From Google to Bluebell Marketing: A Digital Marketing Journey

In my first conversation for Season 3 of Founders Unplugged I had the pleasure of sitting down with Barney Durrant FRSA, the founder of Bluebell Marketing. Barney takes us on a fascinating journey through his career in the ever-evolving world of digital marketing. From his humble beginnings with a degree in Classics to his pivotal role at Google and eventual entrepreneurial venture, Barney's story is a testament to the power of adaptability and passion.

Watch part one here:

Early Days: Discovering the Internet

Barney's foray into the digital realm began in the early 2000s when he landed a job at a joint venture between Look Smart and BT, a company that provided search results to MSN, a popular portal at the time. In this pre-Google era, Barney's role involved manually reviewing and categorizing websites, a task that seems almost unimaginable in today's digital landscape.

The Rise of Google and the Shift to Advertising

As Google emerged and revolutionized the search engine industry, Barney witnessed the demise of manual directories like Yahoo and the rise of automated results. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Barney's transition into the world of digital advertising, where he explored affiliate marketing and dipped his toes into the burgeoning field of online advertising.

The Google Experience: Insights from the Inside

In 2005, Barney joined Google, embarking on a seven-year journey that would shape his understanding of the digital marketing landscape. Barney's role at Google involved working with major advertisers, educating them on the intricacies of Google Ads, and helping them navigate the rapidly evolving digital advertising landscape.

The Art of Google Ads and SEO

In the podcast, Barney provides a comprehensive breakdown of Google Ads, demystifying the auction process and explaining the importance of relevancy and quality scores. He also delves into the world of SEO, explaining the importance of creating high-quality, relevant content and building a strong link profile to rank higher in search engine results.

The Entrepreneurial Leap: Bluebell Marketing

After leaving Google, Barney embarked on his entrepreneurial journey, founding Bluebell Marketing, a digital marketing consultancy. Drawing from his extensive experience at Google and his passion for digital marketing, Barney has carved out a niche for himself, specializing in Google Ads and SEO while offering a range of other services.

Adapting to the Ever-Changing Digital Landscape

Throughout the podcast, Barney emphasizes the importance of staying ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving digital marketing industry. He discusses the rise of AI and its potential impact on search engines and digital marketing, highlighting the need for businesses to diversify their strategies and not rely solely on a single platform or technology.

Catch part two here:

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