From the Experts
How-tos and helpful articles from our expertsThe Ultimate Guide to Branding for Small Businesses: Build a Brand That Stands Out
Learn how to create a strong and consistent brand for your small business. This guide covers brand identity, messaging, visuals, and strategy to help you stand out. Grab the Branding Toolkit to get started!
How to get the best from your website designer
So, you’ve decided to go ahead and hire a web designer to create a new website for your small business. Good decision! Even better if you are considering giving me a call to do it for you. A website is one of the most valuable tools you have in your toolbox to market...
Leaflets: Old skool, but still cool…
A well-designed leaflet, which is visually appealing and packed with useful information, can be a cost-effective way to promote your business and is worth considering as part of your marketing mix.
Planning and Productivity with Tracey Sweetland
The right planning and productivity tools are essential to make sure the less glamorous aspects of business admin take up as little time and effort as possible. Here’s a selection of the apps, tools, platforms and software I use to make running my business as painless (and in some cases, fun!) as possible.
Do you really have what it takes to be an entrepreneur?
Entrepreneurs possess vision, resilience, balance, discipline, creativity – but the bottom line is an entrepreneur is willing to walk the walk and talk the talk. So, do you have what it takes?
9 things you can do today to build your confidence
Take a deep breath and follow these easy and actionable steps to help you build your confidence and self-belief today and stop that negative self-talk.
Five simple strategies to drive website traffic
Don’t let your business website languish in the world wide wastelands – here’s Red Shoes’ handy hints to get more visitors.
Marketing your business without spending a fortune
Marketing what you sell or the services you offer is crucial to the future success of your business and really does not need to take up lots of your time or money.
Advertising: Make it work for your small business
Advertising in print and online is a key part of any successful small business’s marketing mix. Here’s Red Shoes’ guide to including the right elements to make it work for your business.
10 reasons to give up the 9-5 to be your own boss
Ditching the 9-5 in favour of starting your own business is a big step. There’s a lot to consider, but here are my top ten reasons to follow your dream and become self-employed.
What is SEO and why does my small business need it?
Search Engine Optimisation is the art of getting your content to the top of search engine results, so how do you integrate SEO into your small business website? Here’s Plan B’s guide for beginners.
Business adverts: The dos and don’ts of an effective ad
Business adverts need certain elements such as an attention grabbing headline and a clear call to action to be effective. Here’s Red Shoes’ easy guide to creating an ad for your business that convinces customers.
Branding for small business
Branding is an important element of any business as it identifies you to your audience and differentiates you from others in the same market. But what is a business brand and how do you come up with one that accurately defines what your business is and what it stands for?
How to ‘sell’ when you are not a salesperson
If you run your own business you are “in sales” and need to be able to “sell” what you do. Here’s some pointers on selling when you are not a salesperson.
Google My Business: Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started
Google My Business is a valuable first step in local search engine optimisation and a great tool to get your business noticed.
Use Google My Business to get more customers
Google My Business helps improve visibility in search results and makes it more likely customers will find you when looking for a local provider.
Make the most of your Google My Business profile
Stand head and shoulders above the competition by following these three easy steps to making the most of your Google My Business profile.
‘Old skool’ leaflets are still cool in small business marketing
In today’s digital age leaflets may be considered old hat, but a well-designed leaflet, which is visually appealing and packed with useful information, can be a cost-effective promotional tool.
7 ways to keep your WordPress website working
Wordpress is, without doubt, a great platform on which to build your business website, but maintenance is key to ensuring it continues performing at its best.
How to be a blogging champion
Blogging can be a slog. You know content is king, but if find yourself staring at a blank screen here’s some help to get started.
Headline writing: Seven easy tips to make yours better
Headline writing is a science and an art and is a key skill to master to ensure your content gets read. Here’s seven easy tips to make your headlines great.
Goal setting for business – failing to plan is planning to fail
Setting goals is a powerful way to focus on where your business is going and what you want to achieve. Here’s my guide on planning for success.
Vision, Mission and Values – what does your business stand for?
Setting your business’s Vision, Mission and Value statements is a valuable exercise in examining what, why and how you do what you do, who you do it for and how you bring value.
Today’s a great day to start your own business
Starting your own business is equal parts terrifying and exhilarating. If you are thinking of taking the plunge, here’s my take on why you should give it a go.
Productivity & Planning – tools you need to run your business
The right planning and productivity tools are essential to make sure the less glamorous aspects of business admin take up as little time and effort as possible. Here’s a selection of the apps, tools, platforms and software I use to make running my business as painless (and in some cases, fun!) as possible.
Blogging for business: Your essential guide
As a small business, a blog is a great way to raise awareness of your brand and assert yourself as an expert in what you do. Here’s my essential guide to blogging for business.
Storytelling for Business
Storytelling is one of the most powerful marketing tools available to attract your ideal clients to you.
Here’s how to get started on crafting your own brand story.
Build a Personal Brand with Tracey Sweetland
The Business Connection founder Tracey Sweetland shares her Four Key Things to build a personal brand.
Break Through Your Income Ceilings with Rob Moore
Author, entrepreneur, podcaster and public speaker Rob Moore shares his Four Key Things to break through your income ceiling,