Article - SEO - What's in a name?

What's in a name?

Every website begins with a name – a domain name. Choose wisely and you’ll have taken your first step towards SEO. Where as an ill thought out or ‘wrong’ URL will hinder your SEO attempts and maybe even cost you traffic and sales.

So how can you choose wisely? What do you need to consider when choosing a domain and how exactly does picking the right one increase your chances?

Simple is best: Long URL’s are harder to remember, leave more room for spelling mistakes, and pose design nightmares for your website as well as your stationary. The exception is when it’s a well known phrase e.g. iwantoneofthose.co.uk
Keeping it short makes it easier to remember – especially important if you’re going to be doing a lot of radio or press advertising where potential visitors may only get a glimpse of your advert.

Is it related? This may sound silly but a URL that says what it is you do not only catches the eye of browsers but also search engines e.g. Fabulousphotogifts.co.uk which also includes metatags. If your keywords are in your site URL as well as your title, that’s an extra brownie point in the eyes of the search engines.

Don’t try to be too clever. You may think it’s marvellous, but if no-one else gets the joke, then the joke could be on you. Think about your target audience – using a slang term for your URL will only mean something to those that know – e.g. specific groups or sports etc. Ticklebetweenthelegs.com might be a great name for your cricket fanzine but equally can portray an entirely different sort of site.

I get asked this one a lot – do I use a hyphen or not? I personally think its bad advice to use hyphens in a URL unless it’s a phrase people specifically associate as having a hyphen in it and even then you’re not safe. 9 times out of 10, people will type a URL without hyphens even when you spell it out in conversation to them. Then there’s reproduction in print – will it be clear enough or just look like a chip stain?

So many sites loose visitors because the visitors get the URL wrong in the first place and so never arrive. They may well arrive at another site and buy from there instead. You’ll be relying on active links from other websites and Google listings to get it right. Even giving the name in conversation, make sure the person knows what a hyphen is and where to find it on the keyboard (yes look now – it’s next to the zero key without shift being pressed)

I read a very interesting piece that suggested .com or .net were the only domain extensions to consider (it was written for an American publication) and again is another constantly asked question. If you trade in the UK, your customers are in the UK etc, then what’s wrong with a .co.uk extension? I think it actually helps people identify with you being from their own country (whether that’s actually the case or not). You may want to appear world conquering with a .com but for the UK or other country specific business, this could have adverse effects.

With thanks to an article by D Baldwin which confirmed my own thoughts and led to me putting digit to keyboard myself.

Jonathan – Purple 13.

Article: web 2.0 - you didn't even realise you were using it did you?

If your a regular of web design and optimisation forums, then you've probably not been able to open your email without seeing some reference to web 2.0.

If your a regular web user, who leaves such things to the 'geek community' (I count myself amongst them before you all start complaining) and uses the Internet in a more social context, then the term probably won't have crossed your mind before. Nonetheless, you've probably been practising web 2.0 wiithout even realising it.

SO what is web 2.0? Put simply - it's beyond email. Its how we interact with each other online, through websites that have been created with social networking in mind. For example, before web 2.0, if you wanted to contact a website owner about their product or service, you emailed or telephoned them. There was no way to share your thoughts about that company or its products or leave meaningful feedback for other visitors to see and gain from.

Web 2.0 changes all that. Web 2.0 is technologies that allow users of sites to create and share content, opinions, ideas, iniatives or issues affecting them. Web 2.0 is all about communication. As SiteProNews put it "It is the evolution of the internet from an endless library of static pages to an endless world of conversations" (well said!).

Such pages can of course be restricted to members or open discusssions. The only difference is that participation can be on a global scale.

Also, our perception of a product, service or news item can be affected by individual comment rather than taking the view of the article writer or broadcaster. Now the audience is determining the angle of the story. And because web 2.0 is so fluid and instantaneous, its more like face to face communication than any other technology before it.

So how do we recognise web 2.0? What are these revitalising technologies? For a start, Blogs are web 2.0. Think about it for a minute, you discuss particular topics close to your own heart, recommend shops or services to fellow bloggers, offer social comment on others blogs and generally take part in what could be described as neighbourhood chats. Of course the neighbourhood is literally the whole world so word spreads far faster than by 'traditional methods' of past.

