SPACES on a series of free digital marketing seminars held by the Gazette are being snapped up quickly.

The free sessions are aimed specifically at local businesses who would like to expand their digital knowledge and cut through the jargon.

Digital marketing expert, Rachael Dunn, who is co-ordinating the workshops, said: “After 17 years in media I’ve seen a lot of changes and challenges for SMEs when it comes to marketing their businesses.

“The most common issue at present relates to online marketing: ‘Where do I start?’, ‘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 website hasn’t got the basics right, 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!”

The seminars will take place at The Apollo Hotel, on September 5, with the first starting at 10.30am and the second at 2.30pm. All attendees will also get a free business health check which will provide insights into how their company or organisation is performing in the market. It is worth £130 and gives a comparison with their competitors.

Bill Browne, publisher at the Gazette, said: “So often businesses just need a guiding hand to ensure they are being effective and are not wasting money.”

Rachel added: “So what do you need to consider?“Our free seminars cover best practice when setting your online marketing plan.”

Topics for the morning session will include:

• How the marketing landscape has changed,

• Setting realistic marketing objectives,

• Multi channel marketing,

• Online display – getting it right,

• Social media – is it right for your business?

And in the afternoon businesses will get the chance to learn about:

• How the marketing landscape has changed

• Mobile websites and Google updates including the latest on SSL,

• Attribution and customer journey,

• SEO and Adwords

Rachael 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.”

To book your place, fill in the booking form by clicking here.