Morne Patterson

  Introduction In the dynamic world of digital marketing, businesses are constantly seeking innovative ways to re-engage with potential customers and boost conversion rates. One of the most effective and efficient strategies in this regard is remarketing. Remarketing, also known as retargeting, involves reconnecting with users who have already interacted with your website, products, or services. By delivering targeted advertisements to this specific audience, remarketing helps reinforce your brand, increase conversions, and improve overall marketing ROI. In this blog I’ll focus on remarketing and explore different types of remarketing strategies that can take your marketing efforts to the next level.   Standard Remarketing Standard remarketing is the most basic form of remarketing, and it involves displaying banner ads or text ads to users who have previously visited your website or specific pages. This strategy helps maintain your brand presence in the minds of potent...

  Introduction In the vast and competitive landscape of the internet, search engine optimisation (SEO) has become the cornerstone of online success for businesses of all sizes. For small businesses, a strong online presence can make a significant difference in attracting potential customers and staying ahead of the competition. Fortunately, Google, being the dominant search engine, offers tons of best practices and tools that can be harnessed to boost SEO efforts. The best of all, SEO is free and only requires a foundational understanding and effort to implement.   Keyword Research The Foundation of SEO Keyword research lays the groundwork for an effective SEO strategy. Small businesses must identify and target relevant keywords and phrases that align with their products, services, and target audience's search intent. Utilise Google's Keyword Planner to discover valuable keywords and analyse search volume and competition. Focus on long-tail keywords for better targetin...

  Introduction   For small businesses, connecting with the local community is so important. As the world becomes increasingly digital, harnessing the power of online advertising is a game-changer for growth and visibility. Google is the dominant online search engine and offers a range of powerful local advertising solutions designed to help small businesses thrive in their local markets. In this blog, I will explore Google's local advertising solutions and how they empower small businesses to target potential customers in their vicinity, drive foot traffic, and ultimately boost their bottom line.   Google My Business (GMB) Google My Business is a free tool that allows small businesses to create a business profile and appear on Google Maps and local search results. By optimising their GMB listing with accurate information such as location, contact details, business hours, and compelling images, small businesses can increase their chances of being found by local c...

  Introduction Small businesses face competition trying to attract new customers online. However, with the right strategies in place, they can level the playing field and achieve remarkable success. One of the most effective methods for small businesses to reach their target audience and boost conversions is through Google Ads, specifically pay-per-click (PPC) advertising.   Understanding Google Ads and PPC Advertising Google Ads, formerly known as Google AdWords, is an online advertising platform developed by Google that allows businesses to display their ads on the search engine results pages (SERPs) and Google's partner websites. PPC advertising is a model where advertisers only pay when someone clicks on their ad, making it a cost-effective approach for small businesses with limited budgets.   Setting Clear Goals for Your PPC Campaigns Before diving into Google Ads, it's important to establish clear and measurable goals for your PPC campaigns. Whether it...

  Introduction   In today's digital landscape, having a strong online presence is essential for any business looking to thrive and grow. One of the most powerful tools that can help achieve this goal is Google My Business (GMB). Whether you run a small local shop or a multinational corporation, leveraging the potential of GMB can significantly impact your online visibility, customer engagement, and overall success.   What is Google My Business? Google My Business is a free and user-friendly tool provided by Google that allows businesses to create and manage their online presence across Google Search and Google Maps. It acts as a business listing, providing essential information to potential customers, such as business hours, address, phone number, website link, and customer reviews. Its very similar to the old school Yellow Pages.   Benefits of Using Google My Business a. Increased Visibility By creating a GMB listing, your business becomes more visib...

  Introduction When it comes to digital marketing, Google is more than just a search engine. It offers a wealth of free tools that can empower businesses to enhance their marketing efforts, gain valuable insights, and reach their target audience effectively. Let me help you explore the great free tools provided by Google and how they can be leveraged for successful marketing strategies.   Google My Business Google My Business is a vital tool for local businesses. It allows you to create and manage your business profile on Google Search and Maps. You can provide accurate information, such as address, phone number, and business hours, ensuring your potential customers can find you easily.   Google Analytics Google Analytics is a robust website analytics tool that helps you understand your website's performance. It provides valuable insights into your website visitor behavior, sources of your websites traffic, conversion rates, and so much more. With Google Ana...

