Google celebrates Robert Moog’s Birthday

Here at Seven Creative, we think that Google’s celebration of Robert Moog’s 78^th Birthday is their best Doodle yet!

Robert Moog was the founder of Moog Music, and an American pioneer of electronic music. He is best known for his invention of the Moog synthesizer, and his memory has been celebrated today in a brilliant Google Doodle.

Robert Moog is famed for his electronic design and synthesisers. We’ve spent quite a bit of the morning fiddling with the Google Doodle, a piano equipped with electronic mixers!

How to use Gmail as your SMTP server using Outlook

This tutorial will show you how to use your free Gmail SMTP server to send emails from your personal email accounts using Outlook (this example uses Outlook 2007 but still applies in principle to the other versions of Outlook and other local email clients)

This has been prompted by the news that many Virginmedia customers have recently been informed that they will no longer be able to use their Virginmedia SMTP address to send emails other than from their Virginmedia email address. This tutorial will show you how to use your Gmail SMTP address instead

Step 1.

Open Outlook and select ‘tools’ (from the top menu) then select ‘account settings’

Step 2.

Highlight the account you would like to modify then press ‘change’

Step 3.

From the ‘internet email settings’ page, select ‘more settings’

Step 4.

Fill in the information in the three boxes on the ‘general’ tab (the name you’d like to call this account can be anything, you can leave organisation blank and the reply-to addrsess is the address you’d like people to reply to)

Fill in the information in the three boxes on the ‘general’ tab

Step 5.

On the outgoing server tab, fill in the following

tick the box that says ‘my outgoing server requires authentication’,
tick the ‘log on using…’ option
in the ‘user name’ box, type in your full Gmail email address
in the password box, type in your Gmail password (the same one you’d use to log into your Gmail account)
un-tick the ‘require secure password authentication’ and ‘log into mail server before…’ options

On the outgoing server tab, fill in the following

Step 6.

No need to change anything on the ‘connections’ tab

Fill in the following on the ‘advanced’ tab

change ‘incoming server (POP3)’ to 995
tick the box ‘the server requires an encrypted connection (SSL)’
change ‘outgoing server’ to 587
from the drop-down options, change the ‘use the following type of encrypted connection’ to TLS
leave ‘server timeouts’ as is
un-tick the ‘leave copies of the messages on the server’ (…which will download the actual email to your computer as opposed to just a copy – this helps avoid duplication)
tick ‘OK’ to take you back to the ‘internet e-mail settings’ page

Fill in the following on the ‘advanced’ tab

Step 7.

Back on the ‘internet e-mail settings’ page, click next to save the changes

How to Add Users to your Google Analytics Account

If you want someone else to be able to view or use your Analytics account then you should carry out the steps below:

1. Log in to your analytics account at google.com/analytics

2. Go to your account dashboard or the dashboard for the domain you want to share access to

3. Click on “Admin” at the top right of the screen (see below)

4. On the next screen, click on “Users” (see below)

5. On the next screen, click on “+New User” (see below)

6. Insert an email address (or choose from one you have used previously) and assign them as either a user or administrator, then press “Create User” (see below).

TA DAH!!

The added user can now use view your analytics reports

Paul to the rescue with PAD Financial!

Trying to figure out the best deals on mortgages and insurance can be very confusing. With information fired at you from every angle, you may find that you are left with more questions than answers.

Who has the best deal? How much will it cost? Where do I apply? How long will it take? Who should I deal with? What happens if I get it wrong?!

Here’s the man with all the answers!

Paul Dorward, of PAD Financial is an experienced mortgage broker with a string of industry related qualifications including certificates in Mortgage Advice and Practice, Regulated Customer Care and Regulated Equity Release.

And this guy really knows his stuff. “I find the money to enable people to buy and refinance property. Then I advise on the right insurance to make sure they can keep it should the worst happen. I do all the research, get all the facts and advise my clients on the best deal to suit them.”

He makes it sound so simple, doesn’t he?

That’s because he’s an expert, priding himself on offering informed advice to get the best deal for his customers. “I can offer the whole spectrum of advice, and I always endeavor to give the best possible advice to anyone I speak to,” says Paul. “People have a natural tendency to pick the headline grabbing rate without sifting through the information and properly checking the small print. That’s where I can help.”

With regard to industry regulation, Paul admits that there are lots of hoops to jump through, but insists it all helps to provide a better service for his customers and security for his business. PAD Financial is an appointed representative of HomeLoan Partnership Limited (HLP), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. This provides the company with extra protection for its clients, better buying power, and in turn, better deals.

Paul’s promises
“I’ll guide you through all the costs involved and help you make the right, informed decisions.”

“I’ll tell you who has the best deal.”

“I’ll help you manage your case to fit in with your timescale.”

“I’ll keep you fully updated as you go along and help overcome any hurdles that get in our way.”

