Hip Hip...

Hooray! We're celebrating our second birthday this week!

We did actually get out the cake tins and make our own buns but they didn't look remotely as good as this. Thankfully our online marketing is better than our baking!

It has been a fantastic two years for Engage MC! We've met some amazing people along the way. We're still working regularly with our very first clients (and very happy to do so) and look forward to developing equally strong relationships with our new clients.

We've continued to grow personally and professionally too, working towards Chartered Marketer Status with the Chartered Institute of Marketing and undertaking Google Adword Professional exams.

But perhaps the most satisfying thing has been seeing the online marketing methods we believe so passionately in, working so well for our clients. Their websites are appearing in the first page of search engine results, they're getting more leads and making sales. They're taking control of their online presence and engaging their customers in conversation. They're delighted and so are we.

Retailers put Coleraine on the map!

Last week we were invited to give an Online Marketing Workshop to some independent retailers in Coleraine. I enjoy taking workshops for small groups, they're usually more interactive and you can provide relevant advice to each business.

One of the topics we covered was Local Search. We've all heard how the Internet removed barriers to trade in the global market but some businesses rely on local trade. Thankfully the search engines recognise this and responded with Local Business Search. Google et al will usually have a basic listing for most business already. Business owners can claim their listing, add their description, opening hours, logo, specialisms and even coupons! You don't even need a website which means in localised searches you have a fighting chance of getting the business when previously you may have had none.

It was great to see Minx get straight down to work and put their business on the map!