Name: Smart Cow Digital Marketing and Website Designer
Price range: $$$

Wine Tasting Networking at the Jollys

04/27/202304/21/2023 by scmarketing

Grow your network & business – Book now, 17th May

Are you looking to grow your business and make 2023 your most successful year yet?

Come join our business networking event at The Jolly Farmers in Purley for an evening you won’t forget.

Enjoy open networking, wine tasting and get invaluable tips on how to strategically grow your business from your hosts – local industry experts including accountants, marketers and a business coach consultant.
Don’t miss out!
Date: Wednesday 17th May
Place: The Jolly Farmers pub, Purley, CR8 2HA
Time: From 6:30pm with speed networking opportunities hosted by Lexus Croydon
Team wine tasting from 7:15pm – test your knowledge of origin and grape!
Open networking from 8pm

Your hosts and industry experts for the evening include:

Denis Day, Founder, Warren Day Accountants

Simon Cripps, Owner, Smart Cow Marketing

Steve Jebson, business coach at Business Doctors

With thanks to Manesh Patel, landlord at The Jolly Farmers, for the use of his amazing pub garden for what’s set to be a brilliant evening.

Book your place now!

If you have any questions in the meantime, drop us a line:

Denis Day: denis@yourbusinesspartner.accountants

Simon Cripps: simon@smart-cow.com

Steve Jebson: Steve.Jebson@businessdoctors.co.uk

Why attend?
Learn best practice tips and tricks from leading industry experts

Network with like-minded professionals to open up new opportunities

Enjoy the evening in a relaxed, social atmosphere with wine tasting and open networking

Learn invaluable advice on how to strategically grow your business

Join the speed networking sessions to get maximum value out of the event

Take advantage of the knowledge sharing and opportunity to create valuable connections

Enjoy an unforgettable evening with like-minded business professionals!

Preparing for a successful 2023 with a PPC review

12/22/202211/29/2022 by scmarketing

As the New Year fast approaches, now is the perfect time to get your marketing strategy in order. If you’re looking for a comprehensive way to kick-start your business’s success in 2023, a Pay Per Click (PPC) review is an ideal place to start. With this review, you can analyse and optimise your current Google Ads campaigns so that you can hit the ground running in the new year.

What is a PPC Review?

A PPC review is an analysis of your existing Google Ads campaigns that looks at how you are currently spending on advertising, the performance of each campaign, and the quality of leads generated by each keyword or search phrase. The review focuses on what’s working and not working with your campaigns so that we can identify areas where optimisation could help improve lead generation.

By optimising your campaigns efficiently, we can ensure that you are targeting potential customers who are most likely to purchase from you. We also look at how to restructure campaigns and create powerful ad copy to boost conversions.

In addition to providing recommendations for optimisation, we also provide ongoing monitoring which includes tracking key metrics such as impressions, clicks, cost per click (CPC), click-through rate (CTR), and conversion rate (CR). This data helps generate insights into how visitors interact with your website and what tactics yield the best results. Ongoing monitoring also allows us to adjust bids quickly when needed so that changes can be implemented quickly and effectively.

What are the benefits of a PPC campaign

If you’ve been thinking about starting a PPC campaign, here is a quick overview of what you need to know.

1. Increased Visibility

One of the primary benefits of a PPC campaign is that it can help to increase the visibility of your website. When people search for keywords that are relevant to your business, your ad will appear at the top of the search results, increasing the likelihood that people will click on it. This can help to increase sales and generate leads for your business.

2. More Targeted Traffic

A PPC campaign can help to generate more targeted traffic to your website. This is because you can specifically target people who are interested in the products or services that you offer. For example, you can target people who live in a certain area or who have searched for specific keywords.

3. Cost-effective way to reach potential customers

It offers a cost-effective way to reach potential customers. You only have to pay when someone clicks on your ad, so you can control how much you spend on your campaign. Additionally, you can target your ads to specific demographics, which can help to ensure that you are reaching your target market.

4. Measurable Results

PPC campaigns provide measurable results, which means that you can track the performance of your campaign and make changes as needed. You can track how many people click on your ad, how many people visit your website, and how many sales or leads are generated from your campaign. This information can help you to optimise your campaign for better results.

5. Helps build brand awareness

A PPC campaign can also help to build brand awareness for your business. When people see your ads, they will begin to recognise your brand and be more likely to think of you when they are in need of the products or services that you offer.

Why Should You Do A PPC Review Now?

