Town Criers and Public Relations in an Ever Changing World
Since humans walked the earth, Public Relations (PR) of some form has been in operation. From ancient times, men and women used PR tools to promote their wares, talents and politics to win public opinion or deal with negative situations. Many of those ancient tools still exist today, but are often forgotten. Now we see […]
Marketing without the millions—Why gaining insights from your customers is golden
As a start-up or small business you don’t always have the luxury of a large budget, a market research company or a team of marketing professionals to get your company in front of new customers. But there are some smart things you can do with the customers you have. Do your research If you want […]
Why you should trademark your brand
Do you have a logo? A business or product name? Do you have a corporate colour scheme or visual identity that is intrinsically linked to your goods or services? For most small businesses, the answer is yes. Ask them if they’ve registered their trademarks or brand, however, and most will respond with a resounding ‘no’ […]
Guide to Market Research, Part 1 – Why it’s one of the best investments you’ll make
It might sound obvious, but one of the key steps in taking a new product or service to market is to ensure you have a thorough understanding of that market. And by ‘thorough understanding’ we mean more than a vague gut feeling about the identity of your target audience and their needs, or educated guesses […]
Social Media – inspiration or irritation?
Do you want to generate new business? Position yourself as a thought leader in your field? Create a community of like-minded professionals to share new ideas?
Small brand budget, big brand thinking
Michael Locke is an Australian branding expert and the founder of marketing consultancy LOCKE Pty Ltd. He has overseen the brand management of countless companies, from multinationals like Electrolux through to smart new start-ups. And he has a question for you: Are you a company, or a brand? Not sure? You’re not alone. Despite the […]
An image tells a thousand words – professional photography for people and products
Professional photographs are as important to your commercial identity as your business cards and logo.
Claire’s crystal – Writing your way to success
‘All you have to do is write one true sentence – write the truest sentence you know.’ – Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast Effective writing is one of the most important foundations of any business. Words are everywhere – they’re on your website, in the emails you send, the marketing collateral you develop, the applications […]
Social media overload. How do I choose, what to use?
Athena shares with gemaker the social media technology that collides and harmonizes her daily activities. I have a message on the ubiquitous email from my brother, “Check out my stuff on Pinterest, Enjoy the fun” Another invitation to pour my time into another social media outlet. Is this the best use of my time? I see […]