What is good customer service in marketing?

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When marketing products and services, you need to be prepared to engage with customers. Rather than send a one-way marketing message, good digital marketing campaigns should engage customers.

Campaigns should hook customers and entice them to find out more about your products and/or services.

When customers get in touch you need to be prepared to respond efficiently to their enquiries using a range of platforms. This could be on email, through your website, or using social media.

respond efficiently to their customer service enquiries

Any good sales or marketing team will be ready to handle customer enquiries and respond to these in a professional manner. Being prepared for this by having customer service and social media policies in place makes this so much easier.

As an apprentice on the digital marketer standard, you need to demonstrate that you can “respond efficiently to enquiries using online and social media platforms.”

So, what does good customer service look like?

To make sure your customers get what they need, it is important to have a clear plan in place to respond to every individual request. Here is a 6-step approach to make sure that every customer enquiry is managed effectively.

  1. Have clear policies in place to provide a consistent level of customer service
  2. Understand and categories the type of enquiry
  3. Know the individual customer
  4. Gather any information to provide the customer with everything that they need
  5. Respond as quickly as you can
  6. Provide follow up contact details and information

Now let’s have a look at each of these in more detail.

Have clear policies in place to provide a consistent level of customer service

Whilst it’s important to treat each customer as an individual, it is essential to also have a consistent and fair approach to make sure everyone gets the same level of service.

Ensuring that there are agreed customer service and social media policies to define how everyone in your organisation responds to customers is a great idea. These should outline things like the tone of voice and a clear strategy on how to approach each customer enquiry.

policies to provide a consistent level of customer service

Making sure that a high-level customer service approach is available, agreed on and regularly updated will make you maintain a consistent approach in the first instance.

Understand and categories the type of enquiry

To respond to customer enquiries as efficiently as possible, the first thing that you should do is categories the type of enquiry. Having defined types of customer service enquiries such as: request for information; complaint; advocate; common enquiry; etc. is an excellent starting point.

If your organisation is aware of the types of enquiries, it can further develop a strategy for dealing with these in the quickest and simplest way possible.

categories customer service enquiries

There can be some very quick turnarounds if you effectively categories enquiries and deal with the simple and common requests as quickly as possible. This can keep the caseload down and result in more and more customers that are satisfied with the quick turnaround.

Obviously a CRM system would be an effective tool to help achieve this and links into the next point.

Know the individual customer

As the first point mentions, having a high-level strategy and clear policies are important. Additionally, good customer service agents will use everything that they know about each individual customer to provide customised service.

customer service treating everyone as an individual

Think of a time when you got a copy/pasted reply to an enquiry compared to one where it was clear that the responder had taken the time to get to know you and your individual case. Was there a big difference? We’re sure that you’ll agree that there is normally a massive difference with this type of approach. That’s not to say that generic copy/paste or automated responses cannot be effective to provide an initial acknowledgement of the customer service request.

Building up a knowledge bank on each customer at every touchpoint and managing this information will allow you to tailor each response for the individual.

Gather any information to provide the customer with everything that they need

We’ve previously mentioned having high-level policies, categorising enquiries and getting to know the customer. The next step is to make sure that you gather the information that the customer needs to satisfy their request. You need to organise this information in a clear and concise manner so that it can be communicated effectively.

gathering information

For complaints, you might need more detailed investigation whereas you may also have a knowledge bank of custom responses that can help you deal with common requests. Using this information along with what you know about the customer, means that you will be able to provide the most effective response.

Respond as quickly as you can

It goes without saying really, that getting back to a customer service enquiry as quickly as possible will go a long way to keeping customers happy.

That being said, make sure that you cover everything that is needed before providing a hasty response. Those extra few minutes can make all the difference between a completely satisfied customer and someone that will come back with a further enquiry.

good customer service means responding quickly

One thing we mentioned previously was automated responses. These can be effective as an acknowledgement of receiving an enquiry but should be used sparingly so that your approach is personalised.

Provide follow up with contact details and information

When you have followed your customer service policy and formatted a response that will meet the customers need, you should not always leave it at that.

Provide clear and concise information on how they can take next steps to get them where they or you would like them to be can make all the difference.

Having a clear call to action that could push them to buy or even just provide an easier method to get in touch can be a much more effective approach that just trying to close off a customer service case.

following up

Being proactive and going out of your way to go the extra mile for the customer whether they have contacted you with a complaint or compliment really does add the personal touch.

Conclusion

Here we have look at what is good customer service and how you can use and effective strategy to deal with customer service requests. If there is anything that has worked well for you, please feel free to drop us a comment below.

If you found this article interesting, please feel free to share it. Thanks for reading.

Images credit to Unsplash.

Two sides of the same coin – Apprenticeships and University

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What is an apprenticeship?

Contrary to a university degree where you typically attend lectures and seminars, an apprenticeship can be summarized as extended learning alongside real world working. Apprenticeships are also referred to as trainee ships.

What apprenticeships are available?

There are 532 different apprenticeship standards across a field of different areas, the same areas that consist of the working fields such as health, creative, agriculture and more.

How to find an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships can be found through many different apprenticeship agencies working across the country online. Some work in specific fields while others operate bringing apprenticeships for multiple different areas. Here at ApprenticeshipTips not only do we provide guidance in the world of apprenticeships but we also provide apprenticeship standards across 10 different areas ranging from data analyst to funeral directors.

NHS apprenticeships are the only apprenticeships available through one network and that is with the NHS. Apprenticeships can also be found through the government on the gov website online.

