Marketing 101: Content Marketing
Content Marketing: What is it? Content Marketing is the creation and promotion of free content to attract and charm customer prospects into becoming clients. Utilising multiple media forms the goal of the strategy is to provide quality information, whilst also subsequently promoting your own services. With...
How will 4G affect Small Businesses?
With recent announcements confirming 4G will start to reach Britain by the end of 2013 a new generation of LTE enabled devices is preparing to hit the market ready for the end of year and the inevitable Christmas rush. But what does 4G mean for small businesses and will it make a difference to our...
The Internet - A Primer Part 2
We've talked about DNS, IP Addresses and the delay in sites going live. Now I'm going to dig a bit deeper into how websites are hosted and how they're accessed. Domains on the internet are split into various top-level domains and subdomains. The top-level domains contain such suffixes as .com,...
35 Years of Heritage
We're delighted to be appointed as marketing agency to the regions best contract and specialist cleaning company Monthind Clean LLP. Having delivered their services to key clients for over 35 years, we've been brought on board to work with the brand to take it into its next phase of growth with exceptional...
Farm Fresh Marketing
We've been working with the lovely people at Gladwins Farm for a couple of months now and we're delighted with progress. So far we've developed a fresh new look for the brand and launched a super new SEO'd website for them. Our big idea was to create a brand built around a 'Staycation' concept, giving...
The Smell of Success
WSS are one of the UK's leading sensory research companies working with brands including Sainsbury's, Pizza Express, Boots and Innocent. Having found us through searching for 'award winning design agencies' in Google (yes, speak to us about our amazing SEO capabilities too!) we hot-footed...
Social Media That Delivers
We've been working in the Education Sector for many years here at Zero Above and developing campaigns to excite young people is what we love doing. The Plan A Campaign was developed to target a specific audience and based on our expert research, with outputs including a targeted Social Media campaign,...
We Love Crisps!
We started courting Fairfields Farm 2 years ago when our Strategy Partner Simon Isaac had a packet of their crisps from the Bures Deli. So he picked up the phone and invited himself over for a cup of tea! It's all been a fantastic journey so far and we've developed a fresh new website for the brand which...
New Dynamism
Our people are the lifeblood of the agency. The 3 new team members here at Zero Above have been carefully selected to deliver fantastic results for our clients. You know how much we love doing great work and the team dynamic at the agency has been enhanced to bring a new edge to our services with the...
Strong Correlation between Facebook and Twitter Activity to Google Ranking
Facebook and Twitter Activity Affects Google Rankings Searchmetrics reported last week some of the first hard statistic evidence for what Marketers had been suspecting since the early part of 2012 and rather earlier. Social Media Signals have arrived in the UK within the Google Algorithm. Whilst talk...
Social Media - Think Before You Type
Social Media - Think Before You Type The wonderful thing about the World Wide Web is that anyone has the opportunity to set up a website, buy goods online or join a social network. We are able to get in touch with people all over the world and it is great to share opinions, photographs, tweets, blogs...
Jobs In The Green Arena
Jobs In The Green Arena Last month the Office for National Statistics released data showing that there are 2.6 million unemployed people in the UK, with only 450,000 jobs advertised, meaning that there are 6 jobseekers for every vacancy. Despite these gloomy statistics it is encouraging to note that...
Adapt and Survive - It's All In The Numbers
Adapt and Survive - It's All In The Numbers With the array of platforms and devices marketing and advertising professionals have at their disposal it's quite easy to get carried away with buzzwords. Meetings will rage on, expanding follower bases and increasing traffic will be the topics and the net...
What is normal? Thoughts On Green Marketing
What is normal? Thoughts On Green Marketing Change, in any form, good or bad, has some amount of stigma attached to it. Being different or moving away from common practice is always going to ruffle a few feathers. “Green” technologies and “green” businesses are still to some...
SEO Over Optimisation
Changes to Googleʼs Algorithm Roughly a week ago now, Google announced the latest in it's measures to cut out low quality websites from it's search results. Dubbed Panda 3.4, the change in algorithm has affected 1.6% of queries. With such a small percentage the changes should barely be noticeable...
