Award Winning Web Design Agency

Good Luck to all our customers shortlisted in the Drogheda Business Awards

2009-11-06T12:49:00.005Z

We would like to wish all our customers the best of luck in the Drogheda Business Awards on November 14th in the CityNorth Hotel. They are: Brady Hughes Consulting, CTI Business Solutions, Louth County Museum, Drogheda Women’s and Children’s Refuge, Gifts and Vouchers and Westcourt Hotel.

All have been shortlisted, so our fingers are crossed!

mumstown is a Golden Spider Finalist!

2009-11-02T22:54:00.002Z

www.mumstown.ie has been shortlisted for a Golden Spider!

The hugely popular social networking site for mums which has been profiled on RTE's Dragon's Den, The Sunday Business Post and finalist in many national awards in the past is a finalist in the Best Community & Charity Website category.

All of us at morsolutions want to wish owners David and Siobhan all the best at the awards on November 19th in the Burlington Hotel.

Keep an eye on http://www.goldenspiders.ie for more news.

Photohouse Portmarnock, Dublin relaunch their website with great results

2009-10-17T13:13:00.003+01:00

Recently we re-launched http://www.photohouse.ie. Claire and Pat Nolan are long time customers and we were only delighted to be part of redeveloping the website and the reaction from customers was good to.

Clarie said: "We are getting a great response to the new website, thanks for all your help ... Updating the website was such an important step this year, it made more of our previous customers get in contact again."

Happy Arthur's Day from Drogheda

2009-09-24T09:24:00.005+01:00

A little story for you on Arthur's Day... Drogheda and it was involved in the creation of Guinness ...

Mr Paul Espinasse was killed as a result of a fall from a horse near the Black Bull Inn, Drogheda. Mr Espinasse was the previous tenant of the St James Gate Brewery in Dublin, which after his death was then taken over by Arthur Guinness. ... so without that (un)fortunate event the famous St James Gate Brewery and Guinness itself may never have been known world over!!

Happy Birthday Arthur from all at morsolutions, here's to another 250 years!

Louth Business Call for a YES to Lisbon

2009-09-15T18:51:00.009+01:00

I was at a Drogheda Chamber lunch today which included a very passionate and heart felt call for a yes vote in the forthcoming Lisbon Referendum.

Brendan Halligan, Campaign Co-ordinator Director of Ireland for Europe won me over with the simple arguments on the upcoming CAP and Trade negotiations that we need to be a part of.

I have always been pro-European and pro-European Union - it is Europe that have provided the legal frameworks and protections that have raised our standards and opened markets for us. I believe we are still net beneficiaries of the European project and will continue to do so after Lisbon.

Not to do so would be the death knell for new foreign direct investment and many other jobs.

I'm voting YES! But whatever you do please do go out and vote.

PS you can find out more on the Drogheda & District Chamber website.

MOR Solutions Sponsor Best Website Category at the Drogheda Business Excellence Awards

2009-09-15T18:37:00.004+01:00

As past winners and finalists in the Drogheda Business Excellence Awards morsolutions are proud to be a sponsor of the Best Website category.

The launch of the awards was last night at the Highlanes Gallery, Drogheda.

This is the first year for this new category and if your business is located in Drogheda or East Meath and your website adds value to your business via sales, marketing, customer service or any other innovation then why not enter now!?

See http://www.droghedachamber.com/cms/publish/Best_Website_Award.php for more details or to enter.

Graham O'Rourke, Managing Director of morsolutions added, "We have always focused on strong partnership, offering the best in advice, support, design and technical skills to help our clients to also win awards such as the Irish Internet Association's Net Visionary Award for Best Online Trader."

Quick Guide to Social Networking For Business

2009-09-09T12:19:00.003+01:00

Bemused about how to use social networking like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn?

Learn how to make social media work for your business and attract new customers.

Social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace and Twitter connect millions of like-minded people every day through the Web. But did you know they can also help your business connect with customers?

