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MakemediaThe HTML5 specification encompasses all manner of exciting web technologies, but these can appear intimidating to those deciphering the benefits without technical knowledge. A great starting point for those taking their first steps happens to be the most familiar aspect of the spec: markup.
HTML has been around for some time (published specifications first appeared in 1995), and refers to the simple tags used to give structure and meaning to content on the web. Paragraphs surrounded in <p> tags, a list in a <ul> and so on – all familiar to anyone publishing on the web since the last century. HTML5 adds a host of useful new tags, allowing for even more meaningful markup around your lovely content.
So why is markup a great place to get started with HTML5? Firstly, support is excellent across the browser landscape, and even older browsers can be encouraged to behave like their newer cousins. The new or revised HTML tags bring enhanced definition, offering your content extra semantic goodness.
Whereas more generic structural elements such as the age-old <div> gave little indication of the content encased, a host of new elements allow for more thoughtful page structure. Even previously tricky customers like audio and video with their endless formats and embed codes benefit from simplified, standardised markup in the HTML5 spec.
Added semantics are useful for content consumers (search engines, screen readers, or even humans), but have development benefits too. The more meaningful, readable nesting of HTML5 markup can afford more ‘hooks’ for developers to harness without adding extra weight to their code.
Leaner code can reduce loading times, another boon in an era where speed is paramount, particularly for devices where connection speed can be limited. Functionality such as form validation can now be handled through HTML alone where additional server-side scripts may have been previously required.
At Makemedia we’ve been using HTML5 markup for nearly 18 months, including some of our largest projects. Although not as ground-breaking as some of the more attention-grabbing aspects of HTML5 (Graphics, Online, File Access) the new markup is reliably supported by all modern browsers. Where support is lacking, there are a number of widely used techniques to force older browsers to play nicely.
The learning curve for the new markup is relatively shallow. There’s no shortage of great resources to check you’re doing things properly, and these have been hugely helpful while the Makemedia team have been familiarising ourselves with the how best to apply the new markup.
We’re now well practised at developing with HTML5 markup at Makemedia, and we’re not alone in using the new elements in the wild. By September 2011, 34 of Alexa’s top 100 websites were already using the new tags, a statistic which now includes the likes of Apple and Microsoft.
We’re just touching the surface of HTML5 here; Javascript API’s, offline storage, and 3D animation all offer exciting development prospects we can start using today. But as a first step to embracing HTML5, understanding and implementing the new markup is an important starting point.
If you would like to know more about what Makemedia can bring to your web project call us now 0845 017 8777 or email info@makemedia.com.
Check out our latest launch for the Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association (ADBA).
ADBA are a relatively new institution who were established in 2009 as a not-for-profit organisation representing businesses in the anaerobic digestion sector, to help remove the barriers to growth currently faced by the industry and to promote the benefits of AD to the UK.
Makemedia worked with ADBA and their branding agency to build a new website, incorporating fresh design to reflect the new brand and generate revenues through memberships and other features.
Read more in the ADBA case study.
Is your association looking for a dynamic new website? Get in touch by calling 0845 017 8777 or by emailing info@makemedia.com.
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Allister Frost implores us to “Make Marketing Noble!”
(If you want to understand what Makemedia do you can check out our creative digital projects here)
Firstly, a big thank you to the organisers of both events; I feel very lucky to live in a town that holds a month long digital festival. It’s particularly useful to hear from and meet other marketeers, especially if, like me, you work in a small or one-person marketing team. It’s a chance to bang heads and discover some new tips and vantage points that will benefit your own marketing strategy. I would recommend BDMF for all round marketeers looking to build up knowledge across new areas. BrightonSEO is more specialist, although they do invite speakers from other areas of expertise such as UX and even linguistics (e.g. Lynne Murphy, who was particularly amusing). It didn’t seem quite as controversial as previous years (reference: angry blog 2011) but there was a whopping turnout of attendees (circa 1500).
If you want to listen to all the talks you can expect to see them up on the websites soon. In the meantime, here are my top takeaways from the events.
