Good with Analytics?
Written By: Ashley Smith on 16/04/2018
If analytics is your thing, we want to hear from you.
Join the Team!
Written By: Jen Laurie on 01/03/2017
Are you ready to join #TeamParachute?!
How To Get Rid Of Your Creative Block
Written By: Victoria Iannotti on 02/12/2016
Here at Parachute, we are all about getting creative and coming up with big ideas. So what do you do when the ideas just won’t come? Let us show you how to get those creative juices flowing again!
Google AdWords Launches New Message Extension
Written By: Olivia on 21/11/2016
Here at Parachute, we are a big fan of AdWords and all of its capabilities. Welcome, Google Message Extension, the latest way to interact with customers.
Top 5 Halloween Adverts
Written By: Jen Laurie on 31/10/2016
It’s fast approaching that time (and one of my personal favorites) of year. YES! Halloween is almost here. Now, before I get too carried away and break out my copy of Hocus Pocus and Nightmare before Christmas; let’s have a look at some of the most frighteningly successful Halloween marketing campaigns that have set themselves apart from the crowd.
We Heard It Through The GrapeVINE
Written By: Olivia on 28/10/2016
Ode to a Vine. We say RIP to Vine by reminiscing over our Top 8 Vine’s from the past 4 years. GBNF.
Ask Google’s Frightgeist
Written By: Ashley Smith on 27/10/2016
Halloween’s just under a week away, are you ready?
Beware The Walking Dead… And Twitter
Written By: Ashley Smith on 25/10/2016
Bashing brains and breaking Twitter… Beware the Walking Dead.
Twitter Moments: How Does It Help My Business?
Written By: Victoria Iannotti on 20/10/2016
The often ignored new feature of Twitter has had a make-over! Now anyone can create their very own Twitter Moment. So we’re here to show you how to make the most of it.
Welcome Facebook Marketplace!
Written By: Olivia on 13/10/2016
Welcome Facebook Marketplace! That’s right, you can now browse, bid, buy and sell on Facebook’s new interface.
We Have Cookies!
Written By: Victoria Iannotti on 01/09/2016
The Great British Bake Off has inspired us to think about something we all love…Cookies! Just not in the traditional sense. Find out how cookies can help your business and not expand your waistline.
Facebook Hacks For Business
Written By: Olivia on 12/08/2016
With social media becoming integral to people’s lives it has increasingly become the first point of contact that consumers have with businesses. For this reason it’s essential that businesses manage their Facebook in a way that engages and appeals to their target audience. Here are some of our essential Facebook hacks to help your business.
Snapchat Advertising
Written By: Olivia on 29/07/2016
Snapchat consistently stays in the top 10 UK app charts, it’s certainly popular among its users but how can it benefit advertisers?
Video Marketing: Is It Worth It?
Written By: Victoria Iannotti on 08/07/2016
The online world is overflowing with all kinds of marketing content and video is one that is here to stay. The stats are show that video marketing is here to stay so we tell you the basics you need to know about the world of Video Marketing.
Online Customer Service – Get On It!
Written By: Olivia on 29/06/2016
For many customers, social media can be the first point of contact with a business. As such, it’s important to treat enquiries and feedback on your social media channels with the same level of importance as you would if the customer were standing in front of you.
The Rise of the Influencer
Written By: Victoria Iannotti on 23/06/2016
With the sudden takeover by ‘Celebrity’ bloggers, we take a look at why they are big business for brands.
The Drunk User Experience
Written By: Olivia on 10/06/2016
Drunk UX is definitely a thing we can’t stop talking about in the office. Here are our reasons why we think it would be a good idea to (sensibly) have a few drinks and test your website’s interface.
A Parachute Pinterest Guide
Written By: Victoria Iannotti on 26/05/2016
Pinterest is one of the newer social networks to offer advertising, so we take a look at what to remember when creating a Pinterest ad!
Radio, Someone Still Loves You!
Written By: Victoria Iannotti on 20/05/2016
With digital advertising showing no sign of slow-down, we focus on humble radio and why you shouldn’t over look its persuasive power.
Parchute’s Top 5 Tech Products of 2016
Written By: Olivia on 18/05/2016
2016 is set to be a substantial year for tech launches, you can expect to see further developments from the big fish, while seeing an infiltration of new kids on the block. Here at Parachute HQ we’ve collated our Top 5 products to keep an eye on for 2016. Let’s get started, shall we?