Whether you would like to discuss mortgages, protection insurance or home insurance, Paul will do the research and determine the best product for you, and explain all the reasons why. He’ll even handle the application process and all the paperwork for you to ensure it’s all set up correctly. Paul insists that with his help, it really can be an easy step by step process.

“I had a case recently where a client received their home insurance renewal reminder through the post and simply contacted me to discuss the options. I was able to assess their position and source my insurers to find the best and most appropriate cover at the best price. I then reviewed the insurance with the client, completed the application on the clients behalf, and sent them all the paperwork.”

Paul can discuss mortgage options, liaise with lenders, estate agents, solicitors, and of course clients. “I will be your one point of contact. You can phone, fax, post, Skype or Facebook me, you’ll never be on hold to call centers, or left in the dark,” insists Paul.

And Paul is such an expert that pension companies have even used Paul as an adviser when their clients ask mortgage questions.

So it seems Paul Dorward, of PAD Financial, can guarantee the answers to all the difficult questions! If you have any questions regarding mortgages, protection insurance or home insurance, contact Paul on 07968 365 722, email paul@padfinancial.co.uk or visit www.padfinancial.co.uk

We increase visitors to your website. Here’s the proof!

Here at Seven Creative we believe in doing a good job for our customers.

One of the things we don’t tend to shout about, however, is our search engine optimisation activity. When we build a site, it wouldn’t really be fair for us to not build in search engine optimisation features, as once you have at least a basic understanding of optimising websites for organic listing, it’s quite quick to do.

We really enjoy seeing website suddenly rocket in the search engine rankings after we’ve had a bit of a tinker with it. And seeing a rise in website visitors is equally satisfying, as we know then that we’re really having a positive effect on our customers businesses.

After monitoring the analytics results for some of our recent jobs, and being very happy with the results, we felt it was only right to share these success stories. So here are some of the recent site visitor increases for the websites we’ve been working on:

Seven Creative Blog – Recent increase in visitors 36.64%

Clean Sheet Computing – Visitors up by 2,200% (Two thousand, two hundred)log – Recent increase in visitors 36.64%

Dunston Lodge boarding kennels, Chesterfield – Visitors up by 264.38%

Westgate Cottage, Isle of Wight – Visitors up by 17.65%

W E G Thomas – Visitors up by 64.71%

GWB Landscaping, Aylesbury – Visitors up by 89.19%

Moscar Kennels, Sheffield – Visitors up by 35.07%

Northshot Photography – Visitors up by 75.66%

PCT Healthcare – Visitors up by 23.12%

Seven Creative (our main website) – Visitors up by 22.22%

HCDL – Visitors up by 33.90%

So there you have it! Proof that we can increase visitors to your website.

Microtill launches new Casio Android Cash Register

Microtill have recently launched the new Android EPOS cash register, a revolutionary new addition to the retail industry.

The Casio Android EPOS cash register is suitable for a variety of retail environments including including independent and multi-national retail stores, restaurants, educational establishments and offices.

Casio android tills have a number of great benefits, including:

Splash proof touch screens

Microtill android cash register touch screen

Android cash registers have a large splash proof touch screen. The industry leader, Casio’s VX-100 Android Cash Register has a 10.4 inch SVGA touch screen. This LCD colour touch screen is entirely splash proof, an perfect for any location where liquids are likely to be spilt, such as restaurants and bars. The Casio android cash register can also be tilted using an electronic adjustment, so the operator can set the ideal position.

The android till includes a pop-up monochrome LCD screen, that not only displays clear customer information, but can also be used for payment confirmation, the running receipt total and even advertising messages. The Android EPOS pop-up monochrome LCD screen has a resolution of 32 x 160 dots; therefore 20 letters x 2 lines can be displayed.

Built in receipt printer

Android till LCD pop up screen

Android tills boast a built in receipt printer as part of a one box system. The Casio VX-100 Android Cash Register has an 80mm thermal paper receipt printer, with drop-in paper loading. Power cables and connections are not needed as this feature is integrated into the android EPOS cash register terminal. Also available is an optional magnetic strip card reader or interfaced chip and pin terminal.

Android cash registers offer the choice of an optional cash drawer and a selection of interfaces including USB, LAN, and RS232C. This allows third party peripherals to be added to the android EPOS cash register.

Energy saving

Android cash registers consume up to 85% less power than PC based systems, making them energy efficient and cheaper to run. The Casio VX-100 Android Cash Register only needs 20 watts on full power and 4.1 watts in stand-by mode. With electricity costs rising, both independent store owners and national operators can save significant amounts of money by using Android cash registers.

Android operating system

The Android EPOS cash register requires no licensing fees, and all development fees are also free of charge. Also, the Casio android cash register is a faster, more stable platform, and new EPOS applications make relationship management with external databases easy to set up.

The combination of Casio EPOS hardware and the Android platform gives you endless versatility, making the Android cash register the clear choice for any business. For more information about android cash registers take a look at the Microtill website at https://www.microtill.com/

Launch of new Moscar Pet Services website

The new Moscar Kennels and Cattery website is now live!

