Digital Marketing and Strategy

I’m an entrepreneurial director and digital expert delivering business growth.

I have worked in business to consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B) sectors for blue chip organisations and digital start-ups. Moreover I have collaborated with a variety of marketing agencies, sales agencies, distributors, dealerships and regulators.

I have managed digital businesses and digital marketing agencies for twenty years, creating digital strategies and implementing digital campaigns that increase revenue and profit. I have hands-on experience of, and have recruited and managed third party agencies for, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Pay-per-Click (PPC), affiliate marketing, email marketing, programmatic advertising, retargeting and social media marketing (SMM). Additionally I am extremely familiar with a number of CRM systems.

In addition to my digital marketing experience I have significant experience of Brand development and direct marketing in blue chip organisations. This includes leading teams, creating and launching high profile consumer and B2B brands. During which time I have engaged and managed external agencies and internal departments for brand, direct mail, PR, advertising, telemarketing and direct sales.

I have controlled sales and marketing businesses with turnover up to £38 million and teams of 375 people. My roles have given me a high degree of autonomy, working at board level while managing diverse teams including sales teams, account management, marketing, technical, trading and HR. Additionally, I have experience of negotiating the corporate sale of two businesses and one AIM listing.

A strong communicator who motivates across all levels of the business, I delegate well and inspire those working with me to take responsibility, make decisions and learn. Many of my team have subsequently gone on to become company directors. I have a hands-on approach and work with teams to develop strategies that deliver profitable growth.

I enjoy the challenge of helping businesses to grow sales and revenues; to sell to more customers.

Digital Marketing Specialism

Specialisms include: Lead Generation, Programmatic Advertising, Affiliate Marketing, Search Engine Optimisation, Pay-per-Click, Email Marketing, Social Media Marketing

Recommendations

Some testimonials from people I have worked with:

(Andrew is) “ a dedicated professional who demonstrates clear strategic thinking; delivering solutions that bring tangible results. He is experienced, analytical, well organised; a strong communicator with a positive attitude and he gets things done. He develops excellent relationships with teams, clients and business partners.”CEO, Crimtan - Programmatic Advertising

“(Andrew was ) a key member of the management team. He developed and launched the UK proposition; building our team and foundations for a sustainable business." CEO & Founder, Companeo - B2B lead generation.

“Andrew has been great to work with...His knowledge of and passion for Direct Marketing and online lead generation is clear, and he has added immense value in every conversation I've ever had with him.” Marketing Director, Royal Bank of Scotland.

Andrew is a “great business lead generator. He knows his markets and always delivers a R.O.I.” Sales Director, Centrica.

Brands

Brands I've worked with: Deal Group Media (digital agency), Companeo (B2B lead generation) , Crimtan (programmatic advertising), Virgin (Retail) , Texaco (Oil & Gas), Calortex (Gas & electricity), npower (gas & electricity), Rough Trade (Record distribution), Jaeger (Retail)

Brands my agencies have worked with: Lloyds TSB, Royal Bank of Scotland, Total UK, Bibby, RAC, EON, Centrica, BNP Paribas, Neopost, John Lewis, Mars, Apple, Accor Group, Virgin

Uncommon Knowledge

Picture of lights in executive doodle - Andrew Blackwood

Some of the things that I've learned over the years that are common knowledge....once pointed out!

Always employ people who are better than you
Turnover is vanity, profit is sanity, cash is king
Cash really is king but many business people don’t understand cash flow – even those who say they do
An average is made up of highs and lows so perhaps you/we are above average (as in you’re too expensive my average is…)
The truth is in the numbers no matter what you think
Mistakes are the best training
Be true to yourself
Treat others how you expect to be treated
Managing people is an easier role than doing tasks yourself - respect those who work for you
Synergy - one plus one equals three - the power of the team
Lead by example but that doesn't have to be from the front
Sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel is a train coming!
You can fail even with the best plan
Generalists rule but few realise this
Definition of an expert: “x” is an unknown quantity and “spurt” is a drip under pressure
Cliches are there for a reason - they’re true
Any answer will do - if you don't know the question
Learn something new everyday
If you think you can or think you can’t – you’re right

Feel free to disagree.

Contact

I work with digital businesses from start-ups to established organisations on a diverse set of issues from strategy, digital transformation, audience development, customer acquisition, website design and promotion, social media marketing, corporate branding and culture.

Currently I'm working with a number of museums and artists developing digital strategies for audience development; digital start-ups as well as a sustainable clothing start-up

Get in touch if you want help, advice or mentoring.

Andrew Blackwood FCIM FIDM