Social Media Academy:

 Effective Marketing,
Driven by You

"I thought i knew most things,
but Phil took my knowledge to another level."

MARIE MCDERMOTT - INSIGNIA RECRUIT


Phil Gee Social Media Academy sitting at a desk with a laptop and a book.

Be BEST KNOWN!!

“if people don’t know you they ain’t gonna buy from you”.

GRANT CARDONE


You may have the best product but if nobody knows about it then it may as well not exist. You may have the best service but if people are unaware they ain’t gonna care.


Simply put “best known always beats best”.


You have got to get known.

ABOUT social media academy
social media training, liverpool, london & across the uk

Social Media Academy, established in 2007 under the guidance of social media coach Phil Gee, empowers small and medium businesses to thrive online.

We go beyond just "social media" - we offer a
holistic approach, combining website development, social media training, AI training and coaching, mentoring and management, email marketing, and offline tactics to maximise your online presence and generate targeted leads.

We have offices in Chiswick, London, Liverpool, Preston, Leeds, Birmingham, Glasgow and Cardiff. Our team of experts help businesses of all sizes achieve their digital goals.


Contact Social Media Academy today and watch your online presence flourish!


A group of people are sitting around a table with laptops discussing AI Training

Our AI course shows you how to use clever computer tools to save time and boost your business, even if you're not tech-savvy.


You'll learn practical ways to automate tasks, understand your customers better, and create effective marketing, all with the help of AI.

We offer training that fits your schedule, either in person or online, so you can easily learn how AI can make a real difference to your business


READ ABOUT OUR AI COURSES

Explore some of Our Sectors

We have vast experience in many sectors having worked with hundreds of clients since 2007. Take a look below to see some of them or contact us for specifics for your own sector.

Social Media for the retail sector

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Social Media for the hospitality sector

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social media for the hair & beauty sector

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Social Media for coaches & consultants

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Social Media for the property sector

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social media for the health & wellness sector

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Social Media for the trade sector

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Social Media for the medical sector

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social media for the ecommerce sector

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STRUGGLING TO GET STARTED ON SOCIAL MEDIA?

THIS COURSE IS FOR YOU!

JUST 4 SESSIONS, WILL GIVE YOU THE NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE AND CONFIDENCE TO GET YOUR BUSINESS UP TO SCRATCH ON SOCIAL MEDIA!!

A poster that says new for 2025 1 to 1 social media training for beginners
A poster that says 1 to 1 social media training for beginners

OUR BEST SELLING PROGRAMME FOR BUSINESSES

it's AS EASY AS 1,2,3!!

YOU'VE GOT TO GRIPS WITH SOME SOCIAL MEDIA BUT YOU ARE STRUGGLING TO TURN YOUR HARD WORK INTO ENQUIRIES.

A blue and orange poster that says
A blue sign that says become best known 1 to 1 social media training

or learn the lot!

IS JUST SOCIAL MEDIA ENOUGH TO GAIN LOTS OF NEW CLIENTS?

FOR MOST IT'S NOT, BUT THIS COURSE REVEALS ALL THE EXTRA ACTIVITIES THAT WILL GET YOU LOTS OF NEW CLIENTS!

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A blue sign that says 1 to 1 social media training
A laptop is sitting on a table next to a cup of coffee. digital nomad
A pair of black and white quotation marks on a white background.

SMA built our entire online presence for Liver apartments. phil Really helped with my knowledge of social media (which was very limited).

very easy to work with and friendly!

Would highly recommend ☺️

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lauren crist

liver apartments/62 castle st. hotel

WHAT CAN WE DO FOR YOU?

Click on each one to read more..

  • Personalised Marketing Plan

    A marketing plan is essential before embarking on posting on social media. 


    • Who are your desired customers? 
    • Where are they hanging out? 
    • What do you want to tell them and how are you going to do this? 

    Your marketing plan lays out a roadmap to ensure there is a real strategy behind everything that you post online. We will work through it all with you in simple steps to lay the foundations for your businesses' future.

  • Social Media Training

    Our 1 to 1 training courses are a sure way for you to learn how to understand and operate your online marketing. Each course is bespoke to you and your specific business with an individual plan designed to ensure that we work at YOUR pace, for YOUR business to achieve YOUR goals.


