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Web Workers www.anguillaguide.com Summer 2002

Web Workers www.anguillaguide.com

If there is one statistic that defines the power of the Internet, it’s this: every day over 1 billion users hit on a web site somewhere in cyberspace. The Internet has infiltrated everyday life with users relying on the vast amount of research and information content available, and many turn to the Internet as a basic reference tool.

With that in mind, to stay on top, each web site needs a stream of new ideas and content, which is what makes viewers come back for more. It also needs the technology that guides the major search engines to register that site prominently for web surfers. What all this techno-jargon really means is, if you got it, they’ll find you.

The Anguilla Guide (www.anguillaguide.com) has it, and that is what brings viewers back for more. With a visitor rate of over 800 per day and an average of 5000 pageviews per day, the Anguilla Guide has become a tremendous resource for reliable information on Anguilla, for both potential visitors and on-island residents.

With some sophisticated configurations that allow search engines to locate the site according to word or phrase search terms, viewers can hit on The Anguilla Guide whether they enter the word “Anguilla” or the phrase “Luxury Hotels with Moroccan Architectural Style.” You can even get to the web site by entering “Chris Mason” or Jo-Anne Mason” into an search engine. That is the power of the Internet and the power of an individual web site in attracting viewers.

First launched five years ago, The Anguilla Guide is designed and maintained by Netconcepts, a company which is headed up by the husband-wife team of Jo-Anne & Chris Mason.

Jo-Anne has lived and worked on Anguilla as an artist since 1992. From her earlier career riding, training and caring for thoroughbred horses, Jo-Anne began sculpting horses and animals in 1985 and had several successful shows and commissions before leaving the U.S. to live in Anguilla. Chris arrived from Montserrat in 1995, forced off the island because of the volcanic damage and continued threat. With his electronics background, it was natural progression for him to get into the printing and video mediums, something he had started on Montserrat and continued when he relocated to Anguilla. It was during Jo-Anne’s first digital art show in 1997 at Savannah Gallery in The Valley that the two met. It was the perfect meeting of the minds, in more ways than one, and now this well-rounded team produces visually beautiful and technically functional web sites, like The Anguilla Guide, videos, prints materials and promotional aids from their Sea Rocks studio.

With Chris as technical director, the web site has a smooth functionality and ability to work over many different browsers. This is important, as it allows viewers, whether on a PC, MAC, or LINUX system, and regardless of ISP provider, to view the site and all its many components. By separating design from content, the entire site can even be used on cell phones with WAP technology, as well as other mediums.

The technical feats include a live video web cam that allows viewers to see actual real-time pictures of Anguilla (it only works in the daytime); an island map in PDF format; a panorama map of the island with 25 spherical views; rotating banner ads that link up to island businesses and site features; slide show presentations, and much more.

Jo-Anne’s extensive art background translates to the original graphic designs that give the site its unique look, from the hand drawn logos to the illustrations found throughout the site. Working in a variety of mediums and styles, Jo-Anne’s art always reflects her surroundings on the island, bringing to life the nature and beauty found on Anguilla. This comes through in every one of her designs on the site.

In order to bring to the public the extensive information available on the web site, Jo-Anne and Chris research every aspect of life on Anguilla, traveling every road and path, taking photographs, and recording what they feel would be of interest to both on-island and off-island viewers.

Information is constantly updated to give viewers an up-to-the-moment look at Anguilla, whether is be a birds-eye view through the Sea Rocks-based web cam, the on-going slide show of island images, a weather update courtesy of the Weather Channel, or a list of restaurants open or closed during the seasons, including where you can get a great meal for a bargain. The site covers everything you ever wanted to know about Anguilla, and things you never even thought of as well! Click on one of Jo-Anne’s custom designed icons and you get a microscopic view of Anguilla from every angle – plant and animal life, history, business information, dining, shopping, beaches and water sports, recipes for island dishes, nightlife, and links to other web sites Anguilla-related, and even past articles from Anguilla Life Magazine.

You can also find a place to rest your head in paradise. Incorporated into the site is myCaribbean, a referral agency that seeks to promote villa and small hotel rentals. Besides rentals, myCaribbean offers last-minute deals, specials, a “frequently-asked-questions” section, along with pictures of each property offered, full description and prices. Everything is categorized and cross-categorized according to features offered. Interested parties can request availability and book right on-line directly with the owner or rental agent of the property. If you have a question, myCaribbean will answer it. If you want to know what is coming up event-wise on island, myCaribbean will tell you. And, if you just want to know what’s on island for you myCaribbean offers a Tips and Tricks section. And of course, the trusty team at Netconcepts provides all this information so it is up-to-date and constantly refreshed.

If you can’t make it to the island right away but still want a piece of Anguilla you can buy it. Many artists on Anguilla produce limited edition prints, note cards and gift items for sale over the web site at special Internet prices. Or opt for a T-shirt hand designed by Netconcepts own, Jo-Anne Mason. You can also download a screen saver of photos taken by Chris Mason of the beautiful beaches on Anguilla or colorful plant life. And whether an armchair traveler or real-life visitor, an e-card is always a fun way to get in touch with friends, and, yes, there is that option as well. The website even offers a forum for viewers to vote on the latest poll, such as your favorite beach. Comments are encouraged and allow viewers a voice for their opinion.

Many businesses link their sites to The Anguilla Guide and are offered the opportunity through Netconcepts for a separate page within the guide, including banner ad, and domain name, and these links are free. All a business needs to do is go to The Anguilla Guide web site to submit a link for their own site, include a description and keywords, upload a picture or graphic, and in the stroke of a key they can be automatically included in the links section. The only thing asked of these businesses is that they provide a reciprocal link to The Anguilla Guide on their web site. As part of The Anguilla Guide package, tourists and on-island residents can find out about a business that much easier instead of having to go from site to site.

However, even businesses without their own web sites can take advantage as Netconcepts will build a separate page for them as well, including the same benefits: banner ad and redirect domain name. This results not only in guaranteed traffic to their site but a more economical way of getting their message out without having to go the whole route alone.

The Anguilla Guide is also developing a real estate and classified section for ads to be posted free of charge, geared to the potential homeowner from afar or the local homeowner looking to change spaces, all in the name of promoting island property sales.

The Anguilla Guide’s vast resources makes it easy for the average 10 page views per visitor (translated that means that one visitor looks at around 10 pages each time they visit the web site) to learn about Anguilla and its culture, find a place to stay, a beach to swim and sun at, a restaurant to suit your dining needs, and a place to bring home a souvenir from. It is comprehensive and expertly maintained by the Masons, Chris and Jo-Anne, giving voice to the mantra that the Internet has gone from novelty to utility. We can no longer imagine life without it and with the innovations of hard-working creative teams like Netconcepts and web sites like The Anguilla Guide thankfully we won’t have to!

A frequent contributor to a variety of international publications, Della Smith , also serves as a public relations and communications expert with a specialization in travel, the arts, and high-end luxury products. When not running her public relations company, Della Smith & Associates, from her home base in New York City, Della can found waiting for a flight to the Caribbean, a place she visits often.

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