Online marketeers are switching onto web 2.0 as they realise that social networking will account for more and more of the referrals and visitors to their web sites as time goes on, Already, the likes of Google are developing technologies that lean towards more social networking search results rather than the traditional search for this - here are the sites that match your search approach.

Online shopkeepers are realising that when they talk with customers / visitors, something wonderful happens (no not a dirty big monalith type space thingy) but visitors engage more and are thus (if they are satisfied) more likely to paste a link to you to their network of friends. Think of it as a modern day over the garden fence recommendation.

Web 2.0 is Wikis - websites that allow you to edit material already presented. Wilkipedia is a great example of this. Blogs we've already mentioned but beyond text 'chat', you can also send pictures, video or audio (podcasting) which again invite response.

SMS is readily available on mobile phones and now computer programs are allowing you to send sms via your pc to phones etc. Video conferencing has been around for some time, but again, webcasts are now entering the public domain as everyone from prime ministers to rock stars and celeb chefs use these new technologies to reach a wider audience.

MySpace is yet another incredible example of how social networking is evolving. If you've already had a look and dismissed it as so much idle chatter, look again. It offers you, particularly as an online trader, the opportunity to start a network of contacts some of whom may visit your site and who may even over time once you've gained their trust, buy from you. They won't if you go all out "visit my site - buy now". That's not how social networking works. You need them to feel comfortable enough with your views and beliefs etc to pass on your contact links to their friends etc.

Search Engine Optimisation comes as standard as many of these networks do get picked up on by the search engines crawling for information so, for example a well written article talking about a topic related to your products or services getting links to it from other interested readers will get noticed.

Of course, you've got to keep these iniatives up to date but it's worth spending an hour or two twice a week updating your blogs, rss feeds and profiles etc with fresh content. You wouldn't walk into a pub and expect people to start talking to you would you? No, you engage in conversation, tentatively at first, then as you become more familiar, so you broaden your discussions and invite other people in the pub to take part.

Web 2.0 - no sweat! Your already doing it. As with anything else, keep practising and if your an online trader, pretty soon you'll be reaping the benefits of the extra exposure.

Jonathan C Crouch.
Fabulous Photo Gifts - personalised photo jigsaws online
Purple 13 - the award winning digital photo art of Mandy Collins
Please credit a link back to this article if you use or reproduce it.

Article - website design with feel good factor

Hi.

If your trying to create a feel good factor within visitors when they come to your site, then try out this advice:

I always tell my clients if they've got pictures of people actually using the product their selling or they've got some nice smily people pics they can use - then use them.

From my roots in Newspaper Advertising, I've always been a strong supporter of using people pictures wherever possible.

My theory is that 'people buy people'. If they see someone using that product - whether that's reclining on a sofa or using a power tool, even a picture of children on a jigsaw, then that viewer pictures themself using that power tool, reclining on a sofa, a jigsaw with their kids on it etc.

My biggest problem is convincing customers that they will do better with this approach, as opposed to the 'this is my name, this is what i do' method, which lets face it, gets a little boring after a relatively short browsing session.

The other problem is very often, smaller companies don't have the pictures to start with or the resources to source the right kind of picture. Very often you have to work with what you've got.

Cute kitten pictures etc work quite well also. Go big on images and create that happy (i picture myself)feeling with site visitors. It's a bit like the subliminal music playing in shops - different music creates different shopping pattterns apparently.

A good source of people images can usually be a manufacturers sales literature as they do have the resources etc and marketing departments that know people buy people.

A good example of this is Fabulous Photo Gifts - personalised photo jigsaws - the jigsaw image on the front page is happy, cute children that could easily be a family snap of a customer.

Try using bold happy colours too - it all creates the right mood.

Jonathan - Fabulous Photo Gifts Web Designer

New Personalised Photo Jigsaw option added - small 48 piece

Hi Personalised Photo Jigsaw fans.