    READ MORE

  • AI Training

    Learn all about AI and how it can help to supercharge your business, from social media, to web, to email marketing plus helping your processes and systems to flow effortlessly


    READ MORE

  • Social Media Management

    WE TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING FOR YOU!!!


    Our team have varied skill sets gained from years of working in the wonderful world of marketing.


    Whether you are a start up business or an established brand, we will work with you to find the best way to achieve your ambitions.


    READ MORE

  • Website

    You can have the best social media, but what happens after that? They want to visit your website to read more information about you and find answers to other questions. It may not need to be an 'all bells and whistles' site but a nice, clean, easy to navigate website is imperative to the success of your campaigns.


    READ MORE

  • Lead Generation

    Social media will create awareness, but how do you get them along your pipeline right up to the invoicing stage? 


    We can show you how to utilise plenty of online tools that can help you to automate much of teh leg work, allowing you to manage things much more effectively.

  • Emailing Marketing

    Email marketing takes your social media followers and customers to another level, where they receive your latest news/offers or helpful tips and advice directly into their email inbox. This is vital for taking prospects along your sales pipeline.

  • Managing Your Online Systems

    The internet offers all weird and wonderful tools that can not only really help your business, but give you hours of your day and week back, through automated systems. 


    Let us help you to get some of your life back!

  • Sales Management

    So you have the sale, but what then? How do you go about managing their project effectively and how can you stimulate the clients to refer more business to you?


    We can coach you on tried and tested methods that are both effective and easy to manage.

Interested in our COURSES?

We want to know your needs exactly so that we can provide the perfect solution. Let us know what you want and we’ll do our best to help.

SET UP A CHAT

WHAT CLIENTS SAY..

SOCIAL MEDIA AWARD WINNERS!

Congratulations to the best social media coaching and training company in north west england

