Blogs

The old marketing adage states that “Content is King”, but as strategies have shifted towards a focus on SEO and PPC (Pay-Per-Click) advertising, it is worth asking if this is still true, or if SEO usurped the crown.

You've probably heard about the famous quartet of marketing – the classic 4Ps. Sure, some might expand it to seven, but let's stick to the basics for now: product, price, place, and promotion. Everyone emphasizes their importance, stressing how they're all intertwined. But what if we view these 4Ps as more than just standalone concepts. Let’s look at the 4Ps as a cycle and then it makes much more sense.

Many people achieve the role of team leader or manager based on their exceptional job performance, leading to promotion. If you find yourself in this position without formal management training, you're not alone. According to a 2023 CMI study, a significant 82% of UK managers lack formal training, so here’s our top 5 dos, and 5 don’ts for management.  

It’s not called the World Wide Web for nothing, and you can use it to sell almost anything, anywhere, so what is the power of localised SEO? In In this blog, we delve into the advantages of tailoring your marketing strategies to cater to specific regions.

From organising operations to ensuring smooth workflow, business administrators play a pivotal role in keeping organisations running efficiently. However, finding skilled professionals who can seamlessly navigate the complexities of modern business can be a challenge. That's where the Business Administrator Apprenticeship Programme steps in, offering a tailored solution for both employers and aspiring professionals.

A career in sales can be both satisfying and rewarding, but it also comes with some challenges. Sales once had a bad reputation, from the high-pressure tactics of double-glazing reps to dodgy second-hand car dealers, it took legislation to curb the bad practices of old. But merely working within the law isn’t the biggest challenge the sales profession faces as the digital age has given more knowledge and power to buyers. This blog takes a look at the challenges sales professionals now face and how they can be overcome.

Very quickly, off the top of your head, what are the four Ps of the marketing mix? If you were able to list them, can you also list the additional three that make up the seven Ps? The Marketing Mix is a fundamental part of marketing theory, yet as the world grows more complex, are they still relevant in today’s digital landscape?

his week we are delighted to share a blog from apprentice Andrew Mitich-Holmes who talks about why he chose the apprenticeship route and what he appreciates about it. Our thanks to Andrew and his employer Royal Star & Garter

As both consumers and business are doing more online research before purchasing, digital marketing has become crucial to business success. For senior marketers, studying a digital marketing courses ensures they understand the latest technologies and tools, how these are deployed, and keeps their skills relevant in the job market.

Cambridge Professional Academy, in its commitment to excellence in training and education, distinguishes itself through the deliberate practice of knowledge curation rather than creation. As a leader in providing specialised programs in sales, marketing and leadership & management, the academy recognises the significance of staying abreast of industry advancements while optimising efficiency.

Many people when they become managers think, 'Wow! I've made it. I can relax now.'. We soon find out how wrong they are. A 2023 report from CMI indicated that a massive 82% of UK managers have received no formal management training, and yet they are expected to take on a range of new responsibilities.

Since the launch of ChatGPT there has been a lot of buzz about the potential impact of AI on jobs and training. Many professionals, marketers included, have begun to wonder if AI is a threat or a potential benefit to their career.

In an era where sustainability is at the forefront of consumer consciousness, the construction industry in the UK has witnessed a surge in environmentally conscious practices. However, beneath the veneer of eco-friendly claims lies the lurking threat known as greenwashing.

The motor car when it first graced our roads, was a sight to behold. Yet, it brought with it challenges that needed navigating. Today, AI for Marketers stands at a similar juncture, promising yet fraught with ethical complexities.

When it comes to business excellence, I’ve never really understood RATER, the acronym from SERVQUAL (Zeithaml, Parasuraman & Berry, 1990). It stands for Reliability, Assurance, Tangibles, Empathy, Responsiveness, but this isn’t a logical sequence and RATER isn’t really a word. So, I came up with my own acronym: TREAT.

What can the marketer learn from history as we race into another paradigm shift? Nadio Granata considers AI in marketing!

Does time run away from you? Do you often find yourself not completing goals you set for yourself? Then it might be time to work on your time management. Whether you’re studying or at work, these techniques can come in useful to manage your time. 

The pandemic has changed the way people feel about work and life, rethink their priorities, and reimagine how they spend their time. This combined with an influx of job vacancies across the UK has led to what’s been called the Great Resignation.

While working to retain the customers you’ve already collected, you must look farther afield to find new opportunities. In this post, we’ll set out four ways in which you can adapt your digital marketing to reach new audiences. 

In recent positive news for apprenticeships, the government announced another extension to the £3,000 incentive payment for hiring a new apprentice.

Mendelow’s Matrix was created in 1991 to analyse individual stakeholders by measuring their interest and power. This information can then be used to determine their potential level of impact on a big business decision.

Being successful looks tantalisingly easy from the outside looking in. One of the reasons people make success look so easy is because they’ve crafted a clear plan and executed it on a consistent basis. But there’s another reason driving that success. This blog will delve into the importance of knowing your ‘why’.

Whether at work or during our personal lives, good communication skills are essential. They can improve relationships, further your career, and build your social confidence. So how can you make sure you’re communicating to the best of your abilities?

First described by Heinz Weihrich in 1999, TOWS takes a SWOT analysis one step further to help you take action with your findings. It combines internal and external forces to come up with productive ideas of how to best use the information.  

We are delighted to announce that one of our very own students, Marisa Sloper, has been awarded the world's Top Student Award by the CIM. This is a prestigious recognition of Marisa's exceptional hard work and dedication whilst studying her CIM Level 7 Marketing Leadership Qualification with Professional Academy.

With exam deadlines, holding down a job and trying to maintain personal commitments, it’s common to feel overwhelmed. This blog will explain the importance of looking after your wellbeing and how you can stay healthy when you’re studying.

Whether you're dealing with a hectic schedule and a lot of pressure and stress, you're feeling undervalued and unappreciated, or you're just not very engaged with your work there are plenty of ways to overcome these challenges and boost your confidence.

