News & Events | 22 Group

28/05/2025

The state of AI in 2025: how AI is transforming Manchester businesses

This blog is a contribution by our very own Eddy Bennett, Co-Founder and Digital Director here at 22 Group. As a leading branding, marketing and website agency in Manchester we have a passion for emerging technology and a sharp eye on the future of digital marketing. Eddy is leading our exploration into how AI is reshaping businesses across various industries.

In this piece, he shares insights into the current state of AI and how it’s already transforming how companies operate, improve efficiency, and drive growth.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has made impressive strides in recent years, and 2025 marks a significant turning point—the rise of autonomous AI agents. These intelligent systems, capable of acting independently to perform complex tasks, are now revolutionising the way businesses function in a wide range of sectors.

In the past, companies traditionally relied on human expertise and manual processes. Today, AI agents are empowering businesses of all types to streamline operations, enhance customer service, and unlock valuable insights. This article explores the current state of AI, how AI agents operate, and specific ways they are already transforming UK businesses.

The current state of AI in 2025

AI has evolved far beyond simple automation and predictive analytics. Modern AI systems leverage large language models (LLMs) like OpenAI's GPT series, deep learning models, reinforcement learning systems, and multi-agent environments. The advent of AI agents—autonomous entities capable of performing tasks with minimal human intervention—marks one of the most significant developments in AI technology.

What are AI agents?

An AI agent is an autonomous system that interacts with its environment through perception (such as language, images, and data), decision-making, and action. These agents are powered by:

Natural language processing (NLP): Understanding and generating human-like text.
Machine learning (ML): Learning patterns from data and improving over time.
Computer vision: Identifying and interpreting visual information.
Reinforcement learning: Adapting behaviour based on feedback.
Multi-agent systems: Coordination between multiple AI agents to solve complex problems.

What makes modern AI agents exceptional is their ability to integrate these technologies and operate with minimal human oversight. For businesses, this means AI can take over routine, time-consuming tasks, delivering faster and more consistent results.

How AI is being used in Manchester businesses today

AI is already being actively deployed by businesses across Manchester and the UK. According to a recent report, 58% of businesses use AI tools at least weekly, with many finding them crucial for operational success.

Here are some key ways AI is transforming businesses today:

1. Automating client communication

AI agents with natural language capabilities can handle initial client interactions, answer questions, and provide information around the clock.

Example: An AI chatbot integrated into a company’s website can manage customer enquiries, provide product details, and schedule consultations.
Benefit: Reduces employee workload and improves customer service with faster response times.

2. Market analysis and forecasting

AI agents can analyse real-time market data to deliver insights, predictions, and trends tailored to a business’s needs.

Example: AI systems can pull data from industry reports and consumer behaviour, helping businesses anticipate trends and adjust their strategies accordingly.
Benefit: Offers businesses accurate forecasting, improving competitiveness and decision-making.

3. Lead qualification and follow-up

AI agents can score and categorise leads based on engagement patterns, demographics, and past interactions.

Example: AI systems can monitor website interactions and identify high-potential leads, automatically scheduling follow-ups through email or phone.
Benefit: Enables businesses to focus on high-value leads, improving conversion rates.

4. Personalised recommendations

AI agents can analyse customer behaviour and preferences to suggest products or services that match their needs.

Example: An AI-powered recommendation engine can suggest relevant services or products to a user based on their browsing history or past purchases.
Benefit: Improves customer satisfaction and increases sales potential.

5. Streamlining administrative tasks

AI can help businesses automate administrative processes, such as invoicing, contract creation, and customer feedback analysis.

Example: An AI agent can draft contracts or analyse customer feedback to identify areas for improvement.
Benefit: Saves time and reduces human error, allowing staff to focus on more strategic tasks.

6. Predicting market trends

Machine learning models can identify market shifts and predict future demand based on historical data and economic factors.

Example: AI systems can analyse competitor activity and market dynamics to forecast industry trends and identify opportunities.
Benefit: Gives businesses the ability to plan ahead and stay competitive in their respective sectors.

