Tips and tricks

Marketing strategies Small business marketing

The January marketing work you’ll be thankful you did by summer

January feels calm, July rarely is. Instead of chasing trends or doing “more marketing,” this post looks at the small, thoughtful decisions you can make now that your future self will be grateful for. From getting clearer on your customers to fixing the basics and choosing consistency over chaos, it’s a grounded guide for small business owners who want marketing to feel easier, not louder. Read More

By: Lottie Owen-Jones

Marketing strategies

Introducing our new guidebook: Marketing made simple

Marketing Made Simple is our new guide designed to help small business owners cut through marketing confusion and focus on what really drives growth. Created by experienced marketers, it offers clear priorities, practical strategies and step-by-step actions to build confidence and momentum. Available for £20, with all proceeds from purchases made on 11th December donated to Save the Children UK. Read More

By: Lottie Owen-Jones

Reporting Small business marketing

Marketing metrics that don’t exist (but should)

Most marketing reports are full of clicks, impressions and conversions, yet they rarely capture what truly makes customers care. The real value of marketing lies in creativity, patience and human connection; things that don’t fit neatly into a spreadsheet. Imagine metrics that could measure delight, confidence or originality. They might not exist yet, but they remind us what success really looks like. Read More

By: Lottie Owen-Jones

Marketing strategies Small business marketing

Sustainability and ethical marketing: going beyond the buzzwords

In today’s marketing landscape, sustainability and ethical marketing aren’t just buzzwords, they’re essential for winning consumer trust. With 57% of shoppers willing to pay more for brands that align with their values, small businesses have a unique opportunity to make an impact. From minimising waste to transparent storytelling, discover how even the smallest steps can build loyalty, credibility, and long-term success. Read More

By: Lottie Owen-Jones

Small business marketing

From corporate marketing to community impact: Alex’s journey with small businesses

For Alex, marketing has always been more than just a career; it’s about people, purpose and making a difference. From early inspiration in the classroom to working with hospitals and local shops, her path has been shaped by a passion for meaningful connections. In this Q&A, Alex shares how she transitioned from corporate marketing to supporting small businesses, why community matters most, and her advice for anyone looking to grow their brand. Read More

By: curiousways

Marketing consulting Small business marketing Social media marketing

Ways you can make your marketing more inclusive 

Inclusive marketing isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being intentional, aware and open to learning. Small businesses often shy away from it, fearing they’ll “get it wrong” or don’t have enough resources. But with small, consistent actions, like using inclusive language, choosing authentic visuals, broadening buyer personas, building accessibility into your content and listening to your audience, you can create marketing that truly reflects the diverse world we live in. Read More

By: Lottie Owen-Jones

Small business marketing Social media marketing

Marketing trends you should ignore

Not every marketing trend is worth your time. In fact, doing less (with focus) is often the smarter move. From overusing AI to chasing every new social platform, here are five trends small businesses can skip and what to do instead to grow with confidence. Read More

By: Alex Koenig

Marketing strategies Small business marketing Social media marketing

The anti-social strategy: how small businesses win without relying on social media

Feeling overwhelmed by the social media treadmill? You're not alone. But here's the good news: some small businesses are thriving without it. In this blog, we explore how referral networks, in-person connections, and a strong offline presence can do just as much heavy lifting as a perfectly timed Reel. And yes, we do still love social (it's our bread and butter), we just think it shouldn’t be your whole loaf. Read More

By: Lottie Owen-Jones

Marketing strategies Small business marketing

7 surprising marketing tactics local businesses overlook

Most small businesses focus on traditional marketing methods, but what if you could stand out by using unexpected strategies? From teaming up with other local businesses to tapping into micro-influencers and community groups, this blog explores seven overlooked marketing tactics that can help you attract more customers and grow your business. Read More

By: Lottie Owen-Jones

SEO Small business marketing

SEO hacks: simple steps to rank higher on Google

Local SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is key for small businesses that rely on nearby customers, like restaurants, shops, service providers, and local tradespeople. Getting your business to show up higher in local search results can drive more traffic to your website, increase footfall, and boost brand visibility. Read More

By: Lottie Owen-Jones

Marketing strategies Small business marketing

How marketing has changed over the last 20 years

Marketing has undergone a dramatic transformation in the past two decades. I studied marketing in the early 2010s, earning a diploma, a postgraduate qualification, and a degree, so you’d think I’d be an expert, right? Well, not exactly. The world of marketing doesn’t stand still, and as a… Read More

By: Alex Koenig

Market research

Competition fuels innovation

Understanding your competition is crucial for strategic planning, offering insights into market opportunities and potential threats. By knowing who they are, what they offer, and how they operate, you can identify gaps that your business can fill. This knowledge also helps in anticipating market trends and positioning your business for… Read More

By: Lottie Owen-Jones

Marketing strategies

The 5 most cost-effective marketing strategies

Having a strong product or service is the foundation of any successful business. If you’re not fully committed, these strategies won’t be your magic bullet. But if you’re ready to grow, these cost-effective marketing strategies can help you achieve budget-friendly sustainable growth. We all have that someone we rely on… Read More

By: Alex Koenig

Small business marketing

Debunking common small business marketing myths

Marketing is often considered a luxury small businesses’ can’t afford, or something effective only for large companies with substantial budgets. We’re going to debunk some of these common misconceptions to help small businesses realise the true potential of effective marketing strategies.  Myth: If you build it, they will come  Reality:… Read More

By: Lottie Owen-Jones

Marketing consulting

Why not marketing could be a costly mistake

In the hustle and bustle of running a small business, marketing often takes a backseat. Budgets are tight, resources are limited, and the daily grind leaves little room for strategic planning. But what if I told you that the cost of doing nothing in marketing could be far greater than you imagine? Read More

By: Lottie Owen-Jones