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At Lexel, we know that creating a great user experience is of the utmost importance when it comes to mobile app development. On that note, we’ve put together some of the essential ingredients you need when coming up with the best mobile apps for your customers. Here are some questions you should be asking yourself: […]

The meteoric rise of the smartphone and other mobile devices, such as tablet computers, presents vast opportunities for companies to engage with wide audiences and gain new business. It’s an altogether different digital environment than reaching out to people through a personal computer, whose sales have been dropping in recent years as more people become […]

Apple’s CEO Tim Cook took to the stage at the 2014 WWDC to announce a range of new products to add to Apple’s already impressive mobile product line, and announced changes to its mobile operating system that would feature in iOS 8. Starting with the new iPhone 6 and its bigger sister the iPhone 6 […]

Just because many mobile apps are free to download, don’t assume that a good app can be built in one afternoon. The mobile phone age has, in many ways, proven that the cost of creating a product hasn’t really changed all that much. The infrastructure to do so has just shifted so that now most […]

There are thousands of mobile apps available, which can quickly overcrowd your phone’s screen. While apps are meant to improve our lives and efficiency, trying to find them in a plethora of colourful icons can be a frustrating business. There’s no simple method to solve this thorny issue. Plus, with mobile app development snowballing into […]

Our Director Jason Gaved questions if you really need an mobile app and outlines the cost. Accessing the internet on the go has become the norm, so having a mobile presence seems more crucial than ever for small businesses. A recent survey by app analytics provider Flurry revealed that while web surfing has declined in […]

A mobile phone can be an essential lifeline in the world of an elderly, infirm, or disabled person. Whilst there’s been a growing trend for “simple” mobile phones for older users, it’s a proven fact that mobile applications aren’t just for twenty and thirty somethings sporting the latest smartphones. There is a equally powerful movement […]

Mobile apps have become big business in recent years, with the public spending nearly three hours per day on their smart phones and shopping on mobile devices showing an 18 per cent increase in the past year. But research has found that half of the UK’s companies do not have a mobile app or a […]

It may be a little while before we can get our hands (or should that be wrists?) on the Apple Watch, but the mobile app development community can get a sneak peek at what the tech-giant has in store by downloading the latest iOS beta, which comes loaded with an early version of WatchKit. This […]

One of the hottest trends these days for businesses is to have a mobile app that customers and clients can use. It can be something completely simple and easy to use. In fact, the whole point of having an app is to simplify your users’ experiences. When you have an app that is fun and […]

Online shopping is fast becoming a part of the developed world’s lifestyle, as revealed by a recent article in Forbes that claimed that 55% of consumers prefer to make their purchases online. At the same time, sharp business owners across the world are realising the power of mobile devices, resulting in greater demand for mobile […]

The prediction that mobile apps would be less popular than the mobile web has been discredited by research that shows Facebook and games are instead increasing application usage. The premise that users will move away from using native apps on their smartphones to using HTML5 sites that offer the same functionality has not occurred, according […]

While your app needs to have some basic core functionality that relates to your business, users will see more value from it if it can offer something extra. At a basic level, that can be from social media sharing to encourage more interaction, or payments to enable then and there purchasing. But with iOS 8 […]

With the app industry dominating software downloads, mobile app development is more in demand than at any other time. We are no longer limited to just one platform either: iOS may have ruled the roost early on, but recently competitors like Android and Windows have taken the fight to Apple, giving consumers (and by extension, mobile […]

Research industry big wigs Forrester have put together a list of what they predict will be big in app development in 2015 (http://blogs.forrester.com/michael_facemire/14-11-03-mobile_development_the_2015_crystal_ball). Even though they might be experts, some of their predictions seem a little off, but let’s see what you think. The obvious one we think you’ll all agree on is that wearables […]

It’s no secret that mobile app development is big business. Millions of people are turning their backs on desktops and using mobile devices to browse, work and shop. As a result, the demand for apps is at an all-time high and business users and consumers are putting increasing amounts of pressure on designers and developers to […]

From the recent iCloud scandal to the Sony hacking incident, the security of private information on web based software has never been more of a pressing issue. With both apps and the privacy threats to them being international and without borders, it can be hard for legislative bodies to come up with solutions that effectively […]

‘Real world’ mobile applications are looking set to make huge strides in the next year. These include applications that serve specific functions such as ecommerce apps that increase convenience and aid daily interactions in a time poor environment by offering consumers an alternative payment methodology. Many retailers have mobile enabled versions of their websites available […]

Take a tip from the best and be inspired by the most successful mobile app developments that the world has yet seen. From the quirky to the simply business minded, these top three mobile apps will be sure to provide plenty of ideas for those who are currently working on mobile app development projects. Instagram […]

Android, iOS and Windows devices all work a little differently and have their own stores for application downloads. When you’re developing an app, you can’t simply create one that works on every phone. Mobile app development is a much more complex process, so how can you decide which operating system to design your app for […]

Zombie apps are products that are never used or downloaded by anyone, and there are plenty out there, unloved, hiding on an Apple or Google server, waiting to be claimed. Many of them are perfectly good apps, but simply fail to take off for a variety of reasons, explained below. Failing to offer any value […]

January is a time of year when many of us look at the excesses of Christmas and decide that it’s time to make changes, in the form of New Year’s resolutions. While many people fail to keep their resolutions, others are determined to change their lives for the better – with many actually choosing to […]

Since the dawn of the smartphone, mobile app development has become a hugely influential industry – it’s hard to remember a time before apps! We use them for everything from shopping to socialising, and good design is central to the success or failure of each. These are the three keys to getting it right… Good […]

