about
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Gen X – We started it all!
My love of computers began in 1984 when I began my working life as a trainee computer programmer. Back then, we were using BASIC, a computer language which, for certain applications is still in use today.
This was when dial-up modems and computers first became an everyday sight in the workplace.
By the mid-90s, I had changed my career path towards marketing, retail, and selling expensive goods directly to the consumer.
This coincided with the internet being available to the general public and websites starting to make an impact.
I quickly realised that this was going to be the future.
Google Adwords
At the start of the new millennium, Google launched what we now know as Google Ads; however, it was all managed by Google themselves.
By 2005, Google gave us the ability to run our own ads, and this, combined with a “modern” website, enabled us to smash our targets and rapidly grow the business that I was working for.
Going Alone!
2008 came along, and I decided to start my own business. I was in a well-paid, comfortable retail management job, earning an excellent living of almost 6 figures.
I gave it all up to start a small business with zero earnings.
However, with my background in computers and digital marketing as well as Google Ads, we soon grew the business to the point that in 2018, I was made a fantastic offer to sell which we accepted.
What next?
I had always helped friends with their websites and digital marketing needs, so this was a natural way to use my talents and set up a business to help other small businesses with their digital marketing. Ian Hornby Online was launched in 2018 and was rebranded Local Leads 24/7 in September 2024
