My Plumber goes online

Ann wanted to be able to edit all her pages, menues, images, documents at the drop of a hat! Along came ourselves and we plugged our Content Management System into her brand new web design and voila!

Lenas Sewing Store goes online

Lena wanted to put her entire store online. We said ok! Her website now ranks very well in Google due to using detailed page naming for each of her products. She has already had lots of interest from the site! See for yourself.

Brian A Flynn gets a revamp and our CMS

Our Content Management Solution brings another web design to life! Brian and the team in Newcastlewest wanted a new look to their business. They also want to be able to edit their website with the ability to change images, especially the banners!
All the best lads with your new website!

Great National Hotels - Abbey Court

They lads over at Great National Hotels asked us would we build their range of hotel sites with our Website CMS product. We couldn't say no. With the launch today we decided to show you are sneak preview!

And the winners are

We had a terrific response to our "Win a bubble" competition!
Congratulations to the following winners:

• Ed - Eagle Lodge
• Jordi - IDezign
• Geraldine - Lyncare
  
• Ray - Plan My Life
• Mairead - Murphy Enterprises
  

Your very own memory bubble is winging its way to you all! Thank you to everyone for entering to the competition!

WIN a BUBBLE! Competition - progress

We have had a great response to our competition! Thank you to everyone so far who has entered. We have noticed the spelling (probably due to American Dictionaries) of the word Optimisation with a Z! :o)

We will be holding the draw for the lucky winners next Monday 30th Nov.

WIN a BUBBLE! Competition!

We are delighted to offer a free 2Gb USB Memory Bubble to the first 5 lucky winners of our contest. Winners will be drawn from those who email the correct answer to the following questions:

1. What does SEO stand for?

Email your answer to
memorybubble@ideabubble.ie
before the 30th Nov to win!
We will be holding the draw at the end of the month.

Six steps to a successful website

A lot our clients came to us at day one of their project and wanted to know what would be the best way to approach their new website project. We came up with the Six Steps to a succesful website we have introduced this concept to our clients with remarkable results!

Blue Bell Falls starts their online shop!

Paul and Linda from Ballynacally, Ennis wanted to to sell their
products online. Their web design was styled and designed by Ray from
Alphaset who did a great job! They wanted to be able to quickly and
simply edit all pages of their website and also to be able to add as
many products to their store as possible! We installed our new Content
Management Solution and the best news is they are so comfortable with
it they use it daily to tweak prices and photos of each of their
products! Wishing all the success lads!
Feeling hungry? Check out their delicious cheeses and chocolate at: http://www.bluebellfalls.ie

NGS gets a new website and Content Management System

Steve from NGS Products Ltd out in Shannon wanted to showcase his
products and services in a professional and modern design. He wanted
to be able to update all his products and services in a simple fashion.
So we installed our Content Management Solution and he has not looked
back! Best of luck Steve!
Check out their website: http://www.ngs-products.ie

Sash Windows London gets complete brand remake

Another website done and dusted. Daniel and Sean wanted a professional
internet presence for their Core Sash Windows business. They needed
loads of photographs and lots of windows! See their Sash Windows London website if your interested in purchasing some windows. :o)

Pandora Bell sweet smelling website gets our CMS

Pandora Bell is based in the West of Ireland, but itchy feet and a love of cheap flights led to a discovery that we had to share... artisan food producers make sweet things in a way that has never been changed by time. We put our Content Management Solution to help Nicole to edit all her pages and manage all her products!
Fancy something sweet? Check out her new website here: http://www.pandorabell.ie

Our Web Development Company Website gets a facelift!

We have launched our new revamped website! We are all delighted with the
result and thanks to all on the team for all their hard work and late
hours to get our new website looking smart and working hard for us!

ShareALift Website Takes Flight

With a little help from the ideabubble Web Design and Development Studio Limerick, ShareALift, an exciting new way of travelling the length and breath of the country without it having to cost a fortune has just launched their brand new website sharealift.ie.

We would like to wish Gabriele all the very best and urge anyone interested in saving money and meeting new people to get busy clicking.

Irish Charity Bothar get state-of-the-art Donation Management System

We have recently implemented a Donor Mangement System utilising SugarCRM for leading Irish Charity Bothar

This highly-customised web-based system allows Bothar to record and manage all new Donations and their large database of Donors. Donations on their website www.bothar.ie are instantly processed and imported to their system along with phone and postal donations.

