Sandy & Tony Burt at the Oval June 2011

I suppose I was quite early in getting involved in the internet and websites and search engines and all that fascinating stuff that has been at the centre of my working life since the back end of 1997.

You’ll see from previous posts NetSecrets was for many years a busy web design agency turning out 6 or 7 new sites per month at its peak. But 2 years ago we made a big, brave and scary decision to change the nature of our business and “stop doing websites for other people”!

So I am left with a blog with decent visibility on Google and lots of stuff on web design and, most particularly, SEO and website promotion. Not something we sell any more – although we do lots of it for ourselves!

So the question I asked myself was, shall I save myself the effort and let the blog wither on the vine or shall I try to do something useful with it? Well I was 60 on June 8th so maybe that’s made me reflective so I’ve decided to tell the story of NetSecrets from 1997 to now and share some of the fun, misery, anger, frustration and elation that I’ve experienced. With a bit of luck some of the memories will be enlightening or at least amusing so I hope you’ll come along for the ride.

I really don’t want to pose as anything special in business or internet terms; no guru or superman. But I’ve lived through some massive changes so I hope there is something to say.

Business Directory – Directory of UK companies and businesses, arranged by category.

Don't know if it will bring many visitors but an inbound PR4 should be handy.

One thing you’ll notice on the new site is the use of a “video presenter“. This comprises a brief spoken introduction to the site or section of the site as appropriate. If done badly this kind of thing can be irritating but done well it can impart a lot of information very quickly. Let us know what you think of it please.

The main services offered by PlanetStream are:

• On Demand Streaming
• Live Event Streaming
• Internet TV & Radio
• Production Services
• Secure Streaming / Digital Rights Management

The most exciting recent development has been the addition of the H.264 Codec to our range of encoding and streaming options. Known as the “HD Codec” H.264 gives remarkable results on both live and archived video. Its clarity and quality are better than anything else around and uses a bitrate that is compatible with the majority of ADSL connections, even the cheaper end of the market.

PlanetStream offer a free trial of the hosting service so call them on 01386 792972 or email helpdesk@planetstream.net for more information or to give it a try.

All industry forecasts are definite that commercial websites without video content will be left behind in the next year or so. Video is no longer a bit of fun or a “nice to have” for your website. It’s becoming an essential!

The big boys, with their unlimited funds, are already doing it and so the smaller operator has to follow suit. Problem is if you use a low quality free service like YouTube you are shouting to the world that you are small time and cheapskate. Speak to PlanetStream to discover how you can match the quality and image of major players without busting the bank!

Their legal team are all Dudley people and so their local knowledge is pretty well unsurpassed and gives them a real edge over “out of town” rivals. Now they have launched a website for the first time with the help of NetSecrets to make it easier for local people in Dudley and the Black Country to find out about them and see what services they offer. These include:

• Advice on Relationship Breakdown
• Legal Advice on Children’s Issues
• Wills, Probate and Trusts
• Elderly Issues – Lasting Powers of Attorney
• Liquor & Gaming License Advice
• Domestic & Commercial Property Conveyancing

As someone who has dealt with a lot of law firms I have to say they are unusually down to earth and approachable when compared with others I have met. I guess this comes from their Black Country background. I am sure no one need feel intimidated in dealing with this team so if you are local to Dudley bear them in mind if you need any legal advice.

They pride themselves on the highest level of service so will not take on a job more than one hour’s drive from their base, although they will often be able to recommend other distributors further afield.

We’ve known Andy Maynard and his family for many years through our association with BNI and know them to be top people who can be relied on completely. Now they have a new website it’s even easier to read about their products and services and take up their offer of a 14 day free trial.

The site also explains the health benefits of drinking more water and the cost advantages of a water dispenser over using a kettle.

To find out more call Andy Maynard on 0845 463 6798 or fax 01905 617288 or email info@theinstantwatercompany.com.

FASTSMS offers a wide range of internet based SMS text messaging services based on a network of servers in London Docklands that plumbs directly into the UK mobile network. That's what sends and receives the messages anyway.

At the user end there is a web-based sender (think Hotmail); a desktop based sender (think Outlook) and a few other options such as Email2SMS and a Developer API. The API (Applications Programme Interface) enables software to be linked into FASTSMS seamlessly for sending and receiving text messages.

The challenge has been to make the site work for both novices to SMS, who want to learn before committing to buy, and for SMS-savvy people who just want to see the basics and place an order. We've tried to create a natural progression for visitors that lets them branch out in different directions according to their needs. So the first page gives basic info and has easy access to the ordering page but also leads to a more detailed listing of features and benefits for those that want it, then a detailed explanation of pricing and finally screen shots of our interface.

The main sections are:

• Solutions
• Packages
• About Us
• Open An Account

Solutions, for example, is then broken down to make it easy to select between the various options such as:

• Web SMS
• Outlook Integrated SMS
• Email to SMS
• Premium SMS
• and more…

And each solution is then broken down into an overview, a price list, a features list, a screenshot gallery and an ordering page.

Sure hope it work! Will keep you posted.

The products on offer include:

• Mobile Steps
• Trucks & Trolleys
• Workbenches
• Hazardous Storage Cabinets
• Platform Trucks

• … and much more

Orders can be placed online or over the phone. Payment can be made by cheque, bank transfer or credit/debit card. Most items are on rapid delivery and help and advice obtained by calling 01386 793274 or emailing info@seltekwarehouse.co.uk.

They have wall safes, underfloor safes and free standing safes for use in home or office; gun cabinets for clubs and societies as well as domestic enthusiasts. Fireproof safes and filing cabinets protect not just paper documents but also CD’s and other computer media.

To contact First4Safes call for free on 08006 121160 or email info@first4safes.co.uk.

Their new online store offers a wide range of gardening supplies as well as labels with all products well illustrated so you can see what you are getting before purchasing. They also offer items that are great as gifts for the keen gardener or nurseryman. Products include:

• Plant Labels
• Plant Supports
• Orchid Accessories
• Plant Ties

Labels’N'Things are always ready to advise on the best options and you can reach them on 01527 557990 between 9.00 and 5.30 Monday to Saturday and 11.00 to 4.00 on Sundays. You can also email info@labelsnthings.co.uk if that’s your preference.

Their High Street store is great to pop into if you want to buy on the spot, take a look at what’s available or get advice from Eve and her team. Equally their new website is a good place to start to see what they offer in general terms and to understand the different ways you can do business with them.

The new Ace Essentials website is now live and features four main product areas:

• Stationery & Office Supplies
• Corporate Workwear including Custom Embroidery
• Schoolwear, School Uniforms & Other School Items
• Promotional Items

If you need anything and you are in or around Droitwich call in to see them at 57 High Street. Failing that call them on 01905 772652 or email info@ace-essentials.co.uk.