Just a quick note as i'm in the middle of making the changes, but I thought you'd want to know.

We've added another Jigsaw option for personalisation with your own photo after a request from a customer looking for a cheeky fun gift idea for a friend, but wanting something a little more challenging than the current 24 piece (A5 size) option available.

We're happy to help of course and are now making this option available to personalise and purchase online. The additions should happen in the next day or two.

Apart from the number of pieces, prices and specifications are as per the 24 piece A5 size jigsaw - we're not even charging extra for the extra pieces!

You can personalise and purchase your very own fabulous photo jigsaw now online at Fabulous Photo Gifts.

We shall be adding the 48 piece A5 size to the Bulk Purchase prices as well for your business promotion and fund raising needs.

Article - Pay per click versus search engine optimisation

I've been following (and contributing) to an article running on a website developers forum about pay per click (PPC) versus search engine optimisation (SEO) as a means of attracting customers.

The main attributes of PPC seem to be:
Quick / instant response to advert leads to instant traffic.
Easier to target at potential customers.
Resulting sales often provide return enough to continue campaigns.

However, PPC has been identified as:
Being expensive depending on key words sponsored.
Liable to click fraud or other abuse.
High cost, shortt term gain stratergy.

On the other hand, SEO provides:
Opportunity to attract visitor with specific information
Cheaper - SEO is not free (unless you do it yourself).
No previous budget required.

However, SEO can be:
Expensive if you use SEO agencies.
Slow to build campaigns.
Slow to attract large amounts of customers.

As with all arguments where people sit on both sides of the fence, both methods were recommended, although a valid point was made that SEO if you do it yourself in 'spare time' is free and therefore offers the maximum return.

When you look at it logically, with so many companies chasing top spot on the search engines, either through PPC or SEO, its no wonder thhat many companies and individuals fall well outside the first few pages on either method.

If you have a budget for PPC, then it can kick start a campaign and get you noticed enough to bring repeat business. It depends on your market place, your customer and your goods or services you sell.

With SEO, there is much you can do yourself - target particular keywords relatively unchallenged and offer visitors a 'landing page' dedicated to that search topic.

SEO is a lot about patience. Build a network of links, articles, blogs, news feeds and of course a well written web site and eventually you'll reap the rewards.

If you can't wait, then PPC is for you. However, you can maximise your budget by 'sponsoring' key phrases and words that are particular to your business or product. Avoid general search terms like 'double glazing' if you are a specialist joinery company e.g. as you will probably get a lot of clicks but not many enquiries.

Write your adverts with the search phrase in mind. Be specific - don't be afraid of it as the more specific you are, the more chance you have of attracting the right sort of click - one that converts to a customer or repeat visitor.

Google provide a wealth of data on PPC campaigns - click thru rates and impressions. Use this data to adjust your campaign as you go along and don't be afraid to admit you got it completely wrong and start again. Rather that than line Googles pockets needlessly.

There are lots of forums out there talking about nothing else - PPC or SEO???? take as many in as you can and draw your own conclusions based on your target audience, your product and your time frame for response.

Purple 13 Webmaster

Article - Pay per click versus search engine optimisation

I've been following (and contributing) to an article running on a website developers forum about pay per click (PPC) versus search engine optimisation (SEO) as a means of attracting customers.

The main attributes of PPC seem to be:
Quick / instant response to advert leads to instant traffic.
Easier to target at potential customers.
Resulting sales often provide return enough to continue campaigns.

However, PPC has been identified as:
Being expensive depending on key words sponsored.
Liable to click fraud or other abuse.
High cost, shortt term gain stratergy.

On the other hand, SEO provides:
Opportunity to attract visitor with specific information
Cheaper - SEO is not free (unless you do it yourself).
No previous budget required.

However, SEO can be:
Expensive if you use SEO agencies.
Slow to build campaigns.
Slow to attract large amounts of customers.

As with all arguments where people sit on both sides of the fence, both methods were recommended, although a valid point was made that SEO if you do it yourself in 'spare time' is free and therefore offers the maximum return.

