About

A web producer based in Birmingham with a passion for elegant, simple and effective digital work.

Carefully-crafted content, user-centred design and web standards are at the heart of what I do.

Gavin Wray

I currently work as a Digital Communications Executive at the West Midlands Regional Observatory, managing the content strategy and development of www.wmro.org and Observations. I've worked as a Knowledge Manager for a national public health organisation and in editorial at the book publishers friends of ED.

Icons: gears, calendar entry, documents, laptop and thumbs upWeb production

I'm experienced in defining, designing and managing web development. This involves web strategy, gathering business requirements, project management, wireframing, writing specifications and testing with real people. It also involves liaising with a wide range of people, such as business managers, marketing, graphic designers, developers, writers and customers.

Screenshot of content strategy mindmapContent strategy

Is your website full of legacy, out-of-date pages? Does the language sound like marketing fluff? Is the content still the same as it was when you launched the website? Content strategy is about planning, delivering and maintaining your website content so it's always clear, relevant and interesting to your readers. I've been producing content for UK websites since 2004 and can help you get to grips with your content.

Bookshelf containing dictionaries and web content booksWeb editing

With a background in editorial at book publishers, I moved to digital in 2004. I can work with text, HTML, audio, video, maps, statistics, charts, content management systems (CMS) and content across social media. I can also coach others to write for the web and use a CMS.

Woman arranging post-notes as part of card sorting exerciseInformation architecture

Can people find what they want on your website? Is valuable content lost amid outdated pages? I can help you research what people really think of your website. Based on this research, we organise the structure and naming conventions so that people find what they need. You get a well-organised website and your visitors get a satisfying web experience.

Screenshot: closeup of chart in Google AnalyticsWeb analytics

This involves analysing statistics, data and trends to gain insight into how your website is used. Analytics can help you learn about key processes on your website: sales, subscriptions, finding the right contact or publication. You can then use this knowledge to make informed design and content decisions. Analytics are also great for evidencing business cases and encouraging colleagues contributing content.

Email newslettersEmail marketing

I design branded promotional email with visual impact. These are supported by online tools to manage subscribers and view reports on campaign performance, such as how many times your emails are opened and click-throughs to your website. I can provide the tools for you to write and send email campaigns yourself, or run campaigns on your behalf with the content you provide.

Recent comments

  • Michael Grimes: Nice job Gavin, really nice :-)
  • Gavin Wray: You’re welcome Chris – glad the post is useful to you.
  • Chris Johnston: Just wanted to say – thank you for this! Massive, massive help.
  • Russell Tanner: I have to admit that up until now it’s been a case of providing different layouts for different...
  • Gavin Wray: Thanks for the comment Russell. Some useful articles there. It’d be interesting to hear how...

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