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Why Small Businesses Need Their Own Website Beyond Social Media

In today’s digital world, the online presence of a small business is more crucial than ever. While platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are essential for engaging with customers and promoting your business, they should not be the sole focus of your digital strategy. A dedicated website remains a vital asset for any small business, offering benefits that social media alone cannot...
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Why O’Brien Media is Proud to be a Living Wage Employer

At O'Brien Media, we believe that our employees are our greatest asset. Our commitment to social responsibility and fair treatment is reflected in our decision to become a Living Wage employer. The Living Wage is a voluntary commitment to pay our staff a wage that meets the real cost of living, and we are proud to uphold this standard. Here’s why this commitment matters to us and why it should...
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Microsoft IT Outage – O’Brien Media Services Unaffected

In the wake of the global IT outage linked to Microsoft and CrowdStrike, businesses and services across the UK have experienced significant disruptions. The issues, which began early on July 19th, 2024, and resulted in Sky News being unable to broadcast on TV and livetreams, have also impacted major airlines, banks, and public services including the NHS, causing widespread delays and operational...
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Labour’s Election Victory: What It Means for Swindon’s Small Businesses

The recent general election has resulted in a significant shift in the UK’s political landscape, with the Labour Party achieving a landslide victory. This change has particularly affected Swindon, where long-standing Conservative MPs Justin Tomlinson and Robert Buckland have been replaced by Labour’s Will Stone and Heidi Alexander. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Swindon,...
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Understanding the Trend of Rising in Hosting Prices: Our Responsible Approach for Small Businesses

In recent weeks, many website hosting companies, including well-known names like Bluehost, have been compelled to increase their prices. This shift can largely be attributed to the escalating costs of energy and hardware. As global energy prices soar and the demand for more advanced hardware intensifies, hosting providers are left with little choice but to pass some of these costs onto their...
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Stay Cool and Efficient: Office Tips for Surviving the UK Heatwave

With the UK experiencing scorching heatwaves, it's essential to adapt your office environment to stay cool, efficient, and comfortable. Here are some practical tips to ensure your workspace remains a haven of productivity, even during the hottest days. 1. Turn Off Non-Essential Electronics During peak heat, every bit of energy saved counts. Non-essential electronics such as printers, scanners,...
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Unsubscribing vs. Reporting as Spam: Understanding the Difference and its Impact on Small Businesses

Our inboxes are constantly flooded with emails. From promotional offers to newsletters, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Consequently, many email users are familiar with the options to "unsubscribe" or "report as spam." However, these actions have significantly different implications, especially for small businesses trying to grow their customer base and reputation. In this post, we'll delve into...
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Google Sites Shutdown: Why Your Business Needs a Website Now More Than Ever

Google has brought the era of Google Sites to a close, signalling a shift that leaves many businesses without an online home. As these sites turn off in March 2024, with redirects only operational until 10 June 2024, the message is clear: the need for a dedicated, robust website for your business has never been more urgent. This is where O'Brien Media steps in, offering an essential lifeline for...
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Honouring Women in Technology: Pioneering the Future Together

As we mark International Women's Day on the 8th of March, it's an opportune moment for us at O'Brien Media to reflect on the invaluable contributions of women to the technology sector. The journey of women in tech is a narrative of breaking barriers, spearheading innovation, and moulding a more inclusive future. In this blog post, we celebrate the achievements and address the ongoing challenges...
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Navigating the Digital Services Act: Essential Insights for Small Businesses in the EU and the UK

In the fast-evolving digital landscape, the European Union's Digital Services Act (DSA) stands as a landmark regulation, aiming to create a safer and more accountable online environment. For small businesses navigating the complexities of digital commerce and services, understanding the DSA's implications is crucial. This blog post offers a concise guide tailored for small businesses within the...
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