Stories build bridges
We all grew up learning by listening to stories. The mechanics of a well-told story are imprinted as a pattern in the most primal levels of our subconscious. We hear a story begin, and we listen.
Read More
Sales & marketing
Planning for Facebook Ads
Most people have heard of them or at least seen them, lots more people are having a go at them and a great number of six-figure businesses have managed to scale because of them.
Read More
Social media scheduling for small businesses – why should you schedule and which tool should you use?
If you’re starting to feel like your socials are taking over your life and you need ideas on planning and overwhelm-prevention, read on.
Read More
How do I go about generating referrals? A route map
After 18 years experience working with others on their referral marketing I’ve distilled all that knowledge into a 5 point guide that if you follow you will generate a regular flow of introductions to your ideal clients.
Read More
Focusing on your website vs focusing on your digital marketing
When it comes to focusing on your digital marketing, whether you are a start-up gearing up for great online presence, or an existing business looking to generate more leads, it can be difficult to know where to start.
Read More
What makes a great website?
In 2020, internet usage absolutely skyrocketed, with many UK service providers reporting an increase of over 50% in consumption. Now more than ever, your customers are online, and your website is your main business asset.
Read More
Marketing: if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it
The ultimate goal of any marketing strategy is to produce a return on investment in terms of increased sales for your business. Reporting on marketing, then interpreting and applying that data to achieve real results for businesses should be at the heart of any business.
Read More
Google my business, what is it and how can I use it for my business?
Google my business (GMB) is a free tool that helps you manage your presence on Google maps and Google search so clients and prospects can find you! Essentially, it’s a free, local business listing service.
Read More
Is your business open for sales?
I’m sure you’ll read the title of this article and say to yourself of course it is but, are your customers aware of this? I ask this question and write this article because of an experience that I’ve recently had whilst undertaking a telemarketing campaign for a client. The businesses I contacted clearly weren’t open for sales!
Read More
The Cinderella of marketing
Almost everyone thinks they’re a good driver. It’s a bit the same with English. Everyone – OK, not everyone – but many people think they can write well. But – there’s a hell of a difference between putting one word in front of another and writing in a way that’s clear, concise and compelling.
Read More
How do I get free PR for my business?
PR is all about managing the reputation of your business. In particular it’s how you communicate with the public, promote your business and ultimately build a positive reputation for you and your brand. It affects all aspects of your business, from the way your team communicates with customers, the messages you send out on social media, the tone of voice you use in your press releases and marketing materials.
Read More
Building long term customer relationships
“People buy from people”. I’m not sure whom to credit with that often-used business adage, but it has certainly held true for as long as sales have happened. It strikes to the very heart of the sales transaction. That a contract has been entered into between two parties, both of whom have a vested interested in the product or service concerned.
Read More
Let’s talk tone of voice!
So…what is your tone of voice? In its simplest form, it is how you sound to others. It’s how you talk to people online, in meetings, pitches, over the phone, in your literature, on packaging – basically everywhere!
Read More
Making the most of an uncertain world
Whilst you might think this is a reasonable thing to do and save money while sales revenue is a little scarce, scaling back on your marketing completely is not recommended, after all what’s a business with great people, products or services if no one knows about it?
Read More
Business networking: Love it or hate it?
As you can imagine I talk to an awful lot of business people about how they generate new business. When we get onto the subject of networking it usually gets a visceral emotional response. People either love it or hate it and then continue to give details to justify their position.
Read More
How do I make the most out of social media for my business?
As a business owner, you’ll have all sorts of questions about how you can leverage social media. How can you get the most out of it? Where should you hang out? How long should you be spending? What good looks like?… the questions are endless!
Read More
Why isn’t my marketing working?
The question I’ve heard most during my 30 or so years in the marketing industry is … ‘Why isn’t my marketing working?’ Is that a question you’ve asked recently? If yes, then I guess the scenario is not enough traffic to your website, the phone isn’t ringing enough, and not enough people are buying?
Read More
Know your target market
Knowing who your customer is and what they want to buy is crucial to the success of any new venture. Yet so many business owners get caught up in the “excitement” of new markets and customers, without really thinking through a proper plan.
Read More
Google Ads – worth it?
Google ads is an extremely effective platform for sending highly relevant visitors to your website. The advice below, although by no means exhaustive, will guard against Google emptying your bank account. Like any ad spend, Google ads should result in a healthy return on investment (ROI).
Read More
Writing your own website copy – preparation is all
So. You’re thinking of having a crack at writing your own website copy?Good! But hold on just one second. As with any craft worthy of the term, preparation is all. Well, maybe not quite all, but it matters more than you may realise. Ask any craftsman – a chef, a DIY expert, a mechanic, an artist, a fisherman or, yes, a copywriter. The reply will be the same.
Read More