Is Digital Advertising Singing Its Swan Song?
Written By: Ashley Smith on 12/05/2016
Digital advertising is an integral part of any campaign. That being said, advertisers are beginning to struggle to keep the ads alive with the highly popular trend of adblocking.
Snapchat – The Most Underutilised Social Media Marketing Tool
Written By: Olivia on 06/05/2016
We’ve all heard of Snapchat and we’re all partial to a filter or two or ten! Find out how Snapchat is being utilised by savvy business owners and celebrities as a free marketing tool.
5 Steps to Create Engaging Web Copy
Written By: Victoria Iannotti on 22/04/2016
To celebrate World Book and Copyright Day, we show you how to create beautiful website copy.
The Evolution of Nike
Written By: Ashley Smith on 15/04/2016
Guess who’s back? That’s right, it’s time to get nostalgic about our favourite logos and this week, we’re running back through the years to take a look at the evolution of one of our favourite sports brands.
Parachute’s 12 Steps to Improve Your Website
Written By: Olivia on 11/04/2016
Spring is here and it’s time to de-clutter your life and your website. We have created our 12 step guide to spring cleaning your site and having the best website around!
#TeamParachute Want You!
Written By: Ashley Smith on 31/03/2016
Could you be the newest addition to #TeamParachute?
Google Announces the AdWords Facelift
Written By: Tajana on 30/03/2016
The Google AdWords platform is undergoing a redesign process to make it easier to navigate and use.
Instagate: Panic Now!
Written By: Olivia on 17/03/2016
Instagram confirms changes in the timeline display from chronologically to an algorithm and the socialsphere loses it.
Our Top Female Influencers in The Creative Industries
Written By: Olivia on 08/03/2016
Parachute celebrates International Woman’s Day by looking at some of the most influential woman in the Creative Industries right now!
Facebook Reactions are Here!
Written By: Victoria Iannotti on 02/03/2016
It’s the moment everyone’s been waiting for! It’s not quite the dislike button that Facebook users have been requesting but in our eyes it’s even better. Now that we have had a while to test out this new update, here’s the low down.
Could 360 Degree Videos Change Your Business’ Marketing Approach?
Written By: Olivia on 24/02/2016
360 degree videos are the latest craze online. With Youtube and Facebook accommodating the format, it’s easy to assume that 360 videos are here to stay. Should we all start promoting our products through 360 videos? Read on to find out how 360 degree videos could enhance your marketing strategy.
What Zoolander 2 Can Teach Us About Marketing
Written By: Victoria Iannotti on 17/02/2016
Zoolander 2 has finally arrived! To celebrate, we take a look at what Blue Steel has taught us about marketing.
Top 10 Tweets of 2015
Written By: Victoria Iannotti on 10/02/2016
2015 was a fantastic year for social sharing. We take a look at the best of the best; the Top 10 Tweets of 2015!
How to grow your Social Influence organically
Written By: Ashley Smith on 10/02/2016
A great online presence has to include a great social media following but how do you achieve this in a natural and organic way that ensures your followers are truly engaged and interested?
Top 10 Tweets of #BTDown
Written By: Ashley Smith on 03/02/2016
Tragedy struck yesterday (February 2nd 2015) when the BT internet service went down nationwide. Naturally, we searched Twitter to find the top ten tweets that perfectly encapsulated the mood of the nation – once the internet came back that is….
15 times Tumblr Owned the Twitter Feed
Written By: Ashley Smith on 03/02/2016
Incase you don’t know, Tumblr is one awesome social media channel. But beware…it’s not for the faint hearted.
5 Times Deadpool Won At Marketing
Written By: Ashley Smith on 29/01/2016
I love Deadpool. With an often NSFW response to most situations and a sense of humour to twist even the purest of minds, he’s the hero I never knew I needed. Hyped as THE film release of this year, we count down his best marketing stunts (so far)…
Friends no longer Reunited
Written By: Victoria Iannotti on 26/01/2016
Our old friend is soon to shut its doors. It was good reuniting with you…
Our favourite online stories of 2015
Written By: Victoria Iannotti on 22/01/2016
2015 was a big year for digital so we’ve had a look a what made us laugh over the last 12 months.
