based activities.The company have highlighted that ODG’s Augmented Reality Glasses will allow users to do everything they would ordinarily do with a tablet or smart device. They could let astronauts remotely access documents and/or charts, therefore decreasing the weight of materials they carry into space and allowing for a more efficient, hands-free work environment. A NASA spokesperson commented: "commercial airline pilots carry around 15 pounds in manuals, but in space exploration, every pound saved counts".   Astronauts using the Augmented Reality Glasses could conduct line-of-sight checks with digital markers overlaid on machinery, keeping the user’s eyes focused on the task, according to a release by ODG.“As electronic directions and instructions replace paper checklists and longer duration missions are considered, there is a need for tools that can meet evolving demands,” said Lauri Hansen, engineering director at NASA Johnson Space Center.“ODG’s technology provides an opportunity to increase space mission efficiencies and we are pleased to explore its potential in human spaceflight while also advancing its use here on Earth.”NASA have also partnered with Microsoft to simulate scientists working together in real-time on Mars’s surface. The HoloLens project uses NASA virtual reality software called Onsight to take images from the Curiosity rover and project them as three-dimensional holograms allowing scientists to simulate walking on the red planet’s surface.Source: Mark Pomerleau, an editorial fellow with Defense Systems and GCN.  Augmented Reality powered experiences and the use of pinoeering Augmented Reallity Apps are increasingly becoming the norm within a vast number of industries, as the potential is seemingly endless. Areca Design have created effective Mobile Augmented Reality Apps (AR) within Automotive, Education, Historic Tours, Reporting and Analytics.For further information on how Augmented Reality works and how we can help develop a successful mobile AR App to bring your business to life, please contact us today on: 01386 570360, or email: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk  https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/NASA_Test_AR_For_Space_Exploration--post--165.html 165 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_66138.jpeg 2015-03-25 10:35:29 16 New Logo Design For Property Management Specialist Evesham-based Residential Lettings and Property Management Specialists, Johnsons, required the development of new, eye-catching designs for a complete Brand refresh. In a bid to expand recognition in the competitive property market and develop a recognisable, engaging Brand Identity, Areca Design were asked to redesign the Johnsons Property Consultants Logo and provide creative support for supplementary Marketing materials.What we did:Logo Design RefreshGraphic Design and Outdoor Feather Flag ProductionGraphic Design for Office Signage Our Design team focused on building a simple, yet effective, Brand Identity with the use of the business's current colour scheme, a clear service message and a slightly modern twist. The fresh Logo Design aims to catch the attention of potential home-buyers, Property Renters and Landlords alike.Integrating the new Logo, Areca Design were also asked to create visually impacting Outdoor Signage for the Johnsons Property Consultants Office, based in the centre of Evesham. Bringing some extra colour to the town, a branded Flag and hanging wooden Sign now stand proudly at the exterior of the fresh-faced business.              The new design has provided the foundations for a complete business revamp. Johnsons have since also introduced modern, branded interior displays and new Sale Boards, featuring the fresh designs.     Areca Design can help to support your Business with innovative Marketing support, from unique Logo Design, Signage and Website Design, to Exhibition Stands, Print Management and Augmented Reality. What ever industry sector you are in, we tailor our creative expertise and work alongside you to create a brand you can be proud of.  For further information, or to enquire about how Areca Design can support you innovative New Logo Design concepts bespoke Marketing Support, please contact our team today on: 01386 570360, or contact on: desginteam@arecadesign.co.uk. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/A_Brand_Revamp_For_Johnsons_Property_Consultants--post--164.html 164 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_19807.jpeg 2015-03-16 16:32:11 15 Tesco Digital Innovation and Augmented Reality Software The Digital age presents an endless list of possibilities for any organisation or business sector. With potential to incorporate digital technology such as Augmented Reality (AR), within the standard brick-and-mortar purchase activities, business owners are increasingly wondering just how much is new technology influencing consumer purchasing decisions? The world's second largest retailer Tesco, for example, has been experimenting with digital technology and Augmented Reality Software to maintain success in an ever-growing digital environment. With online retail giants becoming a huge threat to physical outlets, it is important for brands such as Tesco to be proactive in how they approach the growing eCommerce market. In addition to this, they will also need to be innovative in the way technologies are utilised and identify how they will continue to implement promotional strategies beyond the point of purchase. In-Store InnovationThe creation of an incredible in-store experience for customers should always be one of the primary goals for any retail outlet. Tesco, for one, has been able to perfect their store presence using a variety of technologies, from cameras that detect when products need to be replenished, to the elimination of a checkout line via mobile scanners. Tesco's main goals are two-fold: customer convenience, combined with employee empowerment.While this seems to do the trick for those pushing around a trolley or filling their basket as they maneuver around the store, what about the people who do not have the ability, time or desire to make a trip to Tesco?  Digital Innovations Beyond The Store In the early days of digital innovation, one of Tesco’s initial innovations was rolled out in a South Korean subway in 2011. Through the use of specialized walls, subway travellers were invited to easily scan various items, fill a virtual cart and arrange a delivery to their own home. This was the perfect solution for the vast amount of individuals who travelled to work via public transport and enabled people to simply do their shopping while waiting for their train home.A similar principle was then designed to create a virtual store for customers at airports. Through the use of a virtual kiosk, people were able to scan their desired products and get them delivered whilst they’re on the way home. Tesco has managed to apply one simple idea in the previously mentioned innovations – convenience. Tesco Introduce Augmented Reality SoftwareTesco continued to improve their digital concepts by bringing the store as close to home as possible. The Tesco Discover app was introduced, after nine months of research and development, to combine immersive, interactive experiences with real life situations. Via print and GPS material, the platform provides valuable product information and useful tools for shoppers.The initial experience for the Discover app, launched in 2013, was to be used in conjunction with the Tesco Magazine to showcase fully augmented digital content. To date, the app has had over 200,000 active users that average 16 interactions each.Following it’s huge success, Tesco continued to introduce exciting campaigns, which have been built to use the app, shown below: The ‘Big Night In’ CampaignWith the introduction of an Augmented Reality experience, The Big Night In campaign offers a whole feast of family friendly entertainment, which can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home. By scanning one of the physical Big Night In products using the Discover app, a family quiz will come to life on your mobile device. The game includes a host of activities, along with trophies, forfeits and social sharing. Ultimately, the Big Night In brings entertainment home, creating a positive in-house experience and encouraging brand loyalty. Coca-Cola ‘Let’s Goooal!’ CampaignSince the original Big Night In experience was such a hit, Tesco have since introduced the Coco-Cola brand, to develop a supplementary Augmented Reality gaming experience in association with the World Cup.The game, named ‘Let’s Goooal!’ was available for users to get involved through the Big Night In packages. The AR game was also developed to include social media interactions, further encouraging users to engage with the brand. The campaign saw an average interaction time of over 5 minutes, highlighting the impressive impact of the game on Tesco fans and customers. Spider Man 2 ‘Every Little Hero Helps’ CampaignTeaming up with Marvel, Tesco generated a Spider-Man 2 themed Augmented Reality game and photo experience. The digital innovation has been marketed across 300 stores to deliver an exciting mobile experience for Marvel fans, and can be accessed through select Spider-Man toys, products, images and in-store POS banners. The campaign, again, has been a huge success, seeing a 75.6% increase in sales for the four weeks the campaign was active. Augmented Reality CatalogueOn top of an already successful Augmented Reality experience included within the original Tesco catalogue, the brand began to branch out into additional catalogues with their digital expertise. Included within the Home Book, Tesco’s catalogue specializing in home furnishings and accessories, real-size 3D virtual models and informational links were incorporated through the use of the Discover app. By providing the opportunity for customers to view and experience products before they purchase, not only were individuals satisfied but they were also kept entertained. Tesco Discover displays a versatile, interactive and valuable platform. Through the use of enticing Augmented Reality introductions, consumers can retrieve everything they need to make a well-informed decision. Not only can Augmented Reality increase customer confidence, it also simplifies the shopping experience and solidifies a brand’s eCommerce presence. Augmented Reality powered experiences are increasingly becoming the norm within a vast number of industries, as the potential is seemingly endless. Areca Design have created effective AR Apps within Automotive, Education, Historic Tours, Reporting and Analytics.For further information on how Augmented Reality works and how we can help develop a successful AR app to bring your business to life, please contact us today on: 01386 570360, or email us at: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Tesco_Success_With_AR_Innovations--post--163.html 163 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Tesco_Success_With_AR_Innovations_91700.jpeg 2015-02-19 15:07:19 16 Expanding Graphic Design Services With New StarterHere at Areca Design, we are delighted to announce a new member to our growing team of creatives. With a focus on creative innovation and unique marketing concepts, we have welcomed four new employees to the team during the last two years! Graphic and Media Design Graduate, Jenna, has been welcomed aboard as a Graphic Designer, supporting the higher apprenticeship scheme. With a focus on creativity, digital media and unique design concepts, Jenna is working alongside the Senior Design team on a range of online and offline creative briefs.Our Graphic Designers can help support your business from the foundations of unique Logo and Brand Design, to larger bespoke projects including Brochure Design, Vehicle Livery, Building Signage or Social Media Graphics. What ever design you are looking for, we can work along side you to design an innovative solution, that will ensure your brand gets noticed.  