Lead Developer at ideabubble, Eoin OSullivan was responsible for the implementation of the solution which included integration of the SugarCRM system with website and VOIP telephone system.

Dublin-based solution provider Provident Technology were integral in the tailoring of SugarCRM and the VOIP system.

Universal Kitchens New Website Design

We are delighted to announce the launch of Universal Kitchens new website design.

Mark and his team at Universal Kitchens contacted us to complete a full re design of their existing website with strong emphasis on delivering improved search engine results.

With our initial SEO package their brand new website has been fully optimised and configured with their chosen keywords and to the latest standards and specifications, Universal Kitchens can now look forward to continued success in the search engine rankings.

Robsstudio Brand New Website

We are delighted to announce the launch of Robsstudio new website. Rob Seeley approached us to do a complete redesign of all his branding material from logo right through to his brand new website. We wish Rob and his team all the very best as they continue to expand their business online.

Dancecity's New Website Design

We are delighted to announce the launch Dancecitys brand new website design.

Marette contacted us to complete a full re design of their existing website. So with a fresh new look along with custom built features dancecity.ie website is now live.

Panasonic Store Limerick gets a new look

Ireland's only Panasonic Store based in Limerick has recently refreshed its brand and image for 2009.

In keeping with the new colours and logos, ideabubble were responsible for updating the existing website www.panasonicstore.ie to reflect the new brand.

ideabubble are also responsible for the Content Management System (CMS) that allows the staff at Panasonic to manage their extensive range of digital TV, Lumix Cameras, Videocameras and other equipment and accessories online. The CMS allows quick and easy changing of prices, product details and featuring Special Offers.

Whizzkids website hits the ground flying!!!

Congratulations to Gary and his team as they soar to number one in Google rankings. With the help of our Search Engine Optimisation(SEO) package in only their second week online whizzkids.ie has achieved the number one spot for their chosen keywords. Congratulations again Gary.

Idea Generation

If you are trying to find that all important innovation to an existing product or service that will set you head and shoulders above your competitors. Or maybe even coming up with a brand new product that will rock the market place, here are some simple techniques that will help you on your journey.

Brainstorming

Brainstorming is a group activity where you listen to and build on the ideas of others. Try not to think of ownership of ideas, look at ideas as sources for new ideas even the most outrageous ideas as these may suggest something new and feasible.

Other approaches where ideas have been tried already

Attribute listing

List each attributes/feature of a product or service and one by one alter each attribute to come up with a totally new product

Forced relationships

Pick objects/items/features and relate them to each other

Problem recognition

Anticipating a future problem in the market place and creation of a product that caters for that problem.

Rapid prototyping

Transforming an idea into an actual product will point out flaws and lead to improvements.

And remember when you do come up with the next best thing since the pause button on our remote controls, remember to protect it!!

Forms of Intellectual Property Rights

1. Patents - new products or processes containing a new principle or idea
   
2. Designs - the shape or configuration of an article
   
3. Copyright - new literature, music, drawings, artistic works, computer software
   
4. Trademarks - distinctive names for products used to connect the promotion to the supplier
   
5. Knowhow - the secret or proprietary information on producing products or technical assistance, not registered
   

The Move is Complete

We have completed our move into city centre now being the new tenants of 4 Upper Mallow Street, Limerick City. So if anyone is interested in helping us unpack call in and we'll provide the refreshments from our friends Tavola Calda Cafe across the road. :)

Whizzkids Website is Live

We have just launched Whizzkids new website design.

Gary and his Wife Derval have been in operation since 2002 and have delivered courses and camps to thousands of children right across the country.
Since its inception Whizzkids have focussed on delivering training to teens and pre-teens and has always sought fun and innovative ways to pass on IT skills that can be so rewarding as a creative outlet or for a career.

We were delighted to be able to get help out, with their logo design right through to the Design, Devlopment and Hosting of thier new website.

Website Design Stages

Website Design (The Stages of your new website, to create Quality Custom Designs)

1. The first step in the process is the compilation of all your ideas and requirements likes and dislikes in a document called the Client Brief.
   
2. After reviewing the brief document we start the design process by creating your own unique company logo.
   
3. When you have chosen your logo we then move on to select the colour scheme for your new website.
   
4. The next step is creating a custom made design concept for your website. Through a process of client design feedback we finalise your website design.
   
5. Once your design is finalised, receipt of all content material including, text and images is required. As this is can be the most lengthy of all the stages we recommend that you start compiling this information from day one.
   
