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Inspired by Excellence: Reflections on the ABC 2025 Business Awards

The recent ABC 2025 Business Awards was genuinely inspiring. What a brilliant, high-energy evening celebrating the very best of our North East regional business community.Attending events like this is essential, not just for networking, but for taking the pulse of what truly drives innovation and growth locally. It’s an opportunity to see beyond challenges and celebrate strengths—a message that deeply resonates with my work providing marketing and support at Elm Marketing Solutions.Connectin...

Boosting Visibility: How Regular Blogging Significantly Improves Your SEO

If you view your website as your business headquarters, then a regular blog is the engine that drives qualified traffic to your door.For small and medium enterprises (SMEs), consistently publishing high-quality, relevant content is one of the most effective ways to significantly improve your Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). At Elm Marketing Solutions, we find that strategic blogging is the cornerstone of a successful long-term visibility strategy.The Four Key Ways Blog Posts Elevate Your SEOReg...

Local Opportunity: Free Networking at Derwentside Business Centre, Consett.

I am sharing details on an accessible, free networking opportunity happening next month that is ideal for my local business contacts looking to establish new connections.At Elm Marketing Solutions, we advocate for strategic, in-person engagement as a key component of local marketing and relationship-building.The Event: A Joint Initiative for Local Business GrowthThis event is being held at the Derwentside Business Centre, and is a joint initiative by two important regional organisations:Do Busin...

Project Showcase: Launching the New Luxury Lets North East Website

I am pleased to announce the successful launch of the brand-new website for Luxury Lets North East, following a recent collaboration with the owner, Jennifer.This was a comprehensive project for Elm Marketing Solutions, as I was responsible for both the initial logo and brand design and the subsequent website build. What set the work apart was the tangible dedication to quality. As these holiday lets are local, I have been able to observe the significant care and attention Jennifer invests in th...

Unlock Your Business's Potential: Grants Still Available for County Durham Businesses

Are you a business owner in County Durham looking to grow your online presence, reach new customers, or increase productivity? Good news! There is still funding available through revenue grants designed to support local businesses just like yours.At Elm Marketing Solutions, we believe that every business deserves the opportunity to thrive, and these grants are a fantastic way to access the expertise and resources you need to achieve your goals without bearing the full cost.What the Grants CoverT...

The Beginner’s Guide to Digital Marketing

IntroductionWelcome to Elm Marketing Solutions’ Beginner’s Guide to Digital Marketing!At Elm Marketing Solutions, we understand that running a small business is both exciting and challenging. Navigating the world of digital marketing can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. This guide is designed to give you clear, practical steps to help your business grow online—no jargon, just actionable advice from your local marketing experts.Let’s get started on your digital jour...

A Guide to User-Friendly Website Design

Choosing a new website to browse or shop on can sometimes feel overwhelming. A great website shouldn't make you work hard to find what you're looking for; it should make your life easier. Here's what to look for and how a well-designed website can make all the difference to your experience.Is it Easy to Find What I Need?A good website has a simple, logical menu. Look for clear headings that help you find services, products, or contact information quickly. You shouldn't have to click endlessly to...

Celebrating a Blooming Partnership with Beveridges Flower Shop!

It's hard to believe it was back in 2018 when we first launched their new e-commerce website, marking our upcoming 7-year business anniversary this year.This long-standing Consett business, established all the way back in 1920, had noticed a gradual decline in high street footfall, much like many other cherished independent businesses in our area. They recognised the vital need for a strong online presence to reach new customers and continue serving their loyal ones, not...

Why You Need an SSL Certificate for Your Website

You've chosen your perfect domain name, but before your website can go live, there's another crucial step to take: securing it with an SSL certificate.At Elm Marketing Solutions, we believe that trust is the foundation of a great online presence. That's where an SSL certificate comes in.What is an SSL Certificate?SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. An SSL certificate is a small data file that digitally authenticates your website and enables an encrypted connection between your website's server ...

Stuck for Facebook Content Ideas? 5 Ways to Never Run Out Again!

If you're a UK small business owner managing your own Facebook Page, you've probably faced it: that moment of staring at a blank screen, wondering what on earth to post next. The pressure to stay consistent, engaging, and relevant on Facebook specifically can lead to what we call 'content creation fatigue'.Facebook remains a powerhouse for connecting with your local community, building brand loyalty, and driving traffic to your website. But finding fresh, impactful ideas for your Facebook feed, ...

Choosing a Domain Name: What You Need to Know

Your domain name is more than just a web address; it's the digital front door to your business. It's often the first thing a potential customer sees, and a great one can build instant credibility and recognition, while a poor one can be easily forgotten. At Elm Marketing Solutions, we know that a small adjustment at this stage can have a big impact on your future growth. Here are our top tips for choosing a domain name that works for you.1. Keep it Simple and Memorable Your domain name should be...

Website Jargon Explained

Have you ever sat in a meeting and nodded along while someone said something like, "The HTTP protocol needs to be updated, but the CMS is fine, so we just need a new hosting package and the SSL certificate can be moved"?It can feel like a whole new language, but it's important to understand the basics to get the most out of your website. At Elm Marketing Solutions, we believe in breaking down the barriers to understanding, so here’s a quick guide to some common website jargon.URL (Uniform Reso...

A Fresh Look for a Trusted Name: Hope Street Garage Unveils New Website

We're incredibly proud to announce the launch of the new website for Hope Street Garage! ✨Their previous online presence needed a modern, mobile-optimised update, and this new site now truly reflects the high-quality services Hope Street Garage offers. We've also ensured their team is equipped with the confidence and skills to manage and update it independently!Hope Street Garage provides essential services including MOTs, full car servicing, expert diagnostics, and reliable repairs, dedicated...