The speed of recent mobile app development has meant that apps are now a part of almost all of our lives. They help us book everything from trains and planes to hotel rooms and gig tickets and get our shopping done at our favourite stores, wherever we are. They have proven themselves to be extremely […]

The writing is on the wall when it comes to the most successful way to market an app for a smash hit right now. A cursory look at the Apple store any time recently shows that all of the top selling apps make their money from In-App purchases. Essentially this means that the biggest moneymaking […]

We can safely say, one of the most frustrating aspects of mobile app development is not knowing whether or not the people downloading the piece of software you’ve poured your blood, sweat, tears, and bundles of cash into for the last six months are actually using it regularly. Hundreds, nay thousands, of people download apps […]

Android and Apple devices are becoming more and more powerful as technology advances, cramming increasingly speedy processors and dizzying amounts of RAM into their thin plastic frames. These forward leaps in computing power don’t necessarily mean every piece of software your mobile app development team pushes through the pipeline will perform at peak efficiency though. […]

With hundreds of thousands of apps vying for users’ attention across both the Google Play and iTunes stores, competition in the world of apps is incredibly fierce. To find success in this crowded marketplace, you have to create an app that resonates with your audience. It’s no coincidence that the most enduring apps are the […]

Queen of the mobile analytics market, App Annie has published its report on 2014’s most popular apps and trends. You can download the report for free (by providing some basic details) here (http://blog.appannie.com/app-annie-index-retrospective-2014/). It provides some useful insights for mobile app developers, product planners and designers as to what could be the next big thing […]

During mobile app development, resources are often stretched, and the time, money, and manpower you have to devote to your goals can be extremely limited. Before your mobile app development team picks up their tools and starts getting to work on a new piece of software, it’s a good idea to start figuring out exactly […]

As Valentine’s day quickly approaches, many people are prompted to reflect on their love lives. Despite claims that technological innovations are leading to a disconnect in the modern world, mobile app development can actually help people to improve their connections. Singletons can get help with finding a relationship, while those already coupled can get help […]

With the huge amount of users that frequent Apple and Android’s app stores, mobile app development can be extremely lucrative for software developers. One of the toughest decisions developers have to make, however, is whether or not to make an app free to consumers. Due to this difficulty, this decision often gets overlooked, and a […]

Mobile applications are big business these days, and almost everyone is attempting to grab a slice of the action. Whether you decide to go it alone, or work with a team of mobile app developers, you need to carefully consider your options, find the right audience, decide which platforms to appear on, weigh up the […]

In continuation of what looks to be Yahoo’s return to being a major online player, the company announced at their first ever mobile developer conference that they are launching a new mobile development suite. The suite combines Flurry Analytics, which the company purchased last year, and its own in-house Yahoo App Publishing platform, and is […]

Earlier in the week, Globo – an enterprise mobility management firm – introduced a new, super secure platform for mobile app development, with plans to target it mostly towards regulated industries, including the financial, legal and healthcare sectors. A breakthrough Security is (or should be) of the utmost importance to mobile app developers, so the […]

Mobile app developers have had plenty of time to think about how the conceptual link between smartphone and smartwatch might change app functionality. What are the essential notifications users will want to see? What is the best way to display them? How will users want to respond? With Apple finally confirming its Watch launch dates […]

Alongside ourselves, there are thousands of Magento Developers around the world. One common problem we all have is linking a small business that wants an online store with a team like ours. You’ve already found our site, so that’s a good start, but for the many businesses that could use Lexel’s services, Magento has a new […]

Magento’s 2.0 upgrade is nearing release and there’s plenty to be excited about within the developer community for users of arguably the most trusted open-source e-commerce management system. There’s plenty of conjecture and discussion regarding the new features that could revolutionise Magento development and on-site user experience, so here is the low-down on some of […]

The rising influence of mobile apps has been demonstrated by HP entering the development software market. Mobile apps are becoming crucial for all kinds of businesses and software developers such as HP are providing fresh ways to create apps. Customers enjoy being able to connect with their favourite products via mobile apps, with other benefits […]

It’s already a cliché that there’s an app for everything these days. Like most clichés, however, this one is founded on a pretty solid truth. In the age of the smartphone, mobile apps feel like a very natural way for customers to interact with the products and services they use, from chatting to mates on […]

A few weeks back, we were looking at the possibilities for mobile app developers when it comes to smartwatches. Now that the Apple Watch is out on the wrists of a million or so early adopters, and some 3,000 launch apps are being dissected by users, reviewers, and UI and app designers, what are the […]

People are constantly on their smartphones nowadays. It can be a bit annoying if you go out for a meal or a coffee with a friend and they get their phone out and start tapping away. It’s a fact of life, people are obsessed with their phones, and nine times out of ten they’ll be […]

Mobile app development is now a critical part of firms’ operations, according to a new survey that shows most companies believe it’s “essential” to doing business. Some, however, were concerned about high costs associated with developing mobile apps. The study, carried out by moBack, a mobile service company, found that 80% of those questioned were […]

Mobile app development is now a necessity for ecommerce businesses, and the statistics prove it. Surveys show that 89% of all mobile browsing is done through mobile apps, rather than mobile websites. In addition, when presented with the choice between using a mobile app or a mobile website, 33% of users chose the former. Studies […]

Augmented reality – the supposition of digital images over what your smartphone’s camera can see – has largely been a bit of a gimmick. However, as the technology improves, it is becoming more useful for retail and other apps. While the technology can add interactivity and fun – from Starbucks cups that animate digitally, to […]

According to a recent infographic posted on Design Contest, it is predicted that there will be 5 billion mobile users by 2018. Although this figure highlights that there will be a vast audience of potential customers that can be directly targeted via mobile apps, this infographic also highlighted that only 22% of downloaded apps are […]