Is A Change Coming at Twitter HQ?
Written By: Victoria Iannotti on 20/01/2016
Twitter are creating a buzz around themselves once more and we take a look at why.
Social Media Highlights 2015
Written By: Olivia on 19/01/2016
2015 was a pretty big year all round so we’ve compiled some of the most popular hashtags of 2015 for you to reflect on before you submerge yourself in all of 2016’s new found glory.
How Celebs Celebrated Thanksgiving 2015
Written By: Victoria Iannotti on 16/12/2015
As we prepare for our own Turkey day, we have a quick flashback to Thanksgiving when no post was left behind! Check out our top posts!
The Best Black Friday Tweets
Written By: Victoria Iannotti on 12/12/2015
Still feeling the bank account burn of Black Friday (and Cyber Monday)? Hopefully some of these tweets ease the pain!
Our Top 5 Christmas Adverts of 2015
Written By: Victoria Iannotti on 02/12/2015
Can you guess which will be number one? You might be in for a surprise…
Happy Thanksgiving!
Written By: Victoria Iannotti on 26/11/2015
To celebrate Thanksgiving, we take a look at some of the great Thanksgiving adverts there has been over the years.
Marketing and the Movies
Written By: Ashley Smith on 25/11/2015
Movies have long held our imagination captive, but only in recent times have we seen the level of marketing, cross promotion and tie-in that we see on a daily basis. But how would one come up with a marketable cross promotion for a film?
How to succeed with Pay per Click Advertising
Written By: David Bova on 18/11/2015
Pay per Click Advertising is big business, but it does have its pitfalls if you’re not targeting users properly. Here’s our guide to ensuring your PPC is delivering quality results and ROI…
Meet… John Lewis?
Written By: Ashley Smith on 11/11/2015
By now you’ll probably have seen the 2015 Christmas extravaganza that is the John Lewis ad. Great news for us, not so much for one poor chap…
Avoid a Halloween Scare with Google
Written By: Victoria Iannotti on 30/10/2015
With Halloween looming, Google has unveiled Frightgeist, a site dedicated to ensuring you don’t end up too embarrassed when you are one of four Harley Quinns at your friends house party. We’re sure you thought you would be so unique too!
Social Media Workshop: Facebook Advertising
Written By: Ashley Smith on 28/10/2015
Want to become the master of Facebook advertising? Read on for our top tips on how to succeed!
8 Pieces of Tech Back to the Future Predicted!
Written By: Ashley Smith on 21/10/2015
It’s happening. Marty McFly has officially entered the 21st Century. While we aren’t walking around looking like extras from We Will Rock You, check out the 8 pieces of tech Back To The Future predicted that we use everyday!
When is it time for a Rebrand?
Written By: Michael Haggerty on 14/10/2015
There will be times as your company grows and develops that its image needs to change but how do you know when it’s time to rebrand?
Content Audit 101: Optimise and Hone your Content for Success
Written By: David Bova on 07/10/2015
Auditing your content is not the quickest of processes but it can seriously improve the success of your site. An annual content audit can truly make all the difference and here we’re taking a closer look at how to get it right first time…
Michael: Flying Without Wings
Written By: Ashley Smith on 03/10/2015
Michael became a legend for charity recently and we want to tell you all about it!
The Recipe for an Effective Content Mix
Written By: Ashley Smith on 30/09/2015
Want to create an effective content mix? Read on for the perfect solution!
Grant: Web Developer Extraordinaire
Written By: Ashley Smith on 23/09/2015
Grant was a member of #TeamParachute for 10 weeks over the summer of 2015. We asked him how he felt about his time with us.
Michael: Creative Director/Daredevil?
Written By: Ashley Smith on 15/09/2015
We have some very exciting news in the #TeamParachute office this week. Specifically: Michael. Our favourite Creative Director is going to be challenging himself to do what no man with hair as styled as his has done before…
Converting Mobile Traffic into Sales
Written By: David Bova on 08/09/2015
Mobile traffic makes up a growing percentage of all visitors to your website, so knowing how to convert these visits into sales is essential. We’ve got some hints and tips on how to deliver just that.