How AI agents improve business efficiency

AI agents are particularly effective at boosting operational efficiency:

Automated communication: Reduces time spent on routine enquiries and customer service tasks.
Data-driven insights: AI analyses large datasets to uncover trends and customer behaviour patterns.
Cost savings: Automating administrative functions can significantly reduce overhead costs.
Scalability: AI allows businesses to scale their operations without increasing headcount.

Why AI for businesses is more than a buzzword

AI isn't just about adopting the latest technology; it’s about giving businesses the tools to perform at a higher level. AI can support human teams, streamline operations, and unlock new growth opportunities. Like other web design agencies in Manchester, we are exploring and adopting AI in this way here at 22 Group, across web design, web development, project management, content creation, copywriting and marketing. By automating routine tasks, AI allows businesses to focus on what they do best—delivering excellent products and services, building customer relationships, and driving innovation.

AI also brings consistency to operations—something that human teams can struggle to deliver under pressure. Whether it's answering customer enquiries out of hours or automating follow-ups, AI ensures that no task falls through the cracks.

The future of AI in UK businesses

As AI technology continues to evolve, businesses can expect even more advanced, predictive capabilities. Some future trends include:

AI-powered virtual consultations: AI could create custom consultations based on user needs.
Sentiment analysis: AI could monitor social media and customer feedback to gauge brand sentiment.
Smart negotiations: AI agents could suggest optimal negotiation strategies based on market analysis.

While AI is transforming businesses, the human element remains essential. AI tools help businesses work smarter, not harder, by enabling staff to focus on higher-level strategic activities.

Challenges and ethical considerations

Like any emerging technology, AI comes with its challenges:

Data privacy: AI systems must comply with data protection regulations.
Ethical concerns: AI recommendations must be free from bias and designed to serve the best interests of customers.
Over-reliance on automation: Maintaining a balance between human expertise and AI is key.

A transparent, thoughtful approach ensures AI enhances business operations while preserving the human touch that remains vital to customer relationships.

Our conclusion

AI agents are no longer futuristic concepts—they are actively reshaping industries across the UK. From automating client communication to predicting market trends, AI is becoming a game-changer for modern businesses. As AI technology continues to evolve, companies that embrace these innovations will have a competitive edge, streamline operations, and deliver better outcomes for their clients.

At 22 Group, we’re excited about how AI can support our clients’ digital transformations. Whether it’s automating administrative tasks, improving customer interactions, or providing data-driven insights, we’re exploring how AI can work hand-in-hand with the brand strategy, website design and digital marketing services we offer. If you're curious about how AI can enhance your business, especially your website and online presence, get in touch with us today. Let’s discuss how we can leverage AI to drive your success.

Published by twentytwo in Tech and AI, Uncategorized, Website Design & Build

03/03/2025

Vacancy: Branding, Graphic & Web Designer

We're hiring! This is an exciting opportunity for a talented designer to join our team in Manchester.

⭐ Mid or Senior Level
📍 Location: Remote and Northern Quarter, Manchester (Office day: Thursdays)
💰 Salary: Up to £35,000 (DOE)

The Opportunity

We’re looking for a talented and enthusiastic Branding, Graphic & Web Designer to join our award-winning, friendly and straight-talking team to deliver high-quality work for our clients.

We operate under two brands:

22 Group Ltd: Working across multiple sectors (25% of our work).
PropertyStream: Specialising in the UK property sector, mainly estate agents (75% of our work).

We’re a close-knit team of branding, design, copywriting, web development, and marketing specialists dedicated to creating award-winning brands and websites that make a real impact. We primarily work remotely, with one day a week (Thursday) from our office in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.

The Role

What You’ll Do

Design brand identities, websites, and marketing assets that stand out
Create social media graphics, ads, print materials, and other marketing collateral to promote our own brands and clients’ brands.
Work closely with developers and marketers to ensure designs work seamlessly.
Present concepts to clients and take on feedback efficiently.
Design and implement websites using WordPress CMS, including Divi Builder and Gutenberg.
Build and develop new WordPress modules based on design specifications.
Keep all designs on-brand and consistent.

What We’re Looking For

3-6 years' experience in branding, graphic, and web design.
Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (XD, Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).
Experience designing websites in Figma and a strong grasp of UI/UX principles.
Comfortable working with WordPress CMS, Divi Builder, and Gutenberg.
Ability to think strategically about design and align it with business goals.
Confident in client communication and presenting ideas.
A problem-solver who can work independently and make decisions.

