THERE is still time to book your place on one of the free digital marketing seminars being held by the Daily Echo.

The events take place this Thursday, February 22, at the Hotel Miramar on Bournemouth’s East Cliff.

They are aimed at helping business people navigate the sometimes bewildering world of online marketing, without the jargon that often clouds the subject.

Vincent Boni, regional managing director for the Daily Echo’s publisher Newsquest, will be there to answer questions and there will be a welcome from editor Andy Martin.

Mr Boni said: “It is important not to see, for example, the Dorset Echo as ‘just a printed newspaper with a website’.

“We are a digital marketing business that produces trusted brands online and in print.

“Just 10 years ago, local businesses spent more than 90 per cent of the marketing budget across five main platforms: directories, radio, magazines, website build and, I would say most significantly, throughout local printed newspapers daily and weekly.

“Today there are hundreds of options: Which are right? Which will work? Who can you trust to give sound advice?

“We want to educate and inform local businesses on an effective way to approach the decision process.”

Digital marketing expert Rachael Dunn will be co-ordinating the workshops, which will include information on how the marketing landscape has changed, setting realistic marketing objectives, multi-channel marketing and social media.

She said: “After 17 years in media I’ve seen a lot of changes and challenges for SMEs when it comes to marketing their businesses.

“Our free seminars cover best practice when setting your online marketing plan.”

Digital specialists will be on hand should you want to speak on a one-to-one basis. The event is not a sales environment but an opportunity to get some free advice and information.

Every business that attends is entitled to receive a free online health check worth £150, to shine more light on specific areas of interest.

There is a choice of three slots for seminars on Thursday: 9.15-11.15am, 11.30am-1.30pm and 3.45-5.45pm.

Places can be booked at surveymonkey.co.uk/r/VFHPH8Z