Hints and Tips:

We want you to get the most out of an advert on a Marsbrook site, so we've included below some suggestions for your consideration. If you already have a web-site, it's likely that you'll have thought of these, but just in case…….

Writing Copy to promote your Sea School:

• Talk enthusiastically - it's the best way to sell!!
• Don't be too wordy - customers will only remember a few key things about the information on the page
• Bullets often help to break up text and make it more interesting
• Provide as much information as you can. Rather than just write "We can provide tailor-made packages - contact us for details", maybe provide an example of a tailor made package
• Avoid abbreviations or jargon that customers might not understand
• Bear in mind that the internet is a global medium and that customers "mother tongue" may not be English
• Spend time over the copy. It may seem a huge investment now but the return will be future business!

Tips for Taking Photographs:
We can not stress enough the value of good quality photographs - they literally make or break an advertisement.

For this purpose, colour photographs have a more favourable impact than black and white Blurred photos don't do you justice and are likely to provide a negative impression. For this reason, we won't include them on your advert Keep the horizon level and preferably not running through the centre of the photo, but in the bottom third or top third of the frame Try to take pictures when the sky is blue, or even better when there are fluffy white clouds there too. Grey days are best avoided if at all possible for external shots Provide a full range of photos - down below and on deck - you've got up to 10 and we'd certainly recommend no less than 4 per advert

For boating pictures - having some of the boat in use (under sail / with wake) will have a greater impact than on the mooring / in a marina Think about the type of look you want to create. Natural light is great to provide an airy feel to interiors- great in summer. If you want to generate winter business, consider taking some "cosy looking" shots. For these, it is often a good idea to have a lamp in the picture and turned on - this gives out a golden glow, providing a warmer feel to the photo Try to avoid taking pictures around mid-day in sunshine - your pictures can look "washed-out". You can get some great results, first thing or a few hours before sunset - the light is softer and more flattering Some photos with people included are great, but have a mix - people have a tendency to distract customers from what you want them to see Use the widest camera angle you can to get more in the frame. Wide angle lenses will make the boat interior look bigger than a standard lens. Make sure that you have cleared items off surfaces, so they appear clean, tidy and create an illusion of space If you can't keep the camera strap from dangling in front of the lens, cut it off!!

• Remember you are responsible for ensuring you have the copyright or correct permission to use the photographs, text and graphics you send to us
• Monitor your email regularly - at least once per day
• Aim to respond to enquiries within 24 hours
• Be patient with prospective customers - they might be new to the internet and although the information may be included in your advert, they might not have seen it.