Why Join Us?

Work on award-winning branding and websites with a talented, passionate team.
Be part of high-profile projects in the property sector.
Ongoing development and exposure to cutting-edge design techniques.
Flexible remote work, with minimum one day a week in our Manchester office.
Make an impact. Be part of a friendly, straight-talking team who value commitment and talent.
Quarterly Manchester social events to keep the team connected.

How to Apply

Send your CV and portfolio. We’re looking for great work, not just a great CV.

Please send CV and portfolio to: designers@22group.co.uk

Published by twentytwo in Company updates, Uncategorized

24/03/2022

Spring clean your website

Have you started spring cleaning? The season is associated with starting fresh and cleaning out the old. We don’t think this should just apply to your home.

Famously said before, your website promotes you 24/7, no employee will do that. So don’t neglect it!

Wondering what to spring clean on your existing website?

We’ve created a list of crucial areas to look at:

Content

Is the information up to date? Is it easily digestible? Make sure your content is in the right tone of voice, delivers valuable information and gets your message across in a simple way.

Design

Trends change and not all designs can withstand the test of time. Design for a website incorporates the user experience as well as functionality, you want to ensure these are all up to date and suitable for your visitors.

Functionality

Improving your website to include relevant or up to date functionality can really impact a user’s experience. Is there something new on the market your website should have or has your business changed direction and needs new functionality?

User journey

Reevaluating and testing out your website’s user journey is a good place to start. In today’s world, people want immediacy. Fast loading pages, quick ways to get information and easy navigation.

Links

When was the last time you checked all the links on your website worked? Are there links that go to a third party website? Is it still relevant or should that link be going elsewhere?

CTAs

It’s key to have the right call-to-actions to convert visitors to customers. Throughout your website, you should have strategically placed CTAs which will direct your visitors.

SEO

Is your website optimised for search engines? Ranking highly on search engines will do wonders for your website so why wouldn't you want to optimise your chances of that? Working alongside other sections, an SEO specialist will be able to put in place a plan to help your website gain authority.

We hope our list has made you think about your current website and any parts which could be improved.

fingers using a touch pad for a computer

Need some expert help to spring clean your website?

We’re a talented, friendly bunch helping all businesses from all industries with not only their website but their branding and marketing too.

If you’re looking to up ate your website or start one from scratch, we can help from design to development to even a marketing launch campaign.

We’d love to have a chat and let you know what we could do - please get in touch.

Published by twentytwo in Website Design & Build

Tags: branding, content, websitedesign

16/03/2022

We’re hiring! Digital Marketing Executive vacancy

We are an award-winning creative digital agency with an exciting opportunity for a talented, proactive and ambitious person to join our growing team based in Manchester as Digital Marketing Executive.

Based in the Northern Quarter of central Manchester, 22 Group creates branding, websites and digital marketing for clients across a number of sectors and this roles allows for exciting opportunities across our brands, clients and services.

We have developed a range of industry-leading products and services in the property and finance sectors and are looking for an ambitious and bright candidate to take a leading role in the execution of our digital marketing practices to support the growth of the business and our clients.

You will be working closely with the Marketing Director and the business owners to drive the digital marketing for the three company brands - 22Group, PropertyStream and FinanceStream - as well as our agency clients who sign up for digital marketing services.

You will be ambitious, bright and keen with digital marketing experience or digital marketing qualification with a love for all things digital, driven and motivated by results.

You will create and execute cross channel digital marketing campaigns for both company and agency clients.