Mick Hurst, Areca Design Managing Director, commented, “My aim has always been to expand the business using local and enthusiastic talent. Evesham is often overlooked as a location to run a successful business, however, we continue to support the growth of many businesses in the local area and will look to support more, now we have additional in-house skills and resources”. If you would like to find out how Areca Design can help support your business with our creative Graphic Design Service or pioneering Marketing support, please contact our team today on: 01386 570360, or email us at: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/A_New_Employee_For_Creative_Expansion--post--162.html 162 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_94384.jpeg 2015-02-18 13:20:59 1 Ski goggles with Augmented Reality App powered displays feed real-time information to skiers on the slopes The world's first true Augmented Reality App driven smart goggles for snow sports are here. For those who are partial to skiing and gaming, it will feel like all your Christmases have come at once.Worn while skiing or snowboarding, RideOn wearers will be able to message friends in the blink of an eye, stream live skiing videos and ride through virtual slalom tracks chasing their favourite ski athletes down the mountain, without pressing a single button.No external devices, phone apps, or voice activation is necessary. Instead, wearers look at icons fixed to the sky, their friends, or points of interest. Augmented Reality App that keeps your hands warm!As a result hands stay gloved and warm and your phone and maps remain safely in your pockets (although developers say with these, you won't need a map).The Augmented Reality App lets you see friends' locations on the mountain, call them or throw a virtual snowball to get their attention. See your location on the resort map in front of your eyes and find lodges and ski lifts highlighted in the distance. You can also take videos using a high-def cam and post your creation to social media.Future software updates are in the pipeline to tell skiers a lift’s queue wait time before they arrive by looking at it from a distance, so you can wait less and ski more.  Alon Getz, RideOn's founder says, ' Augmented Reality App features let users interact with friends, navigate the mountain’s slopes, and play ski games to train their skills.See-through display projects features and icons on the snow as if they’re floating 15 feet in front of youThis all happens completely hands-free, with a floating UI [user interface] activated via the Augmented Reality App when users stare at friends, points of interest, or buttons fixed to the sky above.'The difference between this and Google Glass is that the goggles are wraparound so have a much larger and more comfortable field of vision. Areca Design have, so far, effectively created Augmented Reality Apps within Automotive, Historic Tours, Education, Reporting and Analytics. To discuss how AR Software can be integrated within your Marketing, to bring your brand to life and connect with your customers, contact Areca Design at: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk, or call us on: 01386 570360.?  https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Augmented_Reality_ski_goggles_create_slalom_tracks_to_follow_and_video_message_in_real_time--post--161.html 161 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_62586.jpeg 2015-01-21 15:28:21 16 Virgin Atlantic Marketing Introduces AR Virtual Tour Software The popular British Airline are enticing travelers and training crew members aboard with the new Augmented Reality (AR)  Virtual Tour Software. The innovation is designed to give a sneak peek of the travelling experience provided on board the new 787 Dreamliner’s Cabin, dubbed “The Birthday Girl”.The aim of the Augmented Reality introduction, marking the 30th Anniversary of the Airline’s first flight, is to drive ticket sales, whilst also boosting their already-soaring brand identity. Flattering Features revealed by AR Virtual Tour SoftwareInterested customers have the opportunity to utilise the AR Virtual Tour Software on their mobile devices, by visiting the Virgin Atlantic Website. Visitors can click through The Birthday Girl’s true-to-life view of the new cabin interior and stop at any point along the way. Through the use of Augmented Reality, potential customers can therefore browse the features they could be enjoying inflight, before booking their ticket.Whilst exploring the aircraft, the virtual tour highlights a range of flattering new qualities including new lighting, seats and personal entertainment centres. The exploration of the cabin also includes various hidden videos, which are powered by YouTube, offering further glimpses into special features on board. Duel Purpose of the new Augmented Reality SoftwareThe innovative Virgin Atlantic Marketing method has been introduced for two main purposes. Originally, the App was intended to assist in training crew members before on-board training began, without needing them to physically visit the aircraft.  By promoting the luxurious experiences onboard The Birthday Girl cabin, the mobile technology introduction is also a great way to allow potential customers to ‘try before you buy’. Ultimately, the Augmented Reality application’s accessibility on mobile means a wider audience can be reached, with the potential to cause a great interest amongst consumer browsing patterns for possible vacation destinations. Areca Design have, so far, effectively created Augmented Reality Apps within Automotive, Historic Tours, Education, Reporting and Analytics. To discuss how AR Software can be integrated within your Marketing, to bring your brand to life and connect with your customers, contact Areca Design at: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk, or call us on: 01386 570360.? https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/AR_Virtual_Tour_Software_Entices_Virgin_Atlantic_Travellers--post--160.html 160 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/AR_Virtual_Tour_Software_Entices_Virgin_Atlantic_Travellers_96012.jpeg 2015-01-08 12:25:21 16 Major Magazines discover Augmented Reality AppsReaders will now be able to find out products in print magazines easily with the help of a mobile augmented reality app. They will be able to see, save, share and buy almost any product that is given in the magazines, with the help of augmented reality and image recognition technology. Now shopping of the products will be easier for the readers as they will be easily able to find what they are looking for. With the use of this technology, the magazines get a fresh layer of value.Earlier, Pixbi used its technology in digital magazines to provide their readers with a similar experience. Now, they are taking this to a new level with the same functionality in print magazines.How does the Augmented Reality App Work?The process works in a similar way like digital magazines. Readers have to download the AR app from the Apple App Store and use it to scan the designated product tags on the Pixbi-enabled print magazines. Readers will find “P” icons on the pages and by scanning these icons they can view the details of different products. They can even buy the products directly from the mobile augmented reality app. Virtually every image in the magazine has been made active.Collaboration with Major RetailersTo help readers purchase products easily, Pixbi has collaborated with major retailers and publishers. Some of the magazines where the mobile augmented reality app will work include OK! Magazine, Men’s Fitness, Shape and Star.The Director of Tablet Publishing at American Media, Inc, Chris Tarrow said “Increasing interactions with readers of all ages in a convenient way is one way we are evolving with the digital age.” He added that “As consumers get busier and magazines are digested on-the-go, we want to make reading our publications an enjoyable experience, and Pixbi is creating that for us in a new way.”The aim of the mobile augmented reality app is to provide the readers looking through images of products an easy way to buy them without the hassle of recalling the items later while searching at an online store. This is made possible by integrating augmented reality to almost all the product images provided in print magazines.Image Source – twitter.comArticle Source – talkingnewmedia.com and augmentedrealitytrends.com https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Magazines_discover_mobile_augmented_reality_apps--post--159.html 159 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_19830.jpeg 2014-12-29 09:15:20 16 Jaguar Land Rover Launch Augmented Reality Apps Software Jaguar Land Rover brings the caption ‘excellence in motion’ to life, becoming the latest car brand to utilise Augmented Reality Apps Software (AR). Showcasing the new vehicle before it’s official release, in January 2015, the innovative technology gives buyers a chance to see a virtual model of the new Discovery Sport, right before their eyes.The high status automotive company will be rolling out the Digital Innovation across 117 Land Rover retailers throughout the UK, to bridge the gap between the arrival of the new release in showrooms and the official product launch.Incorporated within the Augmented Reality Apps Software is a 3D model of the new SUV, containing all of it’s features, allowing a virtual sneak preview to be seen by potential buyers. Showroom visitors can put on a Durovis Dive headset – a virtual reality device similar to the Google Cardboard, to bring the state-of-the-art new build to life.The gadget contains an iPhone 5S preloaded with the Jaguar Land Rover Augmented Reality App. When the wearer looks towards the marker on the ground, the Augmented Reality Software triggers a life-size 3D Discovery Sport. Viewers can walk around the realistic-looking vehicle to take a look at the new features, watch the driver’s door open as they move closer and take a look at the interiors as the door opens.Laura Schwab, Jaguar Land Rover’s UK Marketing Director, stated: “We wanted to bring the new Discovery Sport to life between the Global announcement and the vehicles arriving in the show rooms."Laura continued, "We have received a huge amount of interest from customers through our online retailers across the country, and this will give an exciting immersive experience, beyond that of a traditional online configurator or sales brochure". Areca Design's Augmented Reality Apps have, to date, been effectively used within Automotive, Historic Tours, Education, Reporting and Analytics. To discuss how Augmented Reality Apps Software can be integrated within your Marketing, to bring your brand to life and connect with your customers, contact Areca Design at: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk on: 01386 570360.To view the latest news and innovative projects, please see our Augmented Reality Apps page. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Jaguar_Land_Rover_Demonstrate_Excellence_in_Motion_With_AR--post--158.html 158 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_65697.jpeg 2014-12-22 19:21:43 16 Areca Design were recently commissioned to create an innovative exhibition stand for a show in Hong Kong, for Global fruit distributors, S & A Produce.The International soft fruit specialists currently supply to many top retail chains across the UK and Mainland Europe. In a search for an effective, professional exhibition stand design to help expand their brand and services into the Asian market, S & A Produce required innovative Marketing support from Areca Design. Charlie Davies, Commercial Manager of S & A Produce said, “We required a creative exhibition stand for an overseas event, which would differentiate our quality offering. We found fantastic innovation locally, provided by Areca Design. They created a professional exhibition stand design that we felt would generate footfall to our booth at the event, as well as gain an interest in our company”. The display highlighted the complete soft fruit supply chain, picturing the journey from S & A Produce’s own farms located around the World, to the Asian customers’ front doors – 'from our fields to your front doors'. With delicious-looking fruit, informative distribution points and consistent, professional branding throughout, the stand design positively promoted tasty treat distributors. The success of the stand resulted in the request for another stand design for an upcoming exhibition in Shanghai. The relationship between S & A Produce and Areca Design is also blossoming online, with the commission of a globally focused website to help promote the soft fruit group internationally.For further information on S & A Produce, please visit the current website at: www.corporate.sagroup.co.uk.For details on how Areca Design can help establish successful Marketing activities for your business, both online and offline, please contact our team on: 01386 570360, or e-mail us at: designteam@arecaesign.co.uk. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/A_Fruitful_Entry_into_the_Asian_Market_for_UKbased_Fruit_Distributor--post--157.html 157 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_99823.jpeg 2014-12-17 13:31:56 15 Augmented Reality Apps delivered by the USA Post OfficeThe U.S. Postal Service is looking to take away some of the drudgery of heading to the mailbox with armloads of cards and packages via the magic of technology.Using augmented reality apps, consumers can make any of its more than 150,000 iconic blue mailboxes an integral part of the holidays (like being covered in holiday lights, or being surrounded by dancing animated penguins). The app also includes prompts to buy boxes, mailers and stamps, and provides information on important mailing dates to ensure packages arrive on time. It is part of a larger campaign that includes television, direct mail and print advertising.“Our advertising goal is to attract new consumer and business customers and provide assurance to them that they can depend on our affordable and reliable service to deliver their mail and packages during this season,” Zy Richardson, communications representative for the U.S. Postal Service, tells Marketing Daily.In addition to adding some fun to consumers’ trips to the mailbox, the AR app is a way to show marketers how they can add digital components to their direct mailings for greater interaction.“Augmented reality apps, QR codes, and one-click buying technology are changing the way consumers interact with major brands,” Richardson says. “Marketers have the opportunities to leverage their digital content further so we are exploring options with marketers to incorporate technology/mail and capitalize on advancements in smart phone technology.”The app, which is available through the Google Play and iTunes App Store marketplaces (and was highlighted through a direct mailer that went to every U.S. household this week), will be updated regularly throughout the holiday season so customers can have different experiences every time they head to the mailbox.Beyond this holiday season, the app will be incorporated into future marketing campaigns — with added, unspecified functionality — throughout 2015, Richardson says.Areca Design can create Augmented Reality Apps to help with marketing campaigns, historic tours, education, reporting and analytics. Our Augmented Reality Apps, so far, have been commissioned by Government, Industry, Manufacturing, Higher Education and Tourism. Contact Areca Design to see how innovative Augmented Reality Apps could benefit your business.  https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/USPS_Adds_Augmented_Reality_Apps_Magic_To_Mailboxes--post--155.html 155 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_86707.jpeg 2014-12-06 14:37:17 16 The Christmas Holidays are finaly here! And that means time to find some great Christmas promotional gifts for your clients...Christmas is the perfect opportunity to build on business relationships! Whether you want to surprise your clients with branded Mugs, Pens or Notepads. Or, perhaps something festive like a unique Seasonal Stress Shape, branded Ice Scraper or Sweet Tub?There is an endless range if possibilities when it comes to treating your clients this Christmas time... Take a look at a few of the seasonal promotional gifts you can give out this Christmas time.Branded Mugs, from £1.50 each Promotional Pens, from 49p each A5 Corporate Notepads, from 99p each Seasonal Stress Shapes, from 90p each Unique Branded Ice Scraper, from 99p each Make the most of this Christmas season... build your brand awareness and give your clients a gift they will remember. Providing your clients with a surprise complimentary gift will ensure your brand is considered for future business ventures within the new year. We can design and produce an extensive range of promotional gift ideas, with messages tailored to suit you. To order yours today and request further information, please contact our team on: 01386 570360, or email us at: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk.   https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/A_Christmas_To_Remember_Unique_Gifts_For_Your_Clients--post--153.html 153 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_49807.jpeg 2014-11-13 15:35:45 1 CAP Furnace Spares, a Furnace parts and services company in Worcester, are rapidly expanding after landing £1.5 million per year contracts from website enquiries, following their new website launch! The business have previously maintained steady and gradual growth within the industry, which has mainly been linked to personal recommendations. However, the business identified the need to boost sales in firing the company forward... Areca Design was therefore commissioned to rebrand the company and develop an innovative new website design to fuel business progress.Gavin Prosser, Managing Director at CAP Furnace Spares highlights,“Our website has provided a great way to present our range of products, allowing potential customers to first of all find us, and then easily get in touch”. In designing an efficient, effective and innovative website for CAP Furnace Spares, the company saw many new enquiries fire through from the online platform. As a result, £1.5 million per year contracts were secured, which lead to an increase in employees and a relocation to larger premises... all in order to cope with the demand! The specialist Furnace parts suppliers are now potentially expecting to double in business size within the next twelve months. Gavin stated, “We have found that the new brand design and website provided by Areca Design, plus our quality products and exceptional service, equals success! We have a huge range of opportunities opening up to our company from all over the world and this is mainly down to the leads generated through our fantastic website”.To see how CAP Furnace Spares have embraced their success online, take a look at their company website, shown below. For more information on how Areca Design can help to establish successful Marketing activities for your business, from Online Marketing to Exhibition Stands, Promotional Merchandise to Brochure Management and much more, please do not hesitate to contact us. Call our team on 01386 570360, or email us at: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk.  https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Burning_Success_for_Worcesters_CAP_Furnace_Spares--post--150.html 150 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/_41238.jpeg 2014-11-12 10:36:27 15 Due to confidence in the growth of innovative design and online developments, we have seen further expansion within our creative company. Here at Areca Design, we have taken on board a new face to join our web development team!We would like to introduce our new recruit, Sadie, who will be providing support in upcoming and ongoing web development projects. Supporting the apprenticeship programme, Sadie is also currently completing a Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence and various supplementary qualifications.Our new website focused designer hopes to bring some fresh ideas and concepts to a variety of online website creations. Sadie has already begun providing support to our Senior Web Developers and has also been working alongside clients working on brand-new website ventures.  Contact Sadie to say hello at: Sadie.Allen@ArecaDesign.co.uk. If you would like to speak to a member of our team to enquire about further marketing support such as Websites, Augmented Reality, Exhibition Stands, Social Media and much more, please contact us on: 01386 570360, or e-mail us at: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk. In the meantime, if you would like to take a look at some of our previous work, please visit our website at: www.arecadesign.co.uk. Don’t forget to connect with us via Facebook and Twitter!  https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Areca_Welcome_Another_New_Starter--post--149.html 149 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Areca_Welcome_Another_New_Starter_71789.jpeg 2014-09-18 15:23:29 1 Evesham Gets Geared Up To Support The Tour Of Britain CyclistsIf you live or work in the UK, it is highly likely that you will be aware of the country’s largest free-to-spectate sporting event.The Tour of Britain, demonstrating everything that is wonderfully British, attracted many local onlookers out to the street on Wednesday 10th September, as the cyclists whizzed through our picturesque town of Evesham.The tour, still currently in progress, is renowned as the UK’s biggest professional cycle race. With the inclusion of eight stages, cyclists will cover a total of over 1,000km during the 9-day contest. From Liverpool to Worcester, Bristol to Exeter, Bath to Brighton and all the destinations in-between… Spectators are have taken to the street, and continue to do so, to cheer on the racers as they make their way across the UK.No doubt, onlookers have been kept up to date with the latest news about recognized faces such as Sir Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome and Mark Cavendish. Sir Bradley Wiggins himself was spotted just outside our offices at Areca Design, speedily racing with the team through the town (shown below).Cycling has been a popular activity for many years! But this two-wheeled pursuit has taken the country by storm recently with a strong focus on environmental efficiency, cost effectiveness and enhanced fitness efforts. The ability to zip through traffic jams on a busy morning commute also seems somewhat of an advantage!For further information on the Tour Of Britain, view maps, results, images and videos, please visit the Tour Of Britain website here: www.tourofbritain.co.uk.Areca Design can help to support you with innovative, unique and effective marketing solutions. From Website Design and Graphics, to Exhibition Stand and Print Management, to Augmented Reality and Online Marketing techniques, we can help to support you in positioning your brand perfectly within the marketplace.To speak to a member of our creative team, please contact us on: 01386 570360, or e-mail us at: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk. If you would like to take a glimpse at some of our previous work, please visit the website at: www.ArecaDesign.co.uk.  https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Evesham_Gets_Geared_Up_To_Support_The_Tour_Of_Britain_Cyclists--post--148.html 148 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Evesham_Gets_Geared_Up_To_Support_The_Tour_Of_Britain_Cyclists_60246.png 2014-09-12 12:00:51 1 Municipal Vehicle manufacturing organization, RosRoca, recently revealed their new concept vehicle at IFAT 2014 – the world’s leading exhibition for environmental technology, in Munich.Driving success with a creative Exhibition StandAreca Design was commissioned to design a high-quality setting to demonstrate the revolutionary concept vehicle. Developed by Midlands-based Dennis Eagle and motor research industry MIRA, the new refuse vehicle concept is a game-changing model; with superb visibility, low Co2 emissions and independently driven and steered wheels.Design and management of the stand was part of a full turn-key service offered by Areca Design, the creative exhibition space offered a suitable environment for the many International clients to visit. IFAT 2014 attracted over 135,000 guests to the event!The 1,000 square meter exhibition stand included a very large marquee, similar to those used as the BMW Racing hospitality unit, rebranded with the RosRoca group of companies logos.Creating an efficient environmentInside the marquee, Areca Design built a reception desk and three private office rooms for private discussions between visitors and the Ros Roca team. A large networking area was constructed with comfortable setting, topped off by a Kitchen, servery and Bar area – providing draft German Beer (Wunderbar!)All areas had corporate branding and creative infographics to provide more details about the new concept vehicle, indeed the main highlight of the