About us
We don't try to be everything to everyone. We focus on what we're genuinely expert at — PPC, SEO, and email marketing — and we do it with full transparency, no lock-in contracts, and an obsessive focus on results.
Our story
IST Digital was founded because too many businesses were being let down by agencies that over-promised, under-delivered, and obscured what they were actually doing with client budgets.
We set out to do things differently: complete transparency, flexible terms, and a relentless focus on outcomes that matter to your business, not vanity metrics that look good in reports but don't move the bottom line.
Based in Gloucester, we serve clients across Cheltenham, Bristol, and the wider South West. From start-ups spending their first budget on Google Ads to established companies looking to scale.
As a Certified Google Partner, we've met Google's strict requirements for campaign performance, spend, and examinations, something fewer than 3% of Google Ads users achieve.
Ian Spencer
Founder & Certified Google Partner
At the heart of IST Digital is Ian Spencer — a Certified Google Partner with over 20 years' experience. He has worked with clients across Gloucester, Cheltenham, Bristol and the South West, helping them achieve real, measurable results online.
How we work
You always know exactly what we're doing and why. You own your accounts and have full visibility at all times.
We're judged on business outcomes; not how busy we look. If something isn't working, we say so and change it.
We want to earn your business every month. You stay because you want to, not because you have to.
If a marketing strategy isn't right for your business, we'll tell you. We'd rather give honest guidance than sell a service you don't need.
You deal with the people actually doing the work not an account manager who passes everything down the chain.
Digital marketing never stands still, and neither do we. We're constantly learning, testing, and evolving our approach.
Client reviews
GC Ian has been invaluable to my business. We had a Google ad campaign set up already, but Ian was able to go through it with a fine toothed comb and make sure our advertising was as efficient as possible. As well as providing reassurance that we're on the right track, Ian's interventions have saved us money whilst improving our return.
AC We've used IST on a number of occasions and have always been delighted with the service received. Ian is very responsive and highly knowledgable and we will continue to use his talents whenever required. Can wholeheartedly recommend IST Digital Marketing.
HD We use IST Digital for all our PPC campaigns. We get straightforward advice in plain English and a fast turn around. As they say the proof of the pudding is in the eating: we consistently get traffic to the website and in turn new business. All at a reasonable price. What more could you want?
LS Ian was recommended to us as we needed help to build our presence on Google. He was really efficient — getting us up and running on Google AdWords immediately and helping us to understand how we could make a bigger impact online. Our leads have definitely increased due to the work that Ian has done with us.
CD Been an absolute pleasure working with Ian. Came highly recommended and really knows his stuff when it comes to Adwords campaigns. We saw a significant increase in good quality leads as a result of his work which has resulted in strong business growth for us.
Work with us
Get in touch to discuss your business goals and find out how we can help you grow.