Bounce Rate Blues: How to Beat High Bounce Rates
Written By: David Bova on 03/08/2015
Bounce Rate is one of the many metrics you can measure within Google Analytics which gives you a clear insight into how people are engaging with and using your website. Let’s look at how we can tackle a high Bounce Rate…
Happy Birthday to Us!
Written By: Ashley Smith on 02/06/2015
Can you believe it’s been two years? Where has the time gone? Join us as we have a quick look at some of our favourite bits…
The Art of Live Coverage: A Guide Part 2
Written By: Ashley Smith on 29/04/2015
So last week we started this guide by showing you how not to cover an event live. This week, we will conclude this guide by highlighting the most important points to remember. Notebooks at the ready!
The Art Of Live Coverage: A Guide Part 1
Written By: Ashley Smith on 22/04/2015
If you work with social media (and sometimes even if you don’t), you may be faced with the task of covering an event live. The word ‘live’ gives most people palpitations and sweaty palms – and with good reason. You are in a spotlight where one false move could send everything into an abyss.
Career. Over.
Nobody Panic! #Mobilegeddon Is Here!
Written By: Ashley Smith on 21/04/2015
The Ice Bar Cometh
Written By: Ashley Smith on 07/04/2015
Our good friends over at Snow Factor have just launched the coolest bar in Scotland and Team Parachute were there to join in the fun, festivities and minor frostbite!
#AprilFools 2015
Written By: Ashley Smith on 02/04/2015
Yesterday was a day that most of us dread. A day of intense distrust and scepticism. That’s right, April Fools Day! As we glared at each other with suspicion, we came across some fantastic April Fools pranks. Let’s have a look shall we?
March Media Madness
Written By: Ashley Smith on 31/03/2015
March has been a busy month for social media platforms – and by social media platforms we primarily mean Facebook. With so many announcements, it was hard to keep track of everything! Let’s have a look at the top tech and social media moments of March.
Facebook Money Transfer Has Landed
Written By: Ashley Smith on 30/03/2015
Ever wish you could just send your friend that money you owe them as soon as they bring it up in a messenger chat? Well, now you can (if you live in the US that is) with only a few clicks!
What We’ve Learned From… Supernatural
Written By: Ashley Smith on 18/03/2015
Supernatural celebrated its tenth birthday recently. Ten years of Sam and Dean brotherly love, Castiel’s inability to comprehend voicemail and of course, the Impala. But what can they teach us about social media?
Benjamin: Our Very Own Web Ninja
Written By: Ashley Smith on 13/03/2015
Benjamin has been our web dev intern for the last 3 months. All the way from Dijon, he has blown us all away with his passion for websites… and shorts in winter.
Leave The Page You Like
Written By: Ashley Smith on 06/03/2015
Facebook has just announced that you might be seeing a dip in your businesses page Likes. The question is why? And what impact will it have on you?
Is this the end of Google+?
Written By: Ashley Smith on 05/03/2015
Google have just announced a significant change to their Google+ social networking platform. What does its future hold?
While You Were Away
Written By: Ashley Smith on 03/03/2015
February has only just left us, but already the start of the year seems like a lifetime ago – especially with social media developments. In the two short months of 2015, we’ve had more updates than we can shake an iPhone at. Here’s a short round up of some of the latest updates to be had from our favourite social media networks… a #ICYMI* if you will. Let’s have a look at the top 5 stories.
Twitter vs. the Troll
Written By: Ashley Smith on 02/03/2015
In the last few months, Twitter has made some drastic improvements in terms of how they connect with their users and keep them safe. The latest announcement continues this trend in the fight against the online troll.
Tweet Tweet! Twitter Lays Some New Eggs
Written By: Ashley Smith on 05/02/2015
Twitter has been a busy little bird recently. In the past few months, the team over at the world’s foremost microblogging platform have been working hard to reinvigorate how users interact with Twitter and the content they can share.
Social Media Highlights 2014
Written By: Ashley Smith on 07/01/2015
2014 was a great year for social media content. We witnessed photobombs galore, record-breaking selfies, and who can forget the ice cold accomplishment that was the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge? Let’s have a look at a few of our viral highlights of 2014…
The Scottish Edge Final 2014
Written By: Ashley Smith on 10/12/2014
For those of you who don’t know, last night (9th December 2014) was the Scottish Edge Final. Well, we were there (I say ‘we’…. I mean ‘I’) to lend a hand and generally just enjoy the excitement of the day.
