“How much would a simple website cost?” (And why that’s not a simple question)
It’s one of the most common questions I get asked – usually within the first few minutes of a conversation: “How much would a simple website cost?” It sounds like a straightforward question. And I completely understand why people ask it. You want to get a ballpark figure. You want to know if it’s worth […]
“Marketing? I can’t afford it right now.” (Why that’s the wrong approach)
It’s one of the most common things I hear from small business owners – especially in times like these: “I just can’t afford to do any marketing right now.” I get it. When money’s tight, you look for places to trim. You pause the print run. You shelve the website redesign. You ghost your social […]
Marketing when you hate marketing
(For the overwhelmed, the reluctant and the “I’ll-do-it-later” crowd) Let’s be honest, you didn’t start your business so you could do marketing. You started it because you saw a gap in the market and wanted to fill it. Because you are good, really good, at what you do. Because you are doing something you love. […]
The 5-Second Test: Can your website hold attention?
You have five seconds. That’s how long it takes for someone to decide whether they’ll stay on your website – or click away and forget you. In an age of endless scrolling, short attention spans, and instant first impressions, your website has to work fast. And that’s not just about looking good. It’s about clarity, […]
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 […]