Many businesses are moving into the unknown territory of putting their business or brand on social networking websites such as Facebook or Twitter.

At Studio808 we believe that this is going to be the biggest change to business marketing since we were given the internet to play with...

And like those early days of the web there's a way of doing it well, and many more ways to do it badly that could damage your business or brand.



Our research and experience with current clients reveals that you have got to keep your social networking page up to date with relevant and interesting information. In other words you can't take your eye off it. This unfortunately is not something that businesses large or small are very good at - how many websites have you seen that show out of date offers, or items that were sold ages ago?

Like most things there's huge enthusiasm at first, which then wanes and then it gets left or forgotten about. With companies running leaner than ever there's always something far more more important and urgent to do. In other words far less people to pick up the pieces.

Another common error we have seen (luckily not with our clients) is not restricting the access of staff who can post messages or photographs. Be careful with your public image. Your customers do not need to see photographs of the antics of your sales team last Saturday night, or to see the comments of a disgruntled member of staff!

So if you're a business thinking of delving into the world of social networking websites then please give us a call or make contact using our email form.

Done properly the social networking revolution can not only bring a new edge to your communication with your customers, but also build your brand and customer loyalty.

The design team Studio808.co.uk can even produce customised backgrounds or an Avatar for your logo at a low cost. This gives your page real brand identity that is consistent with your business.

The team at Studio808.co.uk are available on 0845 2303 808 or visit our website to learn more about us.

And you can follow us on Twitter too: studio808ltd

Don't let your database get you down, help is at hand and it costs a lot less than you think...

We take several enquiries here at studio808.co.uk from businesses that want to embark on email marketing or some other form of targeted prospecting activity.

They've heard about the success it can bring if done properly and they like the fact that it is less expensive than direct mail campaigns.

Though the problem they face after they make the enquiry is usually one of these two scenarios:

1. They don’t have email addresses for their existing client base (or enough to make it worthwhile).
2. They do not have confidence in the accuracy of information in their database – and unfortunately they are usually right.

The good news is that at studio808 we have developed systems that mean we can help our clients to not only to cleanse their database, but also introduce systems that collect relevant email data for future marketing activities too.

So this is a message to all those out there who feel that they have a hopeless cause because they have one or both of the problems we have listed above. And so never enquire or enjoy the benefits that using something like email marketing can bring.

And lastly let me dispel another myth for you. We are often told (with great confidence) that email is only used by young people, because they are the only ones who use computers on a regular basis. Interestingly we are usually told this by the ones with the poorest database management, and suddenly they are experts on their customer profile?

53% of iphone users are over 35
The fastest growth of Facebook users are 45 and over
20% of Twitter users are 55+

Pre-judge your client base at your peril. The internet is not the domain of geeks or kids. You’ll be amazed at how many people of all ages judge your business by your online activity. Your potential dream client may be passing you by because your website gives the wrong impression of your business. And because web traffic is anonymous you’ll never know.

Don’t let your shabby database stop you. Help is at hand. Give us a call; we have cost-effective methods that can quickly and inexpensively straighten your database out and gain those all important email addresses. Best of all it usually generates some sales leads in the process so any investment you do make is often covered by the sales you gain.

We all know that it’s cheaper to keep the customers we’ve got than go out and win new business. No matter how messy your database is there’s business to be done in there with people who have dealt with you before so let Studio808 help you uncover it.

Visit the Studio808 website or call us on 0845 230 3808 to find out more and let us take the problem away.

Harveys of Ramsgate website designed by Studio808.co.uk

An exciting new opening on Ramsgate's Royal Harbour, Harveys Fish Market, Oyster Bar & Restaurant occupies a lavishly refurbished town pub that has been given a new image and a massive refit by its new owners. Within 50 feet of the harbour wall, Harveys is also the first dedicated seafood restaurant on the country's only 'royal' harbour.

Harveys of Ramsgate is part of the Kent Inns of Distinction Group with which Studio808 has developed the online presence. KentInns.com are a collection of stylish character properties located throughout Kent, which are owned and operated by the husband of wife team of Richard & Sherry Martin. In July 2009 the company was ranked among UK’s top 150 restaurant groups by “Restaurant” magazine.

These include:

• The Dog Inn at Wingham - Egon Ronay listed restaurant with rooms 
• The Blazing Donkey Country Hotel & Restaurant - Kent's most popular wedding venue
• The Ivyhouse at Tonbridge  - Dining Room & Bar

All of which (as you'll see from the links) are also supported by websites, online marketing and imagery by Studio808.

