December 3, 2020
During lockdown, most retailers are shut and prevented from regular sales. While they waited to officially re-open, many have gone with a barebones "click and collect" system across social media but are they missing a trick? What can they do to improve business and make it stronger post-pandemic? Marketing is not just something on the backburner for when you're short on work, it's an on-going process that continually needs to be addressed.
November 19, 2020
When presented with a task, your first objective is to achieve your goal. However, with the incorrect tool at your disposal, this can quickly morph into the frustration of just trying to make the tool work. Whether its hardware, software like a wordpress plugin or a relationship with a partner or supplier. If you can get the right tool for the right job, the investment will help not just now but in the future.
November 5, 2020
In the tech world, it seems to be a more and more rare occurrence that you communicate with a real person. Automation is the popular way to go and, when it works and delivers what's required, is great. But when you're presented with a challenge you can't solve alone, access to a real person is invaluable.
October 22, 2020
Creativity and innovation are the most important drivers in business... so why is true creativity now so rare? Today "new" ideas are either truly creative and backed up by big investment, or are more generic developments of existing ideas.
In today's podcast we look at the creative process within SMEs, and examine ways that you can build creativity into your business without it costing the earth.
October 8, 2020
Over the past 6 months, "working from home" has taken a whole new meaning. The suggestion is that everybody wants to work from home but is that actually true or is it simply a case of they don't want to commute? Spending lengthy periods on public transport or sat in a traffic jam every single day isn't a good use of anybody's time but, on the other hand, always working from home can be an isolating and lonely experience. What people really desire is freedom of choice.
September 24, 2020
Social media business models centre on selling the attention of their users to the highest bidder. If there is an issue with this model, then are we as marketers, part of the problem? There is no doubt that the data collected by social media platforms allows well targeted marketing, so marketing should be more effective and feel less intrusive. That in itself has to be a good thing. But as with all tools, the real issue is not the tool itself, but what people do with it.
September 10, 2020
It's a struggle to finish projects and get them over the line, whether it's creative or artistic etc. The same applies to us as we struggle to make websites live or get blog posts signed off: there is always something you feel you can tweak and improve. However, it's key to remember we're not doing this for perfection, there is purpose behind publishing your content and it requires a 'deadline' - an idea no more true than in content marketing.
August 27, 2020
We often hear and quote the words "can we just", three simple words that can have major implications. The nature of marketing is that you plan and price based on experience and a few assumptions. But it is never certain that reality will play ball. When working to an agreed fee there is always the risk that if the job expands, you are putting in more hours for the same reward or the client end up paying more than anticipated. Neither of these are ideal. The key is to focus on value. And the key to managing these situations is communication!
August 13, 2020
Setting up a WordPress site is easy and can be done by anyone, usually resulting in a "fit and forget" solution from a technical perspective. But to ensure a headache free experience with the platform, you either need to understand WordPress yourself or partner with those who do. This way, routine maintenance becomes just that - Routine! Websites should just work and getting the right hosting is critical into making this a reality.
July 30, 2020
Producing good quality videos can be challenging and time consuming. Writing blogs can be cumbersome and long winded. However, with the right passion and content, you can find your niche via podcasting. Entertaining, informative and personal, podcasts can be an invaluable marketing medium, using a fraction of the time. Joining us is guest Clare Freeman, podcast coach from A Small Furry Bear Productions, to provide top tips for those who wish to start.