Key responsibilities:

Content planning & creation: Oversee and manage the successful execution of the company's rolling monthly content plan
Organic campaigns: Plan and monitor the ongoing company presence on Google and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
Paid campaigns: Plan, create and manage Paid Google (PPC and Display) and paid social campaigns of varying budgets for the company brands as well as agency clients to drive leads.
Email marketing: Write and send regular emails on behalf of the company and paying clients via email platforms, monitor performance, and manage database and client tags.
Website content: Provide creative ideas for content marketing and update websites
Collaborate with in-house designers and strategists to create digital campaigns
Measure performance of digital marketing activity using a variety of web analytics tools (Google Analytics, Search Console, Metricool etc.)
Produce monthly reports on the performance of digital marketing activity

Required skills:

Be actively involved and have an awareness of SEO efforts (keyword, image optimization, etc.)
Adept at creating and running paid campaigns on Google and social media platforms
Skilled at social media marketing - organic and paid
Have excellent IT skills and be able to multitask around digital platforms and tools such as email platforms, social media scheduling tools, Google analytics, and other performance monitoring tools
Excellent communication and copy-writing skills
You will have the ability to work independently and be confident in front of clients (mainly on Zoom calls)
Have worked in a similar business environment - marketing agency, prop-tech or fin-tech industry

Benefits:

We are an expanding company with ambitious plans so there is plenty of room for growth
We offer a blend of working from home and office-based from Dale Street in the Northern Quarter of Manchester.
Regular social events for team - we're a super friendly bunch!
Opportunity to learn from wide ranging work across a number of sectors and clients
Have your birthday off.

Ready to join our team?

Send your CV along with ONE great reason why you should be hired to: pernilla@22group.co.uk
Virtual interviews happening now with a view to an immediate start - March 2022.
Competitive salary - dependent on your experience.

Published by twentytwo in Company updates

08/03/2022

Wonderful women of 22Group

To recognise International Women’s Day, we're getting to know a snapshot of the women that work at 22Group.

We asked Pernilla, Paula and Monica some questions to find out more about them.

our marketing director pernilla by the sea

The lady behind strategic marketing plans, clever copy and ideas for exciting campaigns: Pernilla

What did you want to be when you were young?

At a young age I was 100% set on being an actress. Later on, a journalist.

What was your first job?

Chef / Cleaner at the Centre Medical, Avoriaz, France. Dream job for 6 months - I cooked and cleaned for a few hours each morning then skied for rest of the day. Happy days!

But my first ‘proper’ job after that was as a writer for a local Covent Garden based Magazine, later Managing Editor.

What job would you be terrible at?

Accountancy

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Pizza

If you could switch roles with someone else in the company, whose would it be?

Ohh tricky one, I would love to have the creative flair and design skills of our Lead Designer Michael and be able to put my words and ideas into designs all on my own. But don’t worry Michael - I can’t draw or design for toffee!

What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?

“Don’t be a 9-5 in your approach and attitude towards work. It will pay off”.

This does not mean working all hours - I certainly do not endorse that. It just means, be there to help get things done, help others, be flexible, agile, and a team-player. Strive towards common goals.

I also think being kind is the most undervalued attribute in business and something I have tried to live by.

The lady behind organising schedules, planning projects and delivering top quality service to clients: Paula.

What did you want to be when you were young?

A vet, a nurse or working in music. I wasn’t good enough at science to be a vet, I wasn't great at maths and couldn’t use a sewing machine to be a nurse so music it was.

What was your first job?

At 13 I cleaned in the local pub at the weekends followed by knocking on doors washing cars. My first proper job was when I was 16, I worked in the record library at Piccadilly Radio in Manchester.

What job would you be terrible at?

Anything legal or bookkeeper

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Vietnamese bun

If you could switch roles with someone else in the company, whose would it be?

It would be Michael or Robin. Outside of being a project manager I’m creative - I really enjoy writing music and playing guitar. I love the branding and design aspects of our work.

I also wouldn't mind switching with Eddy, I’m a bit geeky but my brain doesn’t go deep enough to get my head around the complexities of development.

our marketing and copywriting executive in Berlin pointing

The lady behind social media posting, website copywriting and blog writing: Monica.

What did you want to be when you were young?

A few professions including a scientist, a fashion designer but mostly a teacher.

What was your first job?

I worked at a pizza takeaway shop. I got to make pizzas from scratch and stretch them out, but sadly didn’t master doing that in the air.

What job would you be terrible at?

I would say bartending, my hearing isn’t 100% and I can’t lip read to save my life!

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Hm… tricky but I do love a basic spicy tomato pasta.

If you could switch roles with someone else in the company, whose would it be?

