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,…
RCCI ON A PATH TO RESUSCITATION AND GROWTH
The monthly Funding Fridays Masterclass was held on Friday 30th May at Doppio Zero in Rosebank. This month’s topic was Mining, covering business dynamics, opportunities and the full value chain.
We all know finding new clients can feel like a constant hustle. But what if I told you that a powerful, often overlooked tool is right at your fingertips, buzzing with potential customers? I’m talking about Facebook Groups. You might already use Facebook for your business, perhaps running ads or posting on your page. That’s…
In today’s digital landscape, simply having a website isn’t enough. To truly stand out—especially in South Africa’s competitive market—you need a website that performs at its peak. That’s where a website audit comes in. Think of it like a health checkup: it helps you uncover hidden issues, improve performance, and ultimately, outrank your competitors. What…
Email marketing remains one of the most powerful tools for businesses, but even the best lists can suffer from subscriber inactivity over time. The good news? Winning back inactive subscribers is not only possible — it’s often more cost-effective than acquiring new ones. In fact, studies show that re-engaging existing contacts can be up to…
STATE OF THE CITY OF JOHANNESBURG ADDRESS MAY 2025 THE STATEMENTS THAT REALLY MATTER… RCCI Staff The global economic landscape and its governments have become unpopular with low levels of approval ratings. Locally, the ruling party has under 30% approval ratings due to historic, unrelating, corruption and continued oversight on local government poor performance. This…
Remember flipping through the Yellow Pages to find a local service? Those days may be gone, but the need to find businesses locally hasn’t disappeared—it’s just moved online. Today, online business directories are your digital Yellow Pages, helping customers easily find businesses based on location, industry, or services offered. For South African businesses, being listed…
Hyperlocal SEO: How Small Businesses in South Africa Can Dominate Local Search In today’s mobile-first world, South African small businesses have a powerful tool at their fingertips: hyperlocal SEO. This strategy focuses on capturing ultra-specific geographic areas—think neighborhoods, suburbs, or even streets—to attract nearby customers searching for services like “hair salon Menlyn” or “plumber Johannesburg…
A customer loyalty program has become a cornerstone of modern business strategy, offering a way to reward repeat customers and deepen relationships. At their core, these programs are about more than just discounts—they’re about creating meaningful connections that make customers feel valued. Think about it: when was the last time a brand surprised you with…
Launching a podcast is one of the most effective ways for South African businesses to build authentic connections and engage with their local community. In a world where digital noise is overwhelming, South African small businesses need a way to cut through the clutter and connect with their community. Podcasting offers exactly that—a medium that’s…
For small businesses in South Africa, building a mailing list is a crucial step towards sustainable growth and stronger customer connections. It provides a direct, reliable, and cost-effective way to engage with your audience, unlike the fluctuating reach of social media. Why Mailing Lists in 2025? The SA Advantage Getting Started: Laying the Foundation Building…
What Are Co-Marketing Strategies? Co-marketing strategies are structured collaborations where businesses partner to promote each other’s products or services to a shared audience. Unlike traditional marketing, this approach leverages mutual strengths, combining resources like customer bases, expertise, or marketing channels. For example, a Johannesburg-based eco-cleaning service might collaborate with a sustainable packaging supplier to cross-promote…
The Power of a Single Search A customer Googles “best cappuccino near me”. Your business appears with a mouthwatering photo of your brew. Add a limited-time offer for a free muffin. Include a WhatsApp button blinking invitingly. That’s the magic of Google Business Profile Posts. In South Africa, mobile searches drive 84% of internet activity. Local trust…
It’s 11 PM in Johannesburg, and Sarah, a single mother, wakes to the sound of water dripping through her ceiling. A pipe has burst, flooding her kitchen. Frantic, she searches online for emergency plumbers and calls the first listing. The phone rings—once, twice, then disconnects. She tries another, but it’s the same story. Finally, on…
It was a rainy Tuesday morning when Emma, owner of a cozy neighborhood café, noticed the notification: “1-star review: Worst latte ever—tasted like dishwater.” Her stomach dropped. Bad reviews always felt personal, like a public slap. But Emma had a choice: ignore it, fire back defensively, or turn this moment into something better. She remembered…
On March 13th we had an amazing time at the Chambers Meet and Greet Networking Event! It was a fantastic opportunity to connect, collaborate, and forge new partnerships. Great conversations and new connections all around!
Let’s face it: “technical SEO” sounds like something only computer whizzes care about. But here’s the good news—it’s just a fancy way of saying “make sure Google can find and understand your website.” And when Google understands you, it shows your business to more local customers. No coding required. Let’s break it down into bite-sized steps. Step…
How Modern Smart Websites Drive Growth for Small Businesses The Hidden Cost of Outdated Websites A website that doesn’t rank on Google, frustrates visitors, or fails to convert leads is more than an inconvenience—it’s a liability. Dumb Website Syndrome (DWS) plagues countless small businesses, eroding credibility and stalling growth. Whether you run a boutique, consulting…
AI call handling is changing the way businesses handle customer interactions. Once seen as a futuristic tool, they are now accessible and widely used, offering AI-powered customer service that operates around the clock. For small businesses, this technology promises efficiency, cost savings, and improved customer engagement. However, as with any innovation, there are both advantages…
Nowadays, building a local business community isn’t just about staying relevant—it’s about creating a space where your customers feel like they belong. Whether you run a cozy café, a boutique fitness studio, or a B2B service, an online community platform can help you boost customer loyalty, spark meaningful conversations, and turn casual patrons into passionate advocates. Let’s explore how to…