How valuable is an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are differentiated through their levels ranging from level 3 to level 7. A level 3 apprenticeship is equivalent to approximately 2 A-levels. A level 4 apprenticeship is equivalent to a undergraduate degree of higher national certificate. And level 5/6/7 apprenticeships are equal to a foundation degree/bachelors/masters respectively.  

What can ApprenticeshipsTips do for you?

Over at ApprenticeshipTips you can learn about apprenticeships as a whole and also about the individual standards we provide. Through our website over at https://www.apprenticetips.com/category/apprenticeships-uk/digital-industries-apprenticeships/ you can find what we can offer you!

Email Marketing 101

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Email campaign

Email Marketing plays a crucial role in any digital markers marketing campaign. It is a great way to nurture your leads as it allows you to communicate with those who are already subscribed to your mailing list, meaning that you are communicating with those already interested in your company. It can also increase brand awareness and drive traffic to your website to ultimately reach your goals.

In 2022, Litmus found that the average ROI (Return On Investment) for email marketing was $36 for every $1 spent. With many different types of emails, you can send to your customers, email marketing is a great way for businesses to reach out to their target audience, It is no surprise that Litmus found that 79% of marketers list email marketing as their top 3 most effective marketing channels.

Getting started with email marketing

Getting started with email marketing is easy but the first thing you must do is work out what you want to achieve from your campaign. Do you want to drive traffic to your website? Convert your audience into leads? Encourage people to sign-up for an event? Establishing your goals is key to a successful email campaign and aligning those goals with your KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) means that you can easily measure the success of your campaign as well.

Gmail

Building a mailing list

When getting started with email campaigns companies will need to bring together a mailing list. A mailing list is a list of people to whom you want to send your email campaign. These are the people who have given consent to receive email marketing from your company. If you do not already have a mailing list you will need to start thinking of any which you can get people to sign-up for your emails. You can do this by:

  • Putting links/buttons to sign-up forms on email signatures, your website, your social media pages, the end of blog posts, etc.
  • Making sure that the sign-up form is short and easy to fill in.
  • Providing sneak peeks of your newsletters, this could be in social media.
  • Advertising offers only available through email sign-ups.

When building your mailing list you should also consider segmenting your list. You can put your audience into different categories depending on characteristics they may have stated on your email sign-up form, such as location, interests, etc.

Types of email marketing

Another thing to consider is deciding the type of email campaign you will send to your audience. There are countless types of email marketing and the type you choose to send should align with your goals to achieve a successful campaign. Types of email marketing include:

  • Welcome emails
  • Newsletters
  • Company updates
  • Job advertisements
  • Promotional

Different technologies

You will need to decide what technology you want to use before getting started with email. There are hundreds of different technologies available to create email campaigns, all of which have different factors which set them apart. You should choose the technologies that will help your company achieve its goals and objectives. Some examples of email marketing technologies include:

  • HubSpot – a cloud-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform which helps marketing teams optimise their email campaigns powered by CRM data.
  • MailChimp – an email marketing platform used for creating and managing email campaigns. It is best for actionable data insights to improve your strategy.
  • Moosend – an email marketing automation platform designed to send and manage email campaigns. It is best for creating automation and sending personalised emails.

Why is email marketing important?

There are many reasons why email marketing is important for your business. For starters people use email every day and according to Statista there were over 4 billion email users worldwide in 2020, so it is easy to connect and communicate your messages to your audience. It has many benefits, some of these include:

  • Boosting other marketing channels.
  • Keeping your audience engaged with your company.
  • Cost-effective
  • Allows for targeted messages
  • Generates traffic to your website
Email messages

What makes a successful email campaign?

There are many things that can make an email campaign successful, these can include:

  • Relevant to your audience – making your email marketing relevant to your audience, whether that be through personalised/targeted content can lead to your audience driving traffic to your website and making purchases.
  • Engaging subject lines – subject line will be one of the first things your audience sees and this will determine whether or not they will open your email. Making your subject line engaging will help push them to open your email and click on your content.
  • Clearly defined goals – setting goals means that you know what you want your email campaign to achieve and it can help measure the success of your campaign.
  • Optimised for mobiles – according to Adobe in 2018 85% of email users use their phone to access emails.
  • Proofread before sending – by proofreading your email before sending you can check that you have made no errors such as spelling mistakes. Sending test emails allow you to see what your email would look like to your audience and it allows you to test that all links work and go to the right places.

Email marketing regulations

It is important to note that there are rules to email marketing. Since 2018 there have been GDPR regulations introduced that restrict whom you can send emails to. People must have given consent to receive emails from your company, whether that be by signing up for or opting in to email marketing. This means that companies need to be careful when sending email campaigns and make sure that everyone on their mailing list has opted-in to receive and has not unsubscribed.

Email marketing is a great way to connect with your target audience and it is a technique that all digital markers should consider in their marketing strategy as it is easy to do with little cost.

If you would like to discover more posts about digital marketing click here: Digital Apprenticeships Archives – ApprenticeTips.com

5 Simple SEO Techniques to Boost Your Website’s Ranking

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SEO techniques to boost your website’s ranking are essential for any business looking to improve its online visibility and attract more customers.

In today’s digital age, just having a website is not enough. To stand out in a crowded online space, it’s important to optimise your website for search engines so that it appears higher in search results and is more easily found by your audience.