It takes guts to get up in front of a room full of people and present your ideas and the speakers are brave to do so. However, spending 40 minutes slapping your listeners in the face with how great your company is instead of speaking about something that will inform and benefit them will bore and annoy your audience. Instead, focus on providing information that is of value to listeners, whilst reflecting your expertise. It will be obvious from this that you would be a knowledgeable supplier.
Thanks to Berian Reed (Berian Reed’s presentation slides) for these tips. Copy and paste is still the top way data is shared. You can use TYNT for automatic link attribution when users copy and paste from your site.
You can also use this Google Analytics filter to see full links in your list of referral sites. Perhaps these sites will be more open to partnerships as they are already linking to you?
Mobile mobile mobile! Yes, it’s the “year of the mobile” (again).
Alex Meisl wisely advises to consider you mobile audience not the mobile device, therefore avoiding jumping on the App bandwagon. Aleyda Solis advises a mobile first design, which has the added benefit that what you end up with on your screen is cut down to the most essential information.
The Makemedia mobile website is in the making presently so keep your eyes peeled for a future launch.
Mobile specialist Alex had some interesting points to consider regarding what aspects of mobile marketing are more substantial.
Allister Frost talked about how product reviews with photos are considered more trustworthy – and even more so if a description of the person is included. Research tends to show that reviews and personal recommendations enjoy a high level of trust from consumers.
Marc Munier advised that when you use images of people in your marketing they should be looking at the thing you want your audience to look at – your great offer, call to action, etc.
Nikki Rae reminds us to ensure you have the correct time zone selected in both your Google Analytics and Adwords accounts for accurate reporting (edit profile settings to do so).
Setting up a group on LinkedIn is effective but a lot of hard work so instead you can target PPC campaigns on the site to those groups – James Faulkner has seen returns here.
James also reminded us to include links in PPC ads that will allow users to call directly from mobile phones and tablets.
Dave Trott gave us all something to think about with his talk on “Predatory Thinking.” In a saturated market 90% of ads fail (probably more). Using the example of asking Mrs Trott for a cup of tea, effort is being exerted like this:
Dave Trott’s triangle illustration of where energy is often allocated by advertisers.
Often, the majority of effort goes into persuading. However, if you make no impact then no-one will notice the ad anyway. Communication is still important because if you don’t start the conversation there will be no opportunity to persuade. Therefore, we need to turn the triangle on it’s head as getting noticed is the most important step.
Dave Trott’s triangle illustration of where energy SHOULD be allocated by advertisers.
There’s a good blog on Dave Trott’s talk in the Silicon Beach Training blog.
Dave also told us that the brain picks out what is different so you need to make your ad →stand out← to be remembered.
On the other hand, Allister showed us how you can use this theory to trick the brain. Product listings are often similarly designed to look the same (see below). The consumer will generally go for the mid-price option thinking this is the best option.
Deja vu design
Simon Penson explained that when scheduling content strategy you should utilise peaks and troughs. So you can use regular items – serialised content, top 5s, quick tips, etc. – and then less often you will have your “big bang” content – such as your press and TV campaigns.
Stephanie Troth asked us to focus on one question:
“Do you want to evoke an emotional reaction or a rational act?”
You will be designing your marketing differently depending on this. Your product or the essence of your brand will define which one you’re going for.
Small surprises can really lift our mood! Small gifts, things we didn’t expect, even working out a puzzle in an advertisement or logo – it’s the little things that matter. Allister used the arrow in the FedEx logo as an example:
The Fed Ex logo is an example of a hidden visual puzzle and also a visual signal of what they do – getting something from somewhere to somewhere else.
So that’s my top tips. Please do add to the comments if there are any particular tips that you would like to add and if this article was useful to you please share.
Otherwise, check out our work to see what Makemedia do!
Find out what Joe Appleton thought of his 2 week work experience placement at Makemedia and his top tips for getting the most out of your own work experience placements.
Hi, I’m Joe. I’m currently finishing a two week work experience placement at Makemedia, a full service digital agency located in Brighton. At Makemedia I have been working within the digital marketing department, and would like to share with you why I feel it has been worthwhile and my top 5 tips for what you should be looking to gain from your work experience placements.
