From Access Course to PPC Success: Dan Brown’s Journey in Digital Marketing

Dan Brown’s journey from a student at Bournemouth and Poole College to a successful Digital Marketing entrepreneur is a testament to the power of determination and the right educational foundation.

Originally from Canterbury, Kent, Dan relocated to Hampshire and eventually settled in Dorset. In 2004, he graduated from Bournemouth and Poole College after completing an Access to Business and Management course. This course, designed to prepare students for university, laid the groundwork for his future success.

Following his time at college, Dan pursued a BA (Hons) in Business at Bournemouth University, where he graduated with a 2:1. This academic achievement marked the beginning of his professional journey.

After completing his degree, Dan had the opportunity to work with a family friend in a business that would shape his future. When this friend decided to pivot the business focus, Dan took on the Digital Marketing segment, discovering a passion that would lead to the creation of his own business, Steer Digital.

Over the next 12 years, Dan worked with some of the UK’s most recognisable brands, including Marks & Spencer and ‘3’ Mobile. His expertise in Digital Marketing grew, and he is now in the process of launching his new venture, www.danbrownppc.co.uk, a company dedicated to helping businesses maximise their Pay-Per-Click (PPC) and paid social media campaigns.

Reflecting on his career, Dan credits Bournemouth and Poole College as a critical stepping stone. He says, “Going back to college was pivotal in my future career. I didn’t excel in school and was 21 when I started the Access course. The one-year course was essential for me, covering important topics like Business Accounting, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Business Plan Development. Although I struggled with academic writing and essays initially, the college provided the support I needed to succeed. Had I not completed the Access course, I wouldn’t have had the chance to go to university and build the career that I have today.”

As a PPC specialist, Dan’s role involves meticulously managing his clients’ Google accounts to ensure they are optimised for the best possible returns. He acknowledges the challenges of his work, stating, “It can be stressful because clients rely on me to drive sales and returns for their businesses. Sometimes, the traffic I help generate can be their main source of sales.” He also notes the importance of accuracy, sharing, “It’s easy to make costly mistakes. I’ve seen cases where an extra zero in the budget led to thousands of pounds being spent instead of hundreds.”

Dan’s commitment to his clients extends beyond account management. He provides regular reports, whether weekly, monthly, or more frequently, depending on client needs. With increasing market competition, Dan has observed a growing demand for clear evidence of Return on Investment (ROI). To meet this demand, he closely monitors campaigns, ensuring that conversion tracking is set up correctly to achieve optimal results.

Since launching his PPC freelancer site, Dan has focused on developing proposals, meeting with clients, and refining his sales techniques. He runs his business from home, managing his own accounting to simplify operations—another skill he gained from his course.

Outside of work, Dan enjoys fishing, both at sea and in lakes. Dan has two children, aged 7 and 10, and values the time they spend together camping in Devon, a tradition they’ve kept for several years. Dan’s wife, who studied Journalism, met him during their time at university.