WINNER OCTOBER 2023

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WINNER NOVEMBER 2023

latest blog posts

By Phil Gee June 3, 2025
Over the years, working with countless small business owners and startups, I've come to realise that being a truly effective social media coach is about far more than just knowing how to post. It's a blend of deep understanding, strategic thinking, and a genuine commitment to empowering my clients. I often reflect on the key attributes I strive to embody every day to ensure I'm providing the very best guidance. 1. Staying Ahead of the Curve: My Deep Understanding of Social Media Platforms and Trends I pride myself on being relentlessly curious and constantly updated. I'm always diving deep into the latest platform changes, algorithm shifts, and emerging trends to ensure that every strategy I recommend is not just relevant, but cutting-edge and truly effective for my clients. The digital world never stands still, and neither do I. 2. It's All About Your Business: My Strategic and Personalised Approach For me, there's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution in social media. I believe a great coach collaborates closely with each client, taking the time to truly understand their unique business, their audience, and their specific challenges. Together, we define clear objectives, develop bespoke strategic plans, select the right platforms, and craft content calendars that genuinely align with their brand goals. My focus is always on building authentic relationships and emotional connections, not just pushing promotions. 3. Unlocking Your Creativity: My Content Expertise I love helping clients discover their own creative voice and produce content that truly resonates. Whether it's guiding them to create actionable tips, engaging how-to guides, compelling videos, or informative infographics, I ensure their content addresses their audience's pain points and fosters trust. It’s about making them stand out in a crowded online world. 4. Clear Guidance, Real Empowerment: My Communication and Coaching Skills My approach is built on clear, jargon-free communication. I break down complex social media concepts into easy-to-understand, actionable steps, ensuring my clients feel empowered and confident, not overwhelmed. I believe in active listening, asking the right questions, and being fully present to build strong trust and rapport, which is essential for effective coaching. 5. Making Sense of the Numbers: My Analytical and Problem-Solving Abilities It's not enough to just post; we need to know what's working. I teach my clients how to interpret their social media analytics, identify what's performing well (and what isn't), and then adapt our strategies based on real data. It's about smart, data-driven improvements that lead to tangible results. 6. Building Real Connections: My Focus on Authentic Engagement Authenticity is at the heart of everything I teach. I guide clients on how to genuinely interact with their audience – responding thoughtfully to comments, messages, and mentions – to foster meaningful connections and cultivate a loyal community around their brand. It's about building relationships that last. 7. Proven Results: My Experience and Portfolio With years of hands-on experience managing social media accounts for diverse clients, I bring a wealth of practical knowledge to every session. My portfolio showcases real results, growth metrics, and successful campaigns, giving clients the confidence that they're learning from a proven track record. 8. Always Evolving: My Commitment to Networking and Continuous Learning The digital landscape never stands still, and neither do I. I'm committed to continuous learning, constantly adapting to new trends, and building relationships with other professionals in the industry. This ensures my clients always receive the most current and effective guidance possible. Ultimately, I see myself as more than just a coach; I'm a strategic mentor and a creative problem-solver.  My goal is to provide personalised, value-driven guidance, foster authentic engagement, and continuously adapt to the evolving social media landscape to help my clients truly grow their presence and achieve meaningful results. It's incredibly rewarding to see them succeed.
By Phil Gee June 2, 2025
For years, I chased the dream: that one magical app that would do everything. You know the one – CRM, task manager, invoicing, project tracker, all rolled into a single, glorious digital beast. It felt like the answer to all my organisational woes, especially with my ADHD brain. The reality? It ended up having the opposite effect. I'd jump in to add a simple task, and before I could even type it, my eye would catch a notification about an overdue invoice or a deal to chase. My brain would immediately jump ship, and the original task? Gone, vanished into the digital ether. It took me a long time to realise that for a brain that thrives on clear pathways and minimal distractions, the "all-in-one" solution was actually the enemy. My biggest breakthrough came when I embraced the idea of single-function apps . If an app's primary job is to manage tasks, that's all it does. No tempting sidebars, no flashing alerts from other modules. This approach has been a game-changer for my focus and productivity. It's about finding tools that work with my ADHD, not against it, by removing the constant invitation to get sidetracked. This simple philosophy has transformed how I manage my day, my projects, and ultimately, my business. Google's Dynamic Trio: Keep, Tasks & Calendar – When it comes to keeping my day running smoothly, I rely heavily on Google's suite of apps. They're straightforward, widely accessible, and crucially, they stick to their lanes. This "one app, one job" approach is a godsend for my ADHD brain, preventing the digital clutter that leads to distraction. 1. Google Calendar: Your Time Anchor Google Calendar is my digital diary. It's where every appointment, meeting, and time-blocked session lives. Why does it work? It's super simple and visually clear . When I need to add an event, I open Calendar directly, click the time slot, type it in, and add a reminder. Done. No other features to tempt me away. I also use colour-coding for different types of events (work, personal, client calls) for a quick visual overview, and I set up recurring events so I don't have to constantly re-add regular meetings. 