1, Develop Skills and Knowledge
I went into my placement with a lack of knowledge in terms of the day to day tasks of a business and many aspects of digital marketing, as I had only studied the subject; focussing on theories, models and definitions. I now feel more confident having completed tasks that were important to the business and learnt from others in the working environment. I have learnt valuable information, new skills and have been guided to relevant articles, blogs and videos to help me understand important aspects of digital marketing.
2, Gain a Further Understanding of a Possible Career
After college I didn’t know where I wanted to start my career so I decided to go to University to study Business Management to further understand a variety of areas within business. During this degree I particularly enjoyed the marketing modules. I knew studying a subject for three years and starting a career in it would put a strain on me financially but my marketing related work experiences have confirmed to me that this is a career choice I want to follow and make a success of.
3, Build up a Better Quality CV
What my CV lacked and what many potential employers require is experience. By participating in a work experience placement it shows employers a willingness and desire to work. This also improves the quality of your application for job vacancies as you then have experiences to discuss at interview stage.
4, Build Relationships and New Contacts
Depending on the size of the company you are working for, a work experience placement immediately allows you to meet a variety of new people. These fresh contacts could lead to more work or a recommendation in the future, as well as a good reference on your CV.
5, Find New Opportunities
A work experience placement opens up a new world of opportunities. For example, guest authoring a blog for the company website! To get the most out of a placement the opportunities made available to you should be attempted to the best of your ability – this is a chance to show your capabilities and learn new skills that will be relevant to future employers.
Where to next?
Through my work experience I was able to find a two month internship at another digital agency with the view to full time employment. The role is ideal and is what I have been searching for over the past few months.
How did my work experience help me to reach employment?
I was able to edit and improve my CV and covering letter with help from the Marketing Manager at Makemedia who also introduced me to an employee at the organisation I was applying to via LinkedIn. During the interview I was able to discuss in depth what I had learnt during my two weeks at Makemedia and how it was appropriate for the role in hand. Finally, Makemedia gave me a glowing reference which played a huge role in getting me a start in my career within digital marketing.
Thanks Makemedia!
Makemedia's Ric Hall and Nick Wood show Dennis Law the Stadium Explorer tool
We have once again enjoyed a successful Soccerex event up in Manchester this week – a big thank you to all the organisers! Above you can see a photo of a well known face in Manchester and beyond – Dennis Law – having a look at our 3D Stadium Explorer with Makemedia’s Ric Hall and Nick Wood.
If you would like to know more about how 3D platforms could be used to market your stadium or venue please get in touch with Nick Wood on 0845 017 8777, or email Nick.Wood@makemedia.com.
Colourful costumes at Soccerex
Impressive Keepie Uppie skills at Soccerex
Ric on camera at Soccerex
Makemedia strike a deal at Melbourne launch of GREAT Britain campaign! Left to right: Paul Madden the British High Commissioner to Australia, Alderman David Wootton the Lord Mayor of London, Robin Scott MD of Makemedia, Julie Weatherhead of VM Technologies and Hugh Robertson MP the British Minister of Sport and Olympics
Makemedia recently represented UK companies at the launch of the GREAT Britain campaign in Melbourne, showing the 3D Stadium Explorer platform and other 3D simulation technology, such as an educational project for East Sussex County Council and the Wearmouth and Jarrow historical simulation. Makemedia even signed a deal on the night with local Aussie company VM Technologies!
With such events as the Olympics, Paralympics and the Diamond Jubilee happening in the UK in 2012, the GREAT Britain campaign was launched to promote British tourism and businesses abroad to support the economic recovery. The Minister of Sport and Olympics Hugh Robertson MP hosted the event, with over 200 guests including Alderman Dave Wootten, the Lord Mayor of London, and the High Commissioner for Australia. Attendees also included Formula One stars: Sir Jackie Stewart, Williams CEO Alex Burns, Mercedes Benz champion Damon Hill, Mercedes Benz F1 CEO Nick Fry and current driver for Lotus Jerome D’Ambrosio.
The Prime Minister has issued a national challenge to raise the number of SMEs exporting from the current level of one in five, to the European average of one in four, by 2020. The trend for British exports is positive with an increase by 10% in each of the last two years.
