Welcome to Digital Search Academy

B_search_academy_4Getting your products found online can be like asking your customers to find the proverbial needle in the haystack. Search engines are key to your business and our one day orientation gives you all the basics you need to get started in effective search engine advertising and marketing. You'll get to grips with the mechanics of search, pay-per-click advertising and the basics of search engine optimization. It's your fast track to being able to make informed decisions about when, where, and how, to harness the power of search engine advertising. It concentrates on the essential knowledge you need, gives you a framework for the future, and delivers practical tips your company can use straight away.

Learn more - Download_Digital_Search_Academy_prospectus

Welcome to Digital Training Academy

Danny_sm_colour.jpgWelcome to your Digital Training Academy: a great way to boost your knowledge and skills, helping you and your team get the most from digital marketing, publishing and communications.

All of us here at Digital hope you'll enjoy your Digital Training Academy, but we also hope you'll instantly be able to achieve more in your firm.

Find out how Digital Training Academy works

The Search Academy classroom

Big_classroom_3 Here is the place you can discuss issues with your tutor and other Academy participants

Is there something you did not understand on the Academy? Is there a new point you would like to make? Are there any new issues that you have discovered now you are applying your knowledge? Use this space to make your comments and to ask your questions.

Try to include the title of the Academy Lesson that your question relates to (if there is one). The classroom is open for one month following your Academy and materials will stay here as a reference point for you for a further year.

Lesson: Your Digital talking points? A few quick facts about the market

Whatever your involvement is in internet marketing, it’s useful to have a few great facts at your fingertips, so here are a few we put together based on the UK online media industry. Read through them and share them with colleagues. If you are taking part in a Digital Training Academy then we might have a few more for you as well. Read through them and think about additional cool facts that reflect the growth of internet media or marketing in your sector.

Read further...

Digital's 10 steps to successful search engine advertising

A few years ago search marketers started approaching us, frustrated by the fact that their campaigns were not working. Whether they were in search agencies or within client companies, they were doing some great work themselves, but it simply wasn't translating into business results. We dug deeper and started to audit search marketing projects to look at the elements and the breaking points. And that's how we built our 10 Steps to Successful Search Marketing.

Continue reading "Digital's 10 steps to successful search engine advertising" »

Lesson: Seven simple steps to starting search marketing

b_search_academy_2.jpgIf you’re new to search engine marketing, then its breadth and scale might feel daunting. Get
search right and it can transform your business, that’s why it accounts for more than 40% of all
online advertising in many countries. Devised by Danny Meadows-Klue to help companies
new to search get it right, these simple steps get you heading in the right direction. Search
engine advertising and search engine marketing will become major tools for your brand; it’s
time to get started.

Download lesson handouts

Digital Articles: Best practice in video advertising

The sudden arrival of in-stream video advertising formats presents new challenges for commercial directors, ad operations teams and media planners. Minor variations in the way video advertising messages are delivered can have a disproportionate impact on the effectiveness of the commercials and the quality of the campaign. These best practice tips for video advertising reflect techniques that have proven to be effective for both media planners and online publishers in getting more value from the media space and creative assets.

Read further...

Improve search results snippets with a meta description makeover

The quality of your snippet — the short text preview we display for each web result — can have a direct impact on the chances of your site being clicked (i.e. the amount of traffic Google sends your way). We use a number of strategies for selecting snippets, and you can control one of them by writing an informative meta description for each URL.

<meta name="Description" content="informative description here" />

Read more on Google Webmaster Central

Google: search engine marketing case studies

Google AdWords Case StudiesSearch marketing works for every type of firm and every size of business. We’ve worked with the team at Google to select these case studies to help marketers see just a few of the ways that pay-per-click search engine advertising can drive traffic to your site. PPC search marketing is key to getting more customers and building traffic to your websites. You can download the case studies here and explore them in more depth on The Search Academy training courses. Read more on the Case Studies page...

Getting to grips with Google PageRank

Getting to grips with Google PageRankGoogle’s co-founder Larry Page gave his name to the ranking tool that describes the importance of a website in terms of its link equity. The complex algorithms behind PageRank are part of the secret of Google’s success, and by understanding the model, search engine optimisation teams can build stronger link equity and social media optimisation strategies.

Continue reading "Getting to grips with Google PageRank" »

The future for search?

b_search_academy_2.jpg The competition between the search engines will fuel product development and ensure that the range of options continues to grow,and that the trading model continues to evolve. Role of local search and geo-targeting will unlock a new wave of advertisers and listings, but the fusion with maps and aerial photographs will create a deeper connection between the online and offline worlds. Mapping functionality is just one example of a 'mashup' and new mashup formats will help deliver even more value.

Continue reading "The future for search?" »

Auctions and media: search is just the start

b_search_academy_2.jpg The trading models for online advertising have always been progressive. A transparency in the data, and a keenness to relate advertiser success to media space quickly created the Cost Per Click trading model in the late nineties, and then the Cost Per Action model. Since then sharing the risk has become a regular part of the media buying discussion, and the role of auctioning clicks has become embedded in the trading of search engine advertising.

Continue reading "Auctions and media: search is just the start" »

Social Media Optimisation

b_search_academy_2.jpg The rapid rise in user generated content (UGC) triggered by the platforms like blogger and YouTube, or the social networks like MySpace or Linked-In, has started to have a real effect on how SEO works. The challenge is the exploding number of links as these new publishing formats trigger a step-change in the connectedness of pages. This is much more like the original read: write web envisaged by Tim Berners-Lee, and the democratisation of access to publishing tools means that just about anyone can now easily write their own content and produce professional web pages without knowing a thing about HTML or the technology side of content management systems.

Continue reading "Social Media Optimisation" »

The seven steps for getting started in search

Internetworld Download the summary of Danny's keynote at the Internet World annual conference in London. This session - in partnership with the IDM - explored seven simple steps for getting started in search. Get search right and it can transform your business, that's why it accounts for more than 40% of all online advertising in many countries. Search engine advertising and search engine marketing will become major tools for your brand; it's time to get started.

Download _7_steps_for_getting_started_in_search

Digital Search Marketing Academy @ IAB Polska (Advanced)

Iab_nThe Search Academy is the fast way to boost your search knowledge. The Digital Training Academy created this programme of orientation and advanced Academies that now run with our strategic partner IAB Polska.

Materials: Materials are restricted to participants | Bookings: To apply for a place email our events team. | Digital Search Academy at IAB Polska.

Digital Search Marketing Academy @ IAB Polska, Warsaw (Orientation)

Iab_n The Search Academy is the fast way to boost your search knowledge. The Digital Training Academy created this programme of orientation and advanced Academies that now run with our strategic partner IAB Polska.

Materials: Materials are restricted to participants | Bookings: To apply for a place email our events team. | Digital Search Academy at IAB Polska.

9 October 2007: The Search Academy @ IAB UK (Orientation/Getting started)

iab%20uk.bmp The Search Academy is the fast way to boost your search knowledge. The Digital Training Academy created this programme of orientation and advanced Academies that now run with our partner search firms. Book your place now, either direct through the Digital team, or with our partner.
If you are not sure and think it's for you but you need to know more, or you can't make this date but want to be trained soon – then contact Viv Cole or Sharon Lim, your Search Academy Managers for more information and provisional dates. Email: TheSearchAcademy@digitalstrategyconsulting.com

10 July: The Search Academy @ IAB UK (Orientation/Getting started)

iab%20uk.bmp The Search Academy is the fast way to boost your search knowledge. The Digital Training Academy created this programme of orientation and advanced Academies that now run with our partner search firms. Book your place now, either direct through the Digital team, or with our partner.
If you are not sure and think it's for you but you need to know more, or you can't make this date but want to be trained soon – then contact Viv Cole or Sharon Lim, your Search Academy Managers for more information and provisional dates. Email: TheSearchAcademy@digitalstrategyconsulting.com

July 2007: The Search Academy @Yahoo! (Orientation/Getting started)

Yahoo The Search Academy is the fast way to boost your search knowledge. The Digital Training Academy created this programme of orientation and advanced Academies that now run with our partner search firms. Book your place now, either direct through the Digital team, or with our partner.
If you are not sure and think it's for you but you need to know more, or you can't make this date but want to be trained soon – then contact Viv Cole or Sharon Lim, your Search Academy Managers for more information and provisional dates. Email: TheSearchAcademy@digitalstrategyconsulting.com

25 June 2007: The Search Academy (Orientation/Getting started)

The Search Academy is the fast way to boost your search knowledge. The Digital Training Academy created this programme of orientation and advanced Academies that now run with our partner search firms. Book your place now, either direct through the Digital team, or with our partner. If you are not sure and think it's for you but you need to know more, or you can't make this date but want to be trained soon – then contact Viv Cole or Sharon Lim, your Search Academy Managers for more information and provisional dates. Email: TheSearchAcademy@digitalstrategyconsulting.com

