Startup QA Tom Craig, Co-Founder, Impression

Startup QA Tom Craig, Co-Founder, Impression Startup QA: Tom Craig, Co-Founder, Impression Image Source: ImpressionFOUNDED by Tom Craig and Aaron Dicks in November 2012, Impression is an award-winning team of digital marketing and SEO experts who are passionate about doing the best they can to push new technology to its absolute limits.At the outset of its startup journey back in 2012, Impression was a sideline project for Tom and Aaron, who had spotted a gap in the market, whilst still working in their full time jobs.Aaron then left his job to focus solely on Impression, and was soon joined by Tom. Then in 2014 the pair hired their first staff member, Rob.Since then Impression has enjoyed significant growth in the digital marketing sector, due to their sheer hard work and passion.By blending a focused approach to core principles of outstanding customer service with their remarkable passion for tech and innovative strategies, Impression continues to go from strength to strength.Tom Craig generously agreed to free up some time to get settled in the AGENT Startup Hotseat and talk us through the first two years of his startup story. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 1. Very simply, what does your company do?Impression is a digital marketing agency. Our primary service is search marketing, covering both SEO (search engine optimisation) and PPC (pay-per-click advertising). However, we have an in-house design and development team who build performance-driven e-commerce and lead generation websites as well as engaging interactive creative content. In short, we assist our clients in generating more profit or enquiries through their websites..2. What was the ‘Eureka!’ moment?I met my co-founder Aaron at the University of Leeds in 2010. We had a mutal interest in digital marketing and web development. Having worked with a number of digital agencies across the UK, we both felt we could deliver a better value and more transparent service than others in the industry. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 3. What were you doing before starting?I was Head of Marketing at a green energy SME in Nottingham. The companys marketing was heavily focused on online channels, primiarly SEO and PPC. Aaron was brought in as a consultant initially, having worked at a reputable SEO agency in Leeds. After a few months Aaron joined as Online Marketing Manager, before we decided to set up our own business.4. How are you funded?We are enitely profit funded; no investment, no loans, no savings. It was tough to start with, relying on web projects to build savings before we started securing retained digital marketing accounts. To this date were still profit funded, which were proud of. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 5. What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs starting their own company?Make sure you have a good idea and stick with it. Its not easy, but even the little wins early on can be very rewardingâ€"so enjoy them. Ensure you have good people around you, its important to have support from fami ly and friends. Make the most of the local networking opportunities; this is where we made some important early relationships.6. What item do you never leave the house without?It would have to be my iPhone its got everything I need; both for work and my personal life!Image Source: Impression / Tom Craig (left) with aaron dicks