Two companies have simultaneously announced new services to help veterinary practices put systems in place to keep in regular contact with their clients via email.

The first is the veterinary PR and copywriting consultancy MC Communications, which offers to design, copywrite and distribute emails to your clients as often as you wish to email them. Alternatively, they'll fix you up with an account at Constant Contact, and you can email clients yourself.

The second is from Guthrie Communications Ltd (aka me), publishers of vetsurgeon.org and vetnurse.co.uk. They'll design and build a bespoke website for your practice which is so easy to keep updated, the practice cat could do it. Here's one they prepared earlier: www.putlandsvets.com

Guthrie Comms websites also include a simple system for capturing your website visitors email addresses, which are passed automatically and seamlessly to the Manymail bulk emailing system. We'll also set you up with a template you can use to email clients. Alternatively, MC Communications will copywrite emails for use on this system too.

The difference between the two services? Well, the one offered by MC Communications is going to be better suited to those practices that already have a polished online presence, and are now looking to use e-mail more effectively.

Our service, on the other hand, is for those who want to start using email more effectively but don't yet have a website (or perhaps have one in dire need of a good haircut).

For more information contact Marie at MC Communications on 0191 373 7830, or me (Arlo) on 020 7183 2511.

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vets.