6. When all content is available we then build your website to the latest specifications including any extra features desired by you.
   
7. When you are happy with your website, get the champagne ready as we are now ready for the big launch...
   

We are currently looking for Office Space

Plans are afoot to float our Web Development Studio into the heart of Limerick City.

Over the last few weeks Michael and Eoin have been courting city landlords in their search for a suitable new home for ideabubble. With the move we hope to be able to spend a little more quality time with our clients, promising a free cup of tea and Jaffa cake everytime you call by.

So the balls are in motion, or should I say the bubbles are a floating.

Search Engine Ranking How to Enter the Coveted Bracket

In the Internet Marketing world, higher search engine ranking automatically translates into higher revenues. However, its easier said than done. Given the magnitude of competition among the online marketers to barge into the #10 search engine ranking slot, it takes nothing short of the guidance of a professional and experienced SEO firm to reach the top ten search engine ranking bracket.

The journey to the top-ten search engine ranking begins with the most appropriate keyword research for a given website. Keywords are the nucleus of search engine marketing science; hence, the very selection of keywords can virtually make or break an online marketing campaign. Professional SEO firms are equipped with the experience in keyword selection and they use the most advanced keyword research tools to determine the right keywords.

However, achieving top search engine ranking is much more than just selecting keywords. The judicious use of keywords on your website is what plays a vital role in attaining top search engine ranking. Usually, SEO firms adopt a wide range of search engine optimisation techniques to help their customers achieve the pinnacle of search engine ranking. These techniques essentially include if not limited to:

• On-Page Optimisation
• Off-Page Campaign
• HTML Validation
• URL Optimisation
• Web Content Optimisation

Search Engine Optimization is all about persistent innovation and keeping up with the changing search engine algorithms of major search engines. It is important to choose the right SEO firm that knows how to place your website in the top-ten search engine ranking. At Searchbubble, we are an experience SEO firm in Limerick, Ireland, having enviable performance history in search engine optimisation. We believe in helping our customers achieve the top-ten search engine ranking through ethical search engine optimisation process.

Would you like to boost your online presence on Google, Yahoo and MSN? Get in touch and we will gladly advise you on the available avenues in the online world of search engines and ranking.

The Ideas Campaign Get Involved Make a Difference

Well if you haven't yet heard about the current economic crisis well get the kettle on, I'm booking a one way ticket to where ever you have been for the last 5 months.

Its every where, radio television, the papers and not to mention every other person I meet whom suddenly has become an expert Economic Analyst. Everyone is talking about it.

So why not get involved and pitch all those ideas that are being bounced from conversation to conversation.

The Ideas Campaign is calling on you, the people of Ireland, to propose solutions that will help rebuild the economy. It is a grassroots, independent campaign for citizens, by citizens.

As my father once said "talking never got the cows to the market!"
So get clicking get involved.

Top Ten Social Networks Worldwide

What are the most popular Social Networks out there today?

1. Blogger (222 million)
2. Facebook (200 million)
3. MySpace (126 million)
4. Wordpress (114 million)
5. Windows Live Spaces (87 million)
6. Yahoo Geocities (69 million)
7. Flickr (64 million)
8. hi5 (58 million)
9. Orkut (46 million)
10. Six Apart (46 million)
    *All figures are rounded up and courtesy of comscore.com
    

Watch out for twitter, recently launched and so not incorporated in these figures but watch this space.

Increase Your Online Ranking

One of the most frequent questions we get asked here at ideabubble web development Studio is how do I gain a number one placing in search engine rankings? Well here are a few hints?

1. Submit your site to online free directories
2. Write an article related to your site and submit it to article sites
3. Sign up to forums in your field and leave comments with a link to your site
4. Create a monthly newsletter
5. Access Social networks and set up a Accounts for your business, ie. Facebook, twitter, MySpace etc

Most important of all is to remember that whatever you do, do it well.

HTML versus Plain Text emails.

Many of our clients ask the question whether or not they should use plain text versus HTML when sending an email. Well here are a few pointers to take note.

What is meant by HTML\Plain Text emails?

HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language and it is the dominant language for Web pages. It helps you to see different headings, paragraphs, lists, embedded images, interactive forms, etc. It's like a script code that may look confusing to you, but when you have it all in regular view, you can see everything you need to see. On the other hand, plain text is just text and it's completely unformatted with no fancy work.

What is the purpose of an email?

The main purpose of an email is to communicate a message in a quick and convenient fashion.

