Success is something we all want to achieve, but have you ever stopped to think exactly what “success” means to you and your small business? It isn’t always about making lots of money or creating a huge, international business. Often, success can mean doing something you love and creating a small business that works for…
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What Is a (Small Business) Marketing Plan, Why Do I Need One & How Do I Get One?
Before I start doing anything marketing activities for my small business, I always like to have a plan in place. When you’ve got lots of great ideas and are raring to go, stopping to write down a plan might seem like an unnecessary, boring step. But believe me, it’ll come in very useful in the…
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How to Market Your Small Business When You’re Busy
Marketing your small business is hugely important if you want to run a successful company. It can, however, often get pushed down to the bottom of the to-do list when you’re busy doing client work or dealing with customers. You might be rushed off your feet right now, but if you don’t keep marketing your…
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Small Business Interview: Gino Crolla from Anima
What makes small business owners in Edinburgh tick? That was the question that started my interview series with local small business owners about their achievements, successes and struggles – in marketing and in general. Today it’s the turn of Gino Crolla from Anima, a local restaurant in Edinburgh which serves up delicious Italian soul food.…
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Learn From the Best II: 5 Scottish Businesses with Great Marketing
As a small business marketing consultant, there’s nothing I love more than seeing a really, really good marketing campaign – especially when it comes from a local business. If you’re struggling for inspiration, having a look at what other people are doing can help kick-start some great marketing ideas of your own. Here are a…
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Customer-Centric Marketing Ideas for Small Businesses
There’s an old saying that “the customer is always right”. It’s a cliché, but like many clichés, it’s also true: You’re in business because you want to provide something useful and valuable for your customers. And happy customers become repeat customers and recommend your small business to their friends and family. So it makes sense…
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Small Business Interview: Amanda Stewart from Illuminate Technology
I always love picking the brains of other small business owners, and this time it’s the turn of Amanda Stewart. Amanda is the director of Illuminate Technology, an Edinburgh-based company which provides IT support for small businesses in Scotland. The perfect solution for small businesses who don’t have the space, budget or need for an…
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10 Things I’ve Learned by Running My Own Small Business
Running your own small business is extremely rewarding, but it can also be very challenging. Even if you do plenty of research beforehand and get advice from other small business owners, nothing quite prepares you for taking the leap and setting up on your own. I’ve been running my own small marketing business since 2010…
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How to Prepare Your Small Business Marketing for GDPR
On 25 May 2018, the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will come into force in the European Union (Note: Brexit doesn’t have any impact on this). It’s the biggest change to data privacy regulations in 20 years, and it could have a big impact on your small business – particularly on your marketing. As…
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When Was the Last Time You Raised Your Rates?
Raising your rates can seem scary, especially for small businesses. We’ve all had those thoughts: “What if my clients don’t want to pay any more?” “What if I’m charging too much?” “How can I prove I’m worth the money?” But it’s really important to revisit your pricing strategy regularly. Look at your overheads, assess your…