What’s the appeal of social networking? There are practically no barriers to entry, for starters. Facebook does not charge a fee, nor does MySpace, Linked In or Twitter. If there is a platform that offers marketing opportunities at no cost, why not accept the offer. Another reason to use social networking - this is where your customers are.

You can use social networking websites to help you:

1. Create a new revenue stream
Using social networking correctly may generate sales in a roundabout way but some companies are creating significant direct sales. For example travel agents are using Twitter to deliver their best deals directly to consumers who want to know about them, saving the customer time and increasing the chances of a sale for the company. While the platform may not suit every type of product, it is clearly a good way of getting details of a good deal into the public domain.

2. Attract future customers
Free assistance could win a company a fan for life. Twitter is a goldmine of unanswered questions and user problems, and its search engine allows anyone instant access to up-to-the-minute comments from around the world. It should not take much time or effort on your part, and only serves to put you on their radar as someone who knows what they are talking about. When the inevitable happens and they need more than brief advice, there is a good chance they will turn to your company.

3. Market Research
Just as social networking is good for answering questions; it is also perfect for asking them. Rather than spending money on market research, social networking could let you know how your product or service is perceived. You could do this by searching to see what people are saying of their own accord, or by putting the question to the public yourself. Either way, you can be sure that any problems will be highlighted and you will know very quickly what needs to be done to make things better.

If you require any advice developing your social media marketing strategy contact the team in morsolutions to arrange an appointment on 041 9801000 or email info@morsolutions.com.

We are seeking talented PHP Web Developers

2009-09-09T07:27:00.003+01:00

Excellence in people is at the core of our ability to deliver award winning design, applications and service to our customers. If you share this vision and have the relevant experience and ability we would like to hear from you.

PHP Web Developer Based in Drogheda

If you are interested in working with us, please send us an email with your CV and details of the job you are interested in to jobs@morsolutions.com.

Social Media - It's not what you say that matters...

2009-09-07T17:05:00.004+01:00

Paul Isakson delivers a presentation on why Social Media is relevant and why we should not forget the people behind the tools if we are to succeed in really engaging with customers online.

See his presentation online: Social Media - It's not what you say that matters...

How Different Groups Spend Their Day - Interactive Graphic - NYTimes.com

2009-08-13T13:04:00.002+01:00

The American Time Use Survey asks thousands of American residents to recall every minute of a day. Here is how people over age 15 spent their time in 2008.

http://www.nytimes.com//interactive/2009/07/31/business/20080801-metrics-graphic.html

Interestingly 'Relaxing and Thinking' peaks at 5pm daily?! Can't wait! :)

(via firstparners.net)

Solomons Outlet Online Discount and Clearance Store

2009-08-11T16:51:00.003+01:00

The 100% Irish-owned Solomons Outlet clearance store is eager to bring you bargains and is now online. You can visit their online store at http://www.solomonsoutlet.ie.

Solomons have a wide range of low-priced homewares from discount furniture to soft furnishings, pictures to clearance lighting, which shows their experience gives you the best of whatever you are looking for. The company was founded by Gareth and Joanne McCabe after 20 years in retail, and coupled with their expertise is their strong relationships with many of their suppliers which allows them to bring the customer the best available discount homewares.

Solomons are confident that their prices are extremely competitive especially in today's climate, so why not give them a try? Happy shopping!

Read your favourite paper online with WhatNewspaper.ie!

2009-07-20T14:56:00.005+01:00

Need to know news in Norway, Nicaragua or New Ross? Check out WhatNewspaper.ie online news portal, the latest "What"-brand site from the team at WhatCar.ie, WhatBike.ie, What4x4.ie, WhatVan.ie and WhatCarHire.ie.

As well as allowing you to search for your favourite newspaper by name or country, the website features up to date business, sport, entertainment, general and world news feeds, and if you don't find the paper you're looking for you can even suggest a newspaper.

