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Wanted: Somerset PHP/WordPress developer

Webmaster — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 15:50:50 +0000

Are you an experienced PHP and WordPress Developer living in or around Somerset? If so, we’d like to have a chat with you about a permanent job. We have some great projects lined up during 2013 and we’re looking for an extra developer to help deliver them.

Does this sound like you?

1 year’s commercial work experience with HTML, CSS and Javascript, PHP, MySQL and WordPress.

Essential skills

HTML, CSS, Javascript, PHP, MySQL
WordPress development and administration
Good numeracy and literacy

Desirable skills

Photoshop
Magento
Website search engine optimisation
Driving licence

Personal attributes

Meticulous attention to detail
Hard working
Honest
Positive attitude
Ability to work to tight deadlines
Good communication skills

And here’s what you’ll be doing

Reporting to the Senior Web Developer, the successful candidate will be responsible for the creation of fully functional content managed websites either based on the WordPress platform or custom HTML/CSS/PHP code from designed Photoshop visuals and functional specifications. In addition, the role will require working with clients to provide training and support.

Working hours are Monday to Friday, 9-5.30pm with an hour for lunch (37.5 hours per week). This position is based at our studio in Street, Somerset. There is the odd client visit elsewhere so you will probably need your own transport and a current driving licence.

How to apply

In the first instance send your CV to paul at cognique.co.uk. Please note we may take up to 5 working days to acknowledge your application.

No freelancers, ‘overseas development partners’ or agencies please. : )

Southgate Auction Rooms website and email marketing

Webmaster — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 14:47:53 +0000

From today Southgate Auction Rooms has a new website from which to promote its weekly auctions. The site, designed and developed by Cognique, is powered by a simple content management system customised to meet Southgate’s needs. In addition we created an email template for use with our hosted email marketing system to allow Southgate Auctions Rooms to keep in touch with buyers and sellers. Both the website and email templates are optimised to display well on mobile phones and tablet devices.

See more at www.southgateauctionrooms.com

The Sheep Vet

Webmaster — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 16:51:49 +0000

The ever proactive St David’s Farm Practice spotted a gap in the sheep veterinary market for a friendly, approachable service for the smallholder. Having designed the identity for both The Chicken Vet and Pro Ovine, Cognique were once again on hand to develop The Sheep Vet identity. We also designed adverts, flyers, business cards, a banner and a Powerpoint template to support sheep vet Jen Hall.

Slimwood Windows website

Webmaster — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 15:11:47 +0000

Slimwood Windows is a very simple one-page website created by Cognique for Wells based start-up window manufacturer Technical Joinery. The site is designed to support initial enquiries from trade customers.

See more at www.slimwoodwindows.co.uk

Richardson Gill identity

Webmaster — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 14:29:11 +0000

We recently developed this new identity for East Devon based independent Estate and Lettings Agents Richardson Gill. Partners Andy Richardson and Malcolm Gill immediately spotted the value of the deckchair motif and have now purchased branded versions which have pride of place in their new Seaton office.

New website and identity for Steve Gooch Associates

Webmaster — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 14:37:56 +0000

When Street based Quantity Surveyor and Contract Administrator Steve Gooch was looking for a new identity and website for his start-up business, Cognique was only to happy to help. The logo uses a buchranium, the skull of an ox, which was a popular classical Greek architectural motif. The website is powered by a content management system to allow Steve to update the site with new projects.

See more at www.stevegoochassoc.co.uk

Mendip Auction Rooms website

Webmaster — Mon, 28 May 2012 14:36:23 +0000

We are pleased to announce the launch of a website for Mendip Auction Rooms, a new venture operated by Chartered Surveyors KIllens. The website is powered by a web based content management system to make it easy to update.

See more at www.mendipauctionrooms.co.uk

Springboard IT website

Webmaster — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:07:53 +0000

Somerset software developers Springboard IT have just launched their new website which was designed and developed by Cognique. The new site is packed with information on how the firm can solve common business problems by integrating existing popular software solutions such as Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, Sage and Quickbooks, to name just a few.

See more at www.springboardit.co.uk

QR codes – what are they and how to use them

Webmaster — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:37:41 +0000

What are QR codes?

A QR code is a 2D black and white barcode which can be used to store text, a web link, contact information and other data. QR codes can be scanned using free applications available for most smart phones. Once the code is scanned, the application either displays the content or, in the case of a web link, takes you to a web page.

QR codes can be printed and reproduced on just about any material and can be sized as required, with the minimum width being around half an inch, depending on the complexity of the code which is determined by the amount of data encoded within it.

How can I use QR codes in my marketing?

QR codes are most commonly used to link printed or display material with related content online, giving mobile users quick access to more information. Examples include:

Placing QR codes on business cards to view the company website or employee’s profile
Promoting a competition or event and capturing prospect data
A link to social media destinations such as Facebook pages, Linked-In profiles or Twitter accounts
A link to detailed information such as nutrition, traceability and provenance on food and drinks packaging
Giving users easy access to downloads such as PDFs, music or video
Connecting For Sale boards with property details on the Estate Agent’s website

How do I generate my own QR codes?

Snap.vu is a free online QR code generator which has a number of useful additional features:

QR code tracking and email alerting so you know when your code is being used
Shortens web addresses so the QR codes it generates are simple and work even with phones which have low resolution cameras
Offers the option of displaying your contact details online and made available for download in vcard format

Snap.vu was developed by Cognique as a service to clients and is now used globally by thousands of businesses including McCann, AT&T, Hitachi, Fujitsu, Sony Ericsson, Vodafone, Hilton, Printing.com and MinuteMan, among others.

More information

A more in-depth article on QR codes for marketing can be found on this Search Engine Watch article.

Four brand checks you can do in under three minutes

Webmaster — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 14:37:08 +0000

Starting a new business or thinking of rebranding?
Here’s four checks you can do in under three minutes:

Are the relevant domain names available? Googling will not give you the definitive answer. Instead you must check the ‘whois’ information for each name. So for UK domains such as those ending in .co.uk, use the Whois at Nominet’s website. For top level domain names such ending in .com or .net, use Internic’s Whois site. Other websites that sell domain names may also sell the list of recent name searches by visitors, so be careful where you check name availability.
Do a Google search for the business or company name. How clean are the results? Are there other companies or products already using it, and could your use infringe on their trademark? If the results are messy, with companies or products using the same name, steer clear. If it’s confusing for you it will also be confusing for your customers.
Check the Companies House website. You can use the free WebCheck search to check for any companies which use the same or similar name.
Check the Intellectual Property Office website. You can use the free trademark search to check for any similar names or brands.