stand stole the show when revealed from behind a large curtain during a presentation in front of over 100 international guests. For more information on how Areca Design can support you with innovative exhibition stand design and management, please visit the website at: www.ArecaDesign.co.uk. Alternatively, you can speak to a member of our team on: 01386 570360, or send us an e-mail us at: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk.  https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Areca_Design_revs_up_Exhibition_Stand_for_Global_Vehicle_Launch--post--146.html 146 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Areca_Design_revs_up_Exhibition_Stand_for_Global_Vehicle_Launch_13297.jpeg 2014-05-23 11:53:32 3 The FIFA World Cup fever has already begun! As fans all over the World are counting down the days until the official kick off; participating teams are warming up to take their places on the pitch.The World Cup season is the perfect way to surprise your customers, with striking promotional merchandise. Unique, football-focused merchandise can be designed in a wide range of styles, designs and forms to keep as a lasting memory of the World Cup 2014.Allow your customers to become a part of the World’s most prestigious football event, with personalized merchandise, designed to suit you. From Mugs and Coasters to Pens and Keyrings, or perhaps your goal is to be even more unique with Mint Dispensers or Branded Caps.Make a lasting impression this football season and give your customers a gift to remember!For more information on how Areca Design can support you with promotional merchandise during the Football season and throughout the year, please visit the website at: www.ArecaDesign.co.uk. If you would like to speak with a member of our team, please contact us on: 01386 570360, or e-mail us at: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk.  https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/FIFA_World_Cup_Fever_2014--post--145.html 145 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/FIFA_World_Cup_Fever_2014_70860.jpeg 2014-04-30 17:28:16 1 CNC International, the longest-standing independent EDM service provider in the UK, sparked an interest with their innovative Exhibition Stand at MACH 2014.Having supported CNC International in the run up to the event, with the inclusion of brand design, exhibition stand design and marketing support including printed brochures, a tailored project was constructed to generate stakeholder attraction at the event. The Areca Design team were on site to provide supplementary support throughout the day and plan for future marketing activities.The bespoke exhibition stand, with the use of a branded arch, display cabinets, podiums and plasma screens at each corner aimed to showcase CNC’s diverse engineering-based technologies and capabilities with optimum visibility.Present at the stand were some of CNC’s finest innovations and latest developments, including the AccuteX, Exeron, Seibu and Neu-ar. Along with their award-winning machinery were the experienced engineers, on hand to put the technologies through their paces and demonstrate the equipment in action.As an exhibiting company at MACH 2014, amongst more than 20,000 visitors and around 500 further exhibitors, the event served as an outstanding occasion for showcasing advances in the manufacturing industry.MACH 2014 is a biannual exhibition, organised by the Manufacturing Technologies Association. Featuring over 6,000 tonnes of working machinery, the themed zones stunned visitors, bringing together all of the best expertise under one roof.For more information on exhibition stand design and how Areca Design could help maximize your business potential with Marketing support, please contact our team on: 01386 570360, or e-mail us at DesignTeam@ArecaDesign.co.uk.  https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/CNC_demonstrate_Innovation_in_Action_at_MACH_2014--post--144.html 144 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/CNC_demonstrate_Innovation_in_Action_at_MACH_2014_56755.png 2014-04-22 16:30:23 1 The annual St. Georges Day celebrations have once again taken place across the country with a variety of typical English traditions, on 23rd April.With the Vale of Evesham renowned for it’s production of one of the Nation’s most sought after delicacies, what better way to celebrate all things great and green, than the British Asparagus Festival on St Georges Day?Celebrating in true British style, the festival kicked off the eight-week asparagus season with the Asparagus Run. Beginning at The Fleece Inn at Bretforton, the route took runners on a tour across the Vale of Evesham, ending at the picturesque Broadway Tower.Greeting them at Broadway Tower was a large, tower-sized St. Georges Flag, in keeping with the annual theme. The flag, designed by Areca Design, showcased the Tower in all its beauty and marked the official launch of the Asparagus Run. At a total of 18 meters long, by 5 meters wide, the flag was one not to be missed!Following a morning of St Georges Day festivities, a newly-harvested round of asparagus was escorted by a selection of Morgan Cars to destinations including Parliament and Buckingham Palace.Many joined in the St. Georges Day celebrations and were on the lookout for the flag, with the recognizable red cross, disguising half of the historic Broadway Tower itself. The image below shows a trial run of the flag being positioned at Broadway Tower.To see the flag in action on St. George's Day, please take a look at our Facebook page.For more information on the British Asparagus Festival, please visit the website at: www.britishasparagusfestival.org. If you would like to talk to one of our team members about how we can help you with Marketing support, please contact us on: 01386 570360, or e-mail us at: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk.  https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Flying_the_Flag_for_St_Georges_Day--post--143.html 143 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Flying_the_Flag_for_St_Georges_Day_98139.jpeg 2014-04-22 15:23:54 3 The Areca Design team were recenty commissioned to design and produce a show-stopping shell scheme design for Global Recycling business, Eurokey Recycling. Highlighting Eurokey's highly efficient plastics recycling system, Areca Design built an Exhibition Stand that would not only be aesthetically pleasing, but also educational – emphasising the complexities of the Recycling Industry and the visions of the Eurokey brand.Areca Design built a floor made of hundreds of crushed, waste plastic drinking bottles, with LED lights shining up through them. With supporting stands, utilising the brand logo and colour scheme to create further visual effect, the overall stand gained a great deal of attraction. Even during the stand build, many viewers stopped to admire the the 'rubbish' work of art.Eurokey Recycling will be exhibiting at the London ExCel Ecobuild Resource Event until Thursday 6th March, at Stand: R2610. For more information, please visit: www.resource-event.com.Areca Design can design and create innovative Exhibition Stands and Displays to suit your business needs. With interactive options and Augmented Reality possibilities available, we can ensure that great exhibition stands will be delivered to perform beyond your expectations. For more information on Exhibitions Stands for your business, please contact the Areca Design team on: 01386 570360, or e-mail: DesignTeam@ArecaDesign.co.uk. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Eurokey_Light_Up_the_Show_at_Ecobuild_Event--post--142.html 142 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Eurokey_Light_Up_the_Show_at_Ecobuild_Event_14030.jpeg 2014-03-05 10:02:43 1 Leading Construction, Services and Property giant, Kier Group, recently asked Areca Design to provide an innovative way of telling the property world about Kier’s aspirations and goals for 2014.The solution was a full-page advert in Property Week titled ‘Time to Chat’, where the 37,000 readers could view Executive Director Nigel Turner standing on the advert presenting the upcoming Kier year, by simply scanning, with a mobile-device, an Augmented Reality trigger image, in this case a pair of plastic toy teeth.Kier Group was introduced to Augmented Reality (AR) when Mick Hurst, Managing Director of Areca Design spoke to Kier Business Development Manager, Mike Tyrell at a Find It In Worcestershire breakfast meeting. Mike immediately saw the potential of AR and championed the cutting-edge technology within Kier. Areca Design then supported Mike at an internal Kier ‘Dragon’s Den’ style competition, where the AR presentation was enthusiastically received by the judging panel made up of senior Kier Directors.Talking about the futureThe collaboration between the two businesses is set to continue with Augmented Reality Apps being utilised throughout Kier, once the feedback from the ‘Time to Chat’ advert has been analysed. Augmented Reality can enhance physical objects, photographs or illustrations by bringing to life an interactive presentation, including videos, 3D illustrations, web-pages and forms.See what we’re chatting about Experience AR for yourself, download the free Areca AR+ app from the App Store or Google Play and scan the image of the toy teeth. This is just one of the many innovative ways Areca Design can use Augmented Reality to enhance a businesses brand promotion, inform the public or demonstrate a product or service. To find out more, contact Areca Design on 01386 570360, visit: www.ArecaDesign.co.uk or email: DesignTeam@ArecaDesign.co.uk. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Kier_Propertys_Time_to_Chat_AR_with_Areca_Design--post--141.html 141 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Kier_Propertys_Time_to_Chat_AR_with_Areca_Design_15408.jpeg 2014-03-03 13:20:41 15 A recently established clothing brand, The Mutt’s Nuts, dare to be different with their unique, bold and truly outstanding range of vibrant shirts.Teaming up with Areca Design, a range of engaging Social Media Marketing campaigns are required to promote the brand and spread the word about upcoming competitions, fabulous free gifts and outstanding new products… a brand worth barking about! Through utilising innovative campaigns via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, the social networking community are encouraged to become involved in a variety of photo-taking opportunities, design skill competitions and seasonal promotions – kicking off with Valentine's Day.In the lead-up to the most romantic day of the year… what better way to treat your Valentine to a truly unique Mutt’s Nuts shirt? Not only will you receive a barking mad 10% off your purchase, you will also get a FREE Valentine’s Card for your own special message. Visit the Mutt’s Nuts website, shown below, and simply enter your promotion code: ‘MuttsLove’ at the checkout to receive your discount!Mutt’s Nuts encourage you to be different, be fun, be bold… be a Mutt’s Nutter and be proud! With truly unique, striking designs, these shirts do not compromise quality for fun. Through uniting smooth silks with quality-textured fabrics, Mutt’s Nuts shirts are sure to grab attention and bring any party to life. Do you have what it takes to be a true Mutt’s Nutter? Perhaps you have a stag party coming and you want to add a bit of class? Or a fundraising event that you want to brighten the day?Follow Mutts Nuts on Twitter (@MuttsNutter) and Like them on Facebook (The Mutt's Nuts) to keep up to date with the fun!Areca Design are supporting Mutt’s Nuts with strategic and innovative Social Media Marketing. If you would like Marketing support for your business, please contact our team on: 01386 570360, or send us an e-mail: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Areca_Design_share_the_Mutts_Nuts_Love--post--138.html 138 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Areca_Design_share_the_Mutts_Nuts_Love_33566.png 2014-02-06 14:27:31 3 As we start to get to grips with the beginning of another promising new year, everyone is heading back to the office with plenty of personal resolutions for 2014 (exercise more, eat healthier, spend less, save more… sound familiar?). It is increasingly important that Digital Marketing goals are set from day one, to ensure the online world is utilized to its full