One of the designers, I really love the work they produce including the eye-catching marketing materials and social media animations.

What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?

To think of any problem as a challenge. Have a positive attitude to any situation.

We hope you enjoyed getting to know a few of the ladies at 22Group. Even though we're celebrating the ladies, it wouldn’t be a team without a shoutout to the rest of our fantastic colleagues.

Looking for a digital agency?

At 22Group we cover all things branding, website and marketing. Offering all three services under one roof allows us to seamlessly design and create unique and striking work.

We’re really flexible so whether you’re looking for a whole package or one-off campaign work, we can work with you and your needs.

If you would like to find out more or ask any questions - please get in touch. We’d love to chat about a project you have.

Published by twentytwo in Company updates, Social media

Tags: employees, international women's day, IWD, team

02/03/2022

Branding jargon buster

Getting a branding job professionally done? It’s a big deal and an exciting time. A branding agency can really help you stand out from the crowd, connect with your target audience and ensure you have a strong brand.

Branding isn’t just about your company name and logo, your branding is involved in a host of other aspects of your business. From your print marketing to social media marketing to any content you put out there.

Are you familiar with branding jargon? If not, we’ve got you covered. Learn the lingo:

Brand ambassador

This is the face of the brand. Back in the day, it would be the owner of the business or an endorsed celebrity humanising the brand. Nowadays, a brand ambassador could be your employees, loyal customers or anyone who is passionate about the brand.

Brand assets

Elements including fonts, colours or any graphics that help you identify a brand. Each individual element should spark recognition but putting them all together will create the brand identity.

Brand audit

A thorough examination of a brand to understand its strengths and weaknesses. An audit will help you identify any opportunities or anything that needs to be improved or changed.

Brand awareness

The extent to which customers are familiar with a particular brand. Increasing brand awareness is often a goal for new brands, targeting new target markets or introducing new products or services.

Brand guidelines

A document or instruction manual detailing the principles of the brand and how it should be used. It will provide guidance and understanding of its story, mission and vision. Brand guidelines can be for internal or external use.

Brand identity

The visual elements and components that distinguish the brand to its intended audience. This could be the logo, tagline or colours and shapes.

Brand positioning

Where a brand stands against others in the market. A strong brand position requires all marketing efforts to successfully make an impression on its customers.

Brand values

The brand’s beliefs and promises that underline its purpose and guide towards its behaviour. What does your business stand for?

Graphic style

The theme, look and feel of graphic elements that are part of the brand’s appearance.

Icon

A small, graphic representation of a brand or if there is the use of multiple, it can be a brand’s stylistic extensions. Icons can help convey a message visually.

Logo

A visual signifier for a brand, this could be a shape, image or text. A logo helps the customer to identify a brand, for example, Nike’s swish.

Parent brand

The main brand that supports its subsidiary products or services by sharing its identity. The parent brand is usually well established which its sub-brand would benefit from.

Rebranding

Revisiting a brand and changing it. This could be because of an acquisition or change in target audience or other business changes.

Repositioning

Changing the way customers view your brand. This might be due to the target market shifting or the product or service being used differently.

We hope this comes in handy whether you are looking to do any branding work now or in the future.

Are you looking for a branding agency?

You’re in the right place. 22 Group are an experienced digital agency who can help with all aspects of your branding. From scratch to a re-brand or designing a brochure in your brand colours and design, we can help get your message across.

If you have any questions about how our branding experts can help you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’d love to have a chat.

Published by twentytwo in Brand & Strategy

Tags: branding

09/02/2022

How to pick the right web design agency?

When you search on Google “web design agency”, you’re hit with millions of results. So, how do you decide which one is right for you and your business?

The first question to ask yourself is, are you looking for a website re-design or are you looking for your website to be built from scratch.

A website is a big project and requires attention to detail and effective management. It’s also not a cheap task in terms of cost and other resources. If you think it’s cheap and you’re being told it can be done very quickly, you should question it.

Reviews of a web design agency are a great starting point but shouldn’t be the only way you decide on the right one.

web design agency exploring design ideas on a table

Other factors to consider when picking a web design agency:

Experience

Learn and receive the best advice and service from an agency that has experience. Experience is how you find out what works, what doesn’t and what kind of service is needed.

