Web Design News
I don’t blog… but should I?
I don’t blog… but should I? Are you one of those people who say they don’t need a blog or don’t have time for one? Would you make time for a free tool that allowed you to communicate with all of your customers at once about a new product, event or helpful tips that...
Penguin 4 Google Changes are Live
How is your website ranking? In the last few days, I’ve been asked a lot about website ranking and Google’s algorithm update known as Penguin 4. Penguin 4 is currently rolling out, so you might have already noticed or soon notice some changes to your ranking in the...
Why do I need to update WordPress?
Why do I need to update Wordpress? When was the last time you updated Wordpress? Years ago? Never? Well just like phone apps, your blue-screening-PC and your wardrobe, Wordpress needs updating from time to time. Of course if your fashion sense is circa 1992, nothing...
Domain Name Registration
Domain Name Registration – a small bill worth paying early! When it comes to most invoices, you probably don’t want to pay months in advance right? Perhaps your accountant has even advised you pay on the due date to make the most of your money. Well your domain name...
Prepare now for Google changes
This month Google will be rolling out changes that are likely to impact your website's ranking. From April 21, Google will be favouring websites that are mobile-friendly. To quote Google directly: Starting April 21, we will be expanding our use of mobile-friendliness...
Personality branding – The third brand your business needs
This blog has been re-posted with permission from Daniel Priestley and the team at www.keypersonofinfluence.com.au. There are three layers of branding your business needs to consider: Product - The brands we associate to a product or service we can buy e.g.: "iPod"...
Change your passwords today: Heartbleed update
Security alert that impacts you Over the last couple of days we have been following reports of a major vulnerability in Internet security known as the Heartbleed bug. We believe this to be a serious risk that potentially impacts anyone who uses the Internet....
Google’s own list of no-no’s
I love it when I come across golden SEO information from Google. Straight from the horse’s mouth… well the Google.com website in this case. Here is my latest find and it really is a great resource of what not to do:...
One person, two email addresses
Why would a sole trader or small business need two email addresses? Simple. If you have a website you will want an email address on it so people can contact you. Problem is that as soon as you publish an email address on the web, spammers including people and software...
Free Website Statistics
Every wondered how many visitors actually look at your site? Did you know you are eligible for free website traffic statistics if you are hosted through either Blue Platypus or Studiocoast? Just email us if you would like to turn your statistics on. If you are with...
3 steps to a cohesive web strategy
Move from a "our website" mentality to "our web assets" Gone are the days that a simple website will put you on the cutting edge of web marketing. You need to be where your customers are and they could be anywhere out there in cyber-space. Take advantage of the many...
2012 Blue Platypus Arts Centre Gold Coast Online Marketing Prize Winner
We are excited to announce Louise Moriarty as the winner of this year's prize. The prize was devised to support a local artist or arts organisation through the gift of a complete online marketing package worth more than $3500 for a local artist or arts...
Blue Platypus launches two stunning new custom designed CMS websites
Blue Platypus recently launched websites for two of the well-known BIG4 holiday parks: BIG4 Harrington Beach and BIG4: Bonney Hills. These completely custom-designed websites feature gorgeous full-screen backgrounds to showcase the parks’ stunning locations. Based on...
Blue Platypus Online Arts Prize in the news
The 2012 Blue Platypus Arts Centre Gold Coast Online Marketing Package was featured in the Gold Coast Bulletin yesterday in Kate Peter's Dressing Roomers column. The prize includes a complete online marketing package worth more than $3500 for a local artist or arts...
Set up your signature
Have you ever gone to call someone, looked up their last email message, only to see that their phone number isn’t at the bottom of the email? Imagine if that happened to your customers. They may not call you because it is just too hard to find your number again. It...
How to SEO your website For Free!
Those of you who know me personally, know that whenever possible, I like to offer small businesses (especially start-ups) real value and the opportunity to make your own website a success for no cost to you. So I am writing this article in response to my many sole...
I want an online store… and my budget is $500!
Thinking of starting an online business? The reality is, just like any other business, you need to have some backing. But don’t believe me – have a look at this… http://www.smartcompany.com.au/retail/20100408-top-10-online-retailers.html The article is a bit over a...
Online Christmas Shopping Tips
We’ve been shopping online this year. Here are some of our favourite sites: www.kikkik.com.au – lovely stationery to help you and yours get organised in 2011. We love the minimalist design and soft colouration of this high quality online shop. www.ezibuy.com.au –...
Innovative new gallery takes the inaugural Blue Platypus Arts Centre Gold Coast Online Marketing Prize
Gold Coast boutique web design and development agency Blue Platypus, in conjunction with The Arts Centre Gold Coast, is delighted to announce Gallery on the Lane as winner of the Blue Platypus Arts Centre Gold Coast Online Marketing Package. Gallery on the Lane is a...
Critical updates for your website
As technology changes, websites often stop working the way they were designed. As a website owner, it is wise to view your site regularly, on as many devices as possible (office PC, laptop, home PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad) and in as many browsers as possible to ensure it...
New site just in time for Christmas seafood
Whist those in Wintery climates tuck into baked turkey and ham, many Aussies choose seafood for their Christmas feast. Now Gold Coasters have a fantastic seafood market close to home (for many) in Robina, making throwing another prawn on the BBQ an easy option for...
Banishing bloggers block
I started this post because I couldn’t think of anything to blog about. Pathetic really, but all too common. Have you ever started a blog only to find that you leave it dormant for weeks on end? Possibly even months? I have been guilty of this. Sporadic blogging isn’t...
Happy New Year FY12
What is it about the end of the year that makes everyone want a website? Whether it is December with looming new year or June for the financial year, our office goes crazy with requests for new sites. Here are just some of our latest: X Factor Security...
Last Day to Save 34 percent on Social Media Success Summit 2011…
Do you have a Facebook page or Twitter account, but don't really know how to use it to get sales? Then don't miss the Social Media Success Summit. This Wednesday (April 20th) is the last day to save 34% on tickets to Social Media Success Summit 2011--the online...
23 Experts Help You Master Blogging
Last day for 34%-off sale for Blogging Success Summit Join 23 experts (including Scott Monty, Brian Clark, Darren Rowse and experts from Sony, Procter & Gamble, McDonald’s and Southwest Airlines) as they help you master blogging at Blogging Success Summit 2011....
Search Engine Optimisation frequently asked questions
How come I can’t find my site in Google? Google is a commercial business whose success stems from their ability to provide relevant results to their customers. What is Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)? What is black hat SEO? Black hat SEO is any search engine...
Writing for the web
Writing for the web is different to writing for a brochure or other printed document. When you engage Blue Platypus for your web copywriting, you can expect professionally written copy that is a little different to copy for printed material. Of course we encourage you...
Your feedback – spreading like wild fire
Avoiding a negative viral-spiral in the age of social media A friend of mine recently saw a movie at one of the premium cinemas of a well known chain. You know the kind, where you pay almost twice as much, access the private bar and can have a glass of wine and plate...
Home Page Real Estate
Web design is different to design for print. Some parts of your website are more visible than others. Here are some things to keep in mind when you are looking at your design templates or prototype website: The whole home page is prime real estate. This is because...
Where in the world are your customers?
The world wide web knows where we wander. Well those of us that “check-in” that is. Geography is suddenly cool. And it makes sense because we often use the web to find things – think search engines. Once we have found what we are looking for, in many cases we then hop...
Empower Your Online Vision