In this article, we will go through simple SEO techniques to boost your website’s ranking. Whether you’re a small business owner, a blogger, or anyone looking to improve their online presence, these tips can help you get started with SEO and make your website more visible. So, let’s take a look at what we can do…

SEO techniques to boost your website's ranking - Male standing in front of a blue wall on laptop using

SEO techniques to boost your website’s ranking:

1. Keyword Research

Keyword research is the process of identifying and analysing the words and phrases that people use to search for information online. By understanding what keywords your target audience is searching for, you can optimise your website’s content to appear higher in search engine results pages (SERPs) for those keywords.

Let’s say you have a website that provides “online yoga classes for over 60s”, and you’ve conducted keyword research to identify relevant keywords to target. One keyword that could be beneficial to target is “yoga for seniors”.

By targeting this keyword, you’re signalling to search engines that your website is relevant to users searching for yoga classes tailored specifically for seniors. This can help improve your website’s visibility in SERPs for this query, increasing the likelihood that users will find and click on your website.

Someone searching for “yoga for seniors” is likely looking for yoga classes that are safe and accessible for older adults. By targeting this keyword, you can tailor your website’s content to provide information on yoga classes that are designed specifically for seniors.

“Yoga for seniors” is also a niche keyword, meaning it is highly specific and targeted to a particular audience. By targeting niche keywords like this one, you can tap into highly targeted search traffic that may be more likely to convert into paying customers or subscribers.

SEO techniques to boost your website's ranking - time for content on paper with pink back drop and screwed up paper balls

2. Content

Keyword research is an important part of creating valuable content, but it isn’t the only thing to think about. While targeting the right keywords can help your content rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs) and drive traffic to your website, it’s also important to create content that is informative, engaging, and useful to your target audience.

A variety of factors contribute to effective content creation, including identifying your target audience, understanding their needs and interests, developing a content strategy that aligns with your business goals, and producing high-quality content that adds value to your readers. It is important to make sure you are writing your page content in a genuine way, don’t try to force the keywords in.

It is also important to ensure that the content already on your website is high-quality up-to-date, and relevant. Internal linking to stronger content can make it easier for website visitors to navigate your website and find relevant content. By linking to stronger content, you can help boost the authority of weaker pages on your website, ultimately improving their chances of ranking higher in search engine results pages.

3. On-page Optimisation

On-page optimisation is important for website ranking because it assists search engines in understanding the content and relevance of a website’s pages. On-page optimisation entails optimising various website elements such as content, meta tags, image alt tags, anchor text, internal linking, and more.

When your website appears in search results, the meta title and description are the first things a user sees. To increase click-through rates, optimise them with your target keywords and make them compelling. When using keywords in your alt tags, use descriptive language to better describe the image as well.

The clickable text that serves as the hyperlink is referred to as anchor text. Descriptive anchor text is beneficial to SEO because it assists search engines in understanding the context of the provided link and the relevance of the linked content.

On-page optimisation can also improve user experience by ensuring that your website is simple to use, loads quickly, and is mobile-friendly.

SEO techniques to boost your website's ranking - computer button with speed optimization on

4. Page Speed

Page speed is an important factor in determining the overall user experience of a website. A fast-loading website can lead to lower bounce rates, increased user engagement, and, ultimately, higher conversion rates. When a website takes too long to load, users are more likely to abandon it and seek information elsewhere, resulting in a high bounce rate.

The three primary indicators of page speed are visual stability, page responsiveness, and loading speed. Page load times can be significantly slowed by large image files. So, compress images or use a file format like WebP that offers better compression without sacrificing image quality.

Set up browser caching to save frequently used files, such as images and CSS, on a user’s computer so they don’t have to be reloaded each time a user visits your site. If you’re using a content management system like WordPress, a caching plugin like WP Super Cache or W3 Total Cache can help improve the server response times.

You can use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to monitor your website’s page load speed, identify areas for improvement and better understand your site’s loading issues.

5. Social Media

Yes, social media can be part of your SEO strategy. Why? A strong social media presence can drive traffic to your website, which can improve its ranking in search engines. Furthermore, social media activity can help increase brand awareness, and engagement, and improve your online reputation, all of which can have an indirect impact on your website’s search engine ranking.

Social media can also provide useful backlinks to your website, which are an important factor in search engine ranking.

Wrapping up

These 5 SEO techniques can help you to boost your website’s ranking but there are other things you can do. Signing up for SEO tools such as SEMrush, MOZ, and Ahrefs can help you increase your search traffic, and optimise your website. They are simple to use and come with helpful guides to assist you along the way. And if you wish to learn some more ways to boost your website ranking:

What is SEO and why is it important?

White hat SEO: Top 5 tips on improving your SEO

Top tips for using Keywords

Apprentice Tips

Agriculture or Horticulture Professional Advisor Apprenticeship Level 6

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What is the Agriculture or Horticulture Professional Advisor – Level 6 Apprenticeship?

The Level six Agriculture or Horticulture Professional Advisor Apprenticeship is designed to provide businesses and students with the latest scientific thinking, knowledge and skills to deliver a holistic approach to farming and agriculture in the UK.  

At the end of this thirty month course a graduating apprentice will be able to support farmers and growers maximise their crop yields utilising the best possible methods, enabling them to adapt to new regulations and policy to develop the best agricultural strategies for their businesses. 

The Level 6 Agriculture or Horticulture Professional Advisor Apprenticeship is essential for anyone who is serious about a career path in agricultural consultancy or investing in training up the next generation of cultivation experts.

