Our key strengths are -

Global understanding: We think globally and act globally. We understand cultural and other issues that affect the needs of organisations in different parts of the world. Our working language is English, but we have associates who are fluent in a range of other languages.

Independence: We do not build websites or sell software. We are interested only in providing impartial advice.

Expertise: We have been analysing commercial and organisational websites since the mid-1990s. All our analysts are experts in both business and the web – we do not use junior staff.

Credibility: Our client list and collaboration with the Financial Times speak for themselves. Please ask if you would like to talk to a past or existing client.

Clarity: Our founders worked as business journalists and understand that clarity of expression is critical. We avoid jargon and produce reports or presentations in clear language. They can be translated if required.

Questions and answers -

Question: What sort of organisations do you assist?

Answer: Typically, large groups with complex communication needs. Most, though not all, operate internationally.

Question: How do you help them?

Answer: That depends on their needs, which we discuss with them in detail.

Question: As an organisation we think we have a pretty good website. Can you tell us if we are right?

Answer: Our basic service is to benchmark your site and include it in the FT Bowen Craggs Index database, to which you then have access. This allows you to compare yourselves with your peers and the best corporate performers in many different ways. Each benchmark is a piece of consultancy – we spend at least 14 hours matching what you are doing against what we think you could be doing in all key areas. We can complement this with an external view provided by an online survey on your site – an easy and credible way to find out about your visitors.

Question: We know our site could be better. How can we improve it?

Answer: We conduct a detailed analysis of your site, include recommendations and point to best practice – a highly cost-effective piece of consultancy that includes direct comparison with the companies in the FT Bowen Craggs Index database. For an outside view we also provide a ‘dashboard’, which presents the combined results of an online survey and your own site analytics in a simple regular report.

Question: We are not sure what to do online. Can you help?

Answer: Yes, we have a full consultancy service. We help you develop an online strategy from scratch, using a variety of well-tested techniques, including benchmarking, internal and external stakeholder interviews, best practice identification, online surveys, investigation of web analytics and the application of our own experience and expertise. We emphasise that we help you understand what to do, we do not tell you – our projects will normally include workshops to transfer our knowledge.

Question: Can you help us with specific issues?

Answer: Just ask. Recently, for example, we have provided tailored advice on social media, advised on annual reports, developed web governance structures and helped develop an online reputation management strategy. In each case we are able to exploit our unrivalled experience and knowledge of best practice. We can also draw on our network of online managers – often the best approach is to ask people who are facing the same issues.

Question: We need to measure the effectiveness of our online activities. Can we?

Answer: Several of the tools we deploy, including benchmarking, online surveys and analytics, can be brought together to provide a credible measurement strategy. We are also able to offer more sophisticated services, including credible measurement in financial terms.

Question: Will our existing digital agency not offer the same services?

Answer: In theory, perhaps, but it cannot offer our independence, experience or ability to transfer knowledge to clients. That said, we often work closely with agencies, providing advice and helping projects run smoothly. We believe that the development of more specialist services such as ours is a natural and beneficial process in an industry that is still maturing.

Question: What are your costs?

Answer: We charge at a day rate, with a price quoted and fixed in advance. The exception is for subscriber access to our database, which is at a set price. Please note that for reasons of compatibility this is available to qualifying organisations only.

Where do I find out more?

• Click on the Services link to the left to find out about our consultancy services or look at the Web Effectiveness Network

• Send an e-mail to Dan Drury

• Call Dan Drury on +44 (0)7786 707434

Interested in picking up more ideas? Check out our Website Effectiveness Conference