Industry

If a design agency is very tailored to one industry, that isn't yours, it could be difficult to deliver a service you expect. Understanding an industry and what they will need in regards to their website will help make the process more efficient.

Conversions

Do they have a track record of converting visitors to customers? That’s ultimately what you want your website to do and what it should be designed to do.

Find out their methods or if they offer an optimisation service for your website.

It’s a skill to be able to design a website that looks fantastic and is also optimised to convert visitors into customers.

Keep track of this by monitoring and tracking. If you’re unsure of how to do this, your web design agency should be able to talk you through it.

Customers

Who have they previously designed a website for? Working together with a design agency that has similar values or a way of working is important in building a compatible working relationship. It will help ensure the process is as smooth as possible.

Are you aware of longstanding client relationships with the web design agency? Any alterations, redesigns or upgrades will provide a great indication that they are a trustworthy agency to deal with.

Other services

A good design agency should be able to offer a comprehensive service to their customers. Aside from design, look out for development and marketing services.

22 group employees discussing web design with clients

Website design and build with 22Group

We are a Manchester-based digital agency covering all things website, branding and marketing. If you’re looking to have your website created, our team of experienced designers, developers and copywriters are ready to help.

We’re proud to be a digital agency with vast experience, we have worked with different industries from finance to the healthy drinks industry. If you’re interested in our work, we have produced several case studies for clients we have worked with.

Let us know if you have any questions or would like to have a chat about how we can help you - get in touch today.

Published by twentytwo in Website Design & Build

Tags: digitalagency, webdesign

13/01/2022

New Year, new strategy?

At the end of 2021 were you reflecting on your business and thinking about upgrading, improving or altering your strategies?

Whether it’s to do with your website, brand, marketing or all three, we can lend our expertise.

We know time can be a major factor or a struggle for your business, let us be an extension of your team. We’ll provide expert advice and guidance while getting the work done.

What to think about…

Relook at goals

Did you meet any goals in 2021? Do they need to be reset or are you still working towards them?

Long term vision

What do you want to achieve in the long run? Where do you want your business to be?

Resources

How are you doing for resources? Funds, people, time, technology and more. They’ll affect the outcome of your business goals.

Why 22Group?

Brand & strategy

A powerful brand and strategy will not only tell your audience and target market who you are and what you stand for but it will also help your own team stay on the same page. From visuals to written content, we can ensure your message is portrayed.

Website design & build

A creative and unique website with an easy user journey and the right functionality will put you ahead of your competitors. Our team are experienced in producing websites that meet those requirements and help you gain more leads.

Marketing & analytics

Strong marketing brings customers. Online or offline, all your marketing materials need to be effective and consistent. We can use our expertise and flexibility to help you create the marketing plan that is right for your business.

Campaigns & creative

We create impactful campaigns that are bespoke to your business. Whether you are looking for a digital campaign or a direct mail campaign, we will design creative assets so you are in the position to gain brand awareness and engagement.

We’re proud to be a digital agency that covers three important aspects of a business: website, branding and marketing. We believe consistency is key and that’s why we offer the services we do.

Work with us

22Group is a talented digital agency based in Manchester. We’re dedicated to creating websites, brands and marketing that will bring you success. We’re also flexible, so whether you’re looking for monthly help or you have a one-off project, we’re here to slot into your needs.

We’re thrilled to say, this year we are turning 10. The last decade has been a fantastic journey and we’re excited to see what we can achieve in the future. We’ve learnt and adapted to ensure the services we provide our clients is the best it can be.

Are you interested in working with us? Take a look at our previous work to find out how we’ve approached other projects. We don’t just help one industry, so if you have a project you would like to discuss, please get in touch.

We’d be happy to answer any questions you have or discuss our services, contact us today.

Published by twentytwo in Brand & Strategy

Tags: business plan, newyear, strategy

27/12/2021

22Group’s 2021 Highlights

With 2022 a few days away, we couldn’t end this year without taking a look back at our highlights.

For many, 2021 was not the year expected. There were some aspects of life returning to normality and then some that weren’t. After we spent the last festive period strictly over Zoom, we weren’t sure when we’d be back in the office, be able to meet our colleagues or have in person meetings with clients.