When you look at it logically, with so many companies chasing top spot on the search engines, either through PPC or SEO, its no wonder thhat many companies and individuals fall well outside the first few pages on either method.

If you have a budget for PPC, then it can kick start a campaign and get you noticed enough to bring repeat business. It depends on your market place, your customer and your goods or services you sell.

With SEO, there is much you can do yourself - target particular keywords relatively unchallenged and offer visitors a 'landing page' dedicated to that search topic.

SEO is a lot about patience. Build a network of links, articles, blogs, news feeds and of course a well written web site and eventually you'll reap the rewards.

If you can't wait, then PPC is for you. However, you can maximise your budget by 'sponsoring' key phrases and words that are particular to your business or product. Avoid general search terms like 'double glazing' if you are a specialist joinery company e.g. as you will probably get a lot of clicks but not many enquiries.

Write your adverts with the search phrase in mind. Be specific - don't be afraid of it as the more specific you are, the more chance you have of attracting the right sort of click - one that converts to a customer or repeat visitor.

Google provide a wealth of data on PPC campaigns - click thru rates and impressions. Use this data to adjust your campaign as you go along and don't be afraid to admit you got it completely wrong and start again. Rather that than line Googles pockets needlessly.

There are lots of forums out there talking about nothing else - PPC or SEO???? take as many in as you can and draw your own conclusions based on your target audience, your product and your time frame for response.

Purple 13 Webmaster

Fabulous Photo Gifts - Online visitors update ---URGENT---

14/10/06 - Fabulous Photo Gifts - Online visitors update ---URGENT---

Dear Customers of Fabulous Photo Gifts.
It has come to our attention that some visitors may have received an error message after uploading their photo to personalise their jigsaw choice.

Our apologies if this has caused you any inconvenience or you felt that your order was not being processed properly.

The error has now been corrected and you are very welcome to re-visit Fabulous Photo Gifts and place your personalised photo jigsaw order online.

This message has been repeated on our Blog, RSS feed and MySpace.com profile Blog for the convenience of customers.

Help - There's a bird stuck behind the toilet

This is the cry that went out from home today. Somehow, a bird had got into the loft space and found its way down the boxing around the stench pipe. From there it had flapped around and generally spewed feathers everywhere, some of which came out into the toilet alerting us to the fact it was actually a trapped bird.

We'd heard noises in the night and assumed it was water dripping onto the window pane.

By the time I got home from work in my bosses Porsche Cayenne Sport (very nice car indeed), the bird had managed to travel back along the boxing around the small ensuite and had fallen down to the hallway where the kittens sat watching the wall - they smelt blood!

I had visions of having to tie a kitten to a piece of knotted string (a bit like a ferret) and encourage it to go after the bird - only problem there is we'd have had a cat and a bird stuck.

My other fear was having to kick in the boarding to make an escape hole for daft creature.

However, between us, we came up with a cunning plan (cunning enough to stick a tail on it and call it a weasel) - we covered the window to make it dark, removed the panneling around the upstairs toilet and hoped the light from the open windows in the bedroom would act as bait.

Sure enough, when I went back downstairs and tapped at the wall, the startled bird went up and by the time i got back upstairs, it was already flying out of the open window.

Success and no damage either. Oh and it was a female blackbird, minus a few feathers. My neighbour has a hawk - I suppose I could have borrowed that.

The Bat sign is out and the good citizens of Gotham can sleep soundly tonight.

Article - press release tips

With the launch of any new business, like Fabulous Photo Gifts - personalised photo jigsaws, it makes sense to shout about it from the rooftops and employ any and all means at your disposal to 'spread the word'.

This is real viral marketing stuff - posters, letting your network of friends and colleagues know (including MySpace), parents at your kids schools and of course local media.

A well written and informative press release to your local newspapers might just get you a mention and a free one at that!

Here, the old adage "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again" is king. You may find your first press release doesn't get noticed or used. Don't be deterred. Wait a week and then re-submit your story.

Newspapers in particular are creatures of the moment. It may be that the very day you submit your release, there is other more pressing news happening. The moment is lost and a few days later your release becomes 'old news' and very likely doesn't get used.