What is the 10 Things about the Level 6 Agriculture or Horticulture Professional Advisor Apprenticeship that will convince you of it’s value:

Content:

  1. Learn About Agriculture And Horticulture On The Job
  2. Agriculture And Horticulture Driven By Scientific Knowledge And Research
  3. Relationships And Networking In The Agriculture And Horticulture Sector
  4. Communication
  5. Personal Development As You Become An Agriculture Or Horticulture Advisor
  6. Learn Management Skills
  7. Agriculture And Horticulture Policy And Legislation Made Easy
  8. Commercial Business Knowledge
  9. Environmental Challenges And Problem Solving
  10. Digital Systems
image shows a tractor in a field harvesting wheat from an aerial perspective
Tractor in field harvesting wheat – copyright Tomas Hertogh, unsplash.com

1. Learn About Agriculture Or Horticulture On The Job

From day one an apprentice will be interacting and getting on the job experience alongside professionals on farms, glasshouses, estates and in nurseries as well as learning from scientists, research companies and independent consultants to see first hand what modern crop growing is.

Extensive time is spent in the outdoors and on site working with plants, flowers and crops as hands-on learning is emphasised and real world experience is prioritised over theoretical understanding and classroom time, making it the perfect course for nature lovers.

Agriculture or Horticulture apprentices learn on the job. image shows scientists with plants under UV lighting
Scientists with plants under UV lighting – Copyright ThisisEngineeringRaEng, unsplash.com

2. Agriculture And Horticulture Driven By Scientific Knowledge And Research

This apprenticeship is led and directed by the latest research and insights being discovered and developed within the agricultural sector and how these new techniques are maximising yields and profit whilst minimising environmental impacts. Apprentices will find themselves at the frontier of land management as they are exposed to precision farming, scientific research and experimental farming. 

Continual professional development during the apprenticeship will ensure that apprentices have the most up to date knowledge and the skillset to continue pursuing new understandings after graduation, share expertise with their colleagues and seek out innovative solutions, implementing them at cost.

Agriculture or Horticulture apprentices learn in a data and scientific driven environment. image shows man with agricultural engineering machine in a field
Man with agricultural engineering machine in field – copyright ThisisEngineeringRaEng, unsplash.com

3. Relationships And Networking In The Agriculture And Horticulture Sector

A core part of becoming an agriculture or horticulture advisor is the ability to build trust with farmers, growers and relevant stakeholders through accountability and delivering on agreed objectives. Apprentices will learn about the agricultural sector’s values and culture and how to navigate life amongst tight knit communities, overcome local problems and challenge outdated practices without confrontation. 

The interpersonal skills that an apprentice develops will enable them to quickly build a network of clients, navigate conversations with professional bodies and identify hierarchical structures and decision-makers within organisations so they understand who to reach out to on different issues.

Agriculture or Horticulture apprentices will build relationships and network. image shows a greenhouse full of tomato plants
Greenhouse full of tomato plants – copyright Zand Photography, unsplash.com

4. Communication

Apprentices will be continuously exposed to scientific theories and will be working with complicated data sets so it is essential that they are equipped to explain complex concepts and ideas in an accessible way to a range of people. Alongside this training in complaint management procedures and protocols and utilising the correct communication channels is provided so that apprentices can resolve business problems and connect with clients in the most effective and professional way.

As an apprentice builds confidence in themselves during their training they will be able to facilitate and chair meetings on relevant issues with relevant stakeholders and help communities reach collectively agreed outcomes.

Agriculture or Horticulture apprentices will gain communication skills. image of three AI faming robots in a field tending to plants
Three AI farming robots in a field tending to plants – copyright James Baltz, unsplash.com

5. Personal Development As You Become An Agriculture Or Horticulture Advisor

This apprenticeship will enable students to understand their preferred working and learning styles so that they can be more efficient with their time and are actively encouraged to seek out feedback to help them develop their professionalism. Time management skills will also be developed so that apprentices can plan effectively for the short, medium and long term whilst gaining a flexible mindset so they can overcome any unforeseen obstacles or challenges and re-prioritise tasks when necessary. 

By the end of the apprenticeship skills such as self-reflection and evaluation will be second nature to an apprentice who will be able to identify successes and areas for improvement and how best to achieve goals and optimum outcomes on projects.

image shows a man watering in a commercial greenhouse
Watering in a commercial greenhouse – Zoe Schaeffer, unsplash.com

6. Learn Management Skills

Through self-development apprentices will be able to recognise different ways of working and preferred methods of communicating, enabling them to facilitate the best working environment and training for others. Apprentices will also be able to support a wider team to meet deadlines and manage workloads and help more junior co-workers create personal development plans, sharing their knowledge, expertise and best practice with them. 

Apprentices will learn how to employ active listening, ask appropriate questions and influence others in order to gain relevant information and reach the best solution for the farmer or grower and guide stakeholders to the most effective outcome.

  • Agriculture or Horticulture apprentices will learn management skills. Image shows field of rolled hay bales
Field of rolled hay bales – copyright Nick Fewings, unsplash.com

7. Agriculture And Horticulture Policy And Legislation Made Easy

Through integrated learning, apprentices will gain comprehensive understanding of policies and legislation that affect the agricultural sector and how any national or international changes will impact the nature of their work. This is essential learning as a large part of an adviser’s career is to provide guidance on  best practices and how farmers and growers can maximise yields whilst complying with legislation, regulations and environmental policy. 

Health and safety and risk analysis is incredibly important for an advisor to understand thoroughly as industrial chemicals will be a part of their work, from storing materials correctly to being able to read labels and symbols to providing necessary reports, apprentices learn all aspects of this so that they can do their job safely, protecting themselves and others.

image shows seedlings being tended by a horticulturalist
Seedlings being tended by a horticulturalist – copyright Joshua Lanzarini, unsplash.com

8. Commercial Business Knowledge

Commercial business management skills for running farms and nurseries alongside financial land management will become second nature to apprentices as they learn during the course. Graduates will be able to calculate costs, negotiate and understand the financial implications of their advice and decision making and how it can impact on farmers and growers. 