Studio808.co.uk work closely with their clients to develop websites that fit with your brand image and compliment existing corporate identity. Our approach is an ongoing process of continuing improvement to increase your online visibility and move with your business through seasonal activities. The build and design of the website is only the beginning, our team of in-house sales and marketing specialists are on hand to help make your website a source of business and enquiry giving you a return on your investment rather than just a fancy brochure.

If you think this approach would suit you and your business then please call Studio808 for an initial chat to 0845 230 3808 (local rate) to see how we can help you.

Trick or Treat Campaign for Used Honda isn't so scary.

Barretts Honda continue to have success with email marketing from motortradesolutions.net

The management of Barretts Honda in Canterbury, Kent asked motortradesolutions.net (MTS.net) to come up with a campaign that would beef-up used car turnover in October 2009. The incentive was a 3 year breakdown warranty instead of the usual 12 months.

The design team eventually came up with the 'Trick or Treat' campaign as Halloween was fast approaching and produced graphic design for both the emailer and the direct mail postcard.

The click-through page was the used Honda section of the Barretts Group website. The MTS.net stocklisting system was adapted and a special page produced to just show used Honda stock. This allowed visitors to learn about other products supplied by the Barretts Motor Group.

At time of writing the campaign is still ongoing and the direct mail piece has not yet gone out, but we are pleased to report that after the first weekend 3 used Honda cars have been sold as a direct result of this initiative.

Best of all the 3 cars have been to conquest customers that were contacted from an email list that the management of Barretts Honda had purchased separately, bringing new customers into the company.

If you would like the team at motortradesolutions.net to help you with your email marketing then please call us on 0845 658 6880 or use our enquiry form.

The team at motortradesolutions.net are dedicated to helping you succeed. The costs are low compared to press and print advertising and you can react quickly. So start to make a real impact on your business and give us a try today.

A new strategic marketing company has been created for the UK Motor Industry called motortradesolutions.net (MTS.net) which is part of the Studio808 Group of Companies. MTS.net will provide outsourced marketing support car dealerships, motor manufacturers as well as motorcycle dealers, van and truck suppliers and to new and growing businesses in this sector.

The company has been set up as the result of the increasing Motor Industry business that Studio808 had been attracting. James Thomas and Greg Bottle decided to create MTS.net as a division that was completely focused on the needs of the Motor Industry and then allow Studio808 concentrate on its other ventures and core products.

The business brings together strategic consultancy, marketing management expertise and creative know-how under one brand along with the industry leading products and services that have been developed by Studio808.

• Email Marketing
• Website Design and Hosting
• Stocklist Database Systems
• eCommerce Websites
• Corporate Identity and Design
• Dealer Management Systems (standalone)
• Microsites

The team comprises strategists and marketing professionals complemented by creative designers, web developers and copywriters.

Also joining the team are industry professionals who have in the last 5 years have been at the leading edge of internet car retailing. They have led projects in private and Plc businesses to develop web operations and set up internet sales departments for both the retail and corporate sectors.

MTS.net’s outsourced marketing solutions have been designed for companies that don’t have an in-house team; lack the necessary skills internally; have staffing restrictions; or require temporary support for ad-hoc projects.

James is “looking forward to launching some of our new products including a dedicated parts and accessories website with eCommerce facility, a standalone stocklisting web facility for dealers wishing to expand their coverage or even to advertise non-franchise stock and our highly powerful email marketing facility.”

He added, “With this kind of expertise MTS.net will be able to provide an outsourced marketing department for companies that don’t have one, or extra support for those that do.”

As the name suggests Motor Trade Solutions won’t only be providing marketing services to the automotive industry. The company's slogan is Dedicated To Helping You Succeed and the belief is such that MTS.net can bring real benefits to all areas of the business. James has gathered a team of industry professionals who can help in a variety of areas on an outsourced basis.

“Our research has found that in light of recent economic events many businesses scaled down their staffing to such a point that they are now exposed or now lack the people with the necessary skills. We have industry experts who are available on a pay-as-you-go basis to assist in key areas such as Customer Relationship Management, FSA Compliance, Health & Safety, Marketing and many types of Training. Coupled with this we have the facility to provide services as extreme as contract valeting, video mystery shopping, pest control, office cleaning and market research. We are even about to launch an aftersales upsell programme that can add significant profits without any further investment or overhead. So as the list is beginning to grow we are now a one-stop-shop.”

For more information on Motor Trade Solutions by Studio808 please visit their website (motortradesolutions.net) or call the team on 0845 658 6880 or you can now use this form to contact us.

As quickly as the new limited edition DOXA TUSA SUB arrived, it sold out!!!

The DOXA TUSA SUB was a 30th Anniversary SUB 1000T limited edition developed with TUSA, a leading force in the development of dive equipment that has enjoyed a rich history of innovation.

It was launched with an emailer newsletter and was available for purchases direct form the DOXA website.

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