Yorkshire’s marketing and SEO industry is experiencing notable growth, with several cities seeing increased demand for local services.
Recent research by York-based SEO agency, Nomada Digital, has highlighted significant surges in searches for marketing and SEO services across the region. Using data from Google search trends and Companies House, the findings indicate that York is leading the way, contributing to an 88% rise in searches for “SEO agency” and a 100% increase in searches for “Marketing agency” across Yorkshire between August 2023 and August 2024.
Rising Marketing Demand Across Yorkshire
York has emerged as a prominent player, with searches for “SEO agency York” doubling from 70 in August 2023 to 140 in August 2024, reflecting a 100% increase. Similarly, “Marketing agency York” searches grew by 27%, underscoring the city’s growing role in the regional marketing landscape. The growth in York mirrors broader trends across Yorkshire, with several cities showing a heightened interest in digital marketing services.
Hull also saw a 100% increase in searches for “SEO agency Hull”, while Harrogate registered a 67% rise in SEO-related searches and a 29% increase for marketing agency queries. In Sheffield, searches for “Marketing agency Sheffield” increased by 50%, highlighting its growing digital marketing sector. However, some cities, such as Doncaster and Wakefield, recorded declines, suggesting that demand for marketing services varies across the region. Nevertheless, the overall picture shows that businesses across Yorkshire are increasingly looking to local agencies to strengthen their digital presence.
Yorkshire’s Expanding Marketing Sector
In addition to growing online interest, Yorkshire’s marketing sector is expanding with a significant number of new agencies entering the market. York, in particular, has seen consistent year-on-year growth in new “active” advertising agencies since 2021, with a 229% increase in registrations from 2022 to 2023. Other cities, including Sheffield, which saw a 175% rise in new agencies, and Leeds with a 124% increase, are also contributing to the region’s overall growth.
Despite this expansion, challenges remain. Between 2021 and 2023, a total of 375 advertising agencies in Yorkshire either dissolved, closed, or went into administration. Leeds saw the closure of 108 agencies, while Sheffield reported 97. These figures reflect the volatility of the marketing sector, as economic pressures and market uncertainties continue to impact businesses across the region.
Budget Concerns for Yorkshire Agencies
As the upcoming budget looms, concerns are growing among Yorkshire’s marketing agencies about the potential impact on their businesses. Many local agencies are urging policymakers to recognise the critical role they play in supporting the wider business ecosystem. A favourable budget could be vital in stabilising the sector and ensuring that it continues to grow, providing essential services to Yorkshire businesses.
“Yorkshire has the potential to become a real centre of marketing excellence, but it needs the right support to reach its full potential,” said Danny Sullivan, Founder of Nomada Digital. “We hope the upcoming budget will help stabilise and support the sector, allowing agencies across the region to continue delivering value to Yorkshire businesses.”
Supporting Yorkshire’s Marketing Sector for Future Growth
Danny Sullivan emphasised the importance of a strong local marketing sector, not just for the industry itself, but for the wider business community in Yorkshire. “Each city and town in Yorkshire has its own strengths and unique business needs, and the rise in demand for marketing services indicates that businesses are looking for local expertise to help them thrive.”
As cities like York, Hull, Harrogate, and Sheffield show positive growth trends, Yorkshire has the potential to become a key player in the UK’s marketing landscape. Local agencies are working hard to support their communities, helping businesses navigate the complexities of the digital world and expand their reach.
The increasing demand for SEO and marketing services across Yorkshire signals a shift in how businesses are approaching their growth strategies. With the right support from policymakers and continued efforts from local agencies, Yorkshire’s marketing sector is well-positioned for sustained growth in the future.
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