The City of Johannesburg’s Environmental and Infrastructure Services Department (EISD) is reviewing the Waste Management By-Law as part of its commitment to strengthen regulation, protect public health and the environment, and advance recycling and reuse initiatives. Public participation sessions are taking place across the city during August and September 2025, led by the Speaker’s Office…
The Randburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) welcomes the City of Johannesburg’s appointment of the much-anticipated service provider to rehabilitate the hazardous Kya Sands landfill site. The site, which was closed in 2010 after reaching full capacity, has since become a hotspot for widespread illegal dumping, impacting the environment, local businesses and nearby communities….
Randburg-based small and medium businesses are calling on the government to review the current electricity pricing model as it has become unaffordable. The call was made following the announcement by the National Energy Regulator for South Africa (NERSA) that it will hike electricity tariff by 3% over the next two years. The businesses indicated that…
Electricity tariffs for the next two years have been hiked after the National Energy Regulator for South Africa (NERSA) said it found errors in its price determination announced in January. For the first time in many years, tariff increases for 2026/27 and 2027/28 were set to increase moderately at 5.4% and 6.2%. Following the revision…
Randburg-based manufacturing companies have expressed regret following the 30% import tariffs imposed on South African exports by the United States government earlier this month, but remain hopeful that the sector, through government intervention and alternative markets exploration, might recover quicker than expected. The import tariffs were imposed despite ongoing diplomatic engagements between Pretoria and Washington….
The Randburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) received a recognition award for the promotion of business and ease of trade between Pakistan and South Africa, on Wednesday 18 August 2025, following the conclusion of the Pakistan-South Africa trade summit in Sandton. Receiving the award, RCCI CEO Richard Ntjana took a moment to dedicate the…
Lead capture pages are essential tools for turning online visitors into valuable customers by guiding them towards a clear action. Imagine you’re a small business owner running an online ad campaign. You’ve worked hard to create a great offer and now you need to drive traffic to your site. But instead of sending visitors to…
Local SEO mistakes can cost your business its online visibility and potential customers. Avoiding these common errors is key to boosting your search rankings and connecting with local clients. To stand out online, it’s crucial to optimise your business for local search. Many businesses try, but common missteps can hold them back. Here’s a look…
As a small business owner, I vividly recall the excitement of receiving my first customer review. It was a glowing testimonial that not only validated my hard work but also illuminated the path forward. Customer reviews serve as vital social proof, guiding potential buyers in their decision-making process. However, I quickly realized that a handful…
Learn Proven Techniques to Increase Conversion Rates and Turn Clicks into Loyal Customers I remember my first visit to a local café. The enticing aroma of coffee drew me in. The friendly staff and welcoming decor made me feel at home. This experience highlights the importance of optimising conversion rates for local businesses. Understanding Conversion…
When I first started working with small businesses, I noticed a common struggle: plenty of subscribers, but not enough paying customers. Many business owners felt stuck, unsure how to bridge the gap between capturing interest and converting it into sales. One particular bakery owner I worked with had an impressive email list but wasn’t seeing…
Structured data, or data markup, is a valuable tool that can help your business stand out online. It’s a code you add to your website that provides search engines, like Google, with essential information about your business. By using data markup, you can help search engines display your business in ways that attract more customers….
Lead generation techniques are essential for local service businesses looking to attract and convert potential customers in today’s competitive market. As I sat in a busy café, I noticed a local plumbing service’s owner, Tom, actively engaging with customers online and in the community. This made me reflect on the vital role effective lead generation…
Creating engaging email content is essential for keeping subscribers interested and driving growth for your local business. The right mix of valuable information, community engagement, and personalised messages can help you build relationships and keep your audience coming back for more. Here are some key ideas for crafting effective email content that resonates with your…
Effective landing pages play a crucial role in turning website visitors into valuable leads. Paid ads offer a powerful way for local businesses to generate leads. However, many businesses waste opportunities by sending paid traffic to their homepage. To maximise your ads’ effectiveness, focus on using dedicated landing pages, effective lead nurturing, and constant optimisation….
Years ago, I sat in a small café with a friend who owned a local bakery. She was frustrated—her website wasn’t drawing in the customers she needed, despite her best efforts. As we talked about her marketing strategies, it became clear that she wasn’t taking advantage of social media. Together, we decided to test the…
AI-driven reputation management is revolutionising the way businesses manage customer reviews, streamlining the process to enhance online visibility and foster enduring customer trust. The Growing Importance of Online Reputation In today’s digital world, a business’s online reputation can make or break its success. Research shows that 93% of consumers read online reviews before making a…
Creating high-impact small business videos doesn’t require a big budget—just the right strategy and tools. Understanding Your Audience Before you start filming, it’s essential to understand your audience. For small businesses, this often means connecting with the community. Your customers value personal connections and supporting businesses in their area. Reflect this in your videos by…
Imagine running a cosy café in your neighbourhood. You’ve spent years building a loyal customer base. Then, one day, you hear about a new change in how people find local businesses online. This change is called Google SGE. You might wonder how it will affect your business. Let’s explore this new feature and what it…
Running a small business in South Africa presents unique challenges, especially in the digital age. One crucial aspect that can make or break your success is your online reputation. This is where reputation marketing for local businesses comes in—using customer reviews to promote your business. But what exactly is reputation marketing, and how does it…
Imagine having a customer service superhero who never sleeps, always ready to help your customers. That’s exactly what AI chatbots can do for your business. I first encountered an AI chatbot late one night while trying to solve an online shopping issue. It quickly resolved my problem, and I realized how beneficial this technology could…
Discover why upgrading from traditional spreadsheets to a CRM system can revolutionize your small business operations. Running a small business often involves juggling various tasks. Spreadsheets might seem like a simple solution for managing customer data, but they quickly become cumbersome as the business grows. I remember the frustration of manually updating customer details and…
How small businesses can harness the power of emails to engage local customers, boost sales, and build lasting relationships. Running a local business can feel like a rollercoaster. One day, you’re swamped with customers; the next, you’re wondering if anyone even knows you exist. A few years ago, I faced this challenge with my small…
Develop an Instagram Marketing Strategy to Elevate Your Local Business Remember that time you walked into a cosy little coffee shop and saw everyone snapping pictures of their lattes? That’s Instagram magic in action. For local businesses, Instagram is more than a photo-sharing app. It’s a powerful tool to attract and engage customers. Building a…
Optimising your Google Business Profile (GBP) is essential for boosting your local SEO and attracting more customers to your business. To get started, ensure that your business information is complete and accurate. This includes your business name, address, phone number, and hours of operation. Consistency across all online platforms is crucial for building trust and…