  Introduction Email marketing remains a powerful strategy for businesses to connect with their audience, drive engagement, and boost conversions. To achieve success in email marketing, utilising the right tools is essential. I will explore seven top email marketing software platforms: Mailchimp, Sendinblue, MailerLite, SendGrid, Zoho Campaigns, Drip, and ActiveCampaign. These tools offer a wide range of features, enabling businesses to create impactful email campaigns, engage subscribers, and achieve their marketing goals.   Mailchimp Mailchimp is a widely recognised and feature-rich email marketing platform. It provides customisable email templates, drag-and-drop email builders, contact management, marketing automation, A/B testing, and detailed analytics. With Mailchimp, businesses can create visually appealing emails, segment their audience, automate campaigns, and gain valuable insights to optimise their email marketing strategy.   Sendinblue Sendinblue...

  Introduction Financial literacy is a vital skill for small business owners to master. Navigating the financial landscape can be daunting, but with the availability of workshops and online courses, entrepreneurs now have access to valuable resources to enhance their financial knowledge and make informed decisions.   Workshops In-Person Learning for Practical Financial Know-How   Workshops provide small business owners with valuable opportunities to learn directly from experts in a face-to-face setting. These sessions often focus on practical financial knowledge tailored to the unique needs of small businesses. From understanding financial statements to budgeting and forecasting, workshops offer interactive experiences where participants can ask questions, engage in discussions, and gain insights from real-world examples.   Identify Local Workshops Research local business organisations, industry associations, or community colleges that offer financial w...

  Introduction Running a small business requires not only passion and dedication but also a solid understanding of financial matters. However, many entrepreneurs face challenges when it comes to navigating the complexities of business finance. To bridge this knowledge gap and empower small business owners, financial education and training platforms have emerged as invaluable resources.   Accessible Learning Financial education and training platforms provide entrepreneurs with accessible and user-friendly resources. These platforms offer a variety of formats, including online courses, webinars, tutorials, and interactive tools, allowing individuals to learn at their own pace and convenience. Entrepreneurs can access valuable content from anywhere, gaining knowledge on topics such as financial literacy, budgeting, cash flow management, financial planning, and tax strategies.     Tailored Content One of the advantages of financial education platforms is th...

  Introduction In today's fast-paced business landscape, leveraging efficient tools is crucial for small businesses and individuals looking to streamline their financial management. Cloud-based accounting systems, such as Xero and QuickBooks, offer a range of benefits that can transform the way you handle your finances. From affordability and user-friendliness to professional invoicing, robust support, and comprehensive reporting capabilities, these platforms have become game-changers for businesses of all sizes.   Cost-Effective Solutions One of the primary advantages of cloud-based accounting systems like Xero and QuickBooks is their affordability. These platforms offer flexible pricing plans tailored to the needs of small businesses and individuals, eliminating the need for costly upfront investments in hardware or software. With low subscription fees and no maintenance costs, these systems provide an excellent return on investment, allowing you to allocate your fin...

  Introduction Having a professional and visually appealing website is essential for individuals and businesses alike. A great website builds trust and gives visitors confidence in your brand. Thanks to the rise of user-friendly website builders, creating your dream website has become easier than ever. Let me take you through some of the most popular online DIY website builders that empower anyone, regardless of technical expertise, to build their own stunning website. Let's explore these platforms and unlock your website-building potential.   Affordability is a significant advantage of DIY website builders. These platforms offer cost-effective solutions for creating professional websites without breaking the bank. Unlike hiring a web developer or design agency, which can be expensive, using a DIY website builder allows you to save a substantial amount of money. Most builders offer various pricing plans, including free options with basic features, making them accessible ...