We think bringing the world's favourite newspapers together on one easy to use website is a great idea, and we're sure reading newspapers online on WhatNewspaper.ie will be a big hit round the world!

Compressed air specialists Compressed Air Centre launch new site

2009-07-14T15:53:00.010+01:00

Experienced air compressor specialists Compressed Air Centre have launched their new website incorporating an online store, providing air tools, industrial compressors and accessories.

Based in Drogheda, Co. Louth, Compressed Air Centre are in business since 1980 and their years of experience mean anyone looking for anything from compressors to spray guns to air filters or even custom built air compressors is in good hands. There's also a Compressed Air Centre blog they'll be adding handy tips to.

Take a look at their new site at www.compressedaircentre.ie, and if you're interested in setting up a new website or maybe your own online shop, give morsolutions a call today!

Your online identity - own it!

2009-07-10T12:14:00.006+01:00

Your brand is your image, your face to the world. The simple symbol or graphic that makes up your logo can convey a world of information. It tells your customer what you're about, your ethos, what they can expect from your company, what you have to offer.

A good businessperson will put their logo and name everywhere - ads, literature, shopfront, vans. The very same should apply to your website and your presence on the internet in general.
Below is a quick guide to branding yourself on the internet.

Own It
Make your site yours - make sure your logo is as clear and in as prominent a position as possible. Hit the user in the eye with your logo and name, so they are in no doubt where they are. This conveys confidence and professionalism and will build up trust in the user.

Repeat, repeat, repeat...
Keep the branding consistent and in the same place throughout the site.
Provide a seamless experience for the user as they browse deeper into the site. You will build up a relationship with your brand, and make a much bigger impact on the user's memory.

Reinforce
Use your branding colours throughout the site to support your brand. This includes links, text colour, background colour, and so on.

Many modern businesses exploit the vast array of networking opportunities open to them on the internet, such as LinkdIn, Twitter, forums, blogs, online business groups.

All these sites allow a certain amount of customisation - even if it's simply allowing you to upload your logo. Many dedicated Twitter and Facebook users not only have their logo prominently on the page, but also change background, text colours to compliment and reinforce their brand and their website.

Case Study:
The popular parental networking site, mumstown.ie are skilful promoters of their brand through clever association and sponsorship, and their site design reinforces this.
The distinctive logo appears in the top left on a complimentary coloured banner throughout the site. The two main branding colours are evident and consistent throughout the site, in the graphics and text, and the funky floral motif is also featured subtly here and there. Nothing too overpowering, but we are in no doubt as to where we are.

Branding your company's internet presence is just one facet of how your company presents itself to the world, but is an increasingly important one. Keep the above guidelines in mind and you will be well on your way!

3 Must Dos When Undertaking a Pay Per Click Campaign

2009-06-17T11:17:00.005+01:00

Most people run headlong into advertising on the internet without thinking about their offering, relevant call to action or the basic details of the offer/product or pricing. What a missed opportunity after spending money and time to get a customer to your website!

Denise Fay of Achieve Marketing has outlined her top three tips which we concur with wholeheartedly! ...

1 Like all strategic marketing initiatives, determine your USP. Know why people should buy from you.

2 Undertake keyword research. Don’t leave it to assumptions that your client and you think the same way.

3 Test your landing page. Content, layout and structure, all key elements to copy-writing should be tested regularly.

Brilliantly and simply put Denise.

Source: http://www.achievemarketing.ie/blog/2009/06/3-must-dos-when-undertaking-a-pay-per-click-campaign/

morsolutions are an award winning full service web design agency that also offer Content Management, Web Development, Search Engine Optimisation, Search Engine Marketing and Internet Consultancy.

Achieve Marketing is a strategic marketing and copy-writing agency. We want to set you on a path to marketing success and help you craft compelling sales messages.

Come for the golf- stay for the craic

2009-05-11T10:49:00.005+01:00

I got this notice from Drogheda on the Boyne Tourism please do support both the Open at Baltray and the Drogheda Festival...

