http://www.elmmarketingsolutions.co.uk/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.elmmarketingsolutions.co.uk en-us Tue, 21 Jul 2026 10:43:09 +0100 Rocketspark http://www.elmmarketingsolutions.co.uk/blog/post/26802/networking-your-best-underrated-marketing-tool/ Yesterday evening was the DoBusinessNetwork (DBN) summer barbecue at the Derwent Reservoir Sailing ClubHeading home afterwards, I was reflecting on what networking actually means from a marketing perspective.We talk a lot about digital strategy and algorithms in marketing, but face-to-face networking is often a highly underrated marketing tool. It’s the simplest, most honest way to build long-term awareness for your business.But the real value goes so much deeper than just trading referrals.Ru... Fri, 17 Jul 2026 13:49:23 +0100 http://www.elmmarketingsolutions.co.uk/blog/#post26802 http://www.elmmarketingsolutions.co.uk/blog/post/26664/investing-in-your-business-growth-how-regional-funding-can-support-your-next-marketing-project/ Taking the next step to scale your business often requires a significant investment in external expertise. Whether you need to redefine your marketing strategy, design a high-performing website, or build a consistent brand presence that speaks directly to your ideal client, cost can often be the primary barrier holding you back.However, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the North East are unaware that substantial grant funding is currently available to help offset these devel... Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.elmmarketingsolutions.co.uk/blog/#post26664 http://www.elmmarketingsolutions.co.uk/blog/post/26600/a-new-digital-home-for-roseberry-landscapes/ When you collaborate with small business owners, you occasionally meet people whose dedication to their craft is completely infectious. That has certainly been my experience working with Paul and Andrew, the father-and-son team behind Roseberry Landscapes.We recently launched their brand-new website, and during the process of bringing their digital presence to life, I was reminded of what truly sets a great local business apart. With Roseberry Landscapes, it isn't just about their technical skil... Tue, 09 Jun 2026 19:16:47 +0100 http://www.elmmarketingsolutions.co.uk/blog/#post26600 http://www.elmmarketingsolutions.co.uk/blog/post/26318/why-a-living-website-is-your-hardest-working-employee/ When I talk to business owners in our community, the conversation often turns to the website. Usually, it’s followed by a bit of a sigh. "I’ve got one, Melanie, but it’s just sitting there. I haven't touched it in a year."I understand that pressure. You are busy running your business, and the idea of "content creation" feels like just another chore on an already long list. But I want to change how you look at your website. It shouldn't be a static digital business card; it should be a livi... Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.elmmarketingsolutions.co.uk/blog/#post26318 http://www.elmmarketingsolutions.co.uk/blog/post/26319/the-no-jargon-zone-why-the-person-behind-the-business-matters/ If we haven't met yet, hello! I’m Melanie (or Mel to most), the person behind Elm Marketing Solutions.I’ll let you in on a little secret: when I was starting this business, all the "clever" and "high-tech" names seemed to be taken. So, I kept it simple. I took my name, flipped the letters, and Elm Marketing Solutions was born.It might not be the most complex brand story you’ve ever heard, but it represents exactly how I work. In an industry that loves to hide behind "synergy" and "delivera... Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.elmmarketingsolutions.co.uk/blog/#post26319 http://www.elmmarketingsolutions.co.uk/blog/post/26566/the-market-stall-vs-your-own-shop-why-third-party-fees-might-be-costing-your-business-too-much/ When you start selling a product online, third-party marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, or Amazon are brilliant for getting off the ground. They provide a ready-made platform and an established stream of visitors. However, as your sales volume grows, the financial dynamics of these platforms shift dramatically.Many business owners view building a dedicated e-commerce website as a significant, secondary expense. But when you look closely at the recurring costs of third-party platforms, independent own... Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.elmmarketingsolutions.co.uk/blog/#post26566 http://www.elmmarketingsolutions.co.uk/blog/post/26227/building-websites-that-our-clients-can-truly-own/ Launched late last year, the website for Luxury Lets North East was designed to showcase high-end holiday rentals with a focus on visual appeal and a seamless user journey. As a local business owner myself, it has been particularly rewarding to support another venture right here in the region.When Jennifer approached Elm Marketing Solutions, the goal was to create a platform that felt as premium as the properties themselves while remaining practical behind the scenes. Since the initial launch, J... Wed, 25 Mar 2026 13:23:28 +0000 http://www.elmmarketingsolutions.co.uk/blog/#post26227 http://www.elmmarketingsolutions.co.uk/blog/post/26208/simple-modern-and-stress-free-launching-the-new-ddyp-website/ A website should be a tool for growth, not a technical hurdle. This was the core focus during this morning's training session with Jackie and Hannah from Derwentside Detached Youth Project (DDYP) following the launch of their brand-new digital home.Efficiency Through Simple DesignFor many organisations, the dread of "breaking the website" leads to outdated information and missed opportunities. During our walkthrough, the primary takeaway was the ease of the transition. Jackie noted that the proc... Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:26:51 +0000 http://www.elmmarketingsolutions.co.uk/blog/#post26208 http://www.elmmarketingsolutions.co.uk/blog/post/26188/streamlining-success-how-a-digital-transition-transformed-event-management-for-bishop-auckland-rugby-club/ The hospitality and events side of a local sports club is often its heartbeat, providing vital revenue and a space for the community to gather. However, for Bishop Auckland Rugby Club (BARUFC), the manual process of managing these events had become a significant hurdle. Steve, the club manager, found himself caught in a cycle of administrative tasks that hindered growth rather than supporting it.The Challenge: Manual Processes and Missed OpportunitiesPreviously, the club’s approach to event sa... Thu, 19 Mar 2026 14:36:34 +0000 http://www.elmmarketingsolutions.co.uk/blog/#post26188 http://www.elmmarketingsolutions.co.uk/blog/post/26217/websites-made-with-care/ There is nothing more frustrating than feeling like your own website is working against you. I see it often: business owners who are brilliant at what they do, but feel stuck behind a screen that’s clunky, confusing, or just doesn't look the part.At Elm Marketing Solutions, I don’t just see a project; I see your hard work and your livelihood. I know that for many of you, your online shop isn't just a website—it’s how you pay the bills and grow your future.Why I Use Rocketspark for My Cli... Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.elmmarketingsolutions.co.uk/blog/#post26217