Robin Scott, MD of Makemedia said, “Export business has been very important for the growth of Makemedia and we are now exporting our services all over the world. Signing a contract with VM Technologies means a lot to our business, as we are looking forward to growing our current exports to the Australian market, a market which has remained relatively stable during these difficult times. We are really proud to be showcasing Sussex’s digital talent across the world at the GREAT Britain launch, and it was also a great opportunity for me to meet some of my racing heroes!”
A taster of the Rotherham 3D Stadium Explorer
At the end of this month Makemedia will be attending Soccerex Europe in Manchester (28-29th March). You can find us exhibiting with Stadium Marketing Solutions at Stand 197 where we will be showing our Stadium Explorer offering and Makemedia’s latest launch for Rotherham FC.
As well as a fantastic opportunity to catch up with contacts old and new, Soccerex also opens the debate on what is going on in the football industry and, more importantly, what should be going on in an industry that is highly competitive and faces many commercial challenges.
For Makemedia’s top 5 tips on monetising your digital campaigns check out our blog on Why It Pays To Be A Champion When It Comes To Your Clubs Digital Marketing Campaigns.
You can read more about how football clubs should be taking advantage of digital media from Makemedia’s review of The Changing Face of Fan Interaction seminar from Soccerex 2011.
If you wish to arrange a meeting with Makemedia at Soccerex to discuss how we can assist you with innovative digital strategy please get in touch by calling Nick Wood at 0845 017 8777 or emailing Nick.Wood@makemedia.com.
Makemedia will be showcasing their work to the likes of the Right Hon Hugh Robertson, the British Minister of Sport & the Olympics, and the Lord Mayor at the upcoming Australian launch of the GREAT campaign. This takes place on the 16th March, to coincide with the F1 Qantas Australian Grand Prix.
Announced by David Cameron in Sept 2011, the GREAT campaign is designed to use the platform of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics to showcase Britain’s capabilities, to promote and enhance the countries reputation abroad and to maximise the economic potential of the Games.
Makemedia will be showing work including the Stadium Explorer and other 3D simulation technology, such as our educational project for East Sussex County Council and the Wearmouth and Jarrow historical simulation.
Expect an update on this next week. In the meantime, if you are interested in how our 3D education and simulation projects could help you to achieve strategic innovation please get in touch with Nick Wood on 0845 017 8777 or by emailing Nick.Wood@makemedia.com.
Video copyright Infrastructure Journal +44 (0) 20 7728 5407
Makemedia are proud to have recently launched the new version of www.ijonline.com for Emap’s Infrastructure Journal brand. The website allows subscribers to access real-time data on global activity in the infrastructure sector, meaning they can make informed investment decisions. Makemedia undertook a massive data migration project to move 66,000 articles, 10,000 projects and transactions and 11,000 company listings over to the new website.
This is a responsively designed site that can be used across all mobile and tablet devices without the need for an app. Data graphs were designed to interpret data in an accessible way and are updated on a real-time basis – meaning IJ Online retains its place as a market leader and its reputation for innovation and delivering value for subscribers.
TESTIMONIAL: Rhod Joyce, Head of Product Development at Emap Insight
“As the market leader in the provision of qualified news, data and insight to the infrastructure finance market, IJ identified Makemedia as the delivery partner that would quickly understand our market and the specific requirements and deliver via an agile methodology.
Working in partnership with Makemedia, we successfully delivered the product that met our clients’ needs, within the timeframe and budget agreed. The agile approach to the project allowed IJ to continually adjust, modify, confirm and develop the new service section by section. The smooth running of the project was further boosted by being able to integrate IJ’s development team within the MakeMedia team at their offices, ensuring a continual connection and sharing of knowledge on a daily basis.
Due to the success of the project, IJ has contracted MakeMedia for the delivery of its ongoing Expected Product Development (EPD) and New Product Development (NPD) needs.”
To find out more about how IJ Online serves its global audience watch the video above or check out the IJ Online case study here. If you would like to find out about how Makemedia products, such as classifieds, directories and data platforms, could benefit your company please get in touch with Ric Hall on Ric.hall@makemedia.com or by calling 0845 017 8777.