21 June 2007: The Search Academy @ IAB Poland (Advanced/Expert)

iab%20pl%20100.bmp The Search Academy is the fast way to boost your search knowledge. The Digital Training Academy created this programme of orientation and advanced Academies that now run with our partner search firms. Book your place now, either direct through the Digital team, or with our partner.
If you are not sure and think it's for you but you need to know more, or you can't make this date but want to be trained soon – then contact Viv Cole or Sharon Lim, your Search Academy Managers for more information and provisional dates. Email: TheSearchAcademy@digitalstrategyconsulting.com

4 June 2007: The Search Academy (Orientation/Getting started)

The Search Academy is the fast way to boost your search knowledge. The Digital Training Academy created this programme of orientation and advanced Academies that now run with our partner search firms. Book your place now, either direct through the Digital team, or with our partner. If you are not sure and think it's for you but you need to know more, or you can't make this date but want to be trained soon – then contact Viv Cole or Sharon Lim, your Search Academy Managers for more information and provisional dates. Email: TheSearchAcademy@digitalstrategyconsulting.com

June 2007: The Search Academy @Yahoo! (Orientation/Getting started)

Yahoo The Search Academy is the fast way to boost your search knowledge. The Digital Training Academy created this programme of orientation and advanced Academies that now run with our partner search firms. Book your place now, either direct through the Digital team, or with our partner.
If you are not sure and think it's for you but you need to know more, or you can't make this date but want to be trained soon – then contact Viv Cole or Sharon Lim, your Search Academy Managers for more information and provisional dates. Email: TheSearchAcademy@digitalstrategyconsulting.com

2 May 2007: The Search Academy @ Internet World

internet%20world%20100.jpg The Search Academy is the fast way to boost your search knowledge. The Digital Training Academy created this programme of orientation and advanced Academies that now run with our partner search firms. Book your place now, either direct through the Digital team, or with our partner. If you are not sure and think it's for you but you need to know more, or you can't make this date but want to be trained soon – then contact Viv Cole or Sharon Lim, your Search Academy Managers for more information and provisional dates. Email: TheSearchAcademy@digitalstrategyconsulting.com

June 2007: The Search Academy @ IAB Croatia (Orientation/Getting started)

IabThe Search Academy is the fast way to boost your search knowledge. The Digital Training Academy created this programme of orientation and advanced Academies that now run with our partner search firms. Book your place now, either direct through the Digital team, or with our partner.
If you are not sure and think it's for you but you need to know more, or you can't make this date but want to be trained soon – then contact Viv Cole or Sharon Lim, your Search Academy Managers for more information and provisional dates. Email: TheSearchAcademy@digitalstrategyconsulting.com

3 April 2007: The Search Academy @ IAB UK (Orientation/Getting started)

iab%20uk.bmp The Search Academy is the fast way to boost your search knowledge. The Digital Training Academy created this programme of orientation and advanced Academies that now run with our partner search firms. Book your place now, either direct through the Digital team, or with our partner.
If you are not sure and think it's for you but you need to know more, or you can't make this date but want to be trained soon – then contact Viv Cole or Sharon Lim, your Search Academy Managers for more information and provisional dates. Email: TheSearchAcademy@digitalstrategyconsulting.com

March 2007: The Search Academy @ IAB UK (Orientation/Getting started)

Iab_uk The Search Academy is the fast way to boost your search knowledge. The Digital Training Academy created this programme of orientation and advanced Academies that now run with our partner search firms. Book your place now, either direct through the Digital team, or with our partner.
If you are not sure and think it's for you but you need to know more, or you can't make this date but want to be trained soon – then contact Viv Cole or Sharon Lim, your Search Academy Managers for more information and provisional dates. Email: TheSearchAcademy@digitalstrategyconsulting.com

February 2007: The Search Academy @Weboptimiser (Orientation/Getting started)

Weboptimiser The Search Academy is the fast way to boost your search knowledge. The Digital Training Academy created this programme of orientation and advanced Academies that now run with our partner search firms. Book your place now, either direct through the Digital team, or with our partner.
If you are not sure and think it's for you but you need to know more, or you can't make this date but want to be trained soon – then contact Viv Cole or Sharon Lim, your Search Academy Managers for more information and provisional dates. Email: TheSearchAcademy@digitalstrategyconsulting.com

January 2007: The Digital Search Academy @ The Search Works (Orientation/Getting started)