The new owners understandably wanted to show off the kennels and make sure everyone knows what a great job they do of looking after pets.

Seven Creative’s Chris Day said, ‘I really like the colour scheme for the website, its bright and fresh, and the pictures are fun too. The gallery page is a great feature as prospective customers can see the inside of the kennels and cattery, and see how well kept it is. And the comments on the testimonials page speak for themselves!’

The website not only looks great, it’s easy to use too, and tells the customer everything they need to know about the kennels and services. Each bit of information is contained in a clear and easy to read coloured box, so it takes seconds to find the information customers need.

Moscar kennels and Cattery is a family run business and the site has been home to a boarding facility for over 70 years. Moscar Pet Services is located in gorgeous countryside, with specially designed facilities and fully trained staff. They make sure you feel completely happy leaving your pet with them by making sure all animals on site are vaccinated, providing 24 hour access to a vet, and fully insuring all pets.

No wonder the customers are happy. Mrs Jowle said, ‘The kennels are in a great location, providing an excellent environment and care.’ And now they have a great website too!

Win a cuddly raccoon USB warmer!

USB powered raccoon wrist-warmer

Win-a-raccoon competition

Here at Seven Creative, we’re offering you the chance to win a cuddly raccoon USB warmer.

All you have to do is like our Facebook page for the chance to win this cute little guy, who’ll keep you toasty warm in front of your computer until summer arrives.

We are great fans of them in the office, especially Ellie. It’s not often you’ll see her eagerly typing away without his cute little face peeping out from under an item of her clothing! As you can see from the desperate look on this one’s face, he can’t wait to be won.

We’ll allocate one winner from the first 25 people to like our Facebook page, and after 50 likes, we’ll allocate another.

Go to https://www.facebook.com/pages/Seven-Creative-design-agency/135031813196711 or use the button below for your chance to win the lovely fellow! Good Luck!

Dunston Lodge website launch

Our recent project to revamp Dunston Lodge’s website is finally complete, and we’re all very happy with the results!

Dunston Lodge boarding kennels is located in Chesterfield, and the dog boarding facilities it provides are top notch. With more than 25 years experience, Dunston Lodge has an enviable reputation for providing first class kennel accommodation and care for dogs.

The kennels are open for boarding 365 days of the year, providing accommodation for long stays or short stays, as well as for day boarding.

Dogs staying at Dunston Lodge are well-fed & well-exercised, bathed and groomed, fully insured and have the added security of a vet being on call 24 hours a day. The kennels also cater for any special dietary requirements, and have the staff and facilities to care for elderly or convalescing dogs or those needing special treatments.

Chris Day, Principle Designer at Seven Creative says: “As Dunston Lodge continues to grow and develop as a business, we felt that the old site wasn’t communicating the quality and breadth of the boarding kennels services as effectively as it could. Not only does the new site provide customers with all the information they could possibly need, it looks great too!

And most importantly, Dunston Lodge boarding kennels owner Julie Harrington is very happy with the results too. She says, “Our new site looks great! It’s fresh and bright, with more photographs of our boarding facilities, information on our grooming services and pamper days , and all our latest news. We also have a guestbook where customers can leave their own comments about why they choose to use Dunston Lodge.”

For more information on boarding kennels in Chesterfield, visit Dunston Lodge’s new website at https://www.dunstonlodge.com/

Sheffield Skip Hire Website Launch

We have recently had the pleasure of working with Mr. Sheffield Skip Hire himself, creating a great new website to cope with increased customer demand, and a creating a lovely new promotional film to help communicate their brand values & green credentials. In 2001 Carl Brittain left ‘corporate life’ as Operations Director for a National Waste Company and started up on his own. With one truck, an innovative design for skips and about 15 years experience in the industry Sheffield Skip Hire was born.

The company has grown quickly and is now proud to run 8 trucks all fitted with the latest technology and a new purpose built waste transfer station that opened in March 2006. Sheffield Skip Hire is proud of his prompt deliveries and collections, competitive prices, and good quality low loading skips. As well as this Sheffield Skip Hire can proudly say that 93% of skip waste is recycled.

Managing Director, Carl Brittain says “We aim to set new standards within the skip hire industry. We will talk to our customers to see how we may improve our services. Every member of our staff is committed to total customer care at the most competitive price possible.”

As well as the new website, we thought it would be useful for Sheffield Skip Hire’s website to include a short, but lively and informative video. Chris Day at Seven Creative said, “We thought a video would be a really good way to get Sheffield Skip Hire’s message across. This isn’t just an ordinary skip hire company, Sheffield Skip Hire takes pride in providing excellent customer service, and we wanted the video to reflect that. I love this video, and if I was trying to find a good skip hire company, the happy customers and good feedback in this video would convince me to use him.”

Visit Mrrubble.co.uk for more information, prices and online skip hire bookings, and don’t forget to take a look at the Sheffield Skip Hire Video (a lovely promotional film created by Sheffield’s 360 Virtual View).