Strategic Partners

Many of my copywriting clients ask me if I know any good web designers, marketers, web hosts, and so on. Fortunately, the answer is “Yes!” After 7 years as a professional copywriter, I’ve dealt with a small handful of providers who are absolutely outstanding. (Sadly, I’ve dealt with a lot more who were anything but...) Following is my list of those that are most relevant to my typical readers and clients. (Glenn Murray, Owner of Divine Write Copywriting)

Web Design

• MC3 Design (Brisbane, Australia) – MC3’s director, Ian Butler, is my favorite web designer. In my humble opinion, he’s the best going ‘round. Personally, I wouldn’t use anyone else. (He designed this site.) He’s been a web designer for years, so he really knows his stuff. And best of all, he doesn’t rely on you being able to tell him precisely what you want. He’s excellent at interpreting a business-brief and turning it into a compelling, engaging visual design. Prices are very reasonable too.

Web Design & Development

• Netstarter (Sydney, Australia) - Netstarter is an award winning, web design agency with a passion for web design and online marketing. As the trusted web partner for some of the most recognised brands, industry associations and government departments, they have successfully delivered more than 2500 websites over the past decade. I’ve worked a lot with Netstarter’s director, Justin Mildwisky. He’s a good guy with a serious business head on his shoulders. In particular, he has mastered the volume business model, so he’s able to deliver high quality website packages, for amazingly low prices. And they’re SEO friendly, from what I’ve seen.

Online Marketing / SEO

• DotMarketing (Brisbane, Australia) – Clare, DotMarketing’s owner, is a seasoned online marketer, who has helped me a lot. Late 2008, my business was at a cross-roads. I needed guidance from an experienced online marketer, so I enlisted Clare's help. And I'm glad I did. There are so many options in online marketing, and Clare distilled things down to those that would most likely work for me. She brought focus to my online marketing activities, and helped me start 2009 with renewed energy. And she’s a great lady, to boot, with over 9 years professional experience in online marketing! In her words, “Dot Marketing can identify strategic development, website improvements and recommend the best mix of Internet marketing activities - from SEO, Paid Search Marketing, Email Marketing or engaging Social Media Marketing - to improve your online visibility, attract quality website visitors and achieve your Internet business goals.”
• Alkemi International (Melbourne, Australia) – Alkemi International is a Search Engine Marketing company, headed up by Nathan Stewart. They specialise in Pay-Per-Click management, Conversion Improvement and Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). I’ve worked for Nathan, and with him, and I’ve also seen him speak at Search Engine conferences. He’s a true SEM expert with a track record to prove it. And his company has the processes in place to ensure that even the biggest campaign is managed efficiently and effectively. Importantly, they don’t just go on gut feel. They employ rigorous testing procedures using Split Testing and Multivariate Testing (amongst others).
• Just Me and My Search Marketing (Cheshire, UK) – Headed up by Ben McKay, Just Me and My provides expert search marketing services to SMEs, both in the UK and internationally. Services range from a one-off full site review to ongoing link building and PR to dedicated on-site work. Ben’s a true SEO guru, and knows his way around keyword analysis like few people I’ve known. He’s helped me out with SEO advice many a time.
• TopRankings (Melbourne, Australia) – TopRankings’ co-director, Rob Adelman, is another SEO I often turn to for advice. He’s a down-to-earth guy who doesn’t pretend SEO is something it’s not. He tells it like it is, and delivers results.

Web Hosting

• AussieHQ (Canberra, Australia) – My hosting needs are pretty simple. I want up-time and I want support when I call. AussieHQ gives me both. I don’t remember a single time when my site was down, and whenever I call support (usually because I’m trying to do something dumb!), I ALWAYS get to speak with someone. What’s more, their support is based in Canberra, Australia (so they understand what I’m saying). And quite often, I get the same support person I spoke to last time! There have even been times when the support person remembered ME! AussieHQ are, hands-down, the best web host I’ve ever used.

Printing

• Whirlwind Print (Sydney & Melbourne, Australia) – I’ve used Whirlwind twice. Only for business cards, but that’s enough to get an idea of their service quality. Both times, they were very reasonably priced, their service was awesome, and they provided excellent feedback on the status of my order. I’ll be using them again next time, for sure!