Search_works_2 The Search Academy is the fast way to boost your search knowledge. The Digital Training Academy created this programme of orientation and advanced Academies that now run with our partner search firms. Book your place now, either direct through the Digital team, or with our partner.
If you are not sure and think it's for you but you need to know more, or you can't make this date but want to be trained soon – then contact Viv Cole or Sharon Lim, your Search Academy Managers for more information and provisional dates. Email: TheSearchAcademy@digitalstrategyconsulting.com

December 2006: The Search Academy @ Weboptimiser (Orientation/Getting started)

Weboptimiser The Search Academy is the fast way to boost your search knowledge. The Digital Training Academy created this programme of orientation and advanced Academies that now run with our partner search firms. Book your place now, either direct through the Digital team, or with our partner.
If you are not sure and think it's for you but you need to know more, or you can't make this date but want to be trained soon – then contact Viv Cole or Sharon Lim, your Search Academy Managers for more information and provisional dates. Email: TheSearchAcademy@digitalstrategyconsulting.com

November 2006: The Search Academy @ The Search Works (Orientation/Getting started)

Search_works Book now with our partner: Digital Search Academy @The Search Works

If you think it's for you but you need to know more or you can't make this date but want to be trained soon – contact Viv Cole or Sharon Lim, your Search Academy Managers for more information and provisional dates. Email: TheSearchAcademy@digitalstrategyconsulting.com

Social Media Optimisation

Lots of people say that you should not pretend to be someone else, that there is a danger of being caught out, some have already. The concern is that it seems that few know what to do and how to commercialise social media apart from the big players, MySpace, YouTube etc. So naturally, in its early days of lack of knowledge and misunderstandings there have been screw ups ­ these are just people pioneering, finding their way...

In essence this is where video optimisation fits. Create content using the media that the market wants i.e. Fits with YouTube, MySpace et al, and the surprise is that you can make video clear, fun, interesting and you should not worry about breaking the bank, it does not need to be that expensive it just needs to be well thought out, ethical and honest. You can start with audio, step into podcasting, the people profiting from that the most are Apple, but they have online training videos that you can watch for free ­ it is not that hard, or you can ask your agency to do it, this is where Weboptimiser steps in.

The digital rollercoaster: landmarks in digital development

rollercoster%20100.jpg Internet communications have become a routine part of the daily lives of most people in the technically advanced countries of Asia, Western Europe and North America. As part of this, online marketing has already become a mainstream part of the media mix. These facts and landmarks we collated for participants on the Digital Training Academies are a summary of the internet and marketing development Academy lectures and are intended to present a few highlights of the immense changes created through this industry.

Download_the Report

The search juggernaut continues

Search_publication1 Our market update: search engine advertising
Digital Insight Report - August 2006

The revolution in direct marketing continues as more firms realise the power of search. Search engines account for half the online advertising industry in some countries and they're changing the nature of customer acquisition marketing forever. Now Central and Eastern Europe are heading towards their tipping points in the growth of search, and with the engines continuing to deliver waves of new products and tools, it's clear that the growth will not slow

Participants in the Academy will receive copies of recent Digital Insight Reports from our group

Digital Training Academy courses

Back_to_school_6 Could you and your team achieve more with the help of expert training from the leading digital marketing and media training specialists? Digital's new public access academy programme is a cost effective way for your company to tap into some world-class digital training. We can quickly train small teams from scratch, bolster the skills in larger organizations, or get new joiners up to speed.
Download Digital's Prospectus

Digital Training Academy and its founder

Dannymeadowsklue_2 Knowledge and training are critical for online marketers. Get it right and the internet becomes the most powerful marketing tool there's ever been, but getting it right is not straight forward. That's why I helped set up the Internet Advertising Bureau in 1997, and why I moved on from being its Chief Executive in 2005 to set up the Digital Training Academy. Thousands of marketers need to learn these new skills, so what the Digital Training Academy does is bring together senior industry figures to help them get there. Our team has been training marketers since 2001, and now through the forty academy courses, we have great ways to get your team on the fast track.

If you'd like some more background about some of the things I've done in the internet marketing and publishing industries then there's a biography in our press centre.




Digital Jargon Buster

Check our definitions or email us to explain the latest jargon you've seen.
Digital Jargon Buster






Digital Events

Where in the world are we?
Digital Events
Diary dates for conferences, lectures and workshops.

Digital Case Studies

Digital Case Studies
A few of our favourites in digital marketing.

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