Doing a PPC review now will help ensure that you’re well-prepared for the new year ahead. By taking this proactive approach now rather than waiting until later in the year when things start picking up again, you’ll give yourself enough time to go through each step of the process without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Additionally, having an expert review your campaigns will help you stay ahead of any potential issues that could arise in the future due to changes in algorithms or other market trends.

Get your PPC review booked now

With our PPC reviews starting from £250 + VAT, it’s an affordable way for small businesses to get their campaigns up and running in no time! A PPC review will provide invaluable insights into how much money you’re investing in advertising, whether or not it’s paying off, and what steps need to be taken to optimise performance in order to drive more leads in 2023!

Get in touch today if you’d like us to take a look at your existing Google Ads campaign and help set you up for success next year!

Why Startups in Croydon Are Turning to Local Web Design Experts

06/26/2025 by scmarketing

Think your website is just a place to list your services? Think again. Right now, it’s your startup’s most powerful tool for building trust, helps you stand out from the crowd whilst attracting your target customer. It’s a launchpad for growth, a tool for engagement, and a reflection of brand identity. For entrepreneurs in Croydon, working with a local web design team offers a strategic edge that goes beyond convenience.

With Croydon’s tech and creative sectors continuing to grow, startups are increasingly choosing Croydon web design and development agencies that understand the local business environment and customer expectations.

The Local Advantage: Why Croydon Web Design Works for Local Startups

1. Local Insight, Real Results

A Croydon web design agency brings more than technical skill. It brings local knowledge. Designers who live and work in the area understand the community, the competition, and the culture. This insight helps shape websites that connect with local audiences and reflect the values of the businesses they represent.

2. Face-to-Face Collaboration

Startups benefit from working closely with a web design team. In-person meetings allow for clearer communication, faster feedback, and a more collaborative process. This is especially valuable when launching a new brand or refining a digital strategy.

3. Built-In Support Network

Choosing a local digital markering agency often opens doors to other businesses, suppliers, and marketing partners. This network effect can help startups grow faster and build stronger community ties.

4. Fast, Accessible Support

With a web team nearby, updates, fixes, and strategy sessions are easier to manage. This kind of responsiveness is crucial for local startups that need to stay agile.

What Makes a Startup Website Stand Out?

The digital landscape has evolved. Here are the key features every startup website should include:

Mobile-First Design
With mobile traffic dominating, your website must be built for performance on smartphones and tablets from the start.
Custom Illustrations and Visuals
Unique, brand-aligned visuals help your business stand out and create a memorable user experience
Microinteractions and Subtle Animations
These small design touches guide users through your site and make the experience more intuitive and enjoyable
Optimised for Local SEO
A well-structured site with local keywords such as “roofing contractor Croydon” or “web design Croydon”, helps your business appear in relevant search engine results and attract nearby customers.
Fast Load Times and Secure Hosting
Speed and security are non-negotiable. A slow or vulnerable site can damage trust and drive users away.

Why Partner with a Croydon Web Design and Development Agency?

Your website is one of your most valuable business assets. Working with a Croydon web design team ensures your site is not only technically sound but also aligned with your goals and your audience.

From branding and UX to SEO and performance, a local partner can help you build a site that supports your growth from day one.

Launch with Confidence

If you’re a startup in Croydon looking to make a strong digital debut, now is the time to invest in expert, locally focused web design. An effective website builds trust, brings in customers, and drives faster business growth.

Ready to get started? Connect with a Croydon web design expert today.

What Local Businesses Can Learn from Merrell’s Community-First Marketing

06/13/202506/13/2025 by scmarketing

In a recent interview with The Drum, Merrell’s VP of Digital Marketing, Jane Smith, shared how the iconic outdoor brand is navigating economic uncertainty and digital disruption – not by slashing prices, but by doubling down on community and connection. For a brand rooted in nature, Merrell’s strategy is refreshingly human: focus on small wins, mental well-being, and shared experiences.

So, what can local businesses take from this?

As a digital marketing agency working with local businesses in Croydon, we see a powerful lesson here: you don’t need a global budget to build a meaningful brand. You just need to show up for your community.

Here are three simple, Merrell-inspired tips local businesses can use today:

1. Celebrate the “Small Wins”

Merrell’s “Good Things” campaign highlights the joy of discovering wild blueberries or reaching a scenic overlook. For local businesses, this could mean spotlighting everyday moments – such as a customer’s first visit, a behind-the-scenes look at your team, or a heartfelt review. These stories build emotional connection and trust.