Mobile Commerce. On the rise?
Mobile Commerce. On the rise? With Smartphones as a seemingly permanent appendage to our modern lives, it makes complete and utter sense for marketers to utilise this new found addiction to our mobiles as a new method of commerce. However, whilst these technologies have been on a path of exponential...
The Five Basic Steps of a Social Media Campaign
The Five Basic Steps of a Social Media Campaign Step One - Analyse Before diving into any social media campaign head first. Take a moment to stop and consider. Who are you targeting? What is it you are trying to promote? Have you considered which or how many mediums you are going to cover?...
A Beginners Guide To Building A Search Friendly Website
A Beginners Guide To Building A Search Friendly Website Building a website that the search engines will like is not about trickery or secretive practices. Web development for search engines is all about following a few basic principles to make sure your site is accessible and user friendly, for both...
Zero Above Join The Ranks Of The Low Carbon Champions
Low Carbon Champions Zero Above's Business Partner Rik James and Strategy Partner Simon Isaac are really excited to have completed the first day of the Low Carbon Champions course held at The Green Light Trust. Low Carbon Champions is a fantastic initiative that allows employees, as part of their role,...
A Guide To Internal Links, Navigation & Website Structure For SEO
Internal Links, Navigation & Website Structure The major trend in SEO over the last year or so has been very much centred around how many backward links to your site you can build up and where to get them from. Although this is obviously an important ranking factor, internal linking within...
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Its that time of year again, mulled wine and mince pies, from everyone at Zero Above we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.We are closed in the office from Friday 23rd December until Tuesday 3rd January, but don't be fooled to thinking we aren't around, if you need anything over the...
Designs on ethical clothing brands
The ethical clothing market is an exapanding business opportunity constrained by low awareness levels and global policy constraints, but is this the opportunity a stagnant high street fashion brand could see itself enlivened by, and is the consumer ready for it? Read Simon Isaac, Strategy Partner...
Web Interface Design Rules
Ben Shneiderman is a pioneer in developing new ideas and tools in the field of human-computer interaction. His work on interface design is well known, but his rules and concepts are relevant to the modern Web as well. How many times have you been confused by a website working in an unexpected way? The...
Double Award Winners again
At the 2011 Colchester Business Awards held at Charter Hall on the 25th November, Zero Above were awarded the title of New Business of the Year and Enviromental Awareness in the two categories they entered. Rik James, Simon Isaac & Simon Mark Lewis had a fantastic night celebrating the success...
Websites made of gold
We're delighted here at Zero Above to be awarded a Gold Website Award by Mumpreneur, the website for women business owners in the UK. Our award winning website for Smallganics the Organic baby food manufacturer is a delight to use and we're really proud for the team at Smallganics and at Zero Above for...
Euroline Foster cooking up a new website
Another live website last week and another carbon certificate, we have worked hard with Holly at Euroline to get the new Foster website up and running and we are all very pleased with the final outcome.Running with our the bespoke Content Managed System (CMS) SubZero the site has designed and developed...
Esign - Displaying their green credentials
Rik James, Business Partner here at Zero Above presents Zak Pickering, Managing Director of Esign, the experts in developing complete signage and graphic solutions nationwide with a Zero Above Carbon Certificate for their project that involved the design and development of their new brand and their...
Whizzing into the future of wireless
Simon Isaac, Strategy Partner presented James Childs Managing Director of Met Systems with a certificate for the recently completed WiSI brand and marketing project completed by Zero Above. As you might know, we plant a tree for every client project we complete in our corporate partnership with the...
Smallganics - little food making a big difference
Zero Above recently designed, developed and launched a new website for Smallganics, a fantastic and rapidly growing organic baby food company which already has a loyal customer base who love the food. When we were recommended to them by one of our very happy clients we were over the moon to...
Welcome to our new Web development and SEO guru
We would like to say a big welcome to our new website developer and SEO superstar, Sally Knight. Sally is an old friend having worked with us all previously at asteriks* and we are absolutely delighted that she has come back to the fold, in her time away she has not been idle, learning OO development...