At the company’s World Wide Developer Conference in San Francisco this week, Apple helped move the goal posts for mobile app development by announcing Swift 2, with a host of new features. Not only are there the usual performance increases, there are also new error-checking APIs and exception-based handling. The compiler can also detect pieces […]

Apart from perhaps Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) has been one of the major technology stories of the past few years, with big players such as Intel vying to become “the platform” for building it on. So far many of the IoT start-ups have primarily […]

The cost of app marketing has reached record heights, and is likely to keep climbing. The critical measurement, the Cost Per Loyal User Index (CPLUI), is higher than it has ever been, with companies spending £1.94 for every loyal user. That’s the verdict of Fiksu, a Boston-based firm that analysed app marketing trends over the […]

According to a Design Contest infographic, only 22% of all downloaded mobile apps are used more than once. Consequently, it is imperative that your company’s mobile app directly engages with its users and encourages them to frequently utilise your business products and services. To help you do so, here at Lexel we have assembled a […]

The Windows Store on both desktops and mobiles is a pretty barren place compared to the iOS and Android equivalents. However, as Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile near launch, Microsoft is making it easier for mobile app developers to port their web apps to the app store via a range of services. Currently in […]

If you’ve developed a great mobile app, the next challenge is getting people to use it. In a world awash with applications, fantastic innovations can sometimes get lost if developers struggle to market them effectively. Knowing how to brand and advertise the app can make all the difference, ensuring your mobile app development efforts don’t […]

Many companies coming to mobile app developers and looking to build an app for their business have a wide range of questions. The first is usually: ‘should the app be developed for iOS or Android?’ Fortunately, in terms of most apps, developing for both platforms is not a major issue. Only if the app requires […]

On the 29th July Microsoft launched their Windows 10 operating system which has already been downloaded by over 14 million users. As with the release of any new operating system, mobile app developers will be asking themselves; how will this affect the production of my existing and upcoming apps? To help resolve this dilemma, listed […]

The next version of Apple’s iPad and iPhone operating system is approaching launch, with a reveal of the next iPhone devices pencilled in for 9th September. There’s also the ongoing first ever public beta test of an iOS, allowing end users to try out the features, all of which means that many users will be […]

Lexel interviews CEO and Founder of Synap an educational website and mobile application that helps students improve their test results and directly impacts on their exam results. We talk to James Gupta about why he choose Lexel and the Synap mobile and website application. Why did you choose Lexel? We’ve always developed Synap, and its […]

Mobile app development is struggling to keep pace with its own success. As the world embraces apps on mobile devices, there is such a massive flow of data that companies, organisations and analysts simply cannot keep up. Even tech-savvy mobile app developers cannot harness their big data fast enough to analyse it and streamline their […]

There have been some fantastic achievements in mobile app development in recent years, with innovative, creative individuals continuing to push the boundaries. However, there is still enormous scope for progress – vast potential that can be unlocked if more skilled technology professionals embrace the agenda. The challenge is to encourage more IT specialists to get […]

Improved cloud skills could hold the key to increased mobile app development activity in the UK. A new Oracle report, based upon the findings of a 1,004-respondent study, has highlighted an apparent platform-as-a-service (PaaS) skills and knowledge gap. The firm believes a lack of cloud skills could be hampering app development by reducing the rate […]

It’s a no-brainer – creating a mobile app can only help your business. We’re constantly on our smartphones using apps, so why shouldn’t you take advantage of that and create an app that could help promote your company? What stops people in their tracks sometimes is the fact that they don’t know where to begin […]

eBay’s Magento company has expanded its partnership with New Relic to provide a class leading analytical platform for users of its ecommerce software. The New Relic Analytical Cloud is intended to give Magento users vital insights into the people who are purchasing from them. Users are also given information on how well their application is […]

The Internet of Things is arriving and spreading at a pace that will make the original internet seem sedate. Already, smart home devices like Nest, Samsung’s SmartThings and Roomba, various in-car systems and wider smart city technologies all combine hardware, sensors, use of big data and apps to create a new, highly-connected way of communicating. […]

Many companies feel perfectly happy with their app, it performs all the functions it needs to do, and works on most iOS and Android phones, so you can see no reason to update it. However, with new versions of the most popular operating systems now out in the form of iOS 9 and Android 6 […]

Amazon Web Services (AWS) provides the back end power for a huge number of websites, cloud services and business tools. With the increasing business focus on mobility, it comes as little surprise that Amazon now offers mobile app development tools, thanks to AWS Mobile Hub. This new service will naturally appeal to those companies whose […]

Mobile app development is a fast-moving and dynamic field; it can be both exciting and overwhelming in equal measure, whether you’re a new developer or an experienced professional. However, it’s important not to get so swept up in the process of development that you forget the most important part of any app – the user! […]

Different businesses have different strategies for releasing their mobile apps. Some businesses release apps exclusively for one platform, whereas others aim to bring out their software for as many platforms as possible. But what is the right course of action for your app? Whether you release your app on one platform or multiple platforms can […]

It’s no secret that with every passing day, mobile usage soars and people turn more and more frequently to their handheld devices to keep them entertained, to provide them with the opportunity to shop in comfort, book tables and cinema seats, and much more. As mobile apps become more popular, the demand for high quality […]

Three of mobile app development and design specialist Lexel’s apps have been shortlisted for prestigious UK design awards. In the crowded and busy market that is the mobile app development and technology sector, worth over £70 billion in the UK alone, attaining any kind of official recognition for your hard work and effort is excellent […]

The key to truly successful mobile app development is testing. Of course, all apps have to be tested before they are released to ensure that they work from a technical standpoint. However, there’s more to the testing process than making sure an app functions. Testing is the developer’s opportunity to see how people interact with […]