How many people do you know who find writing easy? Probably not that many. The people do find it easy aren’t special in any way they’ve just adopted various techniques to make writing feel easier for them. In this blog I’ll share some of those tips with you so that you can nail your next writing task.

This blog will explain the key problems of having a busy meeting schedule and how you can make sustainable changes to give your working week a better rhythm. 

27 useful lessons in sales from expert sales coach and trainer, Niraj Kapur. From celebrating success and active listening, to prospecting and kindness, this list gives you all the key advice to be successful salesperson.

Distraction is a problem and it’s one that’s getting more difficult to overcome. If you can master a strategy to overcome distraction you will stand apart from your colleagues and achieve your greatest goals. Read on to learn how to become in-distractable.

Do you want to give yourself back one extra hour each week? Most people can only dream of having more free time. However, the truth is we all have the power to overcome the problem. Sustainable changes can help you free up at least one hour each week.

If the thought of speaking in front of a group of people fills you with fear, help is at hand. Overcome your presentation fears and boost your confidence by following these 10 simple tips.

What questions should you ask potential leads at networking events? And how can you effectively help them without coming off too 'salesy'? Sales trainer Niraj Kapur shares a personal experience and the importance of networking to land big clients.

Managing any team is difficult, and managing a remote team of flexible workers is much trickier. You need to approach the task with an open mind and a strong determination to adapt. To help facilitate your growth, we’re going to set out some tips for managing a flexible working team. Let’s get to them.

Whether you're in account management, business development, or sales & marketing, having the right skills is essential for success. So what are the qualities of an effective salesperson? We've highlighted five essential skills in this infographic!

Marketing is a dynamic industry and all marketers should keep their skills up-to-date to stay at the top of their game. So which skills are lacking in the marketing industry? Check out this infographic to find out, which also features interesting statistics from CIM's The Impact of Marketing study from 2020.

What do you need to be a successful manager or supervisor? The best leaders are people-focused, communicative and have happier, more engaged employees - leading to better results. This infographic goes into more detail on the most important skills of great managers!

What skills are in-demand in the marketing sector? And where are the skills gaps in the dynamic industry? A 2020 study from CIM highlights some surprising areas and explains the importance of upskilling and reskilling for all ages, especially as part of rebuilding the post-COVID economy.

During the pandemic, many companies experienced a change in technology priorities. Digitalisation has gradually penetrated all areas of organisational activity and become the new normal in businesses. Today we will talk about technologies in HR and effective recruiting methods.

When you’re setting goals, it’s easy to get bogged down with techniques, planning documents and fancy apps. But there’s something missing in that mix – accountability.

Can you imagine a world without email? Maybe you think your job would be impossible without it. But if I told you that you would feel happier without it, have greater mental focus and lower levels of stress. Would you be prepared to rethink email?

As a manager you have a duty of care and need to keep an eye on the toll this past year has taken on your employees. You also need to know when to step in and lend a helping hand, both to protect productivity levels in the business, and more importantly look after the wellbeing of your staff.

Relevant, informative, and educational content plays an important role in building trust. So, when done well, great content marketing can be transformational for brand reputation and lead conversions. The 'SOUP' acronym will help you remember four key rules for planning great content marketing. 

You have two choices when it comes to feeling stressed. You can either burn yourself out or make sustainable changes to take back control. This blog shares how you can manage your stress levels so that you feel happier and healthier.

How often does your mood feel like it’s getting in the way of getting things done? Whether through mindfulness, exercise, or music, there are many ways to increase your mood and in turn your productivity.

Looking to transition into marketing but not sure if your skills and experience are relevant? We’ve highlighted three practical jobs that use these skills and make people working in them ideal candidates for transitioning into a career in marketing.

The latest budget announcement saw the cash bonus scheme for apprenticeships extended and increased. Now companies hiring adult apprentices will receive a payment from the government of £3000, and this increases to up to £4000 for younger apprentices. 

It’s the world’s biggest B2B platform that’s continued to grow, even in lockdown. With the introduction of the Clubhouse App, which is causing excitement and discussion worldwide, it’s harder than ever to stand out.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the amount of demands being placed on you from work that your ability to study suffers? In this blog I’ll explain what causes us to feel overwhelmed and what you can do to reduce your stress levels to enable you to study successfully.

Apprenticeships have many benefits to both businesses and individuals. But will they boost your career? Do they open up new opportunities for future employment? Find out answers to these questions and more in this infographic showing reviews from Professional Academy's sales, marketing and management apprentices.

In 2017 the UK government introduced the apprenticeship levy, a fund paid into by employers (with an annual wage bill of £3 million+) to invest in apprenticeship training. From 2020, even non-levy paying SMEs will be able to access the same funding. Find out some of the key points when it comes to the levy in this useful infographic.  

Wondering whether an apprenticeship is right for you? It can be tough to decide between apprenticeships and university, but there are key benefits involved in on-the-job training that will help you reach your goals and progress in your chosen industry!

To start 2021 we surveyed our active Sales, Marketing, and Management apprentices to gather their thoughts and opinions on their apprenticeship delivery and how studying has been during a pandemic. Here is an overview of the stand-out comments that help reflect what it's like to study an apprenticeship with Professional Academy.  

We have all experienced those tiresome days in the office that made us unable to perform our duties efficiently. Fatigue is common in office positions. It can come from lack of sleep but also poor posture at work. Here are some ways to ensure you're more alert and productive in your job.

Doing something good with your career and changing it for the better is never easy. However, if you take time and invest energy into getting certified, you could help your career a lot. Certifications are important for different types of professions and they could help you reach the position you’ve always wanted to reach quite quickly and easily.

Signing up to a professional qualification or any form of extended learning is one thing, but actually ‘getting the work done’ is quite another. You need to create good study habits to make sure you are productive, effective, & staying on your path to success.

Social media has become an invaluable marketing tool for businesses to reach and engage with their target markets and beyond. The key to creating a fool-proof social media strategy is to stay updated on the latest trends. Here are five social media trends for 2020 that every marketer should know about.