Babyfood brand gets new website from Zero Above
We've created a new home for the organic babyfood brand Smallganics and we're delighted with it! We've completely overhauled the website for this fabulous brand which is growing fast and currently sold online and available in Little Chef and Butlins venues across the UK. Our client at Smallganics said...
Zero Above on track with another great website
PTC Tracking the East of England's leading GPS tracking company approached us to develop a new identity and website for their brand as it entered a period of offer development and growth. We had the perfect solution for the brand proposition which kicked off the whole project; 'On road, online on-time'....
Zero Above appointed to develop Cathedral Identity & Website
Zero Above have been appointed by Chelmsford Cathedral to develop a new brand identity and website for Chelmsford Cathedral. Simon Isaac Strategy Partner at Zero Above said "we're absolutely over the moon to be working with the Cathedral and its communications team to develop a new identity and website...
Zero Above appointed to develop new website for Malverns
We're delighted here at Zero Above to be appointed to develop a new website for Malverns, the independent estate agency based in the heart of South Kensington. They specialise in the sale, rental and management of properties within the Royal Borough and the south west areas of London and we'll...
A storming week at Zero Above
It's been a great week for the team at Zero Above with an appointment as Creative & Digital Partner to one of the UK's leading digital film production companies, along with kick off of 3 new digital campaigns and more exciting pipeline projects. It has to be one of the most fantastic weeks we've...
Seize The Day
“I want us to be the greenest government ever.” David Cameron, Prime Minister, May 2010 On 29 June 2011, the Prince of Wales UK Corporate Leaders Group on Climate Change (UK CLG) launched an initiative for British business called Seize The Day, but what does it mean for business? This...
Running a Green Business
At Zero Above we do all we can to help people with their green design and marketing and online activities are going to be the way forward for all businesses to run their operations in a more sustainable way. Not only in the way that you run the marketing of your company but in the way that...
Website Accessibility
Accessibility on websites is something that most of us take for granted, but for some people it can be a real issue. From sight issues to mobility problems websites need to cater to every possible visitor or they risk losing traffic and conversions. Developing for accessibility is not something...
Zero Above's WiSI European Launch Campaign
WiSI is a wireless communication system developed by Met SYSTEMS, ESUB (Electronic Service Update Boards) partner of Transport for London. Created to directly improve and standardise on-station communications for railoperators, WiSIʼs cost effective solution for communications provides...
Hub & Spoke Harlow - get into gear, get into bikes
Zero Above have developed a new website for Hub & Spoke Harlow, a community led initiative providing a number of exciting services designed to get people into the cycling saddle quickly. We've also designed and installed the graphics at the Hub, along with a vibrant interior design incorporating...
What makes a great website
The internet more than ever is an integral part of our daily lives and this is why everyone from family and friends to businesses and companies want to have their own web presence on the internet. For the first two this is to share experiences and moments with other family member and their friends,...
Essex Countywide Business Award Winners
On Friday 20th May Rik James and Simon Isaac attended the Essex Countywide Business Awards as finalists in the Environmental Awareness and Business of the Year categories. How fantastic for Zero Above to leave as winners in both categories with the awards being presented by the gorgeous Natasha Kaplinksy. Simon...
10 reasons why people will leave your website quickly
There are so many negative things that happen on peoples website that can all be easily avoided, these elements will make your prospective clients and users bail out of your site at a very early stage and if (sorry I really hope that isn't 'if') you have a look at your analytics you will see a bounce...
The Internet - A Primer
The Internet - A Primer As the technical partner here at Zero Above, I am tasked with setting up web hosting for our customers. The internet is a complex place that few people fully understand and, in the next few minutes, I hope to unravel some of the mysteries for you.Computers like numbers....
Green Technology
Green Technology A lot of people are talking about carbon neutrality and going green these days, but most of the effort is being put towards making the office more sustainable and, if the technology is considered at all, it is usually recycling paper, duplex printing and ensuring that printer cartridges...