Most of our customers want iOS or Android apps developing to help their businesses provide information or services to customers. But as Windows 10 Mobile devices launch this week from Microsoft and hardware partners, there may be more questions about apps for the latest mobile Windows OS. Two pieces of bad news are that Windows […]

Digital marketing is constantly changing. In 2015, we saw major innovations and developments in SEO and social media marketing, like mobile-friendly algorithms and the rise of Instagram for brands – so what’s in store for 2016? Here are three digital marketing trends that are coming your way next year. 1. The rise of Siri and […]

Lexel win seven awards in the 2015 [App] Design Awards; A London and Brighton-based digital agency has won seven accolades at a national awards ceremony recognising excellence in the industry. Lexel, who provide design, development and hosting services for UK businesses, has triumphed after entering the UK [App] Design Awards for the first time. The […]

In recent times, digital engagement has become an essential tool for businesses. Smartphones are more popular than ever and these days you can’t go anywhere without seeing people immersed in their mobiles. As a result, mobile apps have become an important everyday function for millions of people and even small or midsize businesses can reap […]

Windows 10 Mobile devices are hitting stores in greater numbers now, with the arrival of the low-cost Lumia 550 and rumours of new devices from HP, Samsung and others. However, when it comes to getting an Android or iOS app on to Windows 10, Microsoft’s grand plan is falling apart. This news comes as former […]

Mobile apps have come on leaps and bounds in 2015. From a purely consumer-based retail experience and customer service tool they have become a mainstay in just about every sector this year. There is an app for almost everything and if there isn’t, it is on the way. Here are some trends that helped define […]

Of course some companies measure their app’s success by the amount of downloads and the visibility it enjoys in the market place. So big is good, but this can lead to apps that are too broad in scope and actually less effective. So should you aim smaller with your next mobile app? US firm Apperian […]

When you start planning your mobile app development, it can be tempting to want to release it to every type of device at once. However, you might not have the resources to develop them simultaneously. The question is – where do you start? 1. What is your app’s goal? Are you looking for a higher-income, […]

The most important part of any mobile app is the customer. As such, understanding what your customers want is absolutely essential for developing a successful application. Of course, customers view different businesses in different ways. What’s more, every consumer demographic wants something different from its mobile apps. Ergo, to understand what your customers want, you […]

Although it won’t tick every box for everybody, Magento Development is a hugely popular ecommerce platform which powers many online shopping websites in today’s era. A logical question is; why? The reason for Magento’s popularity comes back to the useful features of the platform, and here we have picked out four fabulous attributes which go […]

Here at Lexel, we have been racking our brains to find you the best and newest upcoming apps for 2016. From Educational apps to Food and Fashion apps we have found something for everyone! Technology and Mobile App Development has exploded in recent years with the majority of households owning smartphones and tablets, even down to […]

One of the most forward thinking actions you can take is to create an app which allows existing and potential customers the chance to interact with you. Whether your business is just starting out or has a million pound turnover, there’s bound to be a way that a mobile app can complement your company perfectly. […]

Video has been a trend in SEO and content marketing for a while now and in-app video is taking off, with mobile app developers looking to differentiate their product and clamour for attention in a crowded marketplace.

Interest in studying technical and scientific subjects has sky rocketed in the past few years. This is in part due to the government promoting STEM (science, technology, engineering, and medicine) subjects towards young people. Computer science, in particular, is growing at a huge rate, especially at top universities in the United Kingdom such as Oxford, […]

Anyone running a business in the 21st century knows the importance of having a good app. But there are all sorts of apps out there, built in a range of frameworks for a variety of platforms. The world of mobile app development can feel really overwhelming for those who aren’t already mobile app developers themselves. […]

With the whirlwind success enjoyed by some mobile app developers, it is no wonder that rarely a week passes without somebody coming up with another brainwave they expect to make them millions. There are, however, some common pitfalls exhibited over and over again by app developers. Here we run through four common errors made by […]

Mobile app development could be taken over by big business, according to new research by open-source specialist Red Hat. The company commissioned Vanson Bourne to look into two separate surveys, which polled heads of IT and business, to look into the state of mobile app development and where it is likely to go in the […]

Mobile app development is an exciting and challenging process. Businesses like yours need apps that are functional, unique and capable of delivering a high-quality experience across multiple different platforms. The challenge of creating an app like this and differentiating it from your competitors’ can easily take up all your attention. However, there’s another aspect of […]

When you are selling a product online, there comes a tipping point when you have to build your own store, and when that happens you get a world of opportunities to sell on mobile applications through the likes of Magento app development. Let’s say, though, you’re starting out. You still might want your own store, […]

As Magento continues to cement its position as the number one platform for e-commerce sites across the world, the company has announced some news which underlines its widespread use. The world’s Magento development community gather on the Magento Forums to discuss a range of topics daily; some directly related to the platform, others not. After […]

Smartphone users are an increasingly picky bunch, and while they might have the latest smartphone with acres of storage, millions of users face daily decisions about culling their apps, and deleting videos and photos to make room for your app. Even if not today, these regular clear outs threaten any app that doesn’t benefit them. […]

As with any popular online system or service, threats against Magento are on the rise. Hackers would love to break into a store and either plant malware to spread to users, or to steal any valuable information stored within or on related databases. We’ve already seen several major WordPress break-ins this year, and huge hacks […]

Creating a successful app can be the recipe for a successful business. But, with three million or so apps out there on the stores of Apple, Google Play, Microsoft and others, the competition is fierce. Here are some tips on how to make your app stand out from the crowd. 1) Keep it simple Avoid […]

This week, Magento announced that they enjoyed record growth in the second quarter of this year. The world leader in cloud-based commerce added more than 50 new B2B clients to its growing portfolio in the second quarter of 2016 alone, including Peak-Ryzex Inc and CentiMark Corporation. Magento’s success The CEO of Magento, Mark Lavelle, attributes […]

