zero8 web design & build

I really enjoyed building Watt & Pew's website. They have some really cool pieces of furniture and items for sale which when the imagery is strong it always makes my life easier.

The general web site design was to try and mix a modern look and feel to contrast the retro vintage pieces that Watt & Pew sell.

Lots of social integration was added via Tweets and Facebook likes as well as a 'follow us on' for both.

It was also decided to operate the site as a catalogue initially as opposed to a fully featured shopping cart.

I'm really looking forward to seeing all the new stuff being added to the site as they make room for stock...

Talking Points Interiors isn't actually a fully featured shopping cart. Instead it's a catalogue and order system where potential clients can call the ladies at TPI and place their orders. This makes for a more personal experience, as opposed to purchasing online. And it gives TPI an opportunity to talk to their customers and really get to know them. That said, TPI may go online in the new year.

One of the key successes in getting the site noticed and out there is clever use of social networking. It's all about spreading the word and creating that buzz.

Creating two sites for Jeff in a different look and feel for primary and secondary schools means teachers can send their pupils to the right information about upcoming events.

The idea we had for this site was to base it on a well known music magazine giving it a more grown up and edgy feel than the juniors. We also took the opportunity to add some video content to both sites using clips of Jeff drumming in some well known places. Take a look at the junior site to see the contrast between the two.

Jeff spent 16 years drumming with the world famous band Status Quo and now travels around the UK visiting schools presenting his drum workshop. His previous site was created for head teachers and teachers of schools, but we discovered they were also using it to show the kids what Jeff was all about.

We felt this was a golden opportunity to split the site into two and have a totally separate look and feel for the juniors and the seniors. So we built two sites.

The idea with the juniors was to use bright, colourful, simple designs. Yet still deliver the message Jeff wanted to get across, and keep an easy to navigate and informative website for the teachers to use. Check out the senior site here.

On this project the first thing we discovered was the high prices their previous web developer was charging to make the smallest of changes. We felt this was unreasonable and suggested using CMS - a Content Management System.

The beauty of CMS is that our clients can log into their own website and amend web pages whenever they want. This is great for making small changes to a site that come up from time to time, particularly in service industries. But for those bigger jobs, we're always able to step in when needed.

The brief was to present a clean, professional looking site with an emphasis on linking to their professional bodies, testimonials and certificates. Also a lot of hours have been put into the SEO - Search Engine Optimisation. Try a key phrase in Google like 'plumbers brighton' to see how well they perform.

This is a little side project for me and the bro. We set up an internet radio show and needed a website to let people know about upcoming shows.

Sadly we haven't done a show for a while as we've both been way too busy. But one day soon, we'll be back on it. It's too much fun to shelve this one.

If you're into fresh, old, new beats and grooves then hit the link below, bookmark our site and keep checking back. The Sweet Brothers' next live gig in Brighton is on New Years Eve 2010, if you fancy it?