Member Article

Lancashire digital marketing startup going for growth

A North West digital marketing start-up is going for growth in 2014 – with five big client wins in the first six months of trading and plans to recruit new staff.

Contrado Digital, of Blackburn, has landed high-profile clients such as BT Superfast Lancashire, St Modwen and The Paper Cup Company since its inception in August last year.

The firm has ambitious growth plans for the next 12 months, including recruiting two new members of staff.

The plans have been solidified after completing a Business Growth Workshop run by Boost Business Lancashire. Contrado also plan to expand the services offered to clients and exceed turnover targets.

Notable successes include helping a Manchester ink and toner supplier increase their website visitors by 86% in just four months and boost their revenue by a third.

Contrado Digital was launched by digital marketing expert Michael Cropper after five years working with many well-known UK brands including Travis Perkins, OXFAM and Laterooms.com.

Michael said: “Our first six months in business have been phenomenal and 2014 is looking even brighter. With solid foundations in place, we are now able to really push the business and help more Lancashire businesses harness the power of digital to grow their business online.“The business, based at Evolution Park in Blackburn, specialises in helping medium-sized businesses grow online using digital marketing.

The services offered by Contrado Digital include search engine optimisation (SEO), web design and digital marketing training for staff.

Contrado Digital has worked closely with Boost Business Support to become employer-ready with HR advice, employment contracts and recruitment guidance given.

Current projects include training for businesses on Google Analytics and driving traffic and sales to websites; building an online car parking system and designing and creating a new website for an overseas holiday company.

Michael said: “Digital marketing can be a bewildering area for businesses who are either uneducated about it or know it’s important but don’t know where to start. Our job at Contrado Digital is to demystify digital marketing, help businesses understand how it can increase sales and boost their bottom line and then maintain their online presence.

“Clients often come to us with vague ideas about what they want to do but we help them clarify what the business benefits are to them of a new website, e-commerce platform or investing in SEO, for example. Digital marketing is about helping their business to grow – and that’s where Contrado Digital’s expertise is critical.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Graham Vincent .