Ask yourself the question, which is the most popular web browser? A few years ago it was Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6 (IE6). From January 2009 Fire Fox by a slim margin is the most popular web browser. Latest figures suggest Fire Fox has 45.5% of the share of overall usage and IE6 and IE7 together total 44.3%. 

These statistics tell us Fire Fox and other non IE browsers should not be ignored by web designers when creating websites. Subtle differences between makes and versions of browsers have always been a problem for web designers. Some of these differences include the way objects on a web page are aligned (horizontal and vertical alignment) and margin and padding properties around objects. Typically the more complicated the graphical design, the more difficult it is to code the web page to display correctly across common browsers. The browser statistics (below) are sourced from a really useful website W3schools.com

Thankfully the situation is getting better as time goes on as all web browsers adhere more closely to the W3C Standards (WWW Consortium). Also the web browser statistics tell us that older versions of web browsers do not need to be catered for as very few people are using them e.g. IE5. What this means for web designers is they have to test new websites not just in IE7 or Fire Fox but several other versions and makes of browsers. For example Safari for Mac users.

Computer screen sizes need to be considered too by web designers. With the availability of wide screens for PCs and laptops the standard web page viewing size is changing too. Eighteen months ago the recommended viewing width for a web page would have been 800 pixels or less. Now web designers can afford to design wider web pages because statistics are telling us users have 1024 pixels wide by 786 pixels high screens or wider. Some websites are even using fluid web page designs with means the web page grows to the width of the display.

Click on the images to see the full statistics from W3schools browser statistics.

Is rebranding the key to weathering the recession and a way of injecting new life into an ailing business?

A new report commissioned by branding consultancy the Principle Group, surveyed 250 marketing directors of blue chip companies and UK business owners. The results were interesting to us to say the least. “85% of UK business leaders and managers believe that design will play an important role in generating a recovery for some, or all brands.” We at Masters Allen have had this view for a while, and have been advising our clients and local businesses over the last few months to take stock of their brand and design situation, encouraging them to be bold in these uncertain times by revitalizing and developing their business brands.

“56% of marketing directors of blue chip companies believe that a downturn could be the best time strategically to rebrand.” It makes perfect sense that when everyone in your industry is struggling, taking steps to evolve or reposition yourself as the market leader will give customers confidence in your business not to fail. Take Citroen as an example. The UK and European car market is in trouble, sales are drastically down and factories are in danger of closing. Citroen have chosen to take action and launch a new identity, ahead of a complete market repositioning that will see six new car models launched in the next three years. There is no better time for them to reinvent themselves, ready and well positioned for the market to get back on its feet in just a few years.

“63% of business leaders agree that the act of launching a new brand identity in uncertain times signals a bold embracing of change.” We couldn’t have put it better ourselves. Nobody wants to buy from a company on its knees. Show flexibility and strength, embracing change in the market. Consumers want a brand they can trust in these uncertain times.

From our experience, being seen to evolve your brand, reposition your core values, even expand or concentrate your market offering, is a sign of an active, focussed and thriving business. By showing this strength of brand character we as business owners can promote confidence internally in our staff and externally in our customer base. You never know, it may even give you the confidence to weather the storm!

Story source from Design Week, 12 February 2009

Here’s a useful tool for any business owner or Marketing Manager who wishes to understand the meanings of terms such as, ‘Audience segmentation’ in advertising, or ‘Macromarketing’ in marketing. These practices are employed when developing a strong brand, and used to target the right audience for maximum impact.

US brand and marketing agency Kolbrener, have come up with this novel way of displaying these ‘elements’ in a scientific periodic table. They have created it to communicate these terms clearly to their clients, and have used it cleverly as an educational tool.

We just wish we had thought of it first!

Click on the image below, then rollover each of the elements to learn more.

Web 2.0 content is really starting to become useful in making purchasing decisions. User feedback and customers reviews on websites can aid the website visitor in making a decision and website owners shouldn’t be afraid to allow users and visitors to add comments or post reviews on websites.

Just recently, whilst searching for a hotel in the Lake District, new Lake Windermere, I was taken on a journey across a number of websites reviewing content and ended up on www.activehotels.com. The web 2.0 content there was extremely helpful in understanding a lot more about the resort, the facilities and the hotels available there, right down to reading reviews from people of a similar demographic and their thoughts about not only the hotel itself but about the specific rooms that they stayed in.

This was followed up by a quick call to the hotel to check availability of the exact room that we were interested in. Not only did we manage to book that room but we got a significant discount off the prices on the internet!

Without doubt we will be leaving our review on the very same website in the hope that other visitors will benefit from our comments. Hotels are just one example, but web 2.0 content could be used in any industry from automotive to telecoms, any website should consider the opportunities offered by this new wave of interactive web content.