Traditionally, version upgrades for infrastructure software were a pain for any business. However, with Magento 2, upgrading from your old Magento 1-era store is something that we can handle to ensure a smooth transition for your service and store. The new version helps bring the flexibility, scalability, modularity and multi-device-friendly features to your store. Magento […]

When you’re looking for a way to present your brands in a spectacular fashion in your online store, you need something that’s going to grab potential customers’ attention in just a few seconds. Whether it’s services, products or promos that you’re promoting, it’s essential you have an instant pull for people who visit your website. […]

At Lexel, our customers are always asking for more data and insight from their ecommerce stores, and now Magento has obliged by acquiring RJMetrics, a Philadelphia company that provides cloud-based analytics for merchants. RJMetrics’ products already integrate with Magento, so allow some time for formal integration and Magento 2 will be offering all users improved […]

It’s common knowledge at this point that Apple singlehandedly revolutionised the way we consume content on our mobile phones. Even if you’ve never even owned an Apple smartphone, the legacy that the App Store created has been felt all over the world, on a wide variety of hardware and software systems. However, mobile application development […]

When developing mobile apps, many coders are under such pressure to get the app out of the door, they overlook key mobile security best practices. That creates a headache for businesses down the line, because a major security breach can have serious implications for your apps adoption rates, and may even render the entire project […]

The world of mobile application design is evolving every day. Companies are constantly vying for the honour of the finest app, and designers are constantly searching for new and inventive ways to wow their clients. With so many shiny options available, it’s easy to get carried away on a tide of inspiration and fail to […]

When it comes to creating a mobile application design, chances are you want something that looks beautiful, works responsively, transitions quickly, feeds into your overall branding and engages the user effectively. This is all something Lexel is able to achieve and we are very proud of the many amazing mobile apps that we have created […]

It ain’t easy building an app. Just because you’ve got a killer idea or a thriving website doesn’t mean you can simply port your UX to a bespoke app. From the early stages of wireframes and back-end structure to user authentication and data integration, it can be a laborious process. And that’s just the design. […]

Undeniably, the deciding factor between the success and failure of a mobile app tends to be the quality of its user experience (UX). With consumer attention spanning shorter than ever before and app markets growing increasingly saturated, the onus is very much on designers to recognise UX as not just a minor component of impressive […]

There’s never been more choice when it comes to giving your business a presence on mobile – and likewise, mobile has never been more popular. Broadly speaking, your options for mobile come down to two options: a web app or a native mobile app. Whether you’re looking for a full-blown software app or an informational […]

Magento 2 is an incredibly powerful development tool, but when you’re working on a local host you may find yourself looking for ways to improve its performance. There are basic things that can be done to help the loading speed of your site, but if you’re after a more sophisticated solution, follow our helpful guide… […]

It’s always difficult to predict the mobile design landscape, but some clear trends have emerged over the last few years that will become need-to-know design tips as we move into 2017. Device appropriate design, usability and the user experience, and the move towards a more centralised web will all impact on the way we design […]

If you want to impact on user retention rates and lifetime value for your mobile app, then you need to pay close attention to the onboarding process. You want to make it as easy as possible for users to get up and running with your app, by minimising any long winded registration process. But where […]

In November 2016, it was announced that Google was moving over to mobile first indexing when creating its search engine rankings. The tech giant said that they were making the move because mobile use had overtaken desktop use and, while some industries have yet to fully witness this potentially seismic change in trend, it makes […]

Ensuring that your customers have a positive on-site experience is a priority in eCommerce, and one of the most important steps in achieving this is looking at how the performance of your site could be improved. The major players in online retail have proven that slow page loading times are likely to result in abandoned […]

Google has adopted a mobile-first indexing policy now that more web users access sites on mobile devices than on desktop devices. This means that if your website is not properly optimised for a mobile experience, you will lose search engine ranking position, while also seeing a poor conversion rate. In order to comply with Google’s […]

When developing a mobile app, a major aspect to think about is building your app with longevity in mind. There are many factors that could mean that your app soon becomes outdated, such as OS updates, changing markets and growing competition. Thousands of apps now fill the market that have become irrelevant over time. So […]

2017 marks the 10th anniversary of Apple’s iPhone, the iconic mobile device that spawned a whole new mobile application environment. In view of this, it would be beneficial to look forward to potential developments in mobile application development. Mobile telephony is the fastest evolving technology of the day, with forecasts predicting the number of mobile […]

If you have an eCommerce shop, there are so many methods to attract customers that marketing can feel like a mammoth task. Blogging, email marketing, videos, Google AdWords, social media and search engine optimisation (SEO) are just some of the methods you might have used or considered. While the methods can work extremely well, an […]

If you want to drive more traffic to your website, then you really have two choices: You can either use pay-per-click (PPC) advertising such as Google Adwords, Yahoo Search Marketing or others, or you can optimise your content using Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) techniques to make sure that you get to and stay at the […]

If you don’t keep up in eCommerce, your organisation’s online retailing life could be very short indeed. That’s because the sector moves at a rapid rate – no sooner have long established retailers built a significant online presence, than the goal posts move again, as the way in which consumers are routed to the products […]

Since its launch, Magento and Magento 2 have seen off a lot of competition in the form of other ecommerce platforms, but it still remains the most trusted and reliable platform out there. With some new companies looking at another major player called Woocommerce to build their ecommerce site, we’ve put together some reasons why […]

Across the world and here in the UK, we have recently had a rude reminder about the threats to cyber security. We refer to, of course, the recent piece of ransomware (nicknamed WannaCry) that held many NHS computers and data inaccessible. It serves as a timely reminder as to how important it is to try […]