Drogheda is the place to be next weekend with the 3 Irish Open Golf Championships at Baltray attracting some of the world's top golfers with some top class entertainment lined up in town to coincide with the golf.

Some of Ireland’s best known entertainers will be performing in town from Thursday May 14th to Sunday May 17th, including Dickie Rock, Jack L, Finbar Furey, Aslan, Robert Mizzell, Jon Kenny, Derek Warfield and the Young Wolfe Tones and Gerry Fish and the Mudbug Club.

There will be entertainment in over 20 local pubs, traditional set dancing, traditional music sessions, heritage tours , street entertainments , food promotions, art exhibitions and the Louth derby football match Drogheda Utd v Dundalk etc, Details of all the events and details of accommodation offers can be viewed on www.drogheda.ie
Please spread the news that Drogheda is the place next week!

Explore E-Commerce

2009-04-30T14:07:00.017+01:00

In these challenging times having an online shop can provide you with a low-overhead 24/7 sales outlet worldwide, and the points below are key when considering adding an online shop to your website.

1. Build the shop around your customer

Focus on who your core demographic is and tailor the shop to them, making sure the design you go with and the functionality used is appropriate for them and works the way they'd expect. There's a huge difference between the kind of user experience expected by 20-something techno-geeks looking for laptops and by senior citizens purchasing golf packages...

2. Make your shop a pleasure to use

If your customers have a positive experience with your online shop, odds are they'll be back. They'll also be more forgiving if there's a problem either with a purchase or with the site in general at some point in the future. Find features that excite you in other sites and see if they'd be appropriate for your site.

3. Attention to detail makes the experience

Spend time getting the details right, like making sure the sections most used work intuitively so the user experience is really great. On an online shop this would mean the product information page, and the whole checkout process once the customer has actually chosen their items. Attention to detail is also crucial when making sure the high level of security when purchasing on your site is apparent to the customer, and that web pages load in good time so customers aren't waiting around - because they wont!

4. Make social media work for you

Customers engage more with an online shop they can interact with. The amount of purchasers online who use social media like Facebook, Twitter, Digg, Delicious, Stumbleupon etc. is huge, and online retailers that give the customer a way to share what they find with their social media circle directly from the online shop are adding value to the user's experience. You can also engage customers with interactive features like allowing them to add a photo of themselves wearing your t-shirt to your product details page, enhance their user experience by letting them customise their homepage on your online shop, or simply by running a poll or keeping a blog about interesting new products they can comment on.

5. It's what you say AND the way that you say it

Elements of the online shop like colours, fonts, typography and the language you use in your website content can make the difference between a sale and a missed opportunity. Pinpoint the type of people who will use your online shop, and ensure your message comes across clearly by using wording and images that are appropriate to them - corporate business-speak won't engage teens looking for the next hot product online. Colours and branding should be carefully considered when designing the online shop especially when fitting in with an existing website style for consistency across the board.

The message to take away from all this?

As long as you keep your content appropriate to your customer, focus on attention to detail as well as the overall impression, and encourage interaction for an extra-sticky site, you're on track for a great e-commerce website. And remember - adding an online shop to your website might be the smartest thing you do this year. Contact us now if you'd like to discuss the possibilities!
(This Explore E-Commerce article for website owners was inspired by a Smashing Magazine article which is more targeted at web designers.)

Drogheda Arts Festival Adopts Twitter and goes Mobile!

2009-04-20T17:05:00.004+01:00

If you are on Twitter why not follow the Drogheda Arts Festival http://twitter.com/drogartsfest

Please do spread the word to promote the festival and also to document reviews, thoughts and public comment on the festival?

Please spread the message far and wide ...

Also as part of the strategy to embrace new media the festival today launched it's mobile website.

So don't miss out on 6 days of the most eclectic line up of theatre, dance, visual art, music, comedy and family entertainment in Ireland this year!

