We’re all for reducing our carbon footprint so we were glad to start work with a new solar panel company in the region, to help them get their brand message out there…

We’ll say more about them soon, but for now we thought we’d share some of the gorgeous illustrations made by our Matt for the company’s literature.

The idea was to tell a simple story about how solar energy can be harnessed by ordinary householders to run their homes. We wanted to show that, as well as helping reduce CO2 emissions, solar panels can save people cash and even earn them a bit extra in return for producing clean energy.

We’re creating a whole new brand strategy for the company, and producing a brochure and web design, which we’ll shout about when they’re launched. In the meantime, enjoy the pretty pictures…

We’re all delighted to have won the highly prized Jewel Blade account. As the world leader in blade manufacturing the company is carrying forward a proud Sheffield tradition and we’re really pleased to be a part of that.

We were up against stiff competition but our experience, creative approach and the results we’ve achieved for other high-quality manufacturers from the region struck a chord.

So we’ve wasted no time in cracking on with the creative. Ace photographer Tom Jackson (wearing Michael Jackson gloves) is in the studio as we (err) speak, creating truly beautiful images of Jewel Blade’s precision products (art directed by Paul).

And surprisingly there is real beauty to be found in a well crafted blade (and, no, that’s not a comment on football allegiance).

We’re looking forward to building an on-going relationship with Jewel Blade. 2010 is set to be a busy year for them – and us – kicking off with a major international handtools exhibition in Köln. Our carefully crafted product literature and exhibition design will take pride of place!

In the absence of Rudolf, Santa or even a stray elf we roped in our Dawn to spread a little Christmas cheer. It’s in her job description.

It had been two days since she’d last been seen without her Santa’s hat so she was the obvious choice. And we think she looks lovely.

Happy Christmas everyone!

When we made a short video recently as part of a website for Sheffield-based solicitors ASD, it proved to be a great SEO tool as well as a fantastic way of engaging their audience.

We wanted to help ASD define themselves as a local, trustworthy legal firm, different from the rest of the large, faceless corporations. So we wasted no time in persuading partner Chris Chapel to star in his very own video message. And, check him out, he did a great job.

We wrote the script, directed and edited the piece, and used motion graphics to reinforce key messages, but it was Chris who was crucial to its success. He’s local and, because he’s the real deal not an actor, he speaks with genuine authority about his subject. Allowing online visitors to ‘meet’ one of the partners means a personal connection is immediately made.

So in the midst of all this technology it’s worth remembering that the persuasive powers of a human face shouldn’t be underestimated. And including even a simple video like this on a web design can have a big impact on conversion rates.

The whole ASD project has been a great success read all about it… http://www.d4online.com/portfolio/asd-solicitors

Blah, blah, blah. D4’s on a mission to give blather the big heave-ho. Now, we like a good yarn as much as the next person, but when it comes to web copy there isn’t half a lot of misguided waffle out there.

In the quest for Search Engine Optimisation (good) too many organisations seem to be spouting a huge nonsensical jumble of keywords, leaving a trail of baffled and bemused readers in their wake (bad).

It’s missing a trick to think solely in terms of clawing your way up the search engine returns list, if you are not engaging your audience at the same time. Better to use concise, interesting and compelling copy that informs not irritates, we reckon.

And because we use professional copywriters, we help our clients do just that. Get in touch if you want to have a chat about how we can help.