Magento have released a statement for all customers on Magento 1.x: Hi folks, I’d like to directly address some misconceptions we’re hearing about Magento. Magento stands behind our customers and will never leave a customer behind – you can rest assured that we have your back at every turn. Magento 1 has been and will […]

Search engine optimisation (SEO) should be your first port of call for online marketing. Ensuring that your website comes up high in search engine rankings can, however, seem like a daunting and sometimes impossible task. The ticket to organic high rankings across the different search engines for your site is to know what your keywords […]

There is nothing wrong with tweaking. Even some of the most successful eCommerce campaigns can benefit from being constantly reviewed and enhanced in a bid to bump up that conversion rate. In this blog, we look at three eCommerce hacks which have never been more relevant than in 2017: 1. Test your pricing How often […]

There is no doubting the usefulness of social media in terms of online marketing for your brand. There are billions of users across a range of platforms, ready and waiting to view your content and be turned from a stranger to a ‘follower’, in other words, a potential customer. That said, attempting to sell to […]

We all know how important it is to be using social media to promote your business and interact with people online but how much time and effort is required to start to see results? So many people find themselves in a situation where they feel as if they have been putting their energy into their […]

Are you posting regularly on your social media accounts but failing to get much of an interaction? Perhaps you’ve recently noticed stagnation in your follower count or even lost some followers. Chances are that you are posting the wrong kind of content. Our in-house social media experts have put together two checklists to help. The […]

One of the first things to learn about SEO is that Google is always one step ahead of you. The algorithms search engines use are updated all the time and what might be getting your site a high ranking one day can often see it do the complete opposite the next. If you have ever […]

Evergreen content might be something you’ve heard about or perhaps it is a new piece of vocabulary for you. It is currently a hot topic in the marketing world and it refers to any kind of content which stays permanently relevant, just like evergreen trees which keep their leaves all year round. In the online […]

Facebook has been ranked the most popular social network to place adverts by business owners time and time again. A recent eMarketer survey found that 95.8% of social media marketers worldwide believed that Facebook provides the best Return On Investment of all social platforms. They also reported that over two thirds of business owners want […]

If you are considering enlisting an agency to help you improve your search engine rankings or are currently working with an SEO company but want to know more about what kind of results you should be seeing then this post is for you. As leading a digital agency who provide SEO Services in London and […]

If you’re a social media user then you will undoubtedly have noticed the rise of posts from accounts with large following across different platforms which include a small ‘#spon’ or ‘#ad’ in the caption. For those of you who aren’t familiar with this or perhaps have seen it but don’t know what it means, they […]

Our new blog series, Team Talk, is here to introduce you to the people behind the screens at Lexel properly. We’re a full-service digital agency so there is a whole range of different kind of work that goes on here. We’ll be finding out more about people get up to, both in and out of […]

Sending a direct message on Instagram might not be something you have ever done, especially not to someone you don’t know in person. That might just be about to change. Last month, internationally recognised and self professed internet personality, Gary Vaynerchuk announced that ‘Instagram DM (Direct Message) is the single biggest networking or business development […]

Our new blog series is here to introduce you to the Lexel team properly. We’re a full-service digital agency so there is a whole range of different kind of work that goes on here. We’ll be finding out more about people get up to, both in and out of the office. If you’ve ever wondered […]

‘Hacks’ haven’t always been known to have the best reputation. Cutting corners and trying to lower costs isn’t necessarily the best thing to do when it comes to your business, even if it seems like the most attractive option. That said, there are a number of things that you can do to boost your in-house […]

Search engine optimisation (SEO) is a way to increase your positioning in search engines like Google. However, there are some SEO techniques that go against Google’s guidelines. These techniques may give you a quick boost in your rankings, but Google will quickly identify and penalise sites that use them. No matter what you do, avoid […]

The world of SEO can be incredibly frustrating, infuriating, rewarding and exciting all at the same time. With constant changes being made to the Google algorithm and plenty of room for improvement upon existing content, there is still an abundance of room left for businesses to benefit in a big way from SEO. However, as […]

The hardest part of running any successful eCommerce store is attracting enough potential customers to your site. It’s all well and good having the best looking site available, but if you can’t compete with others in Google search results, then building your company will be a long uphill struggle. So, to help you rank higher […]

Search engine optimisation can seem like a black art if you’re not familiar with it, but there are several things that any website owner can do to improve their SEO. Here’s our list of three key tips and tricks you could be missing out on when it comes to advancing your SEO: 1. Use alt […]

Mobile apps are no longer the preserve of massive companies. Mobile application development is now an affordable and cost-effective marketing tool for SMEs too. Here we explore how a mobile app can help you to grow your business. Provides brand exposure With your logo or company symbol emblazoned on the home screen of your customer’s […]

As an SEO agency that offers a range of SEO services, we get a lot of questions concerning blog posts and what makes an effective one. Whilst there’s no exact formula you need to follow in order to create a good post, the most successful ones all have the same thing in common: good content. […]

Each year, more and more businesses are deciding to build an online store, and the world of ecommerce is becoming a powerful way to grow your brand and reach new customers. Of course, this growing competition means you need to make your store stand out with a top ecommerce agency and find effective ways to […]

There’s no doubt about it: a mobile app is a powerful tool that could grow your customer base, and also the relationship you hold with existing customers. However, designing and building an app with a developer can be a stressful experience which requires you to go on a quick-learning process about what is good to […]

Anyone employed within the commercial sphere has almost certainly heard this chain of three letters at some point in their professional life: SEO. If you are among the many who feign a smile and a nod and pretend to know what the abbreviation represents, you’re not alone, and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. SEO […]

