Member Article

North East small businesses receive expert digital advice

Two small local businesses were given a digital makeover by web, social media and digital strategy experts today when Do It Digital – the not-for-profit campaign that aims to help small, independent businesses around the UK make the most of the advantages of being online – brought its nationwide digital roadshow to Darlington today.

Steve Ward of Darlington-based Inclusion Archery, which provides archery sessions for individuals of all abilities, and Marcus Summerfield from Mill Lane Artist Management, which looks after talented musicians from its base in Stockton On Tees, each received one to one advice and guidance on board the Do It Digital bus from Jamie Roberts of web.com and Tori Gill of local social media marketing company TGI Media.

Steve, who wanted advice about changing his website to make it more visible and increase the number of enquiries received, said:

“The advice I received was useful and will help me sort my website, and the input from Tori on social media was very informative. It will help me ensure my Facebook posts reach the clientele I want. I also now have the knowledge and confidence to start using Twitter for my business and Tori helped me set up a Google Plus page while we were on the bus. Overall it was a very positive and helpful morning.”

Marcus was looking for help with an overhaul of his website. He said:

“It was very helpful. We have a Wordpress website and Tori showed me how they have improved over the past year and given me the confidence to overhaul the site myself especially. It was very worthwhile.”

Do It Digital Director, Michelle Ovens says: “The Do It Digital campaign is not only about helping the digitally un-engaged take their first steps online but also helping those already online to expand their digital horizons. This could mean anything from a first, simple web presence to taking the first steps towards selling online.”

“Digital engagement is crucial for all aspects of business, from marketing and recruitment to banking and accounting, and is only likely to become more so. Digital engagement will become increasingly central to the development of competitive, profitable and growing businesses.”

More information on Do It Digital can also be found at www.doitdigital.co.uk. on Facebook (www.facebook.com/doitdigitaluk) and Twitter feed (@doitdigitaluk).

Ends.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Howard Robinson .