That time has come around again. New year, new me. Resolutions are floating around about finally sticking to that gym routine, giving up crisps, or reading more. But what about your career development? It’s important to consider your professional goals and make effective resolutions that will boost your career in 2021.

We all fail. For many of us it’s a disappointing and lonely place and one that we try to avoid in the future. However, if you can understand why you fail you will become stronger mentally and this will help you progress and develop in the future. Failure is part of success.

2020 was a challenging year. We don't know what the future holds, but the best thing to do is prepare ourselves for anything, and hope for new and positive year in sales. Read more to find out expert sales coach and author Niraj Kapur's top sales tips to kickstart 2021. 

A sales career is popular if you love working with people, are a great communicator and thrive on workplace challenges and targets. Even if you have no sales experience, you’d be surprised at how many transferable skills translate effectively. Don’t know where to begin? Check out some of our tips on how to find a job in sales.

Most enduring companies have long since accepted the need to have their employees work from home — but that certainly doesn’t mean they’ve made the most of it. Here are some tips on how to effectively train your team even when all or most of them are working remotely.

The 2020 pandemic has taken its toll on many things this year, but let's not let it take away our work Christmas parties! Even though they will have to be virtual or remote in some way, there are still plenty of ideas to make this year fun (and followed by a hangover). Here are some ideas for the best virtual work Christmas parties.

Are you keen to get your small business up and running on the web? SEO is an important part of visibility and growth online. In this Beginners Guide to Search Engine Optimisation you will find various techniques & tips, along with translations for common phrases such as technical SEO, onsite/onpage SEO, offsite SEO, & local SEO. 

Starting a new job can be scary, and making sure new employees feel welcome and happy is really important for staff morale and reflecting company culture. Here are some great ideas for onboarding to inspire your team. 

Are you making the most out of your email marketing campaign? Here are five powerful tips to make your campaign successful and increase user engagement.

Whether you're looking to hire an apprentice, or put an existing employee onto an apprenticeship programme, this infographic guide helps answer some common questions. Professional Academy provide a range of sales, marketing and management apprenticeships for people of any age and at a variety of levels. 

Do you want to reap the benefits of content marketing, but don't know where to start? Here are some great tips on how to come up with insightful and popular content ideas for your business. This way, your audience get the right information when and where they want it - working wonders for your SEO ranking in the process. 

When you sign up for a new course or professional qualification, you feel eager and excited to start. But it's common to struggle with motivation when actually trying to do homework or personal study. Here are some ways to overcome procrastination and mental blocks when studying. 

Do you forget where you have saved things and what you have called them? Is your day spent on search clicks rather than work clicks? Then this blog is for you. It will walk you through how to organise your files and folders so you can store and retrieve information the smart way.  

Learn more about the latest government apprenticeship briefing paper for August 2020 in this overview of the key facts and stats. The document covers areas such as changes in age ranges, Levels and the use of the apprenticeship levy.  

The communications mix involves all the tools you use to communicate with your customers or potential customers. This could be through advertising, social media, product packaging, direct marketing, websites, events, exhibitions – the list goes on! Successful campaigns consider all elements of the communications mix.

Want to expand your knowledge on marketing strategy? This series of free webinars will cover a range of strategic marketing theories that will help you effectively plan and innovate to meet future challenges. 

There are so many productivity tools out there, it can be overwhelming. Here are 3 of the top Productivity tools available and why you should use them.

The segmentation, targeting and positioning (STP) framework is a useful way to segment and target audiences, and in turn create more effective marketing communications plans. It helps to target your best customers and position your offering accordingly.

A marketing audit examines your marketing efforts against your business goals. It's a way to analyse every tangible asset of your brand and redefine marketing activities to better align with customer wants and needs. 

Some people are lucky enough to have found their dream job. Maybe you thought you were among them. Yet your work doesn’t carry the same excitement it once did. While you could just be going through a bit of a slump, there’s also a chance it might be time to consider a change of career. Here’s how you know.

Are you job hunting at the moment? You’re not alone. Maybe you were made redundant or just realised your current position isn’t what you expected. Competition may be high, but it's a chance to tap into your best skills & characteristics.

Do you struggle to remember all the information you're faced with day-to-day? The 'second brain' methodology can systematically remind us of important ideas, connections and thoughts. Created by Tiago Forte, it helps to organise your mind digitally. 

A side hustle is a great way to pursue your interests whilst making a bit of extra money outside of your job. With economic times being tough, many people are turning to a side job to bring in some income and financial security. But where do you start? 

Do you want to develop your skills as a salesperson, or transition into a sales focused role? ISM Sales Qualifications are an effective way to refine your skills, develop expertise in sales techniques and make sure you're on the right track for your career goals. Choose the right sales course for you with this simple infographic which breaks down each Level. 

There's a CIM marketing qualification for everyone - wherever you are in your career. Compare marketing courses here with this useful infographic and find out which Level is most suited to your skills and experience.

Wondering how to find a job in competitive industries such as marketing, sales and management? Job hunting can be tough, but it's important to stay positive and use your time wisely to ensure you stand out to employers. Here is some advice for job hunters that will help you become more employable! 

Whether you're a seasoned marketer, a beginner or just looking to get into the industry - marketing theories are essential tools to use alongside your marketing activity. Professional Academy's series of webinars explores 6 common theories and shows how they can be used for any business. 

The number of apprentices allowed for non-levy paying businesses has increased from 3 to 10. The change is effective from 15th July 2020, and is an excellent way for SMEs to receive valuable government funded training and development for their current staff or new hires. 

What are the qualities of a good leader? This infographic shares 4 important traits of an effective manager! 

How do you feel about going back to the office in a post-lockdown world? There are many unknowns ahead when returning to normality after the coronavirus lockdown, which could become stressful. However, with a little careful thinking you can make your return to the office as smooth as possible.

Remote working has seen an influx since lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. What has working from home taught us and how can we use this information to create a better and more effective working environment for the future?   

The PESO tool plans and segments types of communications channels. It can be applied to both public relations (PR), marketing and digital marketing to integrate different forms of media; paid, earned, shared and owned. 

