How To Be Digital First: From Audience to Analytics

Audience, analytics and planning ahead – how to find your lane in the digital space

This half-day digital skills course will develop your understanding of the digital world and your place within it. From making the most of images to effective planning, it’s packed with tips on standing out in crowded online markets.  

What you’ll learn: What to write for digital, how to use images, the importance of sub-editing

This session will help you figure out who your audience is – and the content they’re likely to engage with, so you can start thinking about producing content which adds value and builds loyalty.   

You’ll cover how to use images in an impactful way and develop an understanding of when you can – and can’t – use certain pictures, as well as how to get the most out of stock images and photoshoots.   

You’ll also learn about the importance of distribution and why pressing publish is just the beginning when it comes to making your content fully digital first. 

While the digital media landscape is always evolving, editors and reporters are constantly under pressure to publish fast and think even quicker. Following the mantra ‘check twice, publish once,’ this course will give you a toolkit for turning around concise copy at speed and highlight what to look out for when pushing publish.  

You’ll cover how to use analytics effectively but not be ruled by them, and start thinking about events you can plan for – and how to do so.  This course also includes insights on creating evergreen content and making decisions on what to schedule and when. 

How you’ll learn 

This half-day course will be led by an experienced editor who will share their knowledge and expertise through presentations, discussion and practical exercises. 

Who this digital skills course is for

This course is for content creators who are looking to take their work to the next level or shift their business from being print focused to online first.

Whether you’re a journalist, blogger or business owner, it will help you figure out where your content fits in a crowded digital landscape, and how to put your plans into action. It can be followed by our How to Build Audience and Loyalty half-day course.

We currently offer this course as bespoke training for teams and can deliver it remotely, or in your offices. Get in touch using the button below to discuss times and dates, as well as how we can tailor it to your needs. 

If you’re booking for yourself, find all of our scheduled courses here

Course Modules

How to Make Your Content Digital First

  1. Figuring out your audience
  2. What to write for digital – and how
  3. Finding your lane and adding value
  4. Impactful images: the basics
  5. Why it doesn’t end with hitting publish

How to Make Your Team Digital First

  1. Importance of effective subbing
  2. Why data matters – but you shouldn’t be ruled by analytics
  3. Reactive content vs planning ahead
  4. Evergreen content
  5. What to schedule and when

How To Be Digital First: From Audience to Analytics

Audience, analytics and planning ahead – how to find your lane in the digital space

Get in touch

What our students say

View all testimonials

The methods and techniques you learn (and apply) on a daily basis through teaching, coursework and eventually exams crop up again and again in both job applications and jobs themselves – the course content is directly relevant to the realities of the industry. 

James Saunders
, Digital News Reporter
, GB News

Not only did I develop the necessary toolkit to become a journalist, but I also did so in an environment that fosters a real sense of community and personal career support.

Erin Waks
, Trainee Sub-Editor
, Daily Mail

Being equipped with an NCTJ Diploma does massive favours for your future, and the skills the course taught me are ones I lean on every single day. The simple fact is, I wouldn’t be where I am without that course. 

Alex Barker
, Videographer & Presenter
, The Athletic

I learned to write concise articles and features, while developing my skills in social media, interviewing sources, and producing stories for an increasingly online audience. The course has allowed me to start a full-time journalism career.

Jonathan Moynihan
, Social Media Producer
, Forces News

My time at PA Training was a whirlwind of fun and excitement. The full-time NCTJ course in London is fast-paced and hard work but perfectly sets you up for what to expect in a reporter role.

Camilla Foster
, Reporter
, Newsquest

The teaching I received was second to none and despite having no experience whatsoever in journalism, the tutors made sure there was a friendly environment where I felt welcome to ask any questions I needed. I was able to finish the course and go into a job working for The Sun.

Olivia Allhusen
, Junior Journalist
, The Sun

Contact us

Do you wish to train on one of our specialist courses? Start by filling in the application form – we’ll ask you for some important information such as your education and employment history.

Contact us

For more information , simply fill out the form and a member of our team will be in touch.

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
By submitting this application form you confirm your acceptance that the information you have provided will be used during the recruitment procedure. Once the recruitment procedure is completed, the data will be stored for one year and then destroyed. If you are the successful candidate, relevant information may be taken from this form and used as part of your personnel record.
If you would like to receive regular updates from PA Media Academy, please tick here:

Contact us

For more information , simply fill out the form and a member of our team will be in touch.