Whether you’re a one man band or a global organisation with a talented in-house team, there’s one thing for sure in marketing – there’ll always come a time when you need to call on some specialist support.
Maybe you don’t quite know how to get started with content marketing. Or maybe you’ve decided to leave SEO to the experts after all. Whatever the reason, I might just be the man to help.
Over the years working as a copywriter and content marketer in Scotland, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and working with some of the most talented freelancers, consultants and agencies in the country.
From web designers and developers to voiceover artists and PR consultants, I’ve worked with them all. So I’m in a pretty good position to recommend some awesome individuals and teams.
These are the type of marketing superheroes you could rely on if you went into battle. Or if you just needed a new website or something.
Dave Sawyer at Zude PR is a brilliant PR consultant, with almost 20 years’ experience in the industry. Not only that, he’s a genuinely great guy.
I first connected with Dave on LinkedIn a year or so ago, not long after he had launched Zude. And ever since he went out on his own, I’ve followed his career with interest through Twitter and LinkedIn.
But I’ve also had the pleasure of chewing the fat with Dave (in actual real life) about all things PR, content marketing and social media – and I can safely say he really knows his stuff.
If you want to find out more, check out some of his in-depth, informative blog posts, including How to Curate Content & Influence People, 29 Free Ways to Promote Your Business Blog, and as you can see below, How to Get On in New Communications: Be Nice.
Website: www.zudepr.co.uk
Email: dave@zudepr.co.uk
Phone: 0141 569 0342 | 07770 886923
Twitter: @zudepr
Marketing consultant, Mike McGrail, is one of those guys that just seems to know everything. He founded Velocity Digital in 2012 – and believe it or not – he also invented trees. At least that’s what his LinkedIn profile says so it must be true.
Mike was named as one of the top 100 digital professionals in the UK last year, which shows you just how well he’s respected in the industry.
If you want to know more about digital marketing, including social media and paid advertising, you should do two things:
Website: www.velocitydigital.co.uk
Email: hello@velocitydigital.co.uk
Phone: 0131 344 4599
Twitter: @mike_mcgrail | @velocitydigi
James McDonald is one of the most sought-after web designers in Scotland. He also happens to be one of my best friends – but that doesn’t mean I’m biased.
I regularly work with web designers and developers who wax lyrical about James’ work – and they know more about web design than I could ever pretend to.
As well as being an excellent web designer, James (or Chopper to me) is also semi-YouTube famous for his hilarious video of Siri struggling to understand his thick Glaswegian accent. I’m still not sure if he’s managed to create a reminder.
Website: dribbble.com/jamesmcdonald | www.enthusiastic.co
Twitter: @jamesm
I worked alongside front end web developer, Jon Mills, while at digital marketing agency, fatBuzz. He impressed me then, and he still impresses me now.
Jon was one of those people that you always knew was destined for bigger things. He now works as a freelance web designer and developer, creating clients’ websites from the ground up – encompassing strategy, design and development.
Website: www.jonathonmills.com
Email: hello@jonathonmills.com
Phone: 0141 266 0050
Twitter: @jonathonmills
From PPC and social media to web design and development, Glasgow-based digital agency, Equator, really do do it all.
Equator are one of those agencies that everyone in Scotland knows. Founded in 1999, they’re now one of the biggest agencies in the country, with over 150 staff on their books.
But it wasn’t until earlier this year that I finally got the opportunity to work with them – and I certainly haven’t been disappointed.
Their SEO strategy is heavily focused on creating unique, entertaining content and strengthening your back links. And that’s exactly how it should be.
Website: www.eqtr.com
Phone: 0141 229 1800
Twitter: @equatoragency
Parachute are a Glasgow-based digital advertising agency specialising in web development and digital marketing.
They’re relatively small compared to other agencies in the city, but they’re worked with some really illustrious clients, including RBS and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
As you can see below, Parachute’s websites are cool, creative and contemporary – which might just be exactly what you’re after.
Website: www.thisisparachute.com
Email: hello@thisisparachute.com
Phone: 0141 357 4556
Twitter: @thisisparachute
OLIVER might not be based in Scotland, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be. That’s because they provide clients with dedicated, on-site agencies, regardless of where they come from.
I’ve yet to come across another agency that uses this business model, and having experienced it first hand, I’m surprised more agencies don’t work this way.
OLIVER specialise in brand strategy and planning and creative execution, but I’ve personally worked with them on motion graphic animations and graphic design. Without any exaggeration, these guys are amazing.
Website: www.oliver.agency
Phone: 0203 142 3593
Twitter: @Oliver_Agency
Voiceover artists might not be the first thing on your list when you’re thinking about your marketing strategy. But as content marketing continues to grow, many companies are going over and above with their content output.
And if you start creating videos, or if you delve into the world of TV or radio advertising, you’re going to need a voiceover artist. Luckily for you, I’ve worked with two of the best in Scotland.
Donald has one of those voices that you’ve heard everywhere but just didn’t know it was him. Trust me – as soon as you hear his voice, you’ll know who he is.
He’s a continuity announcer at STV, works for BBC Radio Scotland, and has lent his voice to adverts for some top brands, including Yell.com, News of the World and Vodafone.
Website: www.voiceovertrainingscotland.com
Twitter: @donaldpirie
Like Donald, Kenny Blyth is a prolific voiceover artist, voicing corporate jobs for the likes of Scottish Water, BP and RBS.
He’s originally from the Scottish Borders, but if that’s not the kind of voice you’re looking for, don’t worry. He can rhyme off a number of regional accents with ease, including Newcastle, London, Liverpool, Manchester and Belfast accents.
Seriously, I got him to do loads of accents just for the craic (in an Irish accent of course).
Website: www.kennyblyth.com
Twitter: @blythyken
There are, of course, many other freelancers, consultants and agencies in Scotland that can help you with your marketing and advertising. But these are some of the best that I’ve had the pleasure of working with (or in Mike’s case, admiring from afar).
If you’re looking for a copywriter or content marketer, I think it’s safe to say there’s only one I’d recommend – but I am slightly biased.
If you want to find out more about any of the freelancers, agencies or consultants mentioned in this blog post, feel free to get in touch.
And if you know someone who could use their support, use the share buttons below to share this blog post with your friends or business contacts (they’re not really your friends, are they?) online.
Header image courtesy of pinguino k under CC BY 2.0
0
0
0
Read Post
Read Post
Read Post
Read Post
