Online marketing expert and Midlands’ internet pioneer Chris Tomlinson has launched a new digital marketing agency, Friend Digital.

Friend will advise companies on digital marketing strategies and is set to introduce social influence marketing to the region.

Chris has more than a decade’s experience in the internet business. In 1995 he set up web consultancy WebXpress. The award-winning company was acquired by Sutton Coldfield-based advertising agency WAA in 2006. Chris joined WAA following the sale, as head of digital, working with clients such as House of Fraser, Habitat, B&Q, Intercontintal Hotels, Hilton Hotels and insurance giant Willis. He is a regular contributor to The Birmingham Post.

His new business, based at Brindleyplace, will provide digital marketing audits; digital marketing strategies and deliver social media and more traditional online PR campaigns.

He aims to work alongside traditional PR and marketing agencies looking to promote their clients’ products, services and brands on-line, as well as developing direct relationships with his own client base.

Chris said: “There are plenty of marketing and web agencies in the Midlands who work with traditional and new media to promote their clients, their products and brands. Friend will work alongside them, as well as direct with our own clients, targeting emerging social media such as bloggers, social networking sites such as Twitter, Wikipedia, Facebook and LinkedIn.

“The rapid rise of on-line communities together with mobile internet means that power is back in the hands of the consumer. It is fundamental that businesses start to engage with these audiences. A single blogger has the power to dramatically influence a business – for better or for worse.

“By listening, engaging, responding and conversing regularly with key audiences you can achieve real results, including improved traffic, advocacy, ‘word of mouse’ and, of course, sales.”