News

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…

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…

Introduction: The Importance of Customer Reviews Customer reviews are vital for building credibility and attracting new customers. According to recent statistics, 90% of consumers read online reviews before visiting a business, and 88% trust these reviews as much as personal recommendations​ (Hook Agency)​. Let’s delve into some effective strategies for building and managing these essential…

When I started my first small business, I quickly learned that success required more than a great product. Connecting with the local community was crucial. I spent hours figuring out how to attract the right customers. Through trial and error, I discovered that a solid local marketing strategy could make all the difference. This guide…

As I sipped my coffee and listened to Maria, the owner of a small but charming coffee shop, it became clear she was frustrated. Her café, a hidden gem, was struggling to attract customers. “Have you tried paid advertising?” I asked. Her puzzled look said it all. Over the next hour, I shared how paid…

Social media is a game-changer for local businesses. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube provide an easy way to connect with local customers. Vertical videos, designed to fit perfectly on smartphone screens, have become a key tool in this digital marketing landscape. Why Vertical Videos? Vertical videos are filmed in an upright (9:16) format,…

Case studies are potent instruments for fostering growth and driving innovation in the competitive world of local business. By examining specific instances of a company’s operations, including strategies implemented and obstacles overcome, case studies provide actionable insights and proven results that potential customers can easily understand. Understanding Case Studies A case study is an in-depth…

Customer relationship marketing through lifecycle strategies is key for every local business. It helps to attract, retain, and foster loyalty among their customer base. As a local business owner, you know how crucial it is to attract and retain customers. Customer loyalty is the lifeblood of any successful business, especially in a competitive local market….

Ever wondered why some Randburg businesses appear at the top of search results when someone types in “plumber near me”? It’s not magic, it’s local on-page SEO. On-page SEO optimizes your website for Randburg-specific searches, attracting potential customers ready to buy. The Power of Local Keywords Forget generic keywords. Target searches that include “Randburg” or…

Feeling lost in a crowded local market? Small business blogging can be your secret weapon. Forget fancy algorithms and chasing social media trends. Blogging allows you to connect directly with your local audience, establish yourself as an expert, and ultimately win their business. Local SEO Magic: Imagine potential customers searching for “best [your service] near…

In today’s competitive landscape, strong customer relationships are the cornerstone of success for any business, especially for local small enterprises. Building and nurturing these connections is crucial for driving growth, fostering loyalty, and ensuring long-term profitability. However, managing customer data, interactions, and relationships can be a daunting task, particularly for small businesses with limited resources….