Zero Above get back to Bike Basics
Zero Above get back to Bike Basics The Partners at Zero Above made good use of the Monday afternoon sun today and took part in Healthy Living Solutions Bike Basics workshop, which was funded by Essex County Council.The training involved a practical everyday maintenance and a cycling session to plan...
Sustaining growth in the run up to Spring
Sustaining growth in the run up to Spring The clocks finally went forward this weekend truly signaling the start of Spring, and the farm here at Zero Above is already looking greener and more cheerful. I have to say that the run up to Spring has been very busy for us with our impending Green Colchester...
Redesigning a book cover project
Redesigning a book cover project I am nearing the end of my second large project at University, in which I am redesigning the cover of a book of my choice. I have chosen the novel, ‘The Kite Runner’ by Khaled Hosseini as it is well known, controversial and has a strong, effective and emotional...
Carson returns - Inspiring
Carson returns - Inspiring April 2011 will see the eagerly awaited arrival of David Carson's mixed return to magazine work in the form the self-titled C A R S O N mag. It's been eleven years since the highly acclaimed Ray Gun publication graced our news stands and I for one was an avid subscriber during...
Simple SEO Terminology
Simple SEO Terminology 301 Redirect This is used when you move a website permanently, all the power of the urls are then transferred from one page to the new page.Algorithm The most famous online Algorithm is that of search engine Google and it is used to determine the ranking of websites in its main...
iPhone webapp development
iPhone webapp development Recently we were asked to produce an iPhone app for a large company. They also wanted a demo to be ready within two weeks for a sales pitch. Obviously developing the demo as an actual iPhone app within two weeks, and being able to demo it on any iPhone would be nearly impossible...
Oyster Award Business Enterprise Finalists
Oyster Award Business Enterprise Finalists Zero Above were finalists in the 2011 Oyster Awards held at the Weston Homes Stadium. Strategy Partner Simon Isaac said, 'we're delighted to be a finalist in the Business Enterprise category after less than 12 months trading. We were up against some major players...
Zero Above tour Firstsite
Zero Above tour Firstsite The team at Zero Above got an exclusive tour of Firstsite last Friday, Colchester's new arts venue designed by award-winning architect Rafael Viñoly. The crescent-shaped building clad with a unique golden alloy presents a creative space and a landmark destination inspired...
11 Green Marketing tips for 2011
Zero Above's Strategy Partner Simon Isaac presented his '11 green marketing tips for 2011' today at Colchester Connected's first event of the year at Stoke By Nayland Golf, Hotel & Spa. His tips for Green Marketing are here to download so feel free to turn green in 2011!...
Green Marketing living and breathing at the Bodyshop
Some organisations are totally committed to sustainability which is at the heart and soul of its business. The Bodyshop has an incredible ethical and sustainable living and breathing values policy running through its veins. Read our Strategy Partner, Simon Isaacs blog about their green marketing....
Programming Frameworks : Model-View-Controller
Programming Frameworks : Model-View-Controller Our content management system SubZero uses the Model-View-Controller programming framework extensively to provide both a consistent programming interface and an easy to use end-user experience. This post will cover the basics of what we mean by a framework...
10 things your agency needs to be doing for you...
10 Things Your Agency Needs To Be Doing For You I was having a clear out of old twitter accounts and updating the people and companies that I wanted to follow ongoing in social networking when it made me realise how much the industry has changed in what is such a very short amount of time and that a...
Zero Above wins Met Systems Project
Zero Above wins Met Systems Project Zero Above are appointed to begin work on a branding and communications strategy for Met Systems, the organisation that has been pivotal in the delivery of integrated solutions for Transport for London.Simon Isaac Strategy Partner at Zero Above said, 'this is...
Orchard & Shipman create some native woodland
Orchard & Shipman create some native woodland Simon Isaac, Strategy Partner at Zero Above presented Claire Burrell, Group Marketing Manager of Orchard & Shipman with a certificate awarding them the gift of a tree following the successful completion of the Orchard & Shipman corporate brochure.Simon...
