Digital marketing is an ever-evolving landscape, and staying ahead of the curve can be challenging for many businesses. The recent online roundtable discussion chaired by Jason Pitt of Made in Group brought together members of the Made community to share best practices, challenges, and innovative solutions in digital marketing. The event featured three best practice talks followed by an engaging roundtable discussion, offering valuable insights for everyone involved.
Members registered for this roundtable discussion included: Simon Redhill, Pulsar Instruments; Zoe Bown TecQuipemnt; Paul Stockhill, Agemaspark; Kim Martlew, PPS; Caroline Findaly, LG Davis; Georgette Donoghue, Ellis Patents; Fernanda Santos, IMK Automotive; Jean-Jacques Appleby, TecQuipment; Eleanor Imray, Jenks and Cattell.
The discussion kicked off with Jason addressing discussion group guests. James shared that his company, relatively new to digital marketing, primarily relied on word of mouth and LinkedIn for promotion. They have seen significant growth on LinkedIn by mixing product posts with more personal content, like featuring their office puppy. They are also exploring monthly competitions to increase social media engagement and considering videos to showcase their products professionally. James acknowledged the need for improved SEO to enhance their Google rankings and attract more attention to their offerings.
Fernanda, another participant, shared a different perspective. Her company's main focus for digital marketing is recruitment rather than customer acquisition. They are expanding and will need 300 more employees in the next few years. Although Fernanda finds digital marketing challenging and time-consuming, especially given her multiple responsibilities, she uses tools like ChatGPT for assistance. However, she expressed a desire for more streamlined and effective solutions, particularly for LinkedIn posting. Jason suggested using upgraded versions of ChatGPT for better content creation and translation, which Fernanda found promising for her role in making processes accessible in multiple languages.
Jimmy contributed by discussing his company’s use of digital marketing, particularly through email shots and SEO. While these methods have been effective, he struggles with optimising their social media strategy. Jason shared a practical tip that worked for his team: carefully tagging relevant people in posts to increase engagement and nurture leads. This approach has helped them sign up new members by keeping their audience reminded of their presence.
Jean-Jacques posed a question about leveraging PPC (Pay-Per-Click) advertising to stimulate market activity and raise awareness. Simon, another participant, offered valuable advice on this front. He emphasised the importance of understanding regional differences in keyword searches and bidding strategically in PPC campaigns. By tailoring their campaigns to the specific language and search habits of their target audience in regions like the Middle East, Simon’s company has seen better results and more efficient use of their budget.
The discussion then moved to website development. Fernanda asked whether she should hire a company to revamp their website or use WordPress and manage it internally. Simon recommended WordPress, especially for smaller businesses, because it's cost-effective and easy to manage in-house. He suggested using platforms like Fiverr to find affordable help for specific website tasks. Jason added that while WordPress is scalable and user-friendly, the decision between in-house development and hiring professionals depends on the website’s complexity, such as integrating an ERP system.
The discussion wrapped up with a consensus on the importance of staying adaptable and informed about the latest tools and strategies in digital marketing. Participants appreciated the shared experiences and practical advice, making the session a valuable learning opportunity for all.
Upcoming Event: MADE Workshop for Marketing Managers
Looking to master digital marketing strategies and best practices? Don’t miss the upcoming MADE Workshop for Marketing Managers! Gain in-depth knowledge, practical tools, and valuable networking opportunities to boost your marketing efforts. Open to all members managing marketing for their companies.
Event Details:
- Date: 27th August 2024
- Time:10am (60 minutes)
- Location: Online
- Registration: https://madeinthemidlands.com/events/made-workshop-for-marketing-managers
Join fellow marketing professionals and industry experts to stay ahead in the digital marketing game. Register now to secure your spot!
Members of the Made in Group community have access to a wealth of tools designed to champion British industry, share insights, and learn best practices. If you're an existing member and wish to join a future event, simply log in from your dashboard and sign up for one of our upcoming sessions.
Not a member yet? Contact Jason Pitt or Charles Addison to learn more and get involved! https://madeinthemidlands.com/register