An apprentice will gain a working knowledge of how to deliver on business outcomes in appropriate time-frames without compromising business values or culture whilst remaining GDPR compliant.

  • Agriculture or Horticulture apprentices will learn commercial business knowledge. image shows man in white coat with tray of plants
Man in white coat with tray of plants – copyright ThisisEngineeringRaEng, unsplash.com

9. Environmental Challenges And Problem Solving

Uncontrollable variables such as the weather, seasonality and climate change are inevitable challenges that an agricultural or horticultural advisor must attempt to mitigate whether through working with nature or taking steps to move crops into controllable environments such as glasshouses. 

An example of the type of work an apprentice might undertake to overcome poor crop growth might involve taking a soil sample and analysing it in a laboratory environment to understand pH, soil type, erosion and nutrient deficiencies. The apprentice will explore if the soil can be treated to improve harvests or if a different type of crop should be grown instead, weighing up the pros and cons to advise the farmer or grower appropriately.

Apprentices will explore how to overcome major pests that threaten UK crops and minimise damage whilst avoiding the development of pesticide resistant strains of weeds, insects and diseases, a difficult balance to find.

Agriculture or Horticulture apprentices will learn about environmental challenges. Image shows a lavender field with a red telephone box
lavender field with red telephone box – copyright Abhishek Banik, unsplash.com

10. Digital Systems

Digital systems such as Management Information Systems have become an integral part of modern farming and enable agriculturalists to record and analyse data to make scientific decisions and implement strategies based on the results. An apprentice will be able to deliver the best solutions for farmers and growers through their understanding of these digital systems, producing comprehensive reports for clients that deliver tangible results, improving yields for everyone.

Image shows a tractor farming with a ploughing attachment in a field
A tractor farming with a ploughing attachment in a field – copyright Luke Thornton, unsplash.com

What next?

If you are keen to read about this apprenticeship in more detail and learning about entry requirements  we recommend checking out this page on the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education website where they break down key skills and knowledge that students will learn.

We wish you the best of luck with your apprenticeship journey!

What to Expect from a Level 3 Advanced Golf Greenkeeper Apprenticeship

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A Golf Greenkeeper plays an exceptionally important role, caring for the quality of the golf course to provide the ultimate experience for golf players, but they also play an interesting one as well, working with different technology, meeting new people and even having a front row seat at watching games. Discover the key skills and knowledge you could learn as an apprentice Golf Greenkeeping and how it can set you on a path to a successful career.

What is a Golf Greenkeeper?

A Golf Greenkeeper plays a key role in the golf industry and without it, the quality of the sport would suffer. The main role of a Golf Greenkeeper is to maintain and care for the overall appearance of the golf course, this doesn’t just help with the overall aesthetic but the quality of people’s games as you don’t want long grass or divots on the ground ruining your game. Greenkeepers assist in the planning supervising and implementation of the maintenance to help provide a good quality playing surface to ensure that the course offers an enjoyable experience for all players.

Landscape golf course

What you should expect from the apprenticeship?

The Golf Greenkeeper apprenticeship is a 24-month long course (not including the EPA), which is designed to provide the apprentice with the skills, knowledge, and behaviours to supervise the greenkeeping team and the maintenance of the golf course, in the absence of the Head Greenkeeper/Golf Course Manager.

This apprenticeship allows for progression into more senior roles within golf facilities after the completion of the course, with other opportunities also available in other sports facilities such as Grounds Maintenance Operator/Technician, Irrigation, Spray, or Machinery Technician.

Duties of a Golf Greenkeeper:

The apprentice will have to carry out a number of duties as a Golf Greenkeeper, some of these duties include:

  • Communicating with the greenkeeping team to allocate work and supervise the team in accordance with agreed maintenance plans.
  • Supervising the preparation of the golf course in accordance with the Rules of Golf.
  • Surveying, collecting, recording, and interpreting data on the golf course including soil and water analysis.
  • Supervising, planning, maintaining, constructing, repairing, and renovating projects on the golf course and clubhouse surrounds.
  • Preparing and maintaining golf course playing surfaces.
  • Supervising and carrying out the preparation, maintenance, and storage of machines for use.
  • Supervising and undertaking the operation, maintenance, and servicing of irrigation and drainage systems.
  • Carrying out risk assessments on the golf course and maintenance facility.
  • Contributing to the development and implementation of the maintenance budgets.
  • Assisting with the training and mentoring of the greenkeeping team.
Golfer on golf course

Key knowledge apprentices develop during the apprenticeship:

The Advanced Golf Greenkeeper apprenticeship will supply apprentices with the following technical knowledge to support them in their job role:

  • Understanding key health, safety, and environmental legislation and regulations to ensure a safe working environment for everyone.
  • Learning common aspects of soil and plant biology to promote best practices to produce sustainable playing surfaces.
  • How to plan and implement maintenance, improvement, and renovation programmes for the golf course, optimising human and physical resources available.
  • The importance of data collection and interpretation to ensure sustainable quality playing surfaces.
  • Be aware of the importance of the Rules of Golf, golf course etiquette, and how they impact the playing of the game of golf.
  • Understand all environmental and ecological best practices to maintain a sustainable golf course.
  • How to identify weeds, pests, diseases, and disorders and the most effective treatment method, and the importance of record keeping.
  • How to plan and implement machinery maintenance programmes and their impact on turf maintenance.
  • Understanding how to prepare and host team meetings and the key fundamentals of effective presentations.