2. Google Tasks: Your No-Fuss To-Do List For all my actionable items, Google Tasks is my go-to. It's exactly what it says on the tin: a simple, straightforward list . There are no fancy features to get lost in, which means I can get in, add my task, and get out quickly. I typically open it as a sidebar in my Gmail or Calendar, type the task, and add a due date if needed. For bigger tasks, I break them down into subtasks to make them less daunting. It's quick, efficient, and keeps me focused. 3. Google Keep: Your Digital Scrapbook Google Keep is my versatile space for quick notes, ideas, lists, and saving content. It's incredibly flexible and visually oriented , making it ideal for quickly dumping information without needing to organise it perfectly right away. I use it for jotting down sudden thoughts, creating simple checklists, or – and this is a big one – copying and pasting long articles or content I want to read later. This stops me from getting sidetracked by it right now. I use simple labels (like "To Read" or "Ideas") to easily find notes later, but I don't overcomplicate the system. Gemini: My AI Sidekick and Seamless Integrator For my AI needs, Google Gemini is my chosen agent. While tools like ChatGPT are powerful, Gemini's deep integration with the Google ecosystem is what makes it a game-changer for me, especially with my ADHD. It significantly reduces the friction of moving information between different tools. Gemini isn't just a smart AI that generates text or brainstorms ideas; it's also a fantastic digital assistant that directly interacts with my Google apps. Here's how I use it to keep everything connected: Adding to Calendar: If I'm chatting with Gemini and decide I need to schedule something, I can simply prompt it, "Add 'Client follow-up call at 10 AM tomorrow' to my Google Calendar ." It understands and creates the event directly. Adding to Tasks: Need to remember a new to-do? I just tell Gemini, "Add 'Research new social media trends' to my Google Tasks ." Or even more specific, "Remind me at 3 PM to email Sarah via @Google Tasks ." Saving to Keep: If Gemini generates a brilliant idea or I want to save a summary of a conversation it's helped with, I can instruct it, "Save this response to a new note in Google Keep ." This seamless flow means I can capture information and organise it almost instantly, without losing my train of thought or getting sidetracked by opening multiple apps. It's like having a super-efficient personal assistant who anticipates my next move and keeps everything tidy. Trello: Visualising My Projects (Without the Overwhelm) While my Google apps handle my daily tasks and quick notes, for more structured projects and collaborative work, Trello has proven to be an invaluable tool. It’s a visual project management platform that uses "boards," "lists," and "cards" to organise tasks. What makes it particularly effective for a mind like mine? It's highly visual . My brain loves to see things laid out in a clear, accessible way. This visual structure prevents the information overload that can come with complex projects, allowing me to focus on specific stages without getting lost in the details. Here’s how I use it to keep my projects on track: Separate Boards for Projects: To avoid overwhelming myself, I create a separate Trello board for each major project or client . This keeps everything contained and reduces visual clutter. Simple Lists: Within each board, I stick to very simple, intuitive lists. Typically, these are "To Do," "Doing," and "Done," or specific project stages like "Drafting," "Review," and "Published." This allows me to see progress at a glance. Cards for Tasks: Each individual task within a project becomes a "card." I keep the descriptions on these cards concise and to the point, avoiding the trap of getting bogged down in too much detail at this stage. Colour-coding and Due Dates: I use colour-coding for priority or type of task, and crucially, I set due dates on cards. These visual cues serve as powerful reminders and help me prioritise without needing to dig deep into each task. Trello provides that perfect balance of visual clarity and structured organisation, allowing me to manage larger projects effectively without falling into the "overwhelm" trap. Fireflies.ai & Zoom's AI Companion: My Meeting Memory Boosters  Meetings can be a real challenge for many ADHD brains. We want to be present, engaged, and contribute, but also remember every key decision and action point. This often leads to frantic scribbling, missing crucial details, or simply feeling overwhelmed. That's where Fireflies.ai has been an absolute game-changer. Fireflies.ai is an AI tool that joins my online or even in-person meetings. It automatically records, transcribes, and summarises everything that's said. This means I no longer have to worry about taking detailed notes; I can fully focus on the conversation , listen intently, and participate meaningfully. It's truly liberating. Here’s how these tools have transformed my meeting management: Automated Summaries: After every call, Fireflies.ai sends me a concise summary, highlighting key decisions, discussion points, and most importantly, tasks assigned to each participant . This ensures nothing slips through the cracks. Searchable Transcripts: If I need to recall a specific detail from a past meeting, I can easily search the full transcript rather than relying on my often-forgetful memory or trying to decipher hurried notes. Prepared for Next Steps: Before any follow-up meeting, I quickly review the Fireflies.ai summary. This instant refresh ensures I'm always prepared, remembering exactly what was discussed and agreed upon previously. I'm currently trialling Zoom's recently added AI Companion which offers similar functionalities. The goal is to see if I can consolidate my tools and cut down on subscriptions, but the core benefit of automated, intelligent meeting notes remains invaluable. These tools aren't just note-takers; they're memory boosters that significantly reduce post-meeting anxiety and improve my overall productivity. Notion: The "Grown-Up" Experiment (Using it Wisely) So, I'm trying to be a "grown-up" – which, for me, means exploring