Central Ohio Businesses Learn about Search Engine Marketing and Website Optimization with Upward Brand Interactions

Upward Brand Interactions welcomed small business owners and marketers from around central Ohio for a two-hour workshop on search engine marketing and website optimization on June 29 at the Dublin Entrepreneurial Center. Attendees needed help learning the basics of search, as well as tips, tricks and techniques they could implement on their own sites.

After a quick intro to the basics (fueled by a little caffeine and carbs  – a.k.a. coffee and bagels – just to get brains revving to go), a series of roundtable sessions hosted by Upward’s search experts allowed attendees to ask questions and learn from each other.

Roundtable topics included:

• Conversions: Connecting with your customer, with Lindsay Malone
• Organic Search: Grabbing growth gradually, with Bill Sterzenbach
• Technical: Build it (right) and they will come, with Angela Trego
• Paid Search: I want traffic now!, with David Kragel

At the end, each attendee had the opportunity for an individual consultation with Upward Brand Interactions experts on his or her own site, including the opportunity to examine in-depth functionality, ask questions and make notes for improvement.

Here are a few comments from attendees:

• “I enjoyed being able to talk/learn more about all the different aspects of web marketing and even social media. I understood the content & didn’t feel like it was something that was over my head! And everyone was fun & personable!” – Megan Stengel, President,  Libre, LLC (www.libreclothing.com)

• “This is my second trip to an Upward Brand Interactions [workshop]. There is a reason why: The professionals of Upward Brand Interactions know how to deliver knowledge and value in their educational seminars. Just imagine the results they can deliver their clients.” – Jason Veliquette, Marketing Director, Peer Assist, LLC (www.PeerAssistLLC.com) (Wow, thanks Jason! We sure try!)

• “Upward Brand Interactions makes search engine marketing easy to understand, with specific suggestions and ideas I can use today. My head is swimming with the possibilities, rather than confusion.” – Heather Dicianna, Owner, Rewondered (www.rewondered.com)

• “Great use of time with good amount of information.” – Deonna Barnett, Increase CDC (www.increasecdc.org)

• “I always learn something when I attend one of your workshops. Excellent!” – Steve Cover, CEO, Entertainment Resource Group, LLC (www.entertainmentresourcegroup.com)

• “This was wonderful! I learned more here than in several months of research. I appreciate the straightforward answers and willingness to help. Thank you!” – Anonymous
• “Maybe break out sessions could be a bit longer. Or it could be set-up as a 2-part event. I learned so much and had a wonderful time!” – Mandy, Libre, LLC (www.libreclothing.com)

• “Really good introduction and lots of helpful tips and advice. Thanks for sharing your knowledge & experience.” – Bethia Wolf, Columbus Food Adventures (www.columbusfoodadventures.com)

• “The areas of focus and time spend at each [roundtable] was perfect! The outside perspective was really helpful.” –Bethany Skaff,  Libre, LLC (www.libreclothing.com)

Follow up surveys indicated that attendees were pleased with the session, and gave us a few pointers for subsequent workshops the Upward Brand Interactions team will host. The most common feedback said we needed to make each roundtable its own session -- so much to teach and learn, so little time!  We’ll definitely be back with more focused sessions in the future.

Our primary goal for this and other similar sessions is simply to give back to other small businesses by sharing our expertise. When the Ohio business community and economy grows, we all win. As a whole, the team is so pleased we had the chance to meet all the entrepreneurs and marketers who attended, and are thankful they gave us a few minutes to help de-mystify the world of search marketing. THANK YOU!

Check back here often for more tips on Columbus search engine marketing, local website optimization and events from the Upward Brand Interactions team.