THE Northern Echo and the North East England Chamber of Commerce are once again hosting a free digital marketing advice seminar.

The seminars are aimed specifically at local businesses who would like to expand their digital knowledge, cut through the jargon and navigate the ever-expanding online universe.

Digital marketing expert Rachael Dunn, who is co-ordinating the workshops, said: “After many years in media I’ve seen a lot of changes and challenges for small and medium-sized firms when it comes to marketing their businesses.

“The most common issue at present relates to online marketing, with questions such as ‘where do I start?’ and ‘there are too many options’. “But often, these businesses forget about the key fundamentals you have to have in place before you even look into online marketing.

“Get your website right. This is the first step if you want to attract people to your product/services online.

“Forget about PPC and social for the time being, 81 per cent of consumers will actively research a business online before buying a product/service and if your websitehasn’tgotthebasicsright,you could be losing out.

“I live by the three click rule – if I can’t find what I’m looking for in three clicks, I’m off. “So what do you need to consider? Our free seminars cover best practice when setting your online marketing plan.”

Topics will include:

l Website design;

l Call tracking;

l Multi-channel marketing;

l Vlogging;

l Directory listings.

Ms Dunn added: “Digital specialists will be on hand should you want to speak on a one-to-one basis, but rest assured this is not a sales environment – we are simply delivering free advice and information.

“Every business that attends is entitled to receive a free online health check around their businesses, to shine more light on specific areas of interest.”

Eddie Lawrence, business development manager at Access Self Storage, who has attended one of the previous events, said: “I can highly recommend the seminar, plus it’s a great event to network and speak with other industries.”

The next seminar will be held on Friday, September 21, between 8.15am and 9.30am, at the Hartlepool Grand Hotel, Hartlepool.

Breakfast is provided, and tickets are limited, so book now.

Register by following the link https://digitalsecretshartlepool.eventbrite.co.uk.