Launch of new digital marketing business

A new business has been launched aimed at bringing the digital marketing revolution to small and medium-sized businesses (SME) across North Somerset.

Directors Jayne Smith and Helen Harris, who lives in Nailsea, have launched Rapport Digital from offices in Bristol to help businesses communicate effectively with their customers over the web, by email, text and via social media.

Both have experience providing digital marketing strategies for major brands, including banks, retailers, travel companies and global communications agencies and will now make the same service available to smaller business.

Helen Harris said: “Personalised digital marketing has traditionally been considered too complicated and too expensive for SMEs but technological advances in recent years has now made it affordable for all.

“Many people’s perception of digital marketing is that it’s for big businesses only but that’s not the case. Our new service provides a highly targeted, cost effective and measurable way to help generate business.

“We believe that firms of solicitors, car dealerships, health clubs, hairdressers, health care professionals, charities, restaurants and others with relatively large customer databases can benefit from keeping in touch with their customers in this way.

“Using the techniques of the blue-chip big businesses can increase response rates and make a huge difference to a smaller business.”

With extensive experience dealing with global brands Helen and Jayne recognised that SMEs were not making the most of digital marketing techniques and decided to set up Rapport Digital.

Jayne added: “Many SME businesses have only been able to use traditional advertising and print to market themselves in the past. Now there are other opportunities open for them to explore.

“Digital marketing has changed the communication landscape with all activity being highly measurable. This means businesses can see what is working and what is not and get a much better return on their marketing spend.”

The pair are now looking forward to helping smaller businesses make the most of these new techniques.

Jayne continued: “We have a real passion for helping smaller, local businesses and will work closely with our clients to find the best solutions for them. Keeping in touch with customers by text or e-mail has to be done in the right way and we’re convinced our service will help improve a businesses response.

“Nobody wants to receive intrusive sales messages but everyone wants to receive a timely communication that tells them about a great special offer, reminds them of an appointment or something they need to do or informs them of a new service that might help them.

“For instance we can remind people that their car MOT is due or their dental appointment is coming up. We can help restaurants or hairdressers fill empty tables and seats by texting them with offers available the next day. All will prompt business and help to establish links with customers.

“We are also helping businesses use social media and the web to really communicate with customers, quickly and easily. The great thing about the advances in digital communication is that it can be used by all – not just the big name businesses – providing you have the right support.”

Rapport Digital start by helping businesses get their database in order then ensure a system is put in place to keep it up to date and to set up systems of contact that are acceptable to customers.

Any business interested in discussing how Rapport Digital can help can register for a free consultation in which Helen and Jayne will review the marketing activity and provide a free quote on how they can help.

Details of the new business can be found on www.rapportdigital.com