Qualifications you need?

Candidates may already have experience in Greenkeeping or hold a Level 2 qualification in Greenkeeping or equivalent but it is not necessary for candidates to get on the course.

For candidates to be eligible for this course they must have achieved their Level 2 English and Maths, else they will have to complete it alongside their apprenticeship. It is also recommended that candidates complete Level 1 ICT as part of their apprenticeship if they have not already achieved it.

Each employer may set out their own criteria that candidates must hold to get on to the Golf Greenkeeping apprenticeship.

The Level 3 Advanced Golf Greenkeeper apprenticeship is an excellent opportunity for those interested in the golfing industry. It is a crucial role that has a huge impact on the quality of the game and has many responsibilities other than just maintaining the golf course playing surface.

If you are interested in the Level 3 Advanced Golf Greenkeeper apprenticeship you can visit: www.instituteforapprenticeships.org for more information.

If you would like to find out about other apprenticeships available visit: ApprenticeTips.com.

Join the green industry with a landscape technician apprenticeship

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Are you considering a career in the green industry? How does the idea of gaining practical experience while learning sound to you?

A landscape technician apprenticeship could be a good place to start. As environmental concerns persist, the demand for knowledgeable experts who can design, build, and maintain sustainable landscapes grows.

And enrolling in an apprenticeship programme allows you to gain practical experience, develop important skills, and position yourself for a rewarding career in a demanding yet meaningful profession. This article will discuss the benefits of becoming an apprentice landscape technician as well as how to get started on this exciting career path.

Female landscape technician standing with digital tablet against wind turbine on sunny day

The Growing Demand for Skilled Landscaping Professionals

According to the Oxford Economics industry growth report, the total GDP footprint of the UK horticulture and landscaping industry is expected to be worth £41.8 billion in 2030. And employment is projected to grow by 8% from 2019 to 2029.

With climate change and environmental concerns at the forefront of public discourse, the demand for sustainable landscaping has increased significantly.

The UK government hopes to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, which will necessitate major changes in how we design and maintain our landscapes. As more people and organisations work to reduce their environmental impact, there is a growing need for skilled professionals who can design, install, and maintain eco-friendly landscapes.

Enrolling in a landscape technician apprenticeship can provide you with the necessary training and experience to enter this exciting and rewarding field.

What is a Level 3 Landscape Technician Apprenticeship?

A landscape technician’s prime focus is to collaborate with and support the design, planning, and management of spaces in both natural and built environments. They assist other professionals in protecting, conserving, and enhancing the built and natural environments for the benefit of the public, communities, stakeholders, and clients.

Apprentices will learn a variety of skills related to landscape design, planning, and management, as well as the use of technology and technical equipment, during the apprenticeship. You will gain hands-on experience in real-world settings while working alongside experienced landscape professionals.

And by the end of the apprenticeship, you will have obtained a nationally recognised qualification demonstrating your skills and knowledge in the field.

Typical job titles include:

Assistant parks manager

BIM technician

GIS technician

Junior landscape architect

Landscape assistant

Landscape clerk of works

Landscape technician

Landscape technologist

Landscape visualiser and CAD technician

2 male Junior landscape architects supervising the process of residential building and outdoor construction standing on the structure outdoors

Knowledge and skills gained

You will learn landscape design and management principles such as site analysis and technology selection as a Level 3 Landscape Technician Apprentice. You’ll also learn how to effectively communicate ideas and information to clients, as well as a solid understanding of materials and plant science, legal and regulatory compliance, and sustainability practices.

Finally, you will gain knowledge of data collection and management, which is an important aspect of the field. All of this will prepare you to face a wide range of landscape design and management challenges.

Behaviours

As a Landscape Technician apprentice, you will benefit from a variety of behaviours that will aid in your success. Adopting the Landscape Institute’s standards of conduct and practice, for example, will ensure that you uphold the highest ethical and professional standards in your work.

You will also be committed to continuing professional development, which will assist you in staying current with industry trends and techniques. Furthermore, you will be dependable and act with integrity and confidentiality, which are essential qualities for establishing trust with clients and colleagues alike. Another important trait that will assist you in ensuring that every project is completed with precision and care is attention to detail.

Ultimately, you will be adaptable, able to pivot and adjust to changing circumstances to give your clients the best results possible. You will be well-positioned to excel as a Landscape Technician and contribute to the success of your team and organisation if you exhibit these characteristics.

Landscape technician in the helmet Uses Touchscreen against open outdoor hilly backdrop

FAQs

What is the typical duration to gateway of the apprenticeship?

The typical duration to gateway is 24 months. This does not include the EPA period (end point assessment).

What is the maximum funding available for a landscape technician apprenticeship?

The maximum funding available is £9000.

What are the usual qualifications for entering the apprenticeship?

The standard entry criteria for the apprenticeship are five GCSEs at Grade 4 (Grade C) or above, including English and Maths, or a Level 2 apprenticeship in a similar discipline.  Before taking the end-point assessment, apprentices who don’t already have Level 2 English and Maths will need to obtain these skills.

Join the Green Industry as a Landscape Technician Apprentice today

Join the Green Industry as a Landscape Technician Apprentice today and begin an exciting journey to developing a diverse set of skills and knowledge required to excel in your chosen career path.

If you are interested in the Level 3 Landscape Technician Apprenticeship you can visit: www.instituteforapprenticeships.org for more information.

And If you would like to find out about all the other apprenticeships available visit: ApprenticeTips.com.