Step into Christmas
Written By: Ashley Smith on 24/11/2014
It’s that time of year again… The Christmas adverts have been unleashed! We’ve spent hours picking our top 10 just for you…
‘ELLO, ELLO?
Written By: Ashley Smith on 29/10/2014
For those of you who haven’t heard of it, Ello appears to be the up and coming social media platform for those in the know. At first glance it seems like every other platform available. However what makes this platform special is that it is completely ad free… and always will be
Plastc – Could This Be The End Of Wallets – Or At Least The End Of Large Wallets?
Written By: Ian Campbell on 29/10/2014
If you have several bank and loyalty cards – And lots of people do – It can be a bit of a stretch on your wallet. This innovation from Plastc could dispense with all of that.
An Essential LinkedIn Checklist for 2014
Written By: Ashley Smith on 06/10/2014
Welcome back! Are we ready for the 3rd installment in our *deep breath* ‘Essential Social Media Checklist for 2014’? So… are you CluedIn with LinkedIn?
An Essential Facebook Checklist for 2014
Written By: David Bova on 27/08/2014
>Welcome to the second post in our ‘Essential Social Media Checklist for 2014’ series. The next social media platform in our cross-hairs? Facebook.
An Essential Twitter Checklist for 2014
Written By: David Bova on 29/07/2014
Over the next series of posts we will outline how to get the most out of the top six social media platforms on the market, including a handy checklist to help you get things set up and running effectively. To start the ball rolling we’ll have a look at Twitter.
Update Alert! WordPress 3.9 Has Landed
Written By: David Bova on 18/04/2014
After the facelift of WordPress 3.8 (Parker), can we expect another dramatic update? Let our Technical Director David Bova talk you through the ins and outs of this latest WordPress update.
An Honorary Scot – Remi’s Internship
Written By: David Bova on 31/03/2014
We were incredibly lucky here at Parachute to have been joined for the past 3 months by Rémi Perrot, who came all the way from Burgundy, France to intern with us in Glasgow. Here are the thoughts and experiences of the man himself…
Internet Marketing vs. Traditional Marketing
Written By: Hollie MacLeod on 24/03/2014
Today, all businesses are faced with mountains of choice when it comes to marketing their business. Here, we are going to weigh up the pros and cons for both Internet Marketing and Traditional Marketing.
Top 10 Benefits of Having a Website
Written By: Jen Laurie on 10/03/2014
If you own or operate a business which hasn’t taken that step into the online world, here are 10 reasons that will leave you wondering why you hadn’t done it sooner!
Top 10 Most Popular Tweets To 2014
Written By: Hollie MacLeod on 03/03/2014
Following from Ellen DeGeneres’ champion tweet efforts at the 2014 Oscars ceremony, we take a look at what other tweets and tweeters have had giant Twitter success.
What We’ve Learned From Breaking Bad
Written By: Hollie MacLeod on 19/02/2014
Those of you who know us will probably be aware that we are big fans of Breaking Bad and here it is again teaching us more lessons that we should consider when online.
What We’ve Learned From…
Written By: Hollie MacLeod on 11/02/2014
Our most recent What We’ve Learned From, comes from a massive well known craze of the past year. I’m sure just about all of you are aware of the phenomenon that is Candy Crush.
Is your business “Pinterest-ing” enough?
Written By: Hollie MacLeod on 04/02/2014
Pinterest is a fast growing social media site with over 10 million unique users. For those of you not familiar, imagine it like a ‘virtual pin board’ where businesses and individuals can scrapbook their brand and what they love online.
7 reasons your small business should start blogging
Written By: David Bova on 03/02/2014
Our pal Karen Reyburn has written this blog about the benefits of blogging. She’s an online marketing expert, working with accountants across the UK and USA. She’s also a prolific blogger and worth listening to when it comes to marketing your business online.
