Smart business insights
Content marketing for small businesses
When it comes to getting your name out there and building your brand, content marketing is an effective way to do it. As they say, content is king, and giving your audience well-researched, actionable and entertaining information they really want to read, listen to or watch will help drive your success. Content marketing is arguably […]
How to get more business referrals
Have you ever gone to a restaurant because a friend recommended it? Or perhaps you’ve visited an osteopath after a colleague told you how they fixed their back? Chances are you’ve acted on a recommendation in the past, so you’ll understand the importance of a referral from someone you trust. But did you know just […]
How to set up a website for your business
If you’re starting a business, it’s vital you have a website. Even if you’ve been trading for a while, building an online presence is a key channel to increase your customer base. As consumers have moved increasingly online, the importance of having a website has rocketed, even for bricks and mortar companies. Customers often turn […]
How to write a business plan
Every new company needs a business plan. It becomes a blueprint for growth and success, helping to focus your goals and what you need to do to reach them. Without a plan, it can be a little like going for a drive without a roadmap — you might get to where you’re going but you’re […]
Why customer feedback is key to running a successful business
Doing your best for customers is part of running your own business and boosting your sales. Yet it’s difficult to know how well your product or service works for them if you never ask for customer feedback. Most successful small businesses ask for customer feedback and there are many advantages of making it a regular […]
How to conduct market research for your small business
Knowing your audience is key to your business success: if you understand what they want, then you can tailor your marketing to your customer’s needs. Market research is one of the most useful tools you have to help you understand exactly what those needs are. Read on to find out: What market research is and […]
What is employers’ liability insurance and do I need it?
If you work for yourself without staff, then employers’ liability insurance isn’t something you have to worry about for now. If you do have employees or you’re planning on hiring someone, then you need insurance. Read on to find out: What employer’s liability insurance is and what it covers Whether you need employer’s liability insurance […]
7 time management tips for business owners
When you’re a business owner, it can sometimes feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day. In between answering emails, making calls, writing content for your website and planning product launches, good time management may seem like a distant dream. You’re so busy doing everything, there’s never any time for you. Allow that situation […]
The impact of Brexit on small businesses
The deal may have been done but Brexit is still impacting businesses up and down the country. And it’s likely to for many months and years to come. Just a quarter of people, asked in a YouGov poll at the start of April, thought Brexit was still important. But for small businesses the effects are […]