PPC – Pay per click, what does it mean and why do we implement it in Digital Marketing?

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Keep reading especially if you’re looking for an apprenticeship in Digital Marketing in the field of Search! Great resource if you’re job role is a Search Account Executive.

A laptop showcasing a Google search page, to be used as a header image on a keyword research article.
Google is the most used search engine for users. It differs between 90-95% every year in being the user’s preference when searching.

What is PPC?

Pay per click (PPC) search ads, you’ll only pay when your ad gets results. This means that only when your ad is interacted with by a user, only then will there be a cost. It means that everyone has an opportunity to publish ads. However, there are core differences between what makes an ad and what makes an excellent ad. This is based on how the ad performs based on its metrics.

What are the metrics to consider when creating an ad?

Metrics are the core of PPC ads. It explains the narrative of the ad and gives an insight to the ad creator on improvements and more. There are many platforms by Google that these metrics can be found on. These include Google Ads, Search Ads 360 and Google Data Studios. The ad is created on Google Ads.

These are some of the core metrics and its formulas:

Ad Rank: A value that’s used to determine your ad position and whether your ads will show at all. The advertiser with the highest score gets the highest position. Quality score x max Cost per click bid = Ad Rank

Average CPA: The average amount you’ve been charged for a conversion from your ad.

Average cost-per-click: calculated by dividing the total cost of your clicks by the total number of clicks.

Cost-Per-Click: The amount you will pay for a single click on your ad.

Impression: The number of times an ad has been shown.

Maximum CPC Bid: A bid that you set to determine the highest amount that you’re willing to pay for a click on your ad.

These are some of the metrics we use in PPC. It’s important to understand the definition of these so that you can adjust your account improvements.

Why do we implement PPC in Digital Marketing?

PPC ads are extremely effective. They are very common and are predominantly used in digital marketing.

Majority of brands display PPC ads for visibility and awareness so its a transferable skill for apprentices to use in and outside of their job role.

Its constantly developing with time. Google Ads always has updates on the software which are according to current needs and will be relevant in digital marketing.

Check our our other blogs and comments here:

3 Free Digital Marketing Tools Every Marketer Needs 2023

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Digital Marketing, Tools, Digital Marketer, digital marketing tools, tools 2023, free tools, free tools 2023

When starting your career in digital marketing, have you ever thought about tools and software available to use? Free Digital Marketing Tools have evolved in 2023. There are so many options out there from time management tools to SEO guidance which is why its important to take a step back and really decide what works best for you. This blog will provide some useful free tools below to help get you started. 

Google Keyword Planner

Understanding which keywords to use when creating different content, for example blogs or google ads can seem like a difficult task. However, Google keyword planner is so easy to use. This free tool allows you to discover many new keywords associated with your business/ industry. It works by and offering estimates of the number of times specific words/ phrases were searched. Usefully, the keyword planner actually tells you how much it costs to target. Overall, this free digital marketing tool is fantastic for all digital marketers who are looking for a keyword planner.

CapCut

Free digital Marketing Tools generally enable creating engaging short-form video content. Since 2022 there has been an increase in the popularity of videos via platforms like TikTok and Instagram. CapCut is a multi-purpose video editor which removes complex editing, so it is essentially the perfect tool for new professionals in the industry. Something that differentiates CapCut from other video editors is you can extract audio. For example take a trending sound from Instagram and import the video into CapCut, click extract audio and then you have an easy way to create perfectly timed transitions. 

Digital Marketing, Tools, Digital Marketer, digital marketing tools, tools 2023, free tools, free tools 2023

Canva

An Important tool for a role as a digital marketer is Canva. Canva is basically a source for all your graphic design needs, which is super helpful having this all in one place not to mention convenient. Canva pretty much allows you to create anything from social media content you need to upload, to banners for your new website and it also provides a helpful system of templates to help you incorporate all of this into your outputs.

We all know starting to create content from scratch can seem extremely daunting and this tends to put many new digital marketers in a predicament, knowing tools like this are out there and available free to use by anyone creates so much relief! Because once you know this life gets so much easier. Canva is able to take this to a whole new level by displaying inspiration from various previous creators and the different internal tools and features such as the drag-and-drop feature which makes the experience streamlined.

Summary of Free Digital Marketing Tools

To conclude, a range of free digital marketing tools readily available are so easy to find when you have the web at your finger tips. Don’t be afraid to jump deep in when comes to digital marketing as there are so many useful resources out there that will make your journey as a marketer super easy! It is important to know which ones will help develop your skills, however it is just as easy to find out which ones are best for you by simply trial and error.

These 3 free digital marketing tools will help you to build your best skillset now and in the future as technology advances and trends keep changing. Overall, understanding what tools will drive your development and progression is important for creating successful strategies and campaigns.

If your interested in receiving more tips like theses to easy your mind into the ever growing digital marketing world use the form below to sign up with our eBooks to gain access to limitless information on these specialized areas!

Give us a follow us on our socials @apprenticetips to keep up to date with all the current digital marketing trends and developments.

Level 2 – Stairlift, Platform Lift, Service Lift Electromechanic

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Lift apprenticeship

Are you someone who is hands on and the idea of installation and maintenance of stairlifts, lifting platform and service lift electro mechanics seems interesting to you? If so, read on to find out how the Level 2 in Stairlift, Platform Lift, Service Lift Electromechanic can help start your career and broaden your knowledge. You can also speak to your current employer if you wish to complete your apprenticeship training with them!

