THE UK internet audience rose by 1.9 million over the last year, taking the number of UK web surfers up to 38.8 million. Websites are no longer just fancy interfaces but instead are proving to be strong interactive, marketing tools; utilising opportunities to create new business.

We have recentlycompleted three new website development campaigns aswe continue to build uponour digital presence within the industry.

Three highly diverse projects, the challenge was to integrate each client's service offering into one fluid online proposition.

Existing client, Cunninghams SolicitorsLLP(a leading Criminal Defence Practice), required a complete overhaul of theironlinepresence and commissionedCube3 to develop three new content management system (CMS) led sites to support each of their client service offerings;defendingthose accusedofdriving offences (www.drivingoffencesolicitor.co.uk), defending those accusedof fraud and businesscrime offences(www.fraudsolicitor.co.uk) and a main Cunninghams Solicitor landing site for representation of those clients whofaceseriouscriminal charges.

Both the Driving Offence Solicitor and Fraud Solicitor sites required an easy to use CMS to allow them to make quick changes to the sites in an effort to keep ongoing development costs to a minimum. Cunninghams have also embarked on a large SEO and PPC marketing campaign, and the CMS needed to accommodate these changes so adjustments to the campaigns could be made quickly and efficiently.

Cube also implemented the CMS to allow for quick addition of services that compliment Cunninghams' existing service areas.

Both of thenew sites have seen a steady increase in the number of telephone leads and email enquiries coming through the site. The 3rd and final central Cunninghams website is due to enter development in late September.

The White Marquee Company was the next digital project on the agenda. Cube³implemented an intricate development strategy to effectivelydeliverthe full range of luxury event marquees in a visually stimulating online portal with maximised functionality and user journey.

Concentrating on maximising lead generation through several dedicated tools and web forms, the White Marquee Company has seen enquiries treble and have been able to lower their Google PPC budget due to an unprecedented amount of interest from the website.

Cube³ have worked closely with Bolton Council on many integrated projects over the last ten years, developing the brand and creating work that utilises opportunities. This is the third year Cube have worked with the council on their annual Food & Drink Festival website.

Working to a tight budget, a revised micro-site was developed that would communicate the details, offers and events to expectant visitors of the Food & Drink Festival.

Modifying the headers and adding in additional pages, this visual 'recreation' of last year's site is the perfect platform for audiences to interact with.

Karl Barker had this comment:

"Website development is evolving, with sites being seen more as positioning tools rather than just 'windows' into your business. At Cube³, we work with our clients to ensure that all online digital marketing opportunities are exploited strategically and effectively with maximum success."