Showcasing Style Online: Celebrating My Home Is My Happy Interiors' Digital Home!

One of our greatest joys is helping businesses craft an online presence that truly reflects their passion and expertise. It's particularly exciting to share that this is our second significant website upgrade to include e-commerce this year, and we were thrilled to work with the talented Lyndsey at My Home Is My Happy Interiors on her beautiful website – a perfect digital showcase for her inspiring work.Lyndsey and My Home Is My Happy Interiors bring spaces to life, transforming houses into ho...

From Local Services to Online Store: Helping Willow & Maine Launch Their E-commerce Dream!

At Elm Marketing Solutions, there's nothing more rewarding than seeing a client's vision come to life. So, it was with immense pride that we congratulated Lorraine at Willow & Maine on the launch of her fantastic new online store back in January!We've had the pleasure of working with Lorraine for several years, having originally designed her website. What's truly inspiring is her journey, rooted in the North East. Since starting her interior design service in 2018, Lorraine always harboured ...

FREE AI, Digital Marketing and Accounting training for SME's/ Sole Traders in County Durham

On Thursday 27th February DBN are hosting a day of interactive learning and networking with three leading industry experts in AI, Digital Marketing and Accounting.The experts:Pascal Fintoni - Digital Marketeer, Trainer and Speaker at https://pascalfintoni.com/From business support programmes to team coaching and 1-to-1 mentoring, Pascal designs and delivers AI & digital marketing training to give his customers the level of clarity and confidence they need to take their online activities...

CLIENT FEATURE: Consett based 121 Business Links have secured a new electricity contract for Teesside Airport

A new deal has put Teesside Airport in prime position to become the UK’s first operationally Net Zero site before the end of the decade.The new electricity contract with North East firm 121 Business Links will ensure power to the airport is generated from 100% renewable sources.It’s another big step towards meeting the ambition to be the UK’s first operationally Net Zero airport by 2030.Progress is being made on the push at the moment with the airport’s vision for the future includes usi...

When it comes to websites, do images matter?

Studies show that people remember 80% of what they see and only 20% of what they read. In fact, there’s research that suggests that 65% of people are visual learners!On the Internet, images are used for all kinds of reasons: to enhance websites, to illustrate stories, to present products or services, as stand-alone meaning-rich tools, and, on social media.So when it comes to websites, images DO matter because their role is to capture the attention of the visitor. They can convey complex messag...

20 Mile Walk for Willow Burn Hospice

On Saturday 31 August I participated in the Steel Town 20 walk to raise much needed funds for Willow Burn Hospice and in memory of Gemma Justice.Gemma and her husband Steven were members of our local business network ( DBN Do Business Network) for a time and continuously supported our business meetings with their warm hospitality when DBN hosted their networking mornings at the Derwent Walk Pub in Ebchester.After learning about Gemma's passing I thought it would be a nice idea to fundraise in Ge...

Customer Spotlight: Congratulations to Industrial Workwear who are celebrating their 25th Anniversary.

Industrial Workwear Limited proudly announces their 25th year anniversary, marking a quarter of a century of commitment to quality and innovation in the workwear industry.Formed as a family company in 1999, Industrial Workwear Limited based in Consett, Co Durham, has been dedicated to providing top quality workwear, uniform and PPE solutions, serving as a trusted partner for countless companies across the UK and beyond.Looking ahead, Industrial Workwear remains steadfast in its commitment t...

New Website Launch for Unite Club

I've been working with Katie Toner from Unite Club on various projects over the past year so I was thrilled when she asked me to create her website.Katie is an autistic/ADHD advocate and owner of Unite Club. Her passion is creating inclusive spaces and supporting communities to embrace and understand neurodivergence.Since the launch of Unite Club she's already created a growing comunity on social media offering families, and individuals the opportunity to GROW, UNITE and CONNECT to create a more...

The Willow Burn Hospice Diamonds and Pearls Ball

I had the pleasure of attending the Willow Burn Hospice Diamonds and Pearls Ball at Beamish Hall Hotel on Friday.Willow Burn Hospice is my local hospice and the team their help people at a time when they need help and support the most. The hospice helps people to achieve a good death, to live well with an illness and to support family and friends to have a more positive future. Not only that, Willow Burn is a community hub where people come together to give love and support to each oth...

Consett Area Neighbourhood Forum

Congratulations to Consett Area Neighbourhood Forum on the launch of their new website! I've been working closely with Christine Thomas and the CANF committee to create a brand new website for the newly formed forum. This has been a really exciting project as Consett is my home town and the aim of the forum is to empower the Consett Community and ensure they have a greater input in the development of the town.Take a look at their new website here: https://www.canf.org.uk/...

Anderson and Pither Construction

Congratulations Brian and Gary at Anderson and Pither Construction Ltd on the launch of their new website.Brian and Gary are well known builders in the Consett area and have built a sound reputation for their quality workmanship and reliability. They came to me wanting a one page website to showcase their work. After seeing how many images they had I persuaded them to add a blog slider to showcase their projects and to make it easier for their customers to search for examples. Aesthetically this...

Website Refresh for Halo Beauty Haven

I've had the pleasure of working with Angela from Halo Beauty Haven since early 2020.In the last 4 years Angela has seen significant changes in her business including Covid, change of premises and recently a full rebrand! Late last year I started a website refresh to ensure that it represented her new brand colours and her new salon in North Shields. The main changes were logo update, her colour theme changed from turquoise to luxurious dark greens and golds. Leafy background images were a...