Lift apprenticeship

Entry Requirements

In order to be eligible for this apprenticeship:

  • Typically an apprentice might be expected to have already achieved two GCSEs or level 2 equivalent, in English and a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics subject.
  • For level 2 apprenticeships, the candidate needs to achieve level 1 English and maths and take the test for level 2 prior to taking their end-point assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement the apprenticeships English and Maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3 and British Sign Language qualification are an alternative to English qualifications for whom this is their primary language.

Success in this apprenticeship

In order to be successful in this apprenticeship, the apprentice will follow the Core Knowledge and Skills, and one of the Options given in Table 1. Training will be undertaken on all Core elements and on elements in the Option chosen by the apprentice.

The options available are:

Option 1 – Stairlift Installation

Option 2 – Stairlift Service and Repair

Option 3 – Lifting Platform Installation

Option 4 – Lifting Platform Service and Repair

Option 5 –  Service Lift Installation

Option 6 –  Service Lift Service and Repair

The core knowledge, skills and behavior of the apprentice

Health, Safety and Environment – The apprentice will need to adhere to the health and safety rules, ensure PPE is worn and understands risk asssessment. They are then able to implement risk control measures.

Mechanical Stairlift, Lifting Platform and Service Lift Technology – The apprentice has a good use of tools and measuring instrumentation and fault‐finding techniques for mechanical equipment.

Electrical and Electronic Technology – The apprentice can follow the principles and operation of electrical and electronic control systems.  The use of tools and measuring instrumentation and fault‐finding processes for electrical/ electronic systems. They can use electrical and electronic measuring tools, to carry out fault diagnosis using a range of approved methods. Be able to wire a system as per the electrical wiring schematic.

Find apprenticeship training providers that deliver this standard
Where can I get more information regarding this apprenticeship?

Send an email to info@apprenticetips.com
or visit this website here: https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/stairlift-platform-lift-service-lift-electromechanic-v1-0

Status: Approved for delivery
Level: 2

Reference: ST0251
Version: 1.0
Date updated: 18/01/2022
Approved for delivery: 19 March 2020
Route: Engineering and manufacturing
Typical duration to gateway : 24 months (this does not include EPA period)
Maximum funding: £11000
Options: Stairlift Installation, Stairlift Service & Repair, Lifting Platform Installation, Lifting Platform Service & Repair, Service Lift Installation, Service Lift Service & Repair
LARS Code: 549
EQA Provider: Ofqual

The Power of Social Media Marketing for Apprentices: Why It’s an Essential Skill to Master

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Level 3 Apprenticeship Unleashing Your Creativity The Benefits of an Advanced and Creative Hair Professional Level 3 Apprenticeship

In today’s digitally connected world, social media marketing has become a must-have skill for professionals across various industries. For apprentices looking to develop their careers and stand out in a competitive job market, mastering social media marketing can provide significant advantages. In this blog post, we will discuss the reasons why social media marketing is a powerful skill for apprentices and how it can help them succeed in their chosen fields.

social-media-concept-with-smartphone
social-media-concept-with-smartphone

Enhancing Personal Branding and Networking Opportunities

As an apprentice, establishing a strong personal brand is crucial for attracting potential employers, clients, or business partners. Social media platforms provide an excellent opportunity to showcase your skills, knowledge, and personality. By actively engaging with others in your industry, sharing relevant content, and building a professional online presence, you can increase your visibility and expand your network, which can lead to new opportunities and connections.

Keeping Up with Industry Trends and News

Staying updated on the latest trends, news, and developments in your industry is essential for personal and professional growth. Social media platforms are a treasure trove of real-time information, with industry experts, influencers, and organizations sharing valuable insights and updates. As an apprentice, regularly engaging with social media can help you stay informed and aware of the latest advancements, enabling you to adapt and thrive in a constantly evolving professional landscape. This knowledge not only sets you apart from your peers but also equips you with the information needed to make informed decisions and contribute meaningfully to conversations within your field.

Demonstrating Adaptability and Digital Savvy

In an increasingly digital world, employers value professionals who are adaptable and possess a strong understanding of digital tools and trends. By mastering social media marketing, apprentices demonstrate their digital savvy and willingness to adapt to new technologies. This skill set can make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers and help you stand out among other applicants.

Complementing Traditional Marketing Strategies

Social media marketing can be a powerful addition to traditional marketing strategies, providing apprentices with a well-rounded understanding of both online and offline marketing techniques. This comprehensive knowledge is beneficial when working with clients or employers who require a versatile approach to promoting their products or services. Additionally, social media marketing skills can help apprentices identify creative and innovative ways to integrate online and offline campaigns, maximizing their impact and reach.

Future-Proofing Your Career

As social media continues to grow and evolve, its importance in the business world is only set to increase. By developing social media marketing skills as an apprentice, you are effectively future-proofing your career. Regardless of the industry you choose to work in, the ability to create engaging content, analyze data, and leverage the power of social media will remain a valuable asset in the years to come. By staying ahead of the curve and continuously honing your social media marketing skills, you can ensure that your professional development remains relevant and adaptive to the shifting digital landscape.

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Conclusion

Social media marketing is undoubtedly a powerful skill that apprentices should strive to acquire and refine. By mastering this skill, apprentices can enhance their personal branding, expand their professional network, stay informed about industry trends, complement traditional marketing strategies, and future-proof their careers. In an ever-evolving digital world, the ability to harness the power of social media will be an invaluable asset, setting apprentices on a path to success in their chosen fields.

More Information on Digital Marketing for Apprentices standards

Check out our other Article on The Benefits of an Advanced and Creative Hair Professional Level 3 Apprenticeship here