tools like Notion . It's an incredibly powerful and flexible workspace for notes, tasks, project management, and databases. It promises to do everything, and that's precisely why I'm approaching it with caution! As I've learned, the "all-in-one" solution can quickly become overwhelming for my ADHD brain. My goal with Notion is to integrate it wisely into my existing suite of single-function apps, without falling into the trap of using it for every single thing. It’s a delicate balance, and I'm still in the process of finding the best way to make it work for me, rather than becoming another source of distraction. Here's my current approach to this "grown-up" tool: Single Purpose Focus: Instead of trying to shift all my daily tasks and quick notes into Notion, I'm consciously reserving it for very specific, more formulated processes that genuinely benefit from its powerful database capabilities. Linked, Not Overlapping: The aim isn't to replace my tried-and-tested Google suite or Trello boards. Instead, Notion is meant to complement them. I'm exploring linking information where appropriate, using it for things that benefit from a structured database (like content planning pipelines or detailed client onboarding checklists), while my quick, daily tasks remain firmly in Google Tasks. Controlled Integration: I'm deliberately taking my time to understand its features and how they can enhance, rather than complicate, my existing workflow. It's a careful experiment in leveraging its power without getting lost in its vastness. Notion offers immense potential, but for a brain like mine, the key is discipline and a clear understanding of its role within my overall system. It's a journey towards more sophisticated organisation, but one taken with careful, measured steps.
By Amelia Waller June 2, 2025
As a digital marketer or business owner, you're constantly looking for the most effective ways to drive results. When it comes to generating leads or sales, a common question pops up: Should I create dedicated landing pages for my marketing campaigns, or just add new pages to my main website? It's a great question, and while adding pages to your site seems simpler, a dedicated landing page strategy often wins out. What's the Big Deal About Dedicated Landing Pages? Think of your main website as a well-stocked department store. It has everything: product aisles, customer service, an 'about us' section, and directions to the restrooms. It's designed to inform and navigate. A landing page , on the other hand, is like a highly focused pop-up shop. It has one specific product or offer, a clear call to action, and nothing else to distract you from making that purchase. Here's why that focused approach is so powerful for marketing campaigns: 1. Laser-Sharp Conversion Focus This is the number one reason. A good landing page is built with a single goal in mind – whether it's getting someone to sign up for a newsletter, download an ebook, or book a consultation. No Distractions: Unlike your main website, a landing page typically strips away navigation menus, footers, and other links. This means visitors can't get lost or click away from the offer. It's all about guiding them to take that one desired action. Clear Call to Action (CTA): The "Sign Up Now," "Download Here," or "Get Your Free Quote" button is prominent and unambiguous. 2. Highly Targeted Messaging Imagine running a Google Ad for "eco-friendly dog food." If that ad sends users to your generic pet supply homepage, they might have to hunt for what they're looking for. However, if that ad sends them to a dedicated landing page all about your new eco-friendly dog food line, featuring testimonials, benefits, and a clear "Buy Now" button, the experience is seamless and highly relevant. You can tailor content to specific ad campaigns, audience segments, and even individual keywords, creating a far more personal and effective experience. 3. Unbeatable Measurability & OptimiSation How do you know if your marketing efforts are actually working? With dedicated landing pages, it's crystal clear. Precise Analytics: You can easily track how many people visited the page and, more importantly, how many converted. This allows you to pinpoint what's working and what isn't. A/B Testing Power: Dedicated landing pages make it much easier to test different headlines, images, calls to action, and layouts. This iterative process of A/B testing is crucial for continuously improving your conversion rates and getting more bang for your buck. 4. Agility and Speed to Market In the fast-paced world of digital marketing, being able to launch campaigns quickly is a huge advantage. Rapid Deployment: Building a new page on your main website can sometimes involve developers, design cycles, and multiple approvals. Dedicated landing pages can often be spun up in minutes or hours, not days or weeks. Independent Updates: Changes to a landing page don't risk breaking anything on your main website, allowing for quick tweaks and iterations. When Should You Just Add Pages to Your Main Website? While landing pages are kings of conversion, your main website is still vital. You should build pages directly on your main site for: Evergreen Information: "About Us," "Services," "Contact Us," blog posts, and detailed product/service descriptions that aren't tied to a specific, short-term campaign. SEO Value: Pages intended to rank organically in search results for a variety of keywords and contribute to your overall domain authority. Complex Functionality: If you need deep e-commerce integration, user logins, or intricate database interactions. Long-Term Content: Content that will remain relevant for an extended period. The Takeaway: A Smart Strategy for Modern Marketing Creating dedicated landing pages is absolutely a smart move for your clients' marketing campaigns. It empowers you to: Maximise campaign performance by creating focused, high-converting experiences. Be agile and responsive to market opportunities. Optimise continuously based on clear data. It's not about choosing one or the other; it's about understanding the strengths of each approach and using them strategically. Landing pages fuel your campaigns, while your main website provides the comprehensive home base for your brand.
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