Hello, hello! How are you, Reader? It's been a while, but I'm excited to be typing. I know not everyone loves to write, but I honestly find the process therapeutic and a little bit exciting. Watching a bit of research turn into an idea, turn into an opinion, and then develop into a strategy delivers a flutter of endorphins with the accomplishment. Some folks get this from talking. I get this from writing. This week, I've been writing about a Japanese concept called 'ikigai', meaning 'a reason...
over 1 year ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, Holiday dates: Office closure: Tuesday, 24 December 2024, to Friday, 10 January 2025. You can still make bookings for Jan 2025 strategy sessions or other services via the website. Part-time hours: 13 January to 22 January. Response times may be slower than usual, but I'll get back to you as soon as possible. Open as usual: all hands on deck from Thursday, 23 January 2025. Thanks! I wanted to sneak into your inbox and say a huge thank you for all of your support in 2024. I've...
almost 2 years ago • 3 min read
Hi Reader, In case you missed it in my last email, I thought I'd highlight the awesome insights from the latest hot topic for Clever Care clients. 🔥 🔥 Hot topic of the month 🔥 🔥Gaming the Google algorithm Last month, I mentioned the massive Google document leak that has revealed the closely guarded secrets of exactly how Google's algorithm ranks your website. I can't understate just how much this has digital marketers and search experts abuzz, suffice to say, it's been huge news. I've sifted...
over 2 years ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, First, some of you may have heard about the Google algorithm leak this week. In short, an automated bot called yoshi-code-bot has leaked 2,500 documents detailing exactly how the Google algorithm ranks websites and displays them in search results. Google has been very closely guarding this information, so all of my web forums are seriously blowing up in response. I've got my hands on the details and there's a ton of data to sift through. I'll have some key findings to report next...
over 2 years ago • 5 min read
Hey Reader, I went to a gig last night (NYC band Yeah Yeah Yeahs), and I have to say it felt amazing to be out, absorbing culture and excitement and passion and art. This was a nice reminder of how much motivation and inspiration I get from art and culture. An album cover or gig poster may seem worlds apart from website design for professional services firms. But it's that kernel of an idea or sense of style, or even the hierarchy of design elements, that can bring life to a project in a very...
about 3 years ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, I was recently asked what I do to prevent burnout when I work on mostly longer website projects and ongoing retainer contracts. The answer for me is in quick, time-based services. I'm often wondering if going back to time-based services like these go against the scale-able fee-for-service model. But I anecdotally know a lot of folks moving back to time-based services for projects that deliver a quick win to both the business and the client. I've come to a point where I'm taking a...
over 3 years ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, This Friday 21 April, is World Creativity and Innovation Day. It's got me thinking about how I what creativity is to me. Turns out, I use creativity and innovation far beyond the obvious. While merging technology and design are a core part of what I do as a web designer, my use of these skills go far beyond simply designing websites. How I use creativity and innovation in my business: 1. Creativity is about critical thinking and problem solving Every Studio Clvr project starts with...
over 3 years ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, For those who have worked with me you'll know that I ask a lot of questions. Often I even ask the same question multiple times and in lots of different ways. This can seem really boring and I know it's off-putting to some potential clients—there's a big time investment to this. But there's a reason why I start with strategy at the beginning of everything I do. A few situations have converged over the past couple of months to make me reflect on why my process is the way it is....
over 3 years ago • 3 min read
Hello Reader, We've made it to the end of what has been a really hard year for a lot of businesses. Many of us started the year in lockdown and are simply relieved just to be out and about! A quick reminder of some of your awesome achievements this year: Some of our best projects this year have been website powerhouses that make marketing easier for small teams, streamline lead gen and create better client experiences for onboarding and beyond. Particular shoutout to Diplomacy Training...
almost 4 years ago • 2 min read