Despite not knowing, we’ve managed to achieve a lot and hope 2022 will be the year we do even more.

22Group highlights:

We returned to the office

After lots of preparation, painting and cleaning, we were able to go back to the office. With several of us joining through lockdowns, it was nice for our team to get into the office and work alongside other colleagues for the first time.

We had an in person social event

It’s not easy getting to know your colleagues through a screen and we were all overdue a team building exercise. We all had a lot of competitive fun at Flight Club back in October.

Got to do a face-to-face workshop

Zoom is great and we’re so thankful that we can still work with our fantastic clients remotely but, it’s always nice to be able to actually spend time with them in person. In September a few of our team members got to carry out a workshop and hear ideas and thoughts in person.

Launched some websites

We got to work on some amazing projects and launch websites this year. We’re proud to say they’re user-friendly and visually attractive websites and if you are looking for a refresh or would like a website done from scratch, we’d be glad to be part of the process. Find out more about our approach to previous projects in our case studies.

Working with new clients

Keep an eye out for our work coming 2022. We’re proud to be working with some amazing clients on some extraordinary projects.

Work with 22Group in 2022

We’re looking forward to 2022 and can’t wait to see what’s in store. If you’re thinking about a project, whether branding, website or marketing, we’d love to be a part of your journey.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or would like to know more about our services - get in touch.

From the whole team at 22group, we’d like to wish everyone all the best and every success for 2022.

Published by twentytwo in Company updates

Tags: company news, company update, highlights

08/12/2021

Why post on Google My Business?

Do you manage your business online presence across Google? That’s exactly what a Google My Business (GMB) profile lets you do.

The dashboard is user friendly and you want to make sure your profile is set up and optimised with the latest details.

While your customers can view reviews and see photos on your GMB, they can also see your public posts. You can publish posts about your brand, offers, events, products and services.

These posts appear in two places: Google Maps and in a search under your business’s information section in the sidebar.

When creating a social media plan or posting on your social media channels you should include your GMB. The only difference compared to social media posts is that your audience cannot share, comment or react to the post.

Why you should post on GMB:

Brand awareness

Just like social media, your posts on GMB are great for communicating directly to your audience. They’ll be able to get a feel for your company and what you're about with the content you post.

Reach a wider audience

When you post on your GMB it increases your visibility which means more people will find you. Posting on GMB is another method to market your business on Google - take advantage of it!

Improve local SEO

Provide easy access to your business information including opening times, address and updates through GMB posts, this will help strengthen your local SEO. Also, since GMB is tied to search and Google Maps, you’ll rank better for local keywords.

Cost-effective

Creating and setting up a GMB account is free for businesses. It allows your audience to quickly view your business information and other details.

Promote for free

Posing on GMB doesn’t cost and is quick and easy. A lot of scheduling tools also allow you to connect your account to their platform making posting across all your channels more efficient.

REMEMBER: post regularly and keep your GMB details up to date.

Every business should be utilising GMB. It helps you build authority online and is another outlet in which you can reach more people who can potentially become customers.

Make sure the posts you publish are high quality and remember to use their CTAs to give people direction on your posts. With all content, it’s also important that your posts add value and make sure the posts are succinct (they're not blogs!).

Bear in mind to attend to the other features on GMB including replying to reviews, posting answers to frequently asked questions and uploading images.

google maps with a pin point on a local butchers

22Group

If you’re looking for help with your SEO or social media posting, we have an experienced team to help you achieve your goals.

22Group specialise in branding, website design & development and marketing for every industry. Whether you are starting out for the first time or looking to update, we can help.

To find out more about our services or ask any questions, we’d love to have a chat with you - get in touch.

Published by twentytwo in Marketing & Analytics

Tags: digitalmarketing, gmb, google

24/11/2021

Lead magnet examples

Lead magnets are a fantastic way to get sales leads. They are used as a marketing tool where something free is exchanged for contact details, it could be a free item or service.

An email list that consists of leads is undeniably very useful. You know they are qualified and more likely to be interested in your product or service.