TV Celeb launches low cost online insurance website

2009-04-15T10:35:00.003+01:00

John Maguire (of 'Celebrity Bainisteoir' fame ) has teamed up with insurance broker, Pembroke Insurances, to offer cheap insurance via www.QuoteDevil.ie.

See the Irish Independent article.

morsolutions are proud to say we developed the website! :)

Web browsers without tabs?

2009-04-15T09:22:00.001+01:00

FireFox's designers are currently thinking about a complete redesign of the way the browser looks and feels, in order to keep up with changing usage patterns. The most radical proposal we have seen so far would do away with the standard browser tabs, and replace them with an interface that looks more like iTunes than Firefox...

http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/the_future_of_firefox_no_tabs_built_in_ubiquity.php

Make more of your Irish with TalkIrish.com

2009-04-14T09:31:00.005+01:00

Ever wanted to make more of your Irish? TalkIrish.com is a new website set up by e-learning veteran Michelle Gallen to pass on her passion for the teanga and create some great resources whether you're a beginner, improver, or just haven't spoken Irish in years and would like to get back into it a bit.

Some of TalkIrish.com's features include Irish word a day, e-learning via online games (signup required), forum for social networking (where there's a lively word game going on at the moment), and links for further exploration.

If you want to get a blas without going full Des Bishop, give TalkIrish.com a go =)

Bloggers and Tweeters wanted for Drogheda Arts Festival!

2009-04-06T18:37:00.002+01:00

morsolutions are delighted to have bee re-appointed as the web providers for the Drogheda Arts Festival. 2009 promises to be an eclectic line up of theatre, dance, visual art, music, comedy and family entertainment.   

But to make the festival a real success given the very tight budgets available this year Graham O'Rourke of morsolutions is looking for volunteers to join him in spreading the word by setting up Facebook, Twitter and blogs to promote and document the build up and happenings at this years festival.   

If you have any spare time and are good with email, a camera, blogs, twitter, etc why not volunteer to contribute and add to online PR for the Arts Festival.   Please pass to people of all ages and disciplines, not technical knowledge required - just a commitment to make a difference and tell the world about our incredible Arts Festival!   

See www.droghedaartsfestival.ie for information on the festival.   

If you can help contact Graham: graham[dot]orourke[at]morsolutions[dot]com or http://twitter.com/morsolutions

iPhone OS 3.0 Announced by Apple

2009-03-18T08:42:00.004Z

Apple have announced a new iPhone operating system and it looks like they are listening to what their users really want..

Features that we moaned about such as cut'n'paste, SMS forwarding, MMS, MAPs API, etc all seem to be addressed. Still no flash but there are some other quite neat features that will open the iPhone up to even more mobile internet applications and make it the defacto standard to reach for others (again!).

See http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/17/live-from-apples-iphone-os-3-0-preview-event/

Should be available in the shops in the Summer and 3G iPhone users will get free upgrades.

morsolutions also deliver a number of mobile internet solutions - why not contact us if you think your business or idea would benefit from users using the web on their mobile phone.

Easter Gifts from GiftsAndVouchers.ie

2009-03-17T19:00:00.001Z

morsolutions client giftsandvouchers.ie have launched a seasonal offerings to make shopping for gifts for your loved ones even easier!

For Easter Eggs and Easter Gifts why not check them out the Seasonal Gifts section.

You really find something for everyone for example a Mother's Day Gift Box, Handmade Easter Eggs, or why not try a Gift Voucher for the person that has everything!

Announcing the 2009 Drogheda Arts Festival

2009-03-17T10:12:00.010Z

Drogheda Borough Council have just announcing the 5th Annual Drogheda Arts Festival. The 2009 festival will take place from 29th April to 4th May.

This year the festival highlights include Des Bishop, Fionn Regan, Lunfardia, Fair on Fair Street ... lots to do for all!

The full programme of events is coming soon but a taster of the festival is available on the Drogheda Arts Festival website.

Also you will find all the information you need for travel, accommodation and eating out on the Drogheda Tourism website, www.drogheda.ie.