A marketing career is perfect for creatives, communicators and data-driven types. If you're new to the industry or looking for a career change, here are some great tips on how to get into marketing. Then you'll be at the top of your game for that dream job! 

A course or professional qualification can work wonders for your career progression. Convincing your employer that funding it is a good investment is not always easy, but these tips will surely help you on your way to studying that dream course.

Struggling to keep your mind happy and healthy amid stressful times? Find out some effective ways to maintain good mental health with these self-care and well-being tips.

Want to know how to balance success in sales with good mental health? Expert Sales Trainer Niraj Kapur shares his advice on how to improve sales in the current climate along with working on your own well-being. 

The CIM have temporarily introduced a new September board to provide more options to start and complete a marketing qualification. It offers valuable flexibility and addresses those who may have been temporarily furloughed or away from college or university. 

Want to learn more about marketing theories? Our series of free live events explore common marketing models including SWOT, PESTELE, The Marketing Mix & more. They are great for marketers of all levels including those at the start of their marketing career.

Good routines have the power to help you stay happy and healthy. Here's how a daily or morning routine can make you feel more motivated, happy and ready to achieve your goals. 

We're now using video calling more than ever. But why do Zoom calls drain your energy? Could that video meeting have been an email? Here's how to tackle and overcome video call exhaustion or "Zoom fatigue". 

The coronavirus or COVID-19 is changing the way we do our jobs as salespeople. Here's how to avoid making common sales mistakes - the key is to really listen and communicate for the best results. 

There are plenty of great free courses out there covering every subject under the sun. But what's the difference between a free and a paid course/qualification and what do you get for your money?

You may be wondering, how can online learning and upskilling help during lockdown? Qualifications are actually a great way to grow and develop skills to ensure you progress and innovate in your career.

Working at a desk for long periods of time doesn't do your body any favours. We're designed to move. If you’re a desk worker then exercising at your desk (deskercise) is a simple way to stay active during the day.

The CIM has recently updated its rules on who can become a Chartered Marketer. The prestigious CMktr status is now available to less experienced, younger marketers who have attained the Associate (ACIM) member level with the CIM. 

Social media marketing is a constantly changing industry. It's important to keep up with new ways to reach people with a great social media strategy that fits with your business goals. 

Staying positive in the face of coronavirus and all the negative news it brings can be difficult. But there are ways to feel happy and appreciative even in times of crisis. 

Being furloughed can be scary. But you can still study when you're furloughed. Here's why learning & development whilst furloughed is positive and beneficial for the future. 

It can be hard to maintain good health and exercise when working from home. The before-work run and post-work gym trip cues disappear and it’s easy to break your good habits. But working from home doesn’t mean you have to compromise your health. 

Home can be a place full of distractions, making it difficult to buckle down and study when you need to! But there are great ways to make studying from home a success.

Working from home has been a sudden and unexpected change for many people. Keeping staff morale up whilst working remotely is more important than ever - here's some ways to boost their spirits.  

To continue great productivity whilst battling with any distraction your homelife throws at you is challenging. But working from home comes with many benefits and rewards, if done right! 

Sometimes it can feel like a constant battle to remain focused on the task in hand. Here are some insights into how to train yourself to become better at living in the present, so that you can take action today to build the future you want tomorrow.

As of January 2020, non-levy paying businesses now have access to 95% funding on the new apprenticeship standards for Marketing, Management, and Sales. 

A breakdown of Cambridge Professional Academy's recent Ofsted inspection for their apprenticeship provision including comments from the apprenticeship leadership team. 

Procrastination affects us all at some point in our lives. However there is no one size fits all method to beat procrastination. Here are ten different tools that can help you overcome it.

Professional Academy have achieved Strategic Partner status with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). The announcement highlights Professional Academy’s commitment to improving the employability of those who complete a CIM qualification

With Christmas just being in less than two weeks we thought we'd share a fun infographic on which toys have been the most popular at Christmas time for the last 25 years!

If you have lost the fire you once had for your job, Investing in yourself can reignite that fire and lead to career advancements.

Once you have set up your new business, it can be hard to get your brand out there. These simple tips can help your business be heard and be seen.

Performing well under pressure is difficult but is essential in the workplace. Here are a few ways to help you stay calm and handle the pressure.

With technology advancing and new gadgets being made accessible, marketing strategies have shifted from desktop to mobile. Here's where vertical videos comes in.

With the business market harder than ever, Marketing gamification has emerged as a viable strategy for forward-thinking companies.

Digital marketing strategies are made possible by the internet, no doubt, but what makes them successful is their appeal to human psychology. In the visual below from CleverTap, heed the insights and lessons from traditional marketing experts to implement them in your digital marketing strategy.

When life gets in the way of habits, it can feel impossible to get back on track. However there a few things you can do to get back on track!

Many of us start projects but often don't see them through to completion. However there are a few ways you can stay committed, focused and see them through to the end.

No business could succeed without its employees, so that makes them a key factor in any company. Find out how you can motivate them!

If you were stuck in a lift and someone asked you what your core values were, would you have an answer?

Personal development plans are your pathway to future success. In fact they are more than that, they are also an organisation’s pathway to future success. Plans don’t just show you your end point they show you how to get there

As quickly as marketing tactics evolve, consumers are becoming desensitised and bored. So how do you keep them engaged?

Working in an office presents many challenges, the most obvious one being constant interruptions. So how can working remotely help?

How long does it take to rank in Google? Check out this infographic featuring statistics from Ahref's study on top ranking pages, considering many variables including time frames and keywords.

Stay ahead with this years marketing trends using our blog on boosting your marketing potential. To help you get in touch with this year’s marketing trends, we have developed a list of 10 ways you can boost your marketing potential and get that r

Are you preparing for an upcoming job interview? Here are the steps that you need to take prior to the big event.

By automating interactions with customers and facilitating engagement with brand content, chatbots are a great way to optimise your conversion rate. 

As of July 2019 we are happy to be sharing with you the new syllabus from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) which will run across all qualifications from Foundation (Level 3) to Certificate (Level 4) and Diploma (Level 6).