People don’t just give their details away for anything so your lead magnet needs to be something that provides value to the customer and is of interest to them - it also helps to drive awareness of your brand and business.

fingers typing in their information in exchange for a free download

Here are some examples of lead magnets:

A guide

Create a guide that helps your customers learn more about what goes on, it could be a how-to or step-by-step guide.

Ebook

Help your customer understand a topic, service or product with a useful digital book.

Webinar

Webinars are great for reaching far and wide. They’re engaging and if they involve a Q&A session they become incredibly useful for your audience.

Templates

Make your customers’ lives easier with templates. It increases efficiency and means they don’t have to start from scratch.

Product samples

Entice your customers with a trial or sample of your product. They could be sitting on the fence about purchasing and your sample could seal the deal.

Training videos

Is your product or service complex to use? Training videos allow your customers to understand you better and once they see it in action, it can help them make a decision.

As a digital agency, we see lead magnets being of great value and recommend having them on your website.

Top Tip: make it relevant to the specific web page, it will ensure it resonates with your targeted audience.

I’ve got their details, now what?

Once your customer has signed up or downloaded your lead magnet, you have established a relationship.

Your next steps should involve nurturing them to convert. Keep in mind that it’s rare for it to happen overnight and that it can take some time.

Using email marketing and nurture campaigns are greatly recommended. With a nurture campaign, emails are sent out over time to remind and motivate your audience to buy or use your service.

They might decide to take some form of action from the nurture campaign, which is what you want. It could be clicking on a link leading them to finish purchasing or it could be getting in touch and further enquiring about your product or service.

Top Tip: Don’t forget to update your lead magnets. No one is going to download something that is outdated and irrelevant.

22 Group

We are a Manchester based digital agency offering three vital services: branding, web design & development and marketing.

Whether you are looking to have a website created with downloadable lead magnets, brochures designed or copy written for your lead magnet, we can help.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about our services and how we can help please get in touch.

Published by twentytwo in Marketing & Analytics

Tags: leadgeneration, leadmagnet

11/11/2021

Updating website content

We’re nearing the end of the year and as the classic saying goes “out with the old, in with the new”. Along with kicking bad habits, we want to remind you it's important to update your website content and keep it fresh.

When was the last time you updated the content on your website? Didn’t even realise it was something you should be doing?

Website content includes everything from blogs to testimonials. It’s not just the content on your contact page or pricing page, the more obvious ones, that need updating.

Updating website content isn’t something you should just do at the end of the year, it’s important to keep your content updated often. Not only for the practical reasons for a customer or user browsing your website but it also affects search engines.

You want to be doing everything you can to ensure you’re ranking well, right?

22 group employee writing down notes for updating website content

Benefits of updating website content:

SEO

Search engines take note when you are regularly updating your website. They can tell if you’re consistently doing this and it all helps towards proving you are a valuable website; worth being shown in a search result.

Engage your audience

Writing for search engines is an important factor when updating your website content but don’t forget to keep your audience engaged with it. Provide value to your customers and ensure the content is easily digestible and relevant.

Brand personality

Your website is the main platform to establish your brand personality, it’s where your customers can visit and refer back to 24/7. Keeping your content up to date will help portray this personality, especially if there has been a change in the business direction.

Reputation for quality content

By frequently updating your website with quality, useful content you’re being viewed as a valuable source of information and will more likely be seen as a reputable website.

Use it as a proof-reading session

Any mistakes spotted on your website whether that be spelling or spacing can cause a user to lose trust. If you frequently update your content you reduce this issue as you'll be checking on it.

We hope this has helped you understand why updating website content is seen as an important task and not something you only do every few years or at the end of the year.

When you’re updating your content, it’s not just the text you should keep up to date on your website. Other areas to keep updated include the tech side and website design.

22Group

At 22Group we have a great team of copywriters who are experienced in writing website copy. Getting the tone of voice right and incorporating good SEO practices as well as bringing through your brand values is something we’re well versed in.

Our fantastic team can help you with your branding, website and marketing. Whether you’re looking to refresh or start from scratch we’d love to have a chat.

Find out more or ask us any questions - get in touch.

Published by twentytwo in Website Design & Build

Tags: content, websiteupdate

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