On Top of the Web
In the fast moving world of digital marketing, it’s sometimes hard to take a step back and catch your breath. I had the rare opportunity to do that recently when I took part in an interview for our regional newspaper, Lancashire Evening Post.
In preparation for the interview, I was asked to research some key trends and statistics on the internet and it was amazing. The Federation of Small Business revealed 21 percent of UK businesses still don’t have a web presence. Surely not?!
Yet UK online advertising spend increased 10 percent to nearly £2 billion in first half of 2010 lifting the medium to a record market share of 24.3 percent. However, one trend that Soap has picked up on is the popularity of the DIY approach to online advertising, especially through Google. I think this has had a contributory factor to the online advertising stat. The emergence of technology has meant that digital marketing is still quite a low-level entry industry. You don’t need a specific qualification or licence which makes the industry awash with dubious experts.
Our Reputation Means Everything
At Soap, reputation and accreditation means everything to us. Our clients need to know they are dealing with genuine specialists. As part of this commitment, I recently joined the advisory panel to North West Vision and Media – an organisation committed to driving the North West as a world class creative and digital economy.
We also joined the Recommended Agency Register – an organisation which helps brand owners find the right marketing suppliers. Your ranking is based on client recommendation.
Both these initiatives are supported by the fact that we have been a Google Certified Company for five years and we are a Chamber of Commerce member, helping its membership drive best practice in online marketing. This all helps give our clients the confidence they are in safe hands.
It’s Been a Busy Time at Soap Lately
We also welcomed the arrival of Edward Scott from the University of Central Lancashire as online marketing executive. You’ll also find within our e-newsletter the opportunity to receive a free online marketing review.
Other news at Soap includes our recent move to new offices in the Preston’s professional district, just off Winckley Square. Our fabulous city location is a hop, skip and a jump to the West Coast rail line, meaning we are only two hours from London. This is imperative for our national clients.
I will round off our December newsletter by saying thanks to our clients for their continued support and business. And if you are not a client, maybe your digital marketing could do with a clean approach from Soap!