Benefits of Using HTML

1. You are able to use various graphics and images in order to gain the audience's attention.
   

Down sides of Using HTML

1. Messages with HTML embedded take up more disk space and are therefore slower to respond. 
   
2. Differing audiences have varied systems soothe use of HTML increases the chances of your message being corrupt and illegible
   
3. It is possible to be infected by virus's that attach themselves to the HTML code. These viruses are programmed to activate upon opening of the message.
   
4. There is also a privacy issue with using HTML. HTML email can be used to surreptitiously gather information about you and send it back to ANY web site. A web bug can be inside the HTML code. The web bug acts just like the FBI's bugs or wire taps. It listens to you, records your actions and reports back to headquarters.
   

So in short if you just want to communicate a message my advice is to use plain text where ever possible and avoid the use of HTML.

Note: Remember to change your settings on your email to: "view as plain text" 

Sarah O'Kennedy's Brand New Website Goes Live

ideabubble Web Development Studio launches Sarah O'Kennedy's brand new website.

Sarah O'Kennedy's new website offers its viewers, an array of gems such as clips of Sarah's new album titled "The Irish Wedding Album" alongside video footage of her enchanting duet with Anuna. Audiences are now able to order her new album or even book that very special day with just a few clicks of the mouse.

ideabubble Web Development Studios, Your web Development Partner

Floating our bubble in September 2008, as a small Web Development studio we provide for you, our customers, a full and comprehensive web development package.
Nestled in the Technology park here in Limerick, with close ties with other web development studios in the area such as Digino in Ballina/Killaloe, and further afield webtrade in Dublin, we will bring together all our expertise so to demystify the whole process of web Development.

We will create your new website using the latest innovations in design and development, while always ensuring the highest level of customer satisfaction.

Feel free to contact us to discuss your website Design and Development requirements.

Salamandar's New Coat

Another bubble has emerged from the ideabubble pond with the launch of Salamandar.net.
Salamandar the Irish language drama company contacted us in their quest for a new look. From their stationary all the way to their new website, Salamandar has shed its old scales for the new, to the envy of its suitors.

Choosing Your Web Development Partner

When shopping for your website, how do you choose which Web Development company to go with? Do I go with the big company with their expansive portfolio or do I go with the smaller studios and their customer centric approach?
Well here are a few pointers to take note before you sign on the dotted line:

1. Credentials - Make a shortlist of web design companies with potential
2. Experience - Spend some time looking at their portfolios and Testimonials
3. Contact - Are they local? Meet them and see if you like them.
4. Make sure they understand business (not just how to build a website)
5. Vision - Do they understand how to target customers?
6. Shop around - Make your final assessment of their proposal and cost
7. Contract - Ensure a detailed contract with timelines is agreed
8. Ongoing Support - Will it cost, is it available 24 hours a day?

There is also a list of Website Design and Development awards that you can have a look out for when choosing your Web Development Partner such as:

Digital Media Awards
Golden Spider Awards
Inspired Awards
Favourite Website Awards
Interactive Media Awards
Web Awards
Webby Awards

Smartfixsolutions Gets a Brand New "Brand"

Downing their work belts for the PC, identifying the necessity of Brand management in today's highly competitive marketplace, the boys at smartfix solutions contacted us to develop a Brand Strategy for their product.
Recognising the need to of having a well thought out Brand Concept of identifying their own personal Brand Personality and Image and conveying this to the marketplace in the most effective way given the tools in ideabubble's arsenal, was something that they felt was essential to gain that all important competitive advantage.

Web Design Team Expansion

I just wanted to take a little time to introduce myself the newest member of the ideabubble team. I have been handed over the exciting role of Online Marketing Developer known to all as the "Marketing Guy". So whether it is colours for your new logo or even ideas for your Online Marketing Strategy, I will be only happy to help get the creative juices flowing. I look forward to working with you in the very near future.

Maurice
"Your Marketing Guy"

Mary Immaculate Students Union goes digital

The Students Union at Limerick's teacher training college Mary Immaculate have an exciting new website.

Developed by ideabubble using the Joomla! Content Management System (CMS) the website features a wide range of features including Event Calendars, Photo Galleries, Blogs and more. The CMS was completely tailored from theme to content to meet the detailed specification provided by the students union. The website features the strong new colourful branding developed by Limerick designers Neville Design.

The new website has been a huge success since its launch in September 2008 with the students who use the website to stay informed about the Students Union activities, services and support.

For more information visit www.misu.ie.