Tip: Start a weekly “Small Win Wednesday” post on social media. Share a customer story, a team milestone, or a local shoutout.

2. Build Community, Not Just Campaigns

Merrell isn’t just selling footwear; it’s promoting a lifestyle of connection and well-being. Local businesses can achieve the same by creating spaces – online or offline – where people feel seen and valued.

Tip: Host a free community event, partner with a neighbouring business, or create a Facebook group for your loyal customers. Think of your brand as a gathering place for the community, not just a storefront.

3. Balance Brand and Performance

Merrell warns against relying solely on performance marketing (“the fastest way to the bottom”). For local businesses, this means not just chasing clicks or discounts, but investing in your story and values.

Tip: Mix your marketing. Use short-term tactics such as promotions, but also invest in long-term brand-building efforts, like a blog, a regular email newsletter, or a video series that shares your mission.

In a world full of noise, Merrell reminds us that authenticity, consistency, and community still win. And for local businesses, that’s not just good marketing – it’s good business.

Why Being Known Beats Being the Best: A Wake-Up Call for Local Businesses

05/30/2025 by scmarketing

In a recent Marketing Week article, Professor John Dawes of the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute made a bold but crucial point:

“People don’t always buy the best product; they buy the product they know.”

This insight should ring loud and clear for local businesses. As a digital marketing agency working with small and medium-sized enterprises, we see this play out every day. Business owners either overestimate the power of their product’s quality – or underestimate their readiness to promote it.

Let’s unpack what this means for you.

The Article’s Core Message: Visibility > Superiority

Dawes challenges the common belief that the best product will naturally rise to the top. In reality, most buyers don’t have the time, energy, or information to evaluate every option. Instead, they rely on what’s familiar. And that familiarity is built through consistent, visible marketing – not just product excellence.

Quality of course does matter. It just means that quality alone isn’t enough.

What This Means for Local Business Owners

Here’s how local businesses can apply this thinking in practical, powerful ways:

1. Don’t Wait for Perfection

Too many small business owners delay marketing because they think their product or service isn’t “ready.” But as Dawes points out, most buyers won’t even compare all the options – they’ll choose from the few they’ve heard of.

Action: Start marketing now utilising key tools within digital marketing, such as social media, to build a community or blogs to showcase your expertise. Build awareness while you refine your offer. Feedback from customers can also help you achieve this too.

2. Be the Brand Customers Remember

Dawes paints the picture that buyers are “cognitive misers”- they don’t want to overthink.

They’ll choose from a shortlist of familiar names. If you’re not on that list, you’re invisible.

Action: Use local Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), social media, and email marketing to stay top-of-mind. You don’t need to be everywhere – just consistently present. If you’re a new start-up, you won’t have your email database in place, so it’s essential to incorporate gathering emails as part of your long-term plan.

3. Invest in Mental Availability

Dawes emphasises the importance of “mental availability” – being remembered when a buyer enters the market. This is especially true for local businesses, where trust and familiarity significantly influence purchasing decisions.

Action: Run small, sustained ad campaigns. Sponsor local events. Share stories that connect emotionally. Familiarity builds trust.

Why Trust and Authenticity Matter Even More

While visibility gets you noticed, trust is what gets you chosen. In a world where consumers are bombarded with options, prospects gravitate toward brands that feel genuine, consistent, and human.

Local businesses have a unique advantage here: proximity. You’re part of the community. You can show your face, share your story, and build authentic relationships.

Action: Be transparent about your values. Highlight your team. Share customer testimonials. Let people see the people behind the brand.

Our Take: Marketing Isn’t a Luxury - It’s a Lifeline

The Marketing Week article is a timely reminder that visibility is a competitive advantage. But visibility must be paired with authenticity and trust to create lasting brand loyalty.

As a digital marketing agency in Croydon, we help local businesses stop waiting for the “perfect moment” and start building brand presence now.

5 Web Design Elements That Make a Big Marketing Impact for Small Businesses

06/03/202505/23/2025 by scmarketing

In today’s digital-first world, your website is very often the first impression potential customers get of your business. Whether you’re a local café in Croydon or a growing consultancy in London, good web design is more than just aesthetics, a website plays a vital role in how your business is discovered, how it’s perceived, and whether people choose to contact you.

If you’re a small business owner looking to grow online and attract more leads, here are five powerful web design features that make a big marketing impact:

1. Clear Call-to-Actions (CTAs) That Convert

Your website should guide visitors toward taking the next step. Whether that’s booking a call, downloