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"Octane is a web design, development and internet marketing consultancy started in June 1999."

My name's Wayne Smallman and I sell ideas that change the way companies do business, usually in the form of novel web applications.

I'm also a writer for business publications (both web and print), as well as a consultant, adviser and trusted ally to my clients.

Web Design, Internet Marketing and Business Advice » Octane


Octane Interactive Limited is a web design & development and internet marketing consultancy started in June 1999. I sell ideas that change the way companies do business, usually in the form of novel web applications.

The knowledge

Here you'll find a rich mix of business advice (such as why your business might need a blog), simple company website hints & tips (like 5 simple ways to improve your business website), as well as practical business guides (including how social media can benefit your business).


For more information about web design, development and internet marketing, contact Octane right nowSubscribe to Octane via RSS or emailEmailRSS
Jan 11th, 11
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11 steps to building the perfect project

While we’re always eager to strike new ground and get working as quickly as possible, planning is the be-all and end-all of the success of any project. As the saying goes — fail to plan and plan to fail.

Filed under: Best Practice, Business, Help & Advice Tags: , — @ 12:08 PM No Comments »

Jan 10th, 11
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Q: customer acquisition versus customer retention?

As any business owner will tell you, usually through allegory, analogy or cliche, running a business is a balancing act, like spinning plates. And they’re not wrong! You’re either generating leads or doing the work. And of the latter, which is the most important — customer acquisition or customer retention.

Filed under: Business Tags: , — @ 1:00 PM 1 Comment »

Dec 10th, 10
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Managing and making the most of your software

Let’s face it, our businesses probably wouldn’t function without a computer or two, yet we do things every day that leave us vulnerable should things go wrong. So let’s assume your software is broken, or you can’t do something and you need help — well here’s how to make the most of your software and solve those problems.

Filed under: Best Practice, Help & Advice, Social Networking Tags: , , — @ 12:00 PM 1 Comment »

Nov 26th, 10
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Martha Lane Fox and the rise of the web app’?

A recent review of DirectGov by “Dot Com” survivor and digital thriver Martha Lane Fox caught my attention. Why? Because she’s helping raise awareness of what I do for a living — build web applications. And when Martha helps me, she also helps you, too.

Filed under: Business, Web Applications Tags: , — @ 12:49 PM 1 Comment »

Nov 21st, 10
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What inspired me to start a web design agency

Sifting through the updates on Facebook, a question caught my attention which triggered a flash of memories right in front of my eyes: “What inspired you to start a business?” This being a Sunday, I thought I’d walk through some of those early memories once more.

Filed under: Business, Personal, Web Applications, Web Design, Web Development Tags: , , — @ 12:41 PM No Comments »

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Recent comments

  • Wayne Smallman said — Hi Nicole, and sorry about the late reply. If you’d like to discuss some options,...
  • Nicole Inggall said — I have just set up my business as a mobile beauty therapist working around Harrogate and...
  • Martin said — Excellent list. I have Evernoted it to read later too!!

Media

Octane and Wayne Smallman in the media &mdash view all publications

Ebook: How to use WordPress to manage your company website

How to use WordPress to manage your company website is my latest ebook, written specifically to help busi … more

So you want a website, right?

This might come as something of a shock, given that I'm a web designer and developer, but the first few q … more

Making your workflow more efficient

Whether your organisation consists of a team of people or just you alone, you have a workflow — the ser … more

Better business blogging

So here I am, late 2009 and we’re still talking about blogging. Many might just roll their eyes at the … more

Mindset as a barrier to the uptake of new technology

How can we push the boundaries of event management further still? By taking the events to the people, say … more

High Speed Connections

Social media is changing the way we create, publicize and report on events. In light of Facebook, it's no … more

All of a Twitter over social media

Does social media represent a genuine opportunity for small businesses — or are we in danger of falling … more

Captive Audience

Recent research has consistently concluded that building an effective relationship with your customers is … more

Customer interaction from social media 'requires SPICE'

Marketers who are new to using social media for customer interaction have been given the abbreviation SPI … more

Ford Test Drive Social Media, Avoid Head-on Legal Crash

Ford Test Drive Social Media, Avoid Head-on Legal Crash In an attempt to avert a “potential PR nightmar … more


Community

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