potential. Here are four Digital Marketing resolutions to consider, to help you reach and connect with your target audience.Resolution 1: Set realistic, yet challenging goalsBefore you get too immersed into the world of Digital Marketing, it is important to set your goals. Identify exactly what you are trying to achieve through your digital efforts.Resolution 2: Do your research!Digital Marketing, similarly to traditional Marketing works best when you have the knowledge about your target audience that will set you apart from competitors. Research the psychological, geographical, and demographical attributes of your audience in order to understand exactly how you can communicate with them via the digital realm, in a way that is valuable to them.Resolution 3: Target moments, not impressionsImpressions can only indicate when a customer has seen an advertisement or website online. If we only focus on the number of impressions we have gained through digital marketing efforts, it is impossible to understand whether a customer actually engaged with the brand, let alone enjoyed it.Resolution 4: Content is still king!Although the ‘content is king’ statement has been in use for many years now, it is still highly relevant in today’s marketing world (if not more!). Content should continue to be ranked right at the top of your priority list, if your strategy is to be successful. With many algorithm updates over the past few months and years, Google further emphasizes the importance of utilizing unique, relevant and up to date content.For the full article, visit the Downloads page on the Areca Design website and download the FREE 'Four Digital Marketing Resolutions to stick to in 2014' factsheet, via the link below.At Areca Design, we can help you develop innovative Marketing strategies and material, to effectively support your business and drive success througout 2014. If you would like more information, please contact the Areca Design team on: 01386 570360, or e-mail us at: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Four_Digital_Marketing_Resolutions_to_stick_to_in_2014--post--137.html 137 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Four_Digital_Marketing_Resolutions_to_stick_to_in_2014_15992.jpeg 2014-01-09 12:00:55 1 If you are a newbie the world of Google+, it may be hard to pinpoint the immediate advantages that this social platform may have for your business. When it was first introduced into the digital world in 2011, there was a great deal of skepticism regarding the need for another social networking platform, when we already have a very busy field of such entities, including Facebook and Twitter…However, two years later, and Google+ has renowned itself as the second-largest social platform in the world! Many businesses are now looking to embrace Google+ and utilize the many additional features that it has to offer ­– for both personal and business use.Google+ encompasses many different features, taking the current social networks one step further. For example, it is possible to ‘Follow’ other users, segment ‘Circles’ of your various online networks, join in ‘Communities’ of diverse discussions and much more!One of the main reasons businesses, in particular, are looking to expand online using Google+, is the influence that is has over your SEO and Google search rankings.For a more detailed overview of the various features of Google+, and the benefits it may have on your company, please take a look at our new free Google+ Factsheet here.At Areca Design, we can help you develop strategic Marketing material, via online and traditional methods, to effectively support your business. If you would like more information, please contact the Areca Design team on: 01386 570360, or e-mail us at: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/On_the_plusside_of_Google--post--135.html 135 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/On_the_plusside_of_Google_45277.png 2013-12-12 13:06:24 1 Areca Design’s recent collaboration with London-based roofing company is flourishing. With the creation of brand identity, website launch and innovative Augmented Reality (AR), Wild About Roofs have already begun to securely plant their business within the marketplace. The next-generation roofing company required an innovative brand image to generate recognition and establish themselves as a professional, diverse roofing company.Part of the solution was to design an aesthetically pleasing business logo, which would be utilized throughout all business activities. The logo, seen below, is also a trigger that uses the latest mobile-device innovations. Anyone with a mobile smart phone or tablet can use our free App to see a 3D animation of Wild About Roofs, roof gardens, lavender roofs with Bee Hives and living walls.  Areca Design have also designed a creative website to showcase the business, providing the benefits of installing green roofing systems, such as Lavender Roofs, Roof Gardens, Bio-diverse Roofs, Fall Arrest and Living Walls.  The two businesses are now looking forward to raising the roof with the upcoming official launch for Wild About Roofs. The event, #WildAR will be taking place at The Roof Gardens, Kensington in Central London and is beginning to generate a great deal of interest through social media.#WildAR is to take place in March 2014, with the attendance of several leading architects, interested large businesses, suppliers and environmental enthusiasts already confirmed.For information on this extraordinary event and how you can attend, please contact Wild About Roofs on 0208 577 3812, e-mail info@wildaboutroofs.co.uk or visit: www.wildaboutroofs.co.uk.More about The Roof Gardens, Kensington can be found here: www.roofgardens.com. If you are looking for ways to position your brand within the marketplace, Areca Design can support you with effective Marketing Campaigns and Strategies. To find out more, please contact the team on: 01386 570360 or e-mail: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Skyhigh_Success_with_Wild_Roofing_Solutions--post--134.html 134 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Skyhigh_Success_with_Wild_Roofing_Solutions_32322.jpeg 2013-12-10 16:20:08 15 Evesham town centre is getting into the Christmas spirit, as we draw ever-closer to the official December countdown to Christmas (and by countdown – we mean waking up every day to another chocolate treat behind the advent calendar window).Areca Design has had a busy week, with exhibition stands at Malvern’s Festival of Innovation, Find It In Worcestershire Networking Event and filming for a Worcestershire County Council Online Video.With all of this going on, we haven’t forgotten about the excitement of the festive season. Our creative Designers have been getting their Christmas thinking hats on, designing the local business advertising banners, to surround the annual Evesham Christmas Tree!The Advertising Banners prominently display Christmas messages from 23 local businesses, supporting Evesham’s commerce and communicating with customers during the busy Christmas period. When visiting the town, why not take a look at the banners surrounding the magnificent Christmas Tree this year.For more information on how we can help you develop traditional Advertising and strategic Marketing material to effectively support your business, please contact the Areca Design team on: 01386 570360, or e-mail us at: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Its_beginning_to_look_a_lot_like_Christmas--post--133.html 133 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Its_beginning_to_look_a_lot_like_Christmas_17368.jpeg 2013-11-28 15:53:47 15 The Areca Design Team recently took to the camera, for an upcoming online video for Worcestershire County Council.Areca Design has been selected as one of three businesses to feature in the project, to showcase successful Worcestershire-based companies. The aim of the online film is to encourage and inspire entrepreneurial companies to start-up in the county.Oliver Walton, company owner of Fix 8 Films, used his creative film production and photography skills, to generate footage and still images of the three companies – incorporating staff interactions and action shots of work-based events.The Areca Design team star in the ‘Find It Testimonial’, highlighting some of our recent business innovations and ventures. The accompanying videos will feature Rock House Communications, in the ‘Start Up Testimonial’, and Viezu, in the ‘Business Growth Testimonial’.Take a look at our Facebook page, for a sneaky peak of what we got up to on the day of filming: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Areca-Design/206074476098052For more information on how we can provide strategic Marketing and Design concepts, whether you are a continuing or start-up business, contact the Areca Design team on: 01386 570360, or e-mail us at: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Lights_Camera_Action_Areca_Design_to_feature_in_Online_Video--post--132.html 132 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Lights_Camera_Action_Areca_Design_to_feature_in_Online_Video_59135.png 2013-11-25 10:24:04 3 As the power of the Internet continues to rapidly expand, so do opportunities for businesses to market their brand online. Your website is an extremely powerful tool, that enables you to provide relevant, creative information to customers about services, company updates and contact details.Areca Design exhibited, as a regular supporting business, at the monthly Find It In Worcestershire (FIIW) Breakfast Networking Event at Worcester Six Ways Stadium. Focusing on such a developing subject in todays business world – ‘How to grow your Business online’, the event inevitably generated a great deal of interest.The event was a great success, with attendance from a variety of fresh business faces as well as regular attendees, who were all keen to understand more about the digital movement of Online Marketing. The Networking event comprised of an inspiring talk, followed by a chance for attendees to engage with current and potential clients. The Areca Design Exhibition Stand gained a great deal of attention, with innovation enthusiasts intrigued by the development of Mobile Augmented Reality (AR), this led to invitations for follow-up meetings with businesses from a variety of industries. The Areca Design team was also busy with enquiries about our highly effective website design, marketing strategies, design for print and support with setting up a new venture.To find out how Mobile Augmented Reality (AR) can be utilized within your business, please contact the Areca Design team on: 01386 570360, or e-mail us at: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk.  https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Business_and_Breakfast_at_Find_It_In_Worcestershire_Networking_Event--post--130.html 130 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Business_and_Breakfast_at_Find_It_In_Worcestershire_Networking_Event_48749.jpeg 2013-11-22 12:45:02 1 With a passion for creative innovation, Areca Design recently exhibited at the Annual Malvern Festival of Innovation, on Thursday 7th and Friday 8th November at the Malvern Theatre. The event proved a great success, allowing guests to network with exhibitors, entrepreneurs, technology experts and potential collaborators, visit dedicated presentations and become inspired by pioneering ideas.Featuring on the BBC Midlands today on Thursday 7th November, Mick Hurst, founder of Areca Design, demonstrated how attention-grabbing Mobile Augmented Realty (AR) can introduce a unique solution for businesses to communicate with customers – bringing the physical and virtual worlds together. Utilising the latest in mobile-device visual recognition technology, the Mobile AR App allows users of a smart-device (Apple or Android) to scan a pre-determined trigger point and bring it to life!Mick commented, “Today, with ever-advancing technology, more and more businesses are recognizing the importance of innovative thinking and creative problem-solving to stimulate success. It is crucial to generate fresh and original ideas to sustain a competitive position in the marketplace.”The potential for Mobile AR is endless, and gained much attention from visitors and fellow exhibitors at the Festival. Please see the video below to view Areca Design being featured on BBC Midlands Today.For