If you’re thinking of running paid social media ad campaigns, be prepared for trolls. Although their intent is to derail and undermine, the spotlight will be on you more so than usual.
Marketing
The posts in this category include information on small business marketing...
Local Business Websites: “About” Pages Done Right Will Attract and Delight Readers
Don’t allow your business website “About” page to be a predictable romp through all the cliches we’ve seen before. Leave out the bragging and chest beating. Do this instead…
Magazine Advertising Scam: Rogues Impersonate Crime Prevention Officers
Fraudsters are impersonating the police and telephoning self-employed people to sell advertising in a fake crime prevention magazine. They claim to be partnered with Trading Standards.
Magazine Advertising Scam: Bogus Children’s Cancer Charity Misleading Small Businesses
Don’t be misled by this classic magazine advertising scam in which small businesses seeking exposure are hoodwinked by ruthless rogues claiming to be running a real charity. This particular operation is called “Kids for Life”. It was heavily criticised on an edition of BBC Radio 4’s “You and Yours”.
UK Businesses Electronically Processing Data Are Legally Required to Register with the ICO
Do you run a UK company, partnership or sole proprietorship in which you electronically collect and keep data that identifies individuals? You need to notify the Information Commissioner’s Office, which is the independent regulator enforcing the laws that govern privacy.
Nuisance Calls, Emails and Empty Promises: The Bungling Incompetence of Yell.com
I’ve honestly had it with Yell, or hibu, or whatever their trading name is. This outfit doesn’t understand the meaning of the words “please stop calling me”. Their services are rubbish too.
How to Hit Back (Gracefully) Against Fake Negative Google Reviews
The Google business review system is suffering from fake negative comments commissioned by competitors or published by trolls acting alone. What can you do to combat this?
Argh! Why Does Google Delete Genuine Business Reviews?
Google deletes genuine “My Business” reviews by real customers. The frustration is incredible. Can the reviews be restored? Let’s find out…
Rant: Manipulative Website Email Popovers Look Like Backhanded Ransom Notes
Okay, so we’re all sick of full screen pop up dominators on websites begging for email subscribers. Right? Let’s rant…
Warning: Dubious Web Industry “Regulator” Selling Questionable Business Leads
Hold on to your lunch money. There’s a UK internet business lead generator outfit operating under false pretenses and making misleading claims…
17 Anally Retentive Twitter Tips for Hosting a Successful Tweet Chat
Are you a social media manager or small biz owner developing a Twitter community? In this instruction guide, I reveal my best tips for hosting an amazing tweet chat…
10 Website Trust Signals You Can’t Afford to Ignore
Does your small business website seem honest and trustworthy to customers? Use these psychological triggers to increase conversions and build a good reputation…
Podcast Beginner? Experiment with Soundcloud, Free
Podcasting is effective, passive and low cost marketing. Get started for free with SoundCloud and reach your audience in the audio format…
Social Networking On Your Day Off
Do you participate in social networking? Not Twitter or Facebook, but real social clubs and groups for indulging your hobbies, interests…
Boost Your Biz Using Local Web Directory Listings
In this 10 minute video I demo the value of free online business listing directories for the purpose of publishing your business information to be discovered by search engine users…
Twitter Tweet Chats: The Good, The Bad and The Spammy
Tweet chats are a great way to network on Twitter and build relationships with your peer group or potential clients. In this post I share tips and warnings…
Automatically Post Any RSS Feed to Twitter via Sniply and TwitterFeed
Here’s a novel way to use free social tools to add an extra dimension to your Twitter content curation. The system uses Sniply and Twitterfeed…
Is Offline Marketing Still Relevant in a Digital World?
While more of us continue to spend time on mobile devices or desktop computers, is it still worthwhile for businesses to invest in offline media?
DIY Excel Customer Management Database (EU Requirement)
Small Businesses are advised to keep sales/enquiry records in a spreadsheet as part of their customer management activities…
Leverage Seasonal Sales Trends
How the peaks and dips of seasonal sales trends offer a window of opportunity for pushing sales…