Consisting of 25+ SEO mistakes, this checklist has listed the most common mistakes that are hurting your site’s ranking and traffic. By rectifying these mistakes, you’d be able to see a steady rise in your site’s performance in the SERPs. So, check out this exhaustive SEO mistakes checklist now and for reference purposes, you can also download this infographic for free.

At the beginning of the year we set goals, but are you still on track with them? Kathryn Knights can help you find out.

Mobile commerce, known as m-commerce, is the process of buying goods or services online through a wireless mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet. Considering the number of people currently using mobile devices, it makes sense that business need to accommodate their shopping habits through mobile commerce.

Among the many tools a manager can use for strategic analysis, scenario planning can capture a wide range of possibilities with specific detailing. By identifying some fundamental trends, a leader can define a series of scenarios that will help you reduce errors in your decision making. Here we are going to take a look at how we can conduct scenario planning step-by-step and benefit your company in the coming years.

There’s one productivity tool you’re unlikely to be investing in and it’s probably the single most important one, do you know what it is?

Working with others can create a lot of challenges, but the benefits should outweigh those challenges – especially if you use a few simple tools well. One of those tools should be your calendar. 

We've created a helpful infographic about the different pathways you can take with the new CIM qualifications.

Content marketing, it's more than just a buzzword - it's here to stay, and rightly so. But do you know how to use it for your business?

Did you know you can change your brain to help you be more productive, have better sleep and feel more relaxed?

Blink and you’ll miss the latest developments in the digital world - so  what are the standout trends in today’s digital landscape? 

The role of a leader is always evolving, so it makes sense that the traits of a modern-day leader may be different from the leaders of half a century ago.

Work is a busy place for most people with little time to really spend thinking about themselves. However, getting out of a career rut doesn’t necessarily mean changing career direction altogether. 

When was the last time you paid attention to someone or something and really gave it your full concentration? Simplifying your life is one way to reduce decision fatigue and every improvement you can make, however small, will help.

Whilst January can feel like the natural point at which to look ahead to the rest of the year in reality it doesn’t matter when you take action, what’s more important is how you go about setting yourself up for success.

The traditional marketing tactics they used allowed companies to become a household name and remain at the top of their game for decades. If it worked for them, why can't it work for us in the 21st Century?

SEO is essentially a huge collection of techniques that help any given website gain traffic and rank high in search engine results, which can later be parlayed into conversions. Here are some of those SEO techniques that digital marketers have been using over the years to great effect.

Have you ever stopped to think about who you spend time with and how those people could be improving or damaging your ability to achieve your goals?

If you can create a plan in advance for your content marketing and can ask quickly and authentically, you will be able to maintain a strong brand reputation in the face of any social media marketing challenge. To get started here are 4 action items for the basis of your content curation and marketing campaign.

Email marketing is a great way to drive traffic to your website. Here are 6 tips to to get more people to sign up to your email list and grow your audience.

When people set themselves goals the first barrier they come up against is finding the time to commit to achieving them. Managing your time efficiently is about creating the margin that helps you succeed and create your ideal future. How do you do that?

One thing that is very important in any business setup is to get yourself out to the world and make your presence felt. You may have the best products and services at your disposal, but it will all amount to nothing if people don't know about you. In this article, we have a 6 great marketing tips for the advancement of your website.

Whether you’re a big company or a small start-up, you most likely need an effective local SEO strategy, we've got four ways to improve in this blog.

What contributes to bad meetings? Most people find them unproductive and a disruption to their working day, but it doesn't have to be like that. If planned and executed well, meetings can be a highly effective way of running your business. 

Systems are vital to working effectively (and not just efficiently), and they are key to achieving your goals. If you didn’t achieve the successes you’d hoped for last year – don’t panic. The chances are it’s just your systems that need a tweak.

Millions of people frequent social media platforms each day, sometimes multiple times a day. That’s why marketing teams and smaller companies are beginning to take advantage of Instagram as an advertising tool. 

We've created our popular blog goal setting for the year ahead into a colourful infographic!

A fun, informative infographic about the benefits of gaining a Professional Qualification.

Socials are one of the most effective marketing tools you could use to attract more customers. Unlike regular image posts that simply show you a larger version of the image when clicked, clicking on any part of a social card will send users directly to the landing page of your choice.

Do you have trouble focusing on one thing for any length of time? Maybe even getting to the end of this blog will be a struggle. Why not try mindfulness meditation.

A logo design is a strong visual identity that connects people to your brand. The psychology of logos include fonts, colors, and shape that affects the minds of the consumers, triggers their subconscious side which tends them to make the right purchase.

From its first debut back in 2010, Instagram’s fast growth is showing no signs of stopping. We’ve got the latest stats and facts about Instagram.

Proper search engine optimisation is essential if you want your online business to succeed. This infographic has some very interesting stats that everyone trying to run an online business should know. 

Marketing is integral to business, but it isn't easy, it isn’t simple either. Here are seven skills you need to master in marketing to make it work for your business.

The appraisal process can be daunting no matter what level of management experience you have. With Professional Academy's Guide on "How to run an appraisal" we hope to make the process a lot more simple and a lot less daunting.

Don't worry if you haven't mastered every tip from '5 Tips Young Marketers Need to Master' - we've thought of 5 more that might help you as well!

The most effective projects assess all areas that can impact on the success of the project, this template will ensure you consider the key factors.

Personal Development Plan (PDP) helps you focus on what is really important for you to achieve, how to achieve them and identify when you have succeeded.

No matter what the occasion, to make the most of every situation and interaction it is essential to not just hear words, but to really listen to what is being said.

Building a business is down to many things: luck, timing, and perseverance. It's knowing who your customers are and what they customer want. In other words, if you’re serious about expanding your business, you need to put yourself in the customer’s shoes.

The success of small businesses starts with a well-thought-out marketing plan. You will find a lot of marketing plans in the market, and one of these is attraction marketing.

Endless digital systems, software tools and apps exist to help our lives run more smoothly, but  people who have opted to go back to analogue.