more information on how Mobile AR can help you communicate with your customers and bring an extra level of interest and value to your organization, please contact us on: 01386 570360, or email us at: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Areca_Design_features_on_BBC_Local_News_at_Festival_of_Innovation--post--129.html 129 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Areca_Design_features_on_BBC_Local_News_at_Festival_of_Innovation_41256.jpeg 2013-11-12 09:35:55 3 With November just round the corner, the festive season is already starting to sneak its way back into everyone's mind. As early as it may be to start the big Christmas shop or decide what treats will be filling our stockings this year, from a business perspective, it is very much a time to plan ahead and make sure the Christmas festivities do not cause too much interruption to your business.Areca Design can help you to plan your pre-Christmas Marketing Strategy, to ensure all your promotional material will be delivered on time, by the 20th December. Christmas is a great opportunity to get in touch with your customers ­– show them your appreciation for their support, loyalty and custom over the year. When done correctly, Christmas Marketing Material can reinforce your brand identity in the mind of your customer, build on professional relationships, represent your company culture and spread Christmas Cheer in an innovative and creative way!Christmas holds great potential to be a little creative with your Marketing efforts and develop some fresh designs for your campaigns. Whether you are looking for Christmas Cards (traditional or E-Cards), Desk Calendars and Planners, Augmented Reality, E-newsletters or unique Branded Office Merchandise, we can help you develop original material, which will capture the attention of your customers and can be kept well into the new year!Bespoke Merchandise can take up to eight weeks to produce. To avoid disappointment over the Christmas Holidays, contact Areca Design by Friday 8th November to discuss your Christmas Marketing requirements on: 01386 570360, or e-mail us at: designteam@arecaesign.co.uk. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Holiday_Cheer_Creativity_for_a_Corporate_Christmas--post--128.html 128 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Holiday_Cheer_Creativity_for_a_Corporate_Christmas_19015.jpeg 2013-10-28 14:50:30 1 Go-karting event helps to raise over £1,400 for Charity Last week the Areca Design team took to the tracks with Hayward Wright and a host of familiar business faces in aid of Megan Baker House. The event, held on Thursday 17th October was a great success, raising over £1,400 for the charity.Megan Baker House is a charity specializing in providing free Conductive Education services for children, teenagers and adults with special educational needs and physical disabilities.The 18 teams, with 3-4 team members, took part in a 2-hour endurance race around the track, each racing to achieve their place on the podium. There was some great driving skills to behold, and some even better collisions, as the teams battled their way around the course.With two endurance races taking place during the day, the two first-place trophies were awarded to HSBC and E-Response. For Areca Design, it was ‘last but not least’, as the team perfectly maintained their position of last place throughout the race, all intentional of course :-), and gained the ‘wooden spoon’. Prizes were awarded by Alistair Druett from Hayward Wright, who thanked drivers for a very enjoyable day, and most importantly a very successful one!More information about the charitable services offered by Megan Baker House can be found by visiting the website: www.meganbakerhouse.org.uk.To find out more about Hayward Wright and their services provided, please visit the website: www.haywardwright.co.uk.For more information about Areca Design, how we can help establish successful Marketing activities for your business, or upcoming events, please contact Areca Design on: 01386 570360, or e-mail us at: designteam@arecaesign.co.uk. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Gokarting_event_helps_to_raise_over_GBP1400_for_Charity--post--127.html 127 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Gokarting_event_helps_to_raise_over_1400_for_Charity_14079.jpeg 2013-10-23 15:16:22 1 Living Proof of Success with the Next Generation of Roofing and WallsAreca Design have recently planted the seeds of success for new green roofing business, Wild About Roofs, with brand design, website and an augmented reality model that pops-up from their business cards when scanned by a mobile-device.Wild About Roofs install living roofs onto shopping centers, schools, tower blocks and commercial properties providing an environmentally sustainable area for bees, butterflies, insects and other fauna and flora to thrive and survive. This could be in a city centre – bringing nature into urban areas – or on a new out-of-town factory unit that wants to blend into the countryside.Another innovative service is the design and creation of Living Walls, vertical creations that could be a business logo or a sculptured pattern made from living plants and flowers.General Manager, John Ward commented ‘Wild About Roofs are keen to provide an environmentally sound solution which utilises the acres of wasted space in the modern concrete jungle. Our roofing solutions also help to provide living spaces for bees and other insects whose habitats are being built on every day.’ Kevin Nelson, Contracts Manager continued, ‘We saw in Areca Design, not only creative innovation with their website technology and augmented reality apps, but also a synergy as they help many businesses in the environmental and recycling sector develop strong brand awareness and successful marketing strategies.’Being based in London, the Wild About Roofs team have already secured several contracts to install living roofs and walls, even before their official launch. In February the Wild About Roofs team are planning a launch event at one of their project-sites in Central London, with many leading architects, suppliers, family and friends If you would like to know more about introducing a greener roofing system to your home or business, please visit the Wild About Roofs website at: www.wildaboutroofs.co.uk.For more information on how Areca Design can help establish successful Marketing and Promotional activities for your business, please contact Areca Design on: 01386 570360, or e-mail us at: designteam@arecaesign.co.uk.   https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Living_Proof_of_Success_with_the_Next_Generation_of_Roofing--post--126.html 126 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Living_Proof_of_Success_with_the_Next_Generation_of_Roofing_25435.jpeg 2013-10-18 14:01:05 1 Social Media service from Areca Design – worth Tweeting about :-) More and more businesses are recognising the potential of Social Media Marketing. If used correctly, this contemporary style of communication can bring significant success to your business and help you to achieve your marketing strategy and branding goals.Social Media Marketing is a time-consuming task and maybe you simply do not have the time, copywriting skills or inclination to action the range of social activities within your business?Areca Design can now provide a beneficial service generating weekly blogs, social media, monthly e-newsletters and new page content. Utilising these online activities can connect your business to large numbers of potential clients and expose your brand to a continuously increasing contact base.Not only can Social Media Marketing increase brand awareness, but it can also prove ideal for communicating with current customers and promoting new products or services.According to Google’s latest ranking criteria, Penguin 2.0, websites that want to be (or are) shared, are ranked much higher than those that do not have integrated social media campaigns.For more information on Social Media Marketing and how it can successfully impact your business, please contact Areca Design on 01386 570360, or email us at: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Social_Media_service_from_Areca_Design_worth_Tweeting_about--post--125.html 125 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Social_Media_service_from_Areca_Design__worth_Tweeting_about__68249.jpeg 2013-10-09 17:11:30 1 Dennis Eagle successfully unveilsthe ‘Elite 6’ at RWM Leading refuse collection vehicle manufacturer, Dennis Eagle, revealed the new innovative“Elite 6” at this years Recycling & Waste Management Exhibition (RWM) at the NEC. ArecaDesign was commissioned for the third year running to provide a professional and eyecatchingexhibition stand, which reflected the modern and technical innovations of the newDennis Eagle Elite 6. The exhibition stand featured, uniquely, an Elite 6 raised into the air along with a theme of thefive senses – the Elite 6 being the sixth sense. Each ‘sense’ highlighted the benefits of thenew Elite 6. Along with its eye-catching graphics, the exhibition stand ensured the ability tocater for a large number of guests, with a professional, bistro-feel seating arrangement.Dennis Eagle, who continue to be the market leaders in the manufacture of refuse vehicles,have already started to discuss ideas with Areca Design for the stand concepts and build fortheir 2014 exhibitions. For more information about creative exhibition stands, and how they can help cater to yourbusiness requirements, please contact the Areca team on 01386 570360, or email:designteam@arecadesign.co.uk     https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Dennis_Eagle_successfully_unveils_the_Elite_6_at_RWM--post--123.html 123 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Dennis_Eagle_successfully_unveils_the_Elite_6_at_RWM_31173.jpeg 2013-10-09 14:44:19 1 Sand Masterpiece for Dennis EagleOver the three days of the Plant and Waste Recycling Show (PAWRS) held next to the beach at Paignton (Devon), Areca Design commissioned an international sand sculpture artist to create a 3 meter long sand-replica of a Dennis Eagle refuse vehicle.The eye-catching sand-sculpture was a fantastic talking point for Dennis Eagle, who were the PAWRS headline sponsor, and their exhibition stand constantly had a good number of visitors enjoying fresh Devon cream teas, filter coffee and good conversation. Following the show the eight tonnes of sand was recycled by being donated to Torbay council for use in sand-bags.Eight tonnes of fine builders sand was hand shoveled into a forme, mixed with water and compacted by Jamie from Sand In Your Eye and Mick from Areca Design. After hardening overnight into compact block of sand. Jamie then skillfully sculptured the sand into a replica of a short-wheelbase, smooth-body Olympus Elite 2 refuse collection vehicle.Areca Design created and managed the stand throughout, which included shelter from the showers under a large marquee or in the customised show unit – a Dennis Eagle refuse vehicle converted into a private meeting room.Dennis Eagle, and Areca Design are now creating stand-plans for upcoming exhibitions, including the RWM at the NEC later this year. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Sand_Masterpiece_for_Dennis_Eagle--post--122.html 122 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Sand_Masterpiece_for_Dennis_Eagle_98804.jpeg 2013-06-24 16:11:44 1 Evesham Abbey brought to back to life to support Conversation ProjectBeing based in the heart of the ancient riverside market town of Evesham, Areca Design has become part of several campaigns to promote, support and maintain successful businesses and encourage tourist to enjoy the many attractions in the town.Most locals and tourist have no idea that Evesham Abbey was once a very impressive building – the third largest Abbey in England and built near where a swine-heard was reported to have seen a vision of the Virgin Mary in the River Avon. The only standing remains of the Evesham Abbey is the Bell Tower, built nearly 500 years ago, however recent structural reports have identified urgent conservation work is needed which will cost in the region of £500,000.Areca Design in support of the conservation project has created information literature and the project website – along with a 3D model of how Evesham Abbey used to look.Visitors to Evesham will also be able to see the 3D model of the Abbey in its original size and position on their smart-phones or tablets by standing in Abbey Park and pointing their device’s camera towards the Bell Tower.To see the 3D model and information about the conservation project, visit: www.eveshambelltower.org.ukFor more information about 3D Models for Augmented Reality and to see the Rebuilt Abbey In action please click here... https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Evesham_Abbey_brought_to_back_to_life_to_support_Conversation_Project--post--121.html 121 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Evesham_Abbey_brought_to_back_to_life_to_support_Conversation_Project_15282.jpeg 2013-06-24 16:04:51 3 The FSB invite Areca Design to speak at the Royal Three Counties ShowThe Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) provided a dedicated ‘business support’ area within the main building at this year’s Royal Three Counties Show, held at the Showground near Malvern, Worcestershire. The show attracted over 200,000 visitors over a long weekend in June.During a 45 minute workshop, Mick, MD of Areca Design discussed mobile-device App marketing, focusing on Mobile Augmented Reality as an innovate way to engage and inform a businesses customer base, drive prospective clients to exact information website pages or to provide essential guides to staff and customers, such as health and safety or how to use videos.Following the presentation, several discussions are underway regarding implementing Augmented Reality into tourist destinations and to bring to life automotive product brochures and magazine adverts.Areca Design is also developing AR apps to provide health and safety, induction and how to use advise in manufacturing businesses.To find out more about Mobile Augmented Reality Apps and how they can help drive enquiries to your business contact Areca Design on 01386 570360 or email: AR@arecadesign.co.uk https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/The_FSB_invite_Areca_Design_to_speak_at_the_Royal_Three_Counties_Show--post--120.html 120 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/The_FSB_invite_Areca_Design_to_speak_at_the_Royal_Three_Counties_Show_63090.jpeg 2013-06-24 16:03:45 1 European Food Ingredients (EFI) recently exhibited at the International Food and Drink Event at London Excel during March and commissioned Areca Design to provide an eye-catching way of displaying their dehydrated food products.The solution was a set of highly attractive wall posters along with a custom-made podium centerpiece, which displayed the company’s dehydrated vegetables, pulses and fruit pieces. Along with the exhibition materials Areca Design also produced a give-away pocket sized product reference ‘swatch card’ that matched the stand design.Carole Reeve, Managing Director, commented “we had a very busy show and felt that the exhibition materials helped create a professional look and feel for us, we will definitely use the system at the other events that we attend in the future.” More information about European Food Ingredients can be found on their website www.efiltd.com https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Case_Study_European_Food_Ingredients_EFI--post--118.html 118 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Case_Study__European_Food_Ingredients_EFI_36398.jpeg 2013-04-19 12:06:12 15 ITV Central News featured Areca Design’s latest innovation – which combines ancient history with cutting-edge mobile technology – Augmented Reality (AR).Anyone with an iPhone, iPad, modern Smart Phone or Tablet can visit the Evesham Tourist Centre, pick up a Trail guide, download the FREE App (click the links below to view the app downloads) and go on the trail.The trail works by the visitor using their smart-device to scan one of the old buildings, tourist information signs or sculptures identified as trigger-points on the card and watch as Brother Oswold (Evesham’s Monk) appears on their mobile screen to tell them some more interesting facts about that trigger-point. This is one of many uses of Areca Design’s Augmented Reality innovations, others include bringing 3D models of proto-types, products or developments to life from plans and generating more value from print or adverts by triggering interactive presentations and videos. To find out more, call Areca Design on 01386 570360, or email designteam@arecadesign.co.ukWhen you’re next in the Evesham area why not stop by and have a go at the Evesham Historic trail yourself. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/ITV_News_features_Evesham_AR_History_Trail_The_UKs_first--post--32.html 32 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Evesham_AR_History_Trail__the_UKs_First_17644.jpeg 2012-12-07 15:44:00 3  Make the most of Christmas–  A few ideas to Generate Sales and build on Business Relationships Whether you’re looking to build your brand, generate more leads, improve conversion rates or increase the value of your average sale click on the link below to check out our Five key areas of opportunity at ChristmasHere’s a reminder of some ideas to improve your sales and brand awareness this festive season. Five Top Tips to Boost your Sales this Christmas Check out our Promotional Merchandise for your shopping list of gifts or incentives. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Make_the_most_of_Christmas--post--31.html 31 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Make_the_most_of_Christmas_57874.jpeg 2012-11-19 17:48:51 1 We are proud to announce that our augmented reality apps are now available to download from both the apple app store and google play / android stores.If you wish to try these out please click on the links below to go the app pages in your browswer or alternativly search the words Areca Design AR into the search panel on both the app store and google play / android on your mobile devices.Apple App Store I Google Play / Android Market  https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Areca_Design_Launches_AR_Apps--post--30.html 30 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Areca_Design_Launches_AR_Apps_15694.png 2012-10-08 09:38:08 1 By employing the very latest in visual recognition technology, Areca Design are now able to offer a unique and versatile Augmented Reality solution, enabling businesses and organisations of all types to connect with their customers as never before by bringing the physical and virtual worlds together. The technology was showcased at the recent Resource Efficiency and Waste Management Solutions (RWM) show at the Birmingham NEC this month.An Augmented Reality (AR) environment was provided by Areca Design for Innovative Safety Systems (ISS), a market leader in vehicle safety solutions. Visitors to the stand used iPADs to utilise the visual recognition technology which automatically launched a portable, virtual presentation about specific products and services. Customer reaction to the stand was enthusiastic, meaning that ISS enjoyed a successful show, with ISS Managing Director Gavin Foley declating it 'the best show yet'.Augmented Reality works by recognising trigger images which may be in print, physical objects or real world locations, meaning that the applications for AR are essentially limitless. For example, when applied to your latest company brochure or catalogue, your customer is able to use your AR environment to view, research and order products while on the move. AR can even be applied to your existing business stationery or product packaging, making AR a cost effective means of combining your existing marketing mix.Your customers now rely on their mobile devices like never before and the world of Augmented Reality is only as limited as your imagination.To discuss Augmented Reality applications, strategies and to experience the power of AR first hand, call a member of the team at Areca Design now on 01386 570360 or email designteam@arecadesign.co.uk. Alternatively use our contact form by clicking here. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Areca_Design_Showcase_Augmented_Reality_Platform_at_RWM_12_Show--post--29.html 29 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Areca_Design_Showcase_Augmented_Reality_Platform_at_RWM_12_Show_60996.png 2012-09-26 17:10:54 3 Areca Design's latest free factsheet is now available for download. The factsheet this month focuses on the importance of integrating your local and online media strategies.Although often ovelooked in recent times, local media can prove to be an invaluable tool in promoting your business, particularly when your local media campaign has parity with your other marketing activities.The factsheet explains in simple terms how and why you should achieve this, as well as how Areca Design can help. To download this fact sheet you can click here, where you will also find the Areca factsheet archive. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Integrating_Local_and_Online_Media_Free_Factsheet_Now_Available--post--28.html 28 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Integrating_Local_and_Online_Media__Free_Factsheet_Now_Available_36122.jpeg 2012-06-07 13:33:04 1 A cutting edge specialist engineering company has just launched in Worcester, Deltacam Internationalcommissioned Areca Design to produce Brand, Brochure and Website designs. With clients such as Formula 1 teams and Gardner Aerospace providing turbines for Rolls Royce and Airbus, Deltacam knew that getting the brand designed correctly was crucial. Deltacam International (pictured) provide precision components and tooling for clients across a wide range of industries, including F1, aerospace, nuclear power and alternative energy generation. Ensuring that their brand and marketing strategy is right is therefore every bit as important as the precision and innovation involved in the components that they design and manufacture.Areca Design will provide ongoing marketing support, from inception to delivery of strategies, print, production and exhibition support. Involved at the earliest stage of the project, Areca Design not only oversaw the creation of logos and branding for Deltacam International, but were also actively involved in researching the actual name of the company – in terms of suitability to industry, competition, web presence and availability of the appropriate URL.Areca Design continue to successfully manage high profile brand design and marketing campaigns for businesses across all industries. For more information about brand promotions or a FREE marketing review call 01386 570360. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/New_Aerospace_Engineering_Business_Launches_in_Worcester--post--27.html 27 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/New_Aerospace_Engineering_Business_Launches_in_Worcester_53071.jpeg 2012-06-01 14:05:57 1 The team at Areca Design are once again busy preparing tradestands and marketing material in advance of this years' Plant and Waste Recycling Show, taking place from 12-14 June at the Rivera International Conference Centre, Paignton. In addition to having designed, delivered and staffed tradestands for a variety of high profile clients over the years, Areca also designed branding for PAWRS itself.PAWRS regularly attracts thousands of visitors and exhibitors from the  waste management and recycling industry and is one of the premiere events of its type in Europe.This year Areca Design have once again designed a tradestand for refuse vehicle industry leaders Dennis Eagle. In keeping with 2012 being a year to celebrate all things British, thanks to the Queens Jubilee this coming weekend and the London Olympics later in the year, the tradestand this year has a 'Great British Garden Party' theme, featuring live music, innovative design and lots of red, white and blue.Attending the event for the first time are Waste Parts UK. Areca Design recently created a brand new website for the company, as well as ensuring them pride of place at the PAWRS event. The Gloucestershire based company will be hoping to put all 30 years of their experience in waste management to good use at what is sure to be another well attended and competitive event. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Areca_Design_Get_Set_for_PAWRS_2012--post--26.html 26 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Areca_Design_Get_Set_for_PAWRS_2012_21009.jpeg 2012-06-01 14:02:36 1 Areca Design has just published the latest in a series of factsheets focusing on web design and internet marketing issues. This month the factsheet examines Facebook, and how social media can be used as part of your online marketing.The factsheet can be downloaded via the Areca Design site here.Alternatively if you would like to have an informal chat about how social media can help your business why not give the team a call on 01386 570360. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Free_Facebook_Factsheet_Now_Available_for_Download--post--25.html 25 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Free_Facebook_Factsheet_Now_Available_for_Download_22193.jpeg 2012-05-02 17:30:35 1 Herefordshire based passivhaus architects Architype are celebrating this month after their redeisgned website and Internet Marketing campaign managed by Areca Design successfully secured them the number one ranking globally on Google for the twelfth month running.Architype (pictured) specialise in the design of structures using sustainable materials, working in both the public and private sectors. However, because of the highly specialised nature of their consultancy services, Google did not rank the company in search results unless very specific search terms were used.Architype contacted Areca Design for help in early 2011 to help with their search rankings, we then redesigned the Architype website, ensuring correct SEO and then initiated an internet marketing campaign, this included  identifying the most frequently used search terms in relation to Architype's services, then optimising the company's website and back links accordingly.As a result Architype have been at the top of the Google rankings for a year now, continuing to benefit from the obvious advantages the number one spot on Google provides.For an informal chat about how Areca Design could take your website to number one on Google, contact the team on 01386 570360 or Email: designteam@arecadesign.co.uk  https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Architype_Celebrate_a_Year_of_Being_at_the_Top_of_Google--post--24.html 24 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Architype_Celebrate_a_Year_of_Being_at_the_Top_of_Google_36020.jpeg 2012-05-02 17:19:28 1 Areca Design has just published the first in a series of factsheets looking at various web design and internet marketing issues. The first factsheet focuses on Search Engine Optimisation.Informative and easy to understand, the factsheet examines the issues surrounding SEO, how it works, and how it can work for your business.The factsheet can be downloaded via the Areca Design website here. However, if you would like to talk about SEO or any other aspect of online marketing in more detail, please contact the Design Team on 01386 570360For more information on how Areca can help your business via website redesign, SEO or the creation of mini-marketing sites please contact the team using the details below.Call Areca Design on: 01386 570360  Email: designteam@arecadesign.co.ukWeb: www.arecadesign.co.uk https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Free_SEO_Factsheet_Now_Available_to_Download--post--23.html 23 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Free_SEO_Factsheet_Now_Available_to_Download_93639.jpeg 2012-04-04 09:16:16 1 Whether a company is looking to promote a new product, improve sales or simply increase awareness of their brand, a tradestand at one of the many exhibitions that take place each year can be a great way to promote the business.However, a frequent problem for some exhibitors is that they simply do not attract enough visitors to their stand, often making attendance at the exhibition an expensive prospect.There are many factors to consider when designing a tradestand. Obvious considerations include the amount of floor space available, visibility of logos or branding and the position of the stand itself, but a truly successful stand involves considerably more.Areca Design specialise in the provision and deployment of tradestands, and have successfully  provided innovative and eye-catching stands for a wide range of exhibitors, further details of which may be found here.Areca's design team first consider and understand the objectives of the exhibitor before project managing, designing and building the stand. They can also supply reception staff for the stand if required.If you would like to know more about how Areca can help make your trade stand a success this year, please contact a member of the team now on 01386 570360.  https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Areca_Exhibits_Creative_Flair_For_Stand_Designs--post--22.html 22 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Areca_Exhibits_Creative_Flair_For_Stand_Designs_51163.jpeg 2012-04-03 16:31:41 1 Recognised as a specialist in marketing recycling and waste management businesses, Areca Design have recently been commissioned by waste management giant Biffa to promote the company's services on a more personal, local level. The campaign literature designed for Biffa by Areca Design has been created to illustrate to businesses and organisations howBiffa can help to reduce these costs, while complying to stringent government guidelines and, at the same time, causing minimum impact on the environment. Areca have so far designed and distributed brochures for Biffa across key regional areas of the country, promoting the company's message to businesses, councils and educational establishments, to encourage the effective management and disposal of waste. Biffa's services promoted by the brochures include:Zero to landfill policy - Biffa recycle all of the waste that they handle, with none of it being buried at UK landfill sites.     The Big Red Bin Campaign - A campaign aiming to educate and encourage pupils and students across the UK to dispose of their waste responsibility. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Areca_and_Biffa_Ensure_that_Zero_Waste_Goes_to_Landfill--post--194.html 194 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Areca_and_Biffa_Ensure_that_Zero_Waste_Goes_to_Landfill_81848.jpeg 2012-02-06 00:00:00 15 Over 90% of websites developed by Areca Design for our clients have reached page one on Google for their chosen keywords, several in position one – page one worldwide, and there is no reason why your business cannot be one of them ...At a time when many businesses are under pressure to deliver results faster than ever, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is often overlooked by companies unsure of the benefits that SEO can deliver, irrespective of business or industry sector.On the face of it, many businesses opt to use a Pay Per Click (PPC) system to conduct their web marketing, citing the apparent ease with which it is possible to monitor any e-marketing spend while at the same time realising an accurate depiction of any web campaign's success. However as if often the case and for reasons that will become apparent, this decision is truly a case of 'buyer beware'.PPC systems are inherently flawed because:They are open to fraudThey are not cost effectiveThey are relatively inflexibleThey are subject to Bid Price Inflation (BPI: the increased cost for the use of individual key-phrasesin addition to the click through cost)Meanwhile, the benefits of SEO are:Provides your business with long term, high visibility on the webEnables your company to engage in multiple web-marketing campaigns and market researchprojects simultaneouslyIncreases traffic to your websiteEasily quantifiable resultsWhere our clients are already engaged in PPC web marketing we often find that we are able to reduce their costs and increase the success of their marketing by slowly moving over to the SEO model, running concurrently with our other marketing strategies.The team at Areca Design would like to offer you the opportunity to engage in a FREE assessment of your online marketing in order to practically demonstrate the benefits that a professional SEO campaign can have for your business. For more information about SEO and associated issues please click here. Alternatively call the team at Areca on 01386 570360 for an informal chat. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Google_page_one_the_only_place_to_be_seen_Who_goes_to_page_two--post--20.html 20 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Google_page_one__the_only_place_to_be_seen_Who_goes_to_page_two_reference_97180.jpg 2012-01-18 13:02:13 1 This Saturday, Areca Design are hosting a corporate day out for Business Managers who also love motorcycles. Anyone who knows Mick, Areca Design MD, will also know about his passion for motorbikes as a hobby and professionally ? designing brochures for Triumph and Ducati, race livery for Suzuki and a full suite of marketing for Yamaha, including the redesign of their world identityThe Harley Davidson 'Rider's Edge' have asked Mick and his team to help them promote their 'Red Letter Day' style experience where members of the public can ride the full range of Harley Davidsons around the Welsh countryside, escorted by ex-police instructors who know the best roads in and around the Brecon Beacons. Eleven business managers and owners will be donning their biker gear on this first corporate day arranged by Areca Design, if all goes well then the next will be in late spring 2012 at the beginning of the Rider's Edge season.For further information or marketing support for your business, please contact Areca Design on: 01386 570360. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Harley_Davidson_experience_Areca_Design_marketing--post--193.html 193 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Harley_Davidson_experience_Areca_Design_marketing_65659.png 2011-10-03 00:00:00 1 Tonight we are all going to be suited and booted for the Herefordshire & Worcestershire : Chamber of Commerce awards ceremony at the Worcester Cathedral. Where we have been shortlisted for the Most Promising Business Award 2011.  https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/The_Big_Night_Has_Arrived--post--13.html 13 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/The_Big_Night_Has_Arrived_reference_61696.png 2011-07-21 08:59:47 1 Areca Design innovation for the Waste and Recycling Show 2011Dennis Eagle, the UK's leading manufacturer of refuse vehicles has commissioned Areca Design to design, project manage and build an innovative exhibition stand at the country's leading waste industry trade show. The RWM will take place during September and will feature the very latest technology, developed with ecology, efficiency and ergonomics in mind. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Dennis_Eagle_commission_Areca_Design_for_the_NEC_exhibition--post--196.html 196 2011-07-18 00:00:00 15 The Areca Design team donned tuxedoes and dickie-bows, along with around 500 other businessmen and women at the prestigious Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. Worcester Cathedral hosted the prestigious black-tie event in the main Nave with fantastic lighting effects adding to the drama of the evening.The Category of 'Most Promising Business 2011' was announced with Areca Design being honoured as joint Runner Up ? out of over 2,000 member businesses. Holywell Water, based in Malvern, gained top spot for their fantastic growth and brand promotion. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Areca_Design_awarded_joint_Runner_Up_in_prestigious_business_award--post--195.html 195 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Areca_Design_awarded_joint_Runner_Up_in_prestigious_business_award_37599.jpeg 2011-07-11 00:00:00 1 Areca Design has been Shortlisted for the award of Most Promising Business 2011The awards ceremony is to be held at Wocester Catherdral on teh 21st July, where the Areca Design team will be suited and booted along with around 500 other local business men and women.If we are successful Areca Design will then be put through to National Chamber of Commerce awards finals, with a £50k prize awarded to the national winner – which would be very useful. https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/Shortlisted_for_the_award_of_Most_Promising_Business_2011--post--8.html 8 https://www.arecadesign.recds12.co.uk/userfiles/images/sys/blog_items/Shortlisted_for_the_award_of_Most_Promising_Business_2011_reference_68238.png 2011-07-01 15:02:13 1