The modern Google ranking algorithm has become incredibly complex and is very effective at finding the right content for searcher’s needs. They use a number of ranking factors to consider whether or not your content belongs on the first page of searches. However, there is one metric you should be focusing on in order to […]

Marketers will by now be aware that on May 25 2018, the landscape is changing. The General Data Protection Regulation enters into force and with it comes greater protection for consumers. Using personal data in your marketing strategy, for example in sending update or offer emails, or targeting web pages to a particular customer, will […]

It doesn’t matter whether you sell designer shoes or financial services, the importance of good SEO cannot be ignored. If you are failing to reach the dizzy heights of page one on Google, it could be because you are committing one of the following costly mistakes… Limited technical SEO tools or knowledge So many people […]

From reward cards to fitness trackers, shopping lists to online stores, just about every company has an app for something. In a world where we’re very rarely separated from our phones for more than a few minutes, apps are valuable advertising real estate; and a feather in the cap of any business. If you’re thinking […]

In business, time, as well as investment, can make all the difference. Effective SEO can involve making small adjustments which can make a big difference in a short amount of time. But that doesn’t mean that every SEO strategy can be considered a ‘quick fix’. On the contrary – activities such as backlinking can pay […]

Google has put webmasters through a lot of changes over the last decade or so. First came the Panda and Penguin algorithms, which did massive damage to sites that had used ‘Black Hat’ SEO techniques. Then came the ‘mobile first’ index, which penalised pages that didn’t support mobile browsers, even if the search in question […]

So you’ve spent time developing, creating and outputting a brand-new mobile app for your business, brand or service – but you’re just not getting the downloads you thought you would, or maybe your rating is far lower than expected. A negative response to a mobile app is more common than you’d think. Whatever the reason, […]

It’s highly likely that you will have come across the term UX before – it’s the first phase of app development. It stands for user experience and it can play a key role in the success of your app.  Mobile App Developers ultimately want the end user to get as much benefit from using their […]

If you’re looking to boost your website up the search rankings and get your business seen by more people, SEO is the right way to go. If you already have a website for your company it might be tempting to sit back and see if people find you without putting the work in; but when […]

A key aspect of SEO is linking. Links are one of the vital factors that will allow the search engines to find and rank your website within their listings. Much time is given within SEO strategies to sourcing quality backlinks which are undoubtedly crucial. A good SEO strategy should also devote some time to creating […]

If your target audience uses a smartphone, then it’s likely you’ve dabbled in creating applications, most of our team at our team at the Mobile App Development HQ find they use there phone rather than going online with their PC or laptop. But when it comes to ensuring your audience isn’t put off by what they […]

SEO may seem a complex subject for many businesses, however, it is critical to success in the online world, so it’s well worth getting to grips with some SEO techniques. The following tips should help increase the online visibility of any business: 1. Develop a mobile site Website visits from mobile devices have finally overtaken […]

For the majority of businesses in the modern age, a digital presence is key. Even physical shops will need some kind of online presence to capture the sales waiting out there on the internet. Most shoppers now will browse or buy online at some point – to not have an effective way to react to […]

Research undertaken by Google suggests that consumers spend over 15 hours per week searching via their mobile devices. In addition to this, mobile users are more likely to research products using a search engine as opposed to going directly to a site and browsing for what they need. As mobile devices are now the primary […]

All businesses with a web presence need to invest in SEO. But mistakes are easily made, and, for small businesses in particular, there’s many places where you can find good agencies, but London is the by far the best place to find an SEO Company in London. 1. The wrong keywords Work out how you […]

It’s hardly a secret that Google places a lot of importance on mobile-friendliness when deciding where to rank content on your site. In fact, this trend has been increasing for years now with 2017 finally marking the point where more searches began on mobile devices than on desktop. Well, now Google will soon be rolling […]

With more users accessing the internet from mobile devices than traditional desktops, it’s no surprise that there has been significant shifts in the world of web development. As users access websites across a variety of devices, businesses are clamouring to respond to user expectations. Expert App Developers are having to keep up-to-date with the latest […]

Companies are increasingly recognising mobile apps as the future for reaching a mass audience. However, with so many handheld devices and App Developer’s on the market it can be difficult to have your own brand recognised. Here are some tips for dealing with saturation in app stores to help make sure your own app is seen by customers. […]

When it comes to eCommerce websites, Magento is a very popular platform organisations and for Lexel, who are Magento 2 Developers to choose to use. The choice of which platform you make in this area is very important, as noted by Forbes. Magento is great as it gives a superb shopping experience for your customers and contains […]

When it comes to enhancing your digital marketing, making your website more visible, and ensuring consumers get added value from your organisation, the current buzzword is ‘content’. Without good content, you’ll struggle to build your brand’s reputation, and will ultimately find it difficult to stand out in a crowded marketplace.designing And, while this is true, […]

The massive potential for growth and seemingly unlimited visibility is the main draw for any eCommerce venture on the web, but with this visibility being diluted by online competitors, driving traffic to your web store can become an overwhelming task. Know your demographic Knowing your demographic is vital in any Top SEO Service. Online rivals will […]

WordPress is a fabulous content management system that many businesses rely on now. This innovative solution makes powering your website and keeping it up to date a breeze. One of the main ways it does this is with the cutting-edge plug-ins that are there to use on a WordPress site. These plug-ins are applications that […]

Since it first appeared in 2003, WordPress has gone on to become the premier content management system around. Many organisations, WordPress and private individuals use it for managing their blog or website. If you are thinking of which content management system to use currently, then it is certainly worth considering. But what is so fabulous […]

Running an online business isn’t easy. While you don’t necessarily have the expenses of a brick and mortar store, you will still need to pay for things like labour, warehouse space, supplies, and shipping. On top of that, learning the ins and outs of Shopify and troubleshooting can end up consuming most of your time, […]

