Why Building Your Website on WordPress Beats DIY Builders Like Wix and Squarespace
If you’re a small business owner thinking about building a new website, you’ve probably come across DIY platforms like Wix, Squarespace or Weebly. Their drag-and-drop design, glossy templates, and “build it in a day” promises can seem like a dream come true – especially if you’re on a budget. But here’s the catch: while these […]
Top 20 Web Design Features Every Local Business Website Should Have in 2025
Your website is more than a digital business card – it’s your online storefront, customer service desk, marketing assistant and lead generator all rolled into one. And in 2025, expectations are higher than ever. Whether you run a café in Christchurch, a consultancy in Bournemouth, or a shop in Poole, your website needs to do […]
Top 20 Mistakes Small Businesses Make with Their Websites – And How to Fix Them
Your website is often the first impression people have of your business – and for many small businesses, it’s also the most overlooked asset. A great site can build trust, generate leads and drive sales. A poor one? It can quietly drive customers away before you even know they were interested. Here are the top […]
Top 20 Marketing Myths That Are Holding Local Businesses Back
Marketing is one of the most misunderstood parts of running a small business – especially at the local level. Too often, small local businesses fall into traps based on outdated advice, misheard tips or assumptions that simply don’t hold up. If you’re running a local shop, service or event, these common marketing myths might be […]
Why smart marketers are using AI like ChatGPT to improve their strategy
The speed and scale of expectations for marketing mean that more and more marketers are turning to AI tools like ChatGPT. Myself included. What used to take days or weeks can now happen in minutes. But beyond the obvious speed boost, AI is unlocking entirely new opportunities for marketers. I have another blog on the […]
Why hiring a local marketing consultant might be the smartest move you make
Everyone knows that to succeed in business, you need a strong marketing plan. But what’s the best way to get this done? Hire a big agency? Try to tackle it yourself? Or maybe bring in some outside help? If you’re a small or mid-sized business, there’s a good chance the best move is hiring a […]
When your client’s new logo looks like it was drawn by a 10-year-old
Having worked in marketing for over 20 years, I think I’ve seen it all. But there’s one situation which stands out as the contender for the most awkward. It’s that moment when they open up an email with a smile like a proud new father, clearly thinking they’re about to unveil the next Nike Swoosh […]
The hidden dangers of using AI like ChatGPT for your marketing
AI tools like ChatGPT are revolutionising content creation. They’re fast, efficient, and scarily good at mimicking human tone. Marketers everywhere are turning to AI to crank out blogs, emails, ads, and social posts in record time. But here’s the catch: just because you can use AI for your marketing, doesn’t mean you should—at least, not […]
Marketing buzzwords that are just plain bullshit
In the world of marketing, it seems like there’s a never-ending supply of buzzwords and jargon meant to make simple concepts sound more impressive. But the truth is, many of these words are nothing more than fluff. They don’t add clarity, and they sure don’t help your marketing efforts in the long run. Instead, they […]
How to create the perfect online marketing plan for your company (step-by-step guide)
Every successful business starts with a solid plan – and when it comes to growth, your marketing plan is the engine that drives it. Whether you’re launching a new brand, entering a new market or just trying to get your marketing efforts on track, having a clear, strategic plan isn’t just helpful – it’s essential. […]