Team Parachute’s New Year’s Resolutions
Written By: David Bova on 03/01/2014
We thought it only right to note down our New Year’s Resolutions for 2014 so that we have something to look back on at the end of the year. Find out what we’ll be trying to stick to…
Internet Trolling
Written By: Ashley Smith on 26/11/2013
Trolling is a phenomenon that has taken over the internet and shows no sign of slowing down. Here Caitlin Linskey looks at what it is and why no form of social media is safe from the trolls…
Politicians on Twitter: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Written By: Ashley Smith on 11/11/2013
Some things just go together perfectly. Politicians and Twitter? Not so sure about that one. As it stands, 460 UK MPs are active on Twitter. That’s 71% of all MPs in the Britain. In an increasingly digital world it is more important than ever for politicians to have an online presence.
Top 5 Scariest Digital Marketing Mistakes (Videos)
Written By: Ashley Smith on 30/10/2013
In honour of the spookiest night of the year, our superstar Social Media Intern Caitlin has been taking a look at the top 5 scariest brand video fails.
What We’ve Learned From… Visit Scotland
Written By: Ashley Smith on 23/10/2013
Welcome to the third entry in our blog series ‘What We’ve Learned From…’ where we’ll look at the application of digital strategies to the real world. In this post we look at… Visit Scotland!
Social Media Fails in 2013
Written By: Ashley Smith on 03/10/2013
Social media, whilst a great platform for communicating and networking, brings with it a million new ways to publicly embarrass yourself. This can be bad enough for an individual, but when a brand or notable person makes a social media faux pas, the results can be catastrophic. Here we look at ‘What Not To Do’.
What We’ve Learned From… Friends
Written By: Ashley Smith on 19/09/2013
In the latest of our ‘What We’ve Learned From…’ series we’ll be taking a look at what good old Friends has taught us about social media etiquette.
SEO Isn’t Magic
Written By: David Bova on 09/09/2013
Search Engine Optimization is hard work. It requires a great deal of research, skill and patience. It most certainly is not a magic, quick fix.
Conversion Rate Optimization
Written By: David Bova on 15/08/2013
Search Engine Optimization will only take you so far. Being found in the top ten on page one of your desired search engine for your desired search term(s), then having the searcher click through to your landing page is only part of the equation.
Alba Orbital Start Up Feature
Written By: David Bova on 31/07/2013
Every fortnight we’ll be speaking with a different Scottish Start Up, covering the trials and tribulations of starting a new business. First in the firing line is Glasgow afterlife space explorers, and fellow Entrepreneurial Spark Chiclet, Alba Orbital.
Flavourly.com Refresh
Written By: David Bova on 25/07/2013
Team Parachute were approached by Flavourly.com for a full aesthetic upgrade of their website, which needed to be ready for their national launch on the 28th of June.
Walter White’s Guide to Branding
Written By: David Bova on 24/07/2013
If Breaking Bad’s Walter White has taught us anything then clearly it is this: the importance of great branding cannot be underestimated.
Invest in Great Web Development
Written By: David Bova on 12/07/2013
Whilst it’ll always seem like an attractive prospect to go with the cheaper option, there is a great deal more to consider than short-term costs, no matter the business!
The Evolution of Logo Designs
Written By: Michael Haggerty on 05/07/2013
We kick off our blog series The Evolution of Logo Designs by looking at the Pepsi logo.
Facebook Graph Search
Written By: David Bova on 29/06/2013
Our lives as online practitioners forever changed when a young Harvard dropout by the name of Mark Zuckerberg created Facebook. The onus on Likes and Shares as social media became an incredibly powerful channel for marketing has been huge.
What We’ve Learned From…
Written By: David Bova on 22/06/2013
Welcome to the first in our blog series ‘What We’ve Learned From…’ where we’ll look at the application of digital strategies to the real world.
First up, Arrested Development.
Copywriting Academy Feature
Written By: David Bova on 15/06/2013
Our CEO Iain Gorman was recently featured on Andy Maslen’s blog as part of the “This Much I Know” series of interviews with copywriters.
9 Great SEO Articles (2013)
Written By: David Bova on 08/06/2013
SEO is an ever-evolving marketing channel. What worked one year doesn’t always work the next. It’s therefore important that we as digital marketers stay on top of every new development Google and the other search engines throw at us.
Mobile Shopping
Written By: David Bova on 01/06/2013
Here at Parachute HQ we are incredibly excited about the capabilities and possibilities in the web development industry with regards to responsive design and mobile web browsing.