What one tool can help you clarify your thoughts when you’re upset, assess whether you’re reaching your goals or help you to define a career path?

A brand identity is a set of tools or elements used by a company to create a brand image. A brand image is a customers’ perception of the brand consisting of various associations related to it and memories about interacting with it.

Dream of setting up your own business one day and being paid to do what you love? There’s no reason why you can’t fulfil your dreams. But how do you get there?

Only 8% of people actually stick to their new year’s resolutions and achieve their goals. So, we thought we’d give you some tips on how to plan the goals you want to achieve in the upcoming year!

Maps for Marketing? If you believe that Google Maps is only for people looking for directions or parking spaces, you are entirely wrong.

When running an online business, you need a way to accept payment. Choosing the right payment gateway can be a confusing experience. Which is the right one?

There is a question about whether you ‘live to work – or work to live?’ But these seem to be extreme ends of a scale.

Following on from my blog 5 Tips Young Marketers Need to Master, I wanted to do an infographic on the points that I made in that blog.

Thanks to Social Media, small business owners can now employ marketing and advertising strategies without paying insanely high costs for it.

CRM is an umbrella concept that describes all of the different types of communications and contact points that a company has with its customers.

Whatever stage you are at in your career, your credibility is important. It is your reputation and helps people decide if what you say has truth behind it.

Sometimes it’s all too easy to get carried away at work with the immediacy of business demands and to-do lists that stretch across horizons.

Everyone feels the same sense of delight when you find out that a potential employer wants you to come in for an interview, but soon the nerves kick in.

Writing a business plan definitely isn’t easy. It’s a long, energy-consuming process that requires paying a lot of attention to the details and making sure that you didn’t forget to mention something in your plan.

Do you ever wonder how other people appear to be so confident and what their secret is? Well, I’ll tell you – it’s their self-belief.

Google, the giant, uses various methods to determine the ranking of a site. So, giving your website a new look by implementing marketing attempts is essential, and it impacts your site’s visibility on the search engines. 

Data analysis can help you do a lot for your business. The statistics for your business can give an understanding of what is going on.

If you're just starting out using social media for a business or have already used it, it might seem as if you're talking to yourself when on social media.

Distractions prevent you focusing on the valuable work you should be doing. If you want to achieve great things it’s time to stop being a fire fighter and become a samurai.

Your landing page is crucial when it comes to conversion. When a would be customer lands on your page, they need to find the information they want right away.

Chris Singleton – director of digital marketing company Style Factory - highlights 5 key tools that can help kickstart a new business.

Digital marketers have a mammoth task on their hands as they are leading the charge in a constantly changing field. These tools and apps are designed to help you stay afloat with current trends, as well as stay one step ahead of future developments.

Deciding on the right task manager can be difficult. Even after you’ve made the decision to invest your time and money in one.

Leading by example and setting the standards for your team will often inspire, but is this the best method for choosing and developing your future leaders?

I get a lot of people asking me the same questions about why I chose an apprenticeship over university to start my marketing career...

Being a great manager isn’t about ruling a workplace with an iron-first like a dictator. Rather, it is about acting as both a leader and a manager equally.

After school I was very eager to work and earn some money but I also knew I had to stay in education, and voila! Apprenticeships ticked both boxes and even additional benefits that I have mentioned in my previous blog.

An apprenticeship is a way of training a new generation of practitioners with on-the-job training. To do this successfully, you don’t always need to ‘take on an apprentice’ but can select existing employees.

Sometimes it can be hard for a boss to know all the best ways to keep staff focused so we've have come up with an infographic to help.

It’s time for those of us for who school is a distant memory to start digging around in the loft or other dark and dusty corners to find our school certificates. And that’s because the new apprenticeship standards are available to everyone from 16 upwards.

There are ways to ensure that your conversion rate will increase. One of the most effective strategies is to engage with your clients is social media.

It feels great when an employer recognises and rewards hard work and effort, and one of the ways this can be done is by investing in training

An infographic brought to you by Online Marketing Institute on The Digital Marketing Talent Gap made for the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI).

Professional Academy were approved for the Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers and will be delivering apprenticeships from May 1st 2017.

WordPress and Squarespace are two of the best-known solutions for building websites available. But deciding which of these platforms to use can be a tricky task, and in this post we’re going to try to explain when and why you might use one over the other.

Belbin established that there are 9 team roles which must be filled in order for the team to perform well and successfully achieve objectives.

The modern world is filled with distractions but being productive is about working smarter, not harder, and making the most of each day.

How to have a winning morning routine - Professional Academy's guide to starting your work day the right way!

Looking back over the previous year, maybe you didn’t quite meet the goals you set yourself. Regular excising could be the missing key to your success. 

We all work in demanding jobs so you might be asking yourself why take time out from your busy schedule to prepare a PDP - here's why! 

Setting goals is important when shaping your future, but motivation to complete them can sometimes be hard. That's where SMART comes in.

Building a successful career is all about making the right choices. You can’t say ‘yes’ to every opportunity. Sometimes you need to say ‘no’!

While home working is succeeding as an employee incentive for many organisations, some still hold the belief that working from home invites an abuse of trust, questioning ‘But will our employees really be getting their work done?’

To reach your goals you need to bridge the gap between your aspirations and reality. It’s going to involve a journey and a journey that should be fun.

There is a stigma around university. many like my mother, believe that the only way to achieve a good career path is by going to university and achieve a degree.

Extending from my previous SMART blog, I have decided to take it further and take a look at SMARTER objectives.

If you think the world of Richard Branson is too far removed from your own world – think again. 

Not all leaders share the same traits or strengths. Very few, great leaders are well rounded. In fact, great leadership is not about individuals at all

Why is Branding so important? Jack Richardson tackles the importance of Branding in his latest infographic for Professional Academy.

Retail has been competing with online shopping for years, but the 2020 pandemic has dealt a lethal blow to many large UK retailers, forcing mass store closures and job losses. So how can you use your valuable retail experience and transferable customer service skills to move into an office-based sales role? 

“Healthy body, healthy mind”. Everyone knows the saying but with the average employee spending more sedentary time because they are desk-bound, commuting in cars or driving as part of their work, it can be tough to stay fit at work.