Did you bother to enquire who to address it to? A busy local evening newspaper may have a news room fragmented into different departments - business, features, what's on, city desk etc so its important to be specific on who you address it to.

All to often a good press release doesn't get used because it landed on the wrong desk.

A little time and preparation will pay dividends and whilst it can't guarantee getting your release used, it gives it a much better chance. Remember also, that your story will be competing with other press releases from other businesses, some of which will be either regular contributors or 'national' stories. Their press releases are likely to have been crafted by PR professionals who write releases for a living so be under no illusion you may be up against stiff competition to get noticed.

On the plus side, you have several factors in your favour so its not all doom and gloom. Firstly, your local and local newspapers serve local stories. Your news is the lifeblood of their publication. It may not have the 'bish bash' eaten hampster headline of a national paper but its horses for courses.

Secondly, it's your business so who better to write about it with a passion and sincerity that will be genuine and heartfelt and hopefully come across in the story.

When it comes to writing the press release itself, you have to think like a journalist (no not where's the nearest bar, but what information do I need). You need to tell the who, what, why, when and how - who it's about, what you are doing, why you are doing it, when you started / key date (day and date) of event, how you are doing it. Answer these points and your half way there to getting your story published.

What else can you do? Always give full clear contact details so a journalist can contact you to discuss the story further. Offer helpful points like "Product images available by email or supplied on disc", in fact anything you feel is relevant or helpful to the story.

If your feeling really creative, break the press release down into these segments:
Who its from
Who its to
Subject: e.g New online business for award winning artist
(something to get their attention and read on)
EMBARGOED (do not use until 00/00/0000 if its date sensitive) or FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Summary: a short paragraph summerising the release (who, what, why etc)
Suggested headline (see below for more on this)
--- PRESS RELEASE BEGINS----
(the press release goes here without dear .etc so that newsdesks can copy and paste if they wnat to)
---PRESS RELEASE ENDS---
( a closing tag at the end of the official release - no yours sincerely unless its a letter .etc)
additional information:
(you could add additional info like "images available .etc" or a paragraph of personal biography about whom the story is about)
contact details: how to contact you to discuss the story.

And you thought it was going to be difficult! You can try suggesting a headline but don't be to put out if its not used - they rarely are but you could use the headline to generate interest in 'reading on'.

Remember! Be prepared to have your 'story' re-written by the newspaper. Don't get upset if they feature the article on what you think of as a 'sideline' to the main thrust of your business. At the end of the day, free editorial is like gold dust and carries more conviction than an advert.

If things do go horribly wrong and a 'typo' gets your business name, website address or telephone number wrong, don't get abusive! It doesn't work and they'll probably never repeat another story about you. Be polite and calm and contact the journalist concerned and point out the error. Ask if they can print a correction in the next available edition etc but don't be obstinate about it.

Try to use correct grammar and spellings - it all helps and good luck with your next press release.

Oh and don't forget to add the contact to your press release mail out list. Keep a cutting if possible and repeat the press release you wrote on your website news page, blog or rss feed. I'm sure there will be lots of keyworded text in there somewhere.

To see an actual press release as sent to our local newspaper, scroll down to the 2nd of October 2006.

P.S They do work!, after re-submitting a week after the initial posting out and emailing, our local paid for evening newspaper - The Derby Evening Telegraph - is arriving this morning to take some pictures to accompany a story planned for their business supplement next week.

Jonathan.

How fast must you peddle to avoid flies?

Thought this was really funny. My colleague was telling me about a study in New Scientist magazine which was started by a cycling forum.

Apparently, a cyclist had asked was there an optimum speed at which flies moved out of your way?

It seems the scientific community have taken a break from splitting the atom, and curing world famime to address this pressing problem.

No sign of a result yet though. My friend who is also in to hawk flying had a better suggestion - how fast to peddle to avoid the rabbit your pulling behind you being caught by the hawk.

Get out that fly removing toothpaste - it looks like the cycling community may be in for a long wait.

Tip: If you must smile when peddling, go to the gym.

