Articles

AI search is quietly revolutionising how South African customers discover local businesses, with tools like ChatGPT and Claude now recommending specific shops, restaurants, and services directly to users – and most business owners have no idea it’s happening. Last month, I watched my neighbour’s bakery in Melville get three new customers in one day. All…

Local search optimisation has become critical for South African small businesses. But Google’s AI updates are making traditional strategies obsolete. Many business owners are struggling to maintain visibility when customers search for their products and services. Local search has become the primary way South African customers find restaurants, retail stores, professional services, and local businesses…

If you’re running a small business in South Africa and not implementing seasonal marketing strategies, you’re missing out on one of the most effective ways to connect with customers and boost sales throughout the year. These approaches go beyond Christmas promotions or Valentine’s specials. They’re about understanding that your customers’ needs, emotions, and spending habits…

Most South African business owners know about Google Business Profile, but few realize they’re sitting on a goldmine of untapped potential. While you might be diligently updating your hours and adding photos, there’s one feature that could transform how customers interact with your business—and it’s hiding in plain sight. The Hidden Power of Q&A The…

Website security for small business isn’t optional anymore. If you’re running a local business in South Africa, your website is likely one of your most valuable assets. Whether you’re a corner café taking online orders or a consulting firm showcasing your services, your digital presence needs protection. The harsh reality is that 61% of cyber…

LinkedIn for small businesses in South Africa represents untapped marketing potential. South Africans rank among the world’s highest internet users. They spend over 9 hours online daily. Approximately 13.5 million people actively use LinkedIn monthly. The platform offers unprecedented access to engaged professionals. Decision-makers across Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban are easily reachable. Most small…

Google Ads offers South African small business owners a powerful way to connect with customers at the exact moment they’re searching for local services, but getting started can feel overwhelming without the right guidance. Running a local business in South Africa today means competing in an increasingly digital world. With 45.34 million Internet users and…

In today’s fast-paced digital world, standing out from the crowd requires more than just posting updates or running generic ads. For small businesses in South Africa, interactive marketing is emerging as a powerful way to connect with customers and drive meaningful engagement. Interactive marketing is defined as a strategy that uses two-way communication channels to…

Not too long ago, I stopped into a neighbourhood bakery that had just reopened after renovations. They had a good crowd, but the owner told me something surprising. He didn’t run any ads. He didn’t post anything to Instagram. All he did was send a WhatsApp broadcast to about 300 of his regulars—and just like…

These days, online reviews shape the reputation of small businesses more than ever. For entrepreneurs in South Africa, managing these reviews ethically isn’t just about maintaining a polished image—it’s about fostering trust, complying with platform rules, and avoiding pitfalls that could undermine long-term success. At its core, ethical review management hinges on three principles: transparency,…