The musings of a Graphic Media student
The musings of a Graphic Media student I am now 4 weeks into my Graphic Media degree and would say that I am definitely enjoying it.The first and main project we have been assigned is, 'Graphic Design: is craft dead?', in which the final outcome will be an A3 poster advertising an exhibition and this...
3 reference books no designer should be without
3 reference books no designer should be without Nothing can replace that feeling you get from a well stitched, leather bound 1st edition in the hand, or that 'new' book smell. I've collected several great reference books over the years which have steered me through my creative profession. I remember...
Colchester Connected Feature
Colchester Connected Feature We're delighted to be featured in the latest edition of Colchester Connected magazine which was launched today. Following the press coverage we received last week to this today, there's lots of newsworthy things happening here at Zero Above!You can check out the double page...
CSS3 and IE, can they work together?
CSS3 and IE, can they work together? Like it or not CSS3 is coming. It adds a lot of very lovely features but many of those features don't work well or even at all in Internet Explorer. See this article to see how the browsers stack up.Of course, there are ways around this, using .htc (HTML...
Green team at Zero Above in the news
Green team at Zero Above in the news We're delighted to be featured in this weeks Halstead Gazette following our planting of 500 square metres of native woodland right here in Great Britain. Its given the whole team a lovely warm buzz here on the farm, we're all loving what we're doing and making our...
Zero Above help Zest absorb some CO2
Zero Above help Zest absorb some CO2 Rik James, Business Partner at Zero Above today presented Nikki Kennard & David Krayling of Chelmsford Training Services with a certificate awarding them the gift of a tree following the successful completion of the Zest brand development and launch.Rik said,...
What clothes does your brand wear?
What clothes does your brand wear? Are you looking for a quick viewpoint of your brand logo?Click the link below and follow the simple instructionswww.mybrandfan.co.uk...
The colour of success, what's your flavour?
The colour of success, what's your flavour? Colours will evoke certain emotions and feelings towards your brand so it is vital to choose a colour that will represent your identity effectively. By choosing a colour or a combination of colours for your brand identity, you will take on those associations....
20 tonnes of CO2 stored and buried
Zero Above have got out their shovel to plant trees and store 20 tonnes of CO2. With a portfolio of clients already within the fold, Zero Above are priding themselves on providing services that are very different to a lot of other agencies in that every piece of work completed will be offset by the planting...
Fresh new brand for Essex
Fresh new brand for Essex We're really pleased to announce the launch of Zest, the new brand we've developed for the fantastic new training academy and salon for Chelmsford Training Services. From the name and identity development, to the implementation on site with signage and wayfinding, we've delivered...
Intro to Google Analytics
Intro to Google Analytics Ever wondered how many people visit your website? It's usually a tricky question to answer, after all how on earth do you measure that kind of thing on something that doesn't physically exist? The answer lies in the power of Google Analytics.With the addition of...
5 tips to stop counterfeit sites ruining Christmas
With just seven weeks to Christmas the mad 'rush' is about to begin for UK consumers to get those presents in and they will, no doubt, be targeted by the websites that always start to turn up at this time of year.... the ones that are selling the very latest in Christmas gifts for which the items that...
FSB networking at Towerlands
Zero Aboves Business Partner, Rik James and Strategy Partner, Simon Isaac had an interesting evening on Tuesday 27th September 2010 at the Essex FSB Event at Towerlands, with over 100 FSB members attending including the Chairman of the Federation, Zero Above was one of 15 companies that took an exhibition...
Smart emarketing from Zero Above
Now on a Topic of clever marketing, Zero Above the new sustainable creative solutions company based in Alphamstone, Suffolk, have been having a Picnic, speaking to clients both old and new who are looking to Breakaway from their existing agency and to Boost their Bounty and join the Club. The...
Are you preparing for hibernation?
It’s been a whirlwind first month here at Zero Above, a combination of meeting, greeting and eating. Who could ask for better? At a recent Chamber Of Commerce lunch, a presentation from a Clydesdale Bank Economist painted a grim picture of the remainder of 2010, a message which has resonated amongst...