Ginger Kitten gets sold

If you've followed the links to the Purple 13 Blog, then you'll know we were recently 'over run' with kittens.

Firstly, our ginger cat Amy had six kittens which all sold apart from one we kept. During this time, our other cat Storm had 3 kittens - 1 ginger, the other 2 black and white.

When Amy's kittens were ready to leave home, we put a card in the pets at home store in Derby. Yesterday, we received a call from a lady enquiring about the kittens for sale.

When she heard that there was a 'second litter' to choose from, she visited us immediately and falling in love with the cute ginger chap', she paid there and then.

SO one down, two to go as we approach the 28th October and leaving home date.

If you'd like to see pictures of Amy's litter of six and last years 5 kittens, go to www.purple13.co.uk/kitten2

I started the kitten diary after requests from colleagues at work. The whole thing turned into a organic marketing campaign after search engines picked up on the keywords on searches for new born kittens and still do so I leave the pictures there.

The new owner reckons she might call him Alf or ALfie after the Jude Law film.

Jonathan on My Space

Well not really Jonathan.

I've set up a profile on My Space which has some really cool links to Mandy's websites - Purple13, Fabulous Photo Gifts and Mandy Collins.

If you take the time to pay it a visit, you'll find out that when I'm not web designing for Purple 13, I enjoy James Bond Films, Star Trek Films and my ambition is to drink Martinis and Romulan Ale with the two James.

So much for my waffling on, here's the link to visit Purple 13 at My Space:

http://www.myspace.com/purple13art

Are you a Mandy Collins?

The other week whilst surfing the net checking the position of Purple 13 in the search listings for Mandy Collins, it occurred to us that there are one or two Mandy's of note that pop up in the searches.

Even stranger is the fact that there are startling coincidences between their lives, jobs or backgrounds to our own Mandy Collins.

The next day, we registered www.mandycollins.co.uk and have put together a simple website that we hope will turn into a web directory for all things Mandy Collins.

Mandy Collins' are invited to visit the site, email Mandy with the details they'd like publishing on the directory plus banners or links to any of their websites and thats it.

At the moment it's a completely free service. All we ask is that when submitting your details, you add the location of a reciprocol link to our site so we can check it out before making your link live.

We'll have some banners and buttons for you to use in the next week so please bare with us.

Mandycollins.co.uk is live now so pop along and pay it a visit. Especially if your name is / was Mandy Collins, Amanda Collins, (nee Jenkins) etc.

Article - Television study suggests your better off with art

Yesterday, a newsletter from over 'the pond' landed in my inbox. Normally it's one I quickly scan before sending to the trash, however, one particular article headline caught my attention enough to 'blog about it.

The headline read "TV no longer top must have electronic device" and went on with the sub heading " The smaller the screen, the less tolerant viewers are of lengthy commercials, according to findings from..." You get the picture? (no pun intended).

Is this really about the effects shrinking every consumer product will have on our patience or more to do with some overpaid ad executives bemoaning the latest viewing figures and struggling to convince advertisers to spend their money on TV adverts?

Portability does put you in a certain frame of mind - if i use it for too long, i'll run down the batteries etc syndrome so you can understand when people literally switch off at commercial breaks.

Perhaps it would be more advantages to show a clock in the corner of the screen counting down the minutes to the programme restarts or a quick list of what products are going to be advertised - a mini tv schedule almost.

That way, viewers have a choice of whether to watch or not. Although it could spell the end of tv advertising as many families I know with Sky simply wind through the adverts to the programme they were watching anyway.

Perhaps ad executives should design adverts that are only viewable at x20 normal viewing speed? (hey! that's my idea and you heard it here first).

Or better still, why not relax and gaze upon your beautiful Purple 13 artwork, perhaps something from Mandy's new collection of Aesthetic Art? Unwind with Purple 13 art - instead of winding up with TV.

P.S. Or you could always try completing a personalised photo jigsaw from Fabulous Photo Gifts!

press releases for Fabulous Photo Gifts delivery

Another busy weekend here as the Fabulous Photo Gifts 'machine' gathers momentum with the sending out of a press release to local newspapers, radio and television advising of the Launch of this excting new venture by Purple 13 artist - Mandy Collins.