One of the more creative ways of presenting an answer is in the form of an audio podcast, a relatively new platform in the grand history of marketing communications. But what makes a good Audio Podcast?

Which is better, Google Apps or Office 365? is a question that many business owners, particularly those embarking on a startup adventure, will inevitably find themselves asking. For most business owners it nearly always boils down to these two.

Fables have existed ever since humans first learned to communicate. Ancient civilisations used them. Future civilisations will too.  Why? Because fables use the power of story to ‘show’, rather than ‘tell’, truths in ways that are immediately acceptable, forever memorable and easily scalable.

SEO is a powerful tool for any business, opening the door to a world of new contacts, clients and customers via well crafted inbound marketing, but getting it right can can take some knowledge, expertise and training. 

One of my friends called me 'inspirational' last week. Later in the same week I was chatting to my sister over dinner who had been asked, as part of an ice-breaker activity, to identify who her influences were. This got the two of us talking about inspiration and influence - what's the difference? Is it better to be inspirational or influential? Time for some clarity.

People use the same websites, software and apps in different ways, which generates a new list of rules and regulations for marketers to get to grips with. So what are the key factors influencing digital consumers?

While there are many more opportunities to reach people directly and instantly, the challenge of being heard is greater than ever before. So what can you do to overcome this problem and keep your people on track?

What do successful people have in common? Nearly all of them have a structured morning routine. If you're someone who struggles to get out of bed each day or maybe you're someone who springs out of bed but isn't making the best out of those morning hours then read on.

Change in position brings not only new responsibilities and functions of you as a professional but also requires an ability to lead. In short, you need to reconsider the relationship with your fellow colleagues and establish the new communication strategy.

Email marketing is one of the new strategies that companies enlist to ensure that their return on Investment, profitability and client base improves. The following case studies portray tactics, lessons and strategies to achieve results.

To make the business case for a T&C initiative we need build a “chain of impact”. One that shows the budget holders clearly and credibly how the various aspects of the T&C initiative will play their part in delivering the desired business results. 

It’s fundamental to set yourself objectives and goals, even resolutions (see our previous blog), but we tend to generalize our goals. For example, an objective could be to ‘increase sales’. But increase them by how much? And by when? A much more achievable goal could be to ‘Increase sales by 10% by the end of this month’. Then you have just set yourself a much more achievable goal, this is the purpose of an SMART goal.

Nowadays there are more and more potential ways for businesses to communicate with potential and existing contacts alike - so how can you make sure you are not missing out on your audiences preferred form of contact?

One of the questions we are asked the most by those returning to studying with a professional qualification is “how do I reference sources?” and “What is Harvard Referencing?” once the term comes up more and more in study resources.

Content marketing is evolving, and is not restricted to writing blogs and white papers. It has become a lot more than drafting, publishing and monitoring audience interests on textual entries. We take a look how content marketing is shaping trends.

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs was developed by Abraham Maslow, a specialist in human behavioural psychology. The hierarchy was first developed to help explain the connection between basic human needs and human desires.

Productivity and Growth expert Tim Scott shares his thoughts on how Downtime theory could help businesses minimise waste as part of Britain's war on waste.

Professional Academy's Digital Marketing and Marketing Communications Tutor, Peter Sumpton takes a look at User Experience and the importance of understanding UX within your business.

In a previous blog, social media specialist Charlotte Britton explained why a new Google patent means we’re all going to have to be thinking far more strategically about how to move prospects through our online sales funnels. This post, as promised, is the first in a series aiming to equip you with the know-how to do just that.

The GE matrix was developed by Mckinsey and Company consultancy group in the 1970s. The nine cell grid measures business unit strength against industry attractiveness to help a company decide on opportunities within their product market.

Nicki Hayes takes a look at Deloitte’s Global Human Capital Report 2015 and looks at how companies can change their workplace culture. 

The balanced scorecard is a strategy planning and performance management tool created by Kaplan and Norton. In short it allows managers to see how well their businesses are being run based on whether the objectives of the company are being met, by the monitoring of staff and the execution of planned activities.

Porter's five forces is a strategic marketing tool. It's used to assess the level of competitive intensity within your industry, & includes five factors impacting your company that determine industry attractiveness or profitability. 

The Ansoff Matrix was invented by Igor Ansoff in 1965 and defines scenarios which help develop strategic options for businesses. It is one of the most commonly used tools for this type of analysis due to its simplicity and ease of use. The matrix will give managers four possible scenarios, or strategies for future product and market activities.
 

Have you ever got to the end of a busy day and felt you haven't achieved anything? The key to time management is to focus on being as productive as possible within the timeframe you have. Here are my top five tips you can use to take control of your day.

Charles Handy wrote Gods of Management: The Changing Work of Organisations, published in January 2009. In it he uses the gods Apollo, Athena, Dionysus and Zeus to explain four cultures that an organization may adopt. So what can we learn about management from the Greek mythology?

The "Internet of things" is what most experts are predicting to be the future of digital technology not just for marketers but for businesses in general. This infographic breaks down the important and practical aspects of the concept.

Knowing what it takes to be a manager can often be a confusing question for those starting on the pathway to management. With that in mind Professional Academy and Moocreations have put together this infographic highlighting some of the skills, personality traits and challenges managers may face on their career pathway.

This infographic helps to explain the world of Location based marketing and how it could be used to help your business.

Reports show a 21% increase in companies using external training providers to deliver training programmes in 2014 and predict this will increase by a further 20% by 2016. Great news for companies like Professional Academy, but there are many factors you need to consider when deciding if you should invest in external training and, indeed, who to invest in.

No matter where we look crowd sourcing touches our life and is very much a part of the digital mix. We hope this infographic helps to explain crowd sourcing in more detail with some fantastic real working examples. 

With an increase in “sellers’ market” conditions, where employees have a greater degree of control and choice, the management of employee-employer relationships has the danger of then becoming akin to supply chain management.

This infographic take a look at the importance of Big Data and how marketers can use this tool and information. 

