Giving firms online life
THIS will be a year of transformation for businesses if digital marketing agency Embryo has its way, with car dealers, retailers, and insurers top of its list for online debuts, makeovers and campaigns.
Manchester-based Embryo’s full service offering for mid-size companies, from search engine optimisation driving traffic, to social media promotion and website development, saw it grow 84 per cent in 2020 and recruit 16 more staff.
This year its forecast is for a £2.5 million turnover and it aims to increase its headcount to 45. Among its clients are professional services firms needing to update their content, natural-based pet foods manufacturer Burgess Pet Care and boho-chic label Dancing Leopard.
“Lockdown has made more businesses realise they have to move with the times and make the most of online’s massive commercial potential, be that overseas sales or gaining visibility and authority through campaigns and comment,” says Embryo founder and co-owner Ross Green.
“Today’s digital world is multilayered and complex,” he said. “It takes a specialist to steer a company through so they are noticed and see a return on investment.”
Embryo Index, a live-updated ranking tool it has developed, covers a variety of UK sectors and scores firms on metrics such as keyword reach, web authority and social media. “Businesses can easily see how they compare to competitors, what it takes to be a leader and monitor improvements,” Green explains.
He jumped from business development to set up Embryo in 2015, steadily increasing its consultancy services to today’s full complement for companies with turnover of £1 to £100 million.”
Although staff are currently working remotely, having a creative, collaborative space has always been central to the strategy. The company’s latest move to a bigger office was just before lockdown last year.
“It was not easy, but we are all about agile thinking, and have worked hard developing our skills and management with training programmes and setting common goals. That has helped us adapt quickly,” he says.
Green decided not to seek any Covid grants or reliefs. “Embryo is fortunate compared to the immense difficulties many are facing,” he says. “We need to do our bit.”
embryodigital.co.uk