Copies were emailed to : The Derby Evening Telegraph, The Nottingham Evening Post, The Belper News, The Ripley and Heanor News, The Matlock Mercury, Derbyshire Life magazine, BBC television (midlands) and ITV (central).

In case you miss any of the above publications or news chanels, here's a copy of the press release in its entirety:

Summary:
Local award winning artist Mandy Collins starts new online business selling personalised photo jigsaws after a request from a customer to her art website prompted interest. Visitors can upload their image and order online. Available in a variety of sizes, they make great fund raising ideas for schools, clubs, charities and tourism, whilst businesses can use them for promotional or new product launch use. Bulk discounts available for larger quantities making them an attractive reseller proposition.

Headline (suggestion): Jigsaw idea grows piece by piece into online business for local artist

Story:
When local artist Mandy Collins had a request for one of her artworks to be put onto a jigsaw, little did she realise it was going to culminate in the launch of a whole new business for her.

Discussing it with friends and family, she quickly discovered that there was a lot of interest in a personalised photo jigsaw product, especially if customers could have their own photos reproduced as a jigsaw.

Now with her brand new website having gone live this weekend (Sunday 1st October 2006), visitors can go online, personalise their choice of jigsaw with their own photograph, upload it, order and pay online there and then. The online service extends to schools, groups and businesses with attractive bulk purchase prices for businesses and resellers.

She said “Quite by chance, I was showing a jigsaw I’d had made featuring my own children, as a gift for their grandparents to a local school teacher and she was amazed at the quality and price. She suggested I write to their Parent and Friends Association and suggest the jigsaws as a fund raising idea.

They are always struggling to find innovative ways of raising money for the school and she thought the jigsaws with either a collective photograph or an actual drawing the children had done would look brilliant.”

“I’m able to offer a complete service including the design and proofing of the finished jigsaw. I can even offer scanning of the children’s drawings as part of the service. Having three children of my own, I know how difficult it can be to come up with different fund raising ideas that will work and culminate in a gift that people really want to give and receive”.

Mandy has waited until the launch of her website – www.fabulousphotogifts.co.uk – before she starts sending out information packs to schools. Having ordered some magnetic backed jigsaws promoting her own online art site, she also intends to write to businesses offering her product as a means of name awareness or product advertising. There are online purchase prices for pack quantities from 10 to 10,000 single image jigsaws, including A6 postcard sizes and magnetic backed A5 sizes.

“They really do make a super gift idea. They appeal to people of all ages and are one of those timeless classics. I’ve just given them a twist by introducing someone’s own photo, drawing or promotional message.”

“I’m sure that there will be a lot of interest from sports and supporters groups as well as local charities and tourist spots”.

The range of 10 jigsaws currently available includes a large 308 piece, medium 109 piece and small 40 piece jigsaw. They are also available in a special 24 piece fridge magnet size.

The large and medium jigsaws come boxed with the completed photo on the lid. The smaller jigsaws come flat packed and shrink wrapped.

Visitors to Fabulous Photo Gifts can also choose to have a photograph restored before having it applied to the jigsaw of their choice or select an artwork by Mandy Collins from her studio website Purple13.co.uk to have as a jigsaw. At present, the restoration and Purple 13 options are only available by prior arrangement via email and post.


Fabulous Photo Gifts is hoping to extend its jigsaw range to include larger wooden personalised jigsaws for small hands or the visually impaired.



For more information, please contact Mandy Collins.

http://www.fabulousphotogifts.co.uk

Product images available by email or on disc. Please state preferred file format.

Mandy Collins is no stranger to e-commerce. Her award winning art is available to purchase online from her studio website – www.purple13.co.uk – where visitors can view and purchase over 500 completed artworks online.

Previously a Pre-School Supervisor, Mandy became a full time artist 3 years ago. She lives with her partner and 3 children in the Derbyshire village of Denby. As well as awards and exhibitions, her work has sold internationally from South Korea to Italy to the United States and Czech Republic.