We promise that investing in professional training with Professional Academy could deliver a virtuous circle, with both your employee engagement scores and your profit margins continually expanding. Here’s how.

Today, mobile phones have become a necessity. It has replaced not only the landline but, in some aspects, the desktop as well thanks to the introduction of smartphones and tablets. 

Martin Hutchins shares with us his top sales questions to include in your sales process as well as explaining the benefits of doing so.

Paid social amplification can give you the exposure your content needs and can not only get it in front of your fans, but other people as well. Not only can you increase your reach, but thanks to the ability to target ads to the right people.

Marketers often have to juggle multiple dicsiplines and functions within a business which is why Raconteur put together this brilliant infographic on the different hats Marketers have to wear as part of their job role.

We often learn from what has gone before us, improving on what was good, avoiding the errors and trying to emulate the elite. So including examples of good and sometimes bad marketing practice in an exam paper is a great way to be successful. 

More women than ever are currently taking the role of CEO, MP and business owner – so let’s take a closer look at the remarkable ways women’s roles in the workplace have evolved.

The “No” response doesn’t have to be a definitive “No thank you” as it can be a “but” or something similar but this can open a whole new level in a potential sale. So what are the positives of hearing rejections?

Getting to the decision maker or other influential people can be challenging for salespeople. But with rapport building, questioning, and a benefits-based proposition, you can improve your chances of getting past that first hurdle! 

How will new technology and customer needs shape the future of marketing? This infographic shows how social media, mobile devices, social advertising, and SEO will change digital marketing in the coming years.

As a tutor at Professional Academy, I find it vitally important to arm all my students with as much relevant information as possible. One thing that can be easily overlooked is preparing to actually take an exam, so here are a few hints and tips that may give you that extra advantage in one of life’s more stressful situations.

Social media marketing is becoming an increasingly popular tool, and an essential part of any marketing plan. Here are some social media marketing statistics and advice to help you use the platforms effectively.

The Consumer or Buyer Decision Making Process is the method used by marketers to identify and track the decision making process of a customer journey from start to finish. It is broken down into 5 individual stages which we have decided to demonstrate with our latest decision making journey surrounding some rather sorry looking trainers.

The job market can be incredibly competitive, therefore you will most likely not be offered an interview for every job you apply for.  There are however some simple tips that will help you make a great impression at your interview.

It’s often been said that a successful sales person is more about personality traits than just a set of key skills. So what traits are essential in a good sales person?

Simply put the Marketing Mix is a tool used by businesses and Marketers to help determine a product or brands offering. Where once there were 4 Ps to explain the mix, nowadays it is more commonly accepted that the expanded 7 Ps is more comprehensive.

It may seem like combining sales & marketing is logical, it can be a huge task and one that will only continue to grow as your business does the same. The ideal step is to have a dedicated sales team to work with the marketers.

Flexible benefits schemes allow employees to choose the benefits that suit their particular circumstances. Organisations have introduced such systems as part of a wider move to more more flexible working.

Marketing as a role, as a career and as a trade has changed a lot over the years. This infographic goes through the timeline in more detail. 

Management can be a minefield of potential mistakes for new and experienced managers alike. Here are 9 Common Management Mistakes and how you can prevent them happening in your business!

At Professional Academy we believe in the benefits of life long learning and as such we have put together and infographic blog on why you should never top learning, professionally and personally.

Sales can be a competitive and demanding world sometimes! To help we have put together a simple infographic of helpful Sales Techniques to help you stay ahead of your competitors.

A strong online presence can be the key to a business’s growth with increased exposure and better communication. But how can you develop strategy without accurate and up-to-date analysis? This is where web analytics come in.

With Facebook celebrating it’s 10th birthday yesterday we wanted to celebrate social networking and highlight some very simple ways to make the most of these highly trafficked, highly used and cost effective marketing arenas.

We hope you enjoy a Professional Academy Original Infographic looking at 1 Minute Management Techniques to help you deal with those day to day management issues that occur in the workplace.

“New Year, New Me” may be a modern day cliché but we are certainly seeing evidence of the new year providing new motivation for those looking to progress their career and personal development in sales, marketing or management further.  

For a lot of our students (and tutors alike) it is Christmas party season across the UK and the world. The office Christmas party is notorious for creating post-party awkwardness. There are a few common faux pas that we recommend apologising for.

Management can be tricky territory for new managers and seasoned pros alike. To help with this we have put some handy management tips in to another Professional Academy original Infographic for you to enjoy and share amongst your workplace and the management community.

One of the most poignant questions for a company (and one we get asked frequently) is “how can I measure the ROI on training/professional qualifications for my business?” This has often been troublesome for some businesses so we have endeavored to help.

How can I measure the personal ROI from a professional qualification? As you can imagine the question of return on investment, when it comes to training, is one we are often asked at Professional Academy.

Professional Academy have put together a handy guide to essential sales skills, the sales process, closing a sale and handling those objections.

Whilst you may already have a few goals, desires, or aspirations, they can often be a bit woolly, lacking definition or a strategy on how to go about moving forward. So, you may be asking “How do I translate my ideas into a clear plan of action?” 

One of Cambridge Professional Academy’s CIM Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing students is this year’s winner of the prestigious ‘Museums & Heritage Awards for Excellence’ for best Marketing Campaign.

A SWOT analysis is a popular marketing theory that explores your businesses' Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats to maximise opportunities for success. It features in the planning phase of your marketing strategy and complements a PESTEL/PESTELE analysis. 

Designed to help with strategic long term planning, the Boston Consulting Group Matrix (BCG) was created in 1970 to assess products on two dimensions. It reviews products and identifies areas to grow, invest, discontinue, or develop products.

Mapping out your stakeholders is a visual representation of all the people connected to your business. They are categorised by interest and influence to assist with effective stakeholder communications. 

A PESTELE analysis (commonly also called PESTLE, PESTEL, or STEEPLE) examines factors in the external business environment (macro-environment) that could impact an organisation. Find out how to do a PESTELE analysis in this marketing theories blog post by Professional Academy.