When it comes to choosing an eCommerce platform you’re making one of the most important decisions in the early stages of your business. You’re faced with an endless list of options, which can be confusing. But, this is a decision you need to get right. In order to do so, you have to look at […]

Google’s most recent algorithm update targeted relevance, and how this affected a website could depend on a huge range of factors. The most simple factor though, as vague as it may be, is ‘relevance’. How do you define relevance? Well, for many websites it is easy: what is your niche? What is your industry? And […]

WordPress is a leading content management system – CMS – for a whole host of reasons. It is a functional website builder, with a large customer base. This large customer base has over the years created an even larger product offering. The genius of WordPress is that it allows you to use the CMS, while […]

It used to be the case that you could manipulate the content on your website in order for it to rank highly on Google. Once you had the knowledge, you could easily create poorly written content that would deliver a lot of clicks. Google became too smart Unfortunately for those looking to make such websites, […]

A lot of customers ask us – What has changed in Google’s Algorithm in 2018? 93% of all ‘online experiences’ begin with a search engine – and there is an overwhelming chance that search engine is going to be Google. There are 3.5 billion searches every single day, and this sheer volume presents an incredible […]

The rapid growth of the eCommerce market is absolutely off the charts. Last year, it reached over $2.3 trillion worldwide. This figure is only expected to grow, with projections hitting almost $5 trillion by 2021 (according to Statista). eCommerce represents about 10% of total global sales, and with the rise of mobile shopping, it’s going […]

Nowadays, there are so many online stores for customers to choose from, which means that competition is fierce. This is why you need to do everything in your power to stand out and ensure your e-store offers an exceptional experience and an easy process. So, let’s take a look at some of the different ways […]

One of the biggest names in the eCommerce world, Amazon, is almost 25 years old. In just three years from now, they’re projected to capture almost half of the market. But, far from achieving everlasting dominance, entrepreneurs and retailers the world over should realise that the eCommerce market is still in its relative infancy. To […]

When people think about search engine optimisation – SEO – they often think about it in a quite narrow way. Traffic and rank are – and have for some time been – the key metrics by which SEOs and SEO agencies are judged. The reason for this is simple enough: traffic and rank are easy […]

The nature of technology means that systems are constantly updating and changing. A mobile app developer can often be in danger of focusing on a system that has become obsolete. The best mobile apps are ones that keep up to date with the tech that customers are using. Take for instance Pokemon Go as a […]

If you are a WordPress user, there is a good chance that you value the simplicity and functionality of the content management system (CMS). It is a platform which can make administrating a website a joy, but you must remember to perform necessary maintenance tasks. In this blog, we look at some actions which can […]

Some of the best SEO Branding Tips can include ‘two in one’ ideas which allow you to achieve several of your overall objectives. There are a few such activities which work for both SEO and branding, and in this article we take a look at some examples. 1. Video content When Google purchased YouTube it made […]

With traditional high-street stores dying out, and commerce more and more moving into the online realm, it’s essential that your business has the best payment-solution tools in order for it to prosper in a crowded marketplace. If customers can’t get what they want quickly and conveniently from your particular organisation, they’ll very quickly move on […]

If you’re a small business owner, you might be wondering whether it’s really worth investing in SEO services. Does search engine optimisation actually work, or is it all just one big waste of time and money? Is it necessary to invest in professional SEO services, or could you just do it all yourself? While it’s […]

With more than 179 billion apps being downloaded each year, it’s certainly easy to see why more and more businesses are choosing to develop their own smartphone app. But while mobile apps are a fantastic tool for reaching and serving your customers, it’s also important to understand that successful app development requires careful planning and […]

If you are involved in running a business then you will be well aware of how key mobile devices are now. With over 40 million smartphone users reported in the UK for 2017, it is clear just how popular this way of interacting with consumers has become. Most people will use their tablets or mobile […]

With all modern technology, new developments and advancements in mobile tech and app development are coming thick and fast, with no signs of abating. So, to help keep you track, here is a breakdown of just three of these key contemporary trends in app development for 2018/19. Biometric identification: Possibly the most James Bond-esque development […]

It’s no longer enough to have an app that’s on-brand and stylish – they need to be as functional and easy-to-use as they are great to look at. Here are just three ways you can make your app that much more user-friendly and enjoyable to those who download it:` 1. Be intuitive and navigation-friendly According […]

With over 200 factors that go under the google search ranking system, it seems nearly impossible to make your way to the top. To make things a little easier on you, we are going to cover the most important factors that are currently controlling your google search ranking. Here are 4 of the most important […]

Click-through rates (commonly known as CTRs) have long been seen as one of the most critical metrics in SEO, but recent data from SparkToro has shown that, as other metrics gain in relevance, CTRs continue to decline worldwide. The data shows that CTRs fare relatively well overall: CTRs from SERPs has fallen from 66.9% in […]

Google have recently made two significant announcements regarding responsive display ads (RDAs). First and foremost, RDAs will now be able to include YouTube videos; a move that has been widely welcomed by marketers, who have long seen video inclusions as the sensible next step for RDAs. In addition to the introduction of video, Google have […]

Google have announced a significant update to their popular speed test tool, Test My Site. The update primarily focuses on enhanced details regarding a website’s mobile speed, which aligns neatly with the continued mobile focus of many website designers and SEO Companies. The rebuild of the tool is reasonably significant; Google have clearly sought to […]

At the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference 2019 in San Francisco, Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel announced that a rebuilt Android app is anticipated to be rolled out by the end of the year. Snapchat’s parent company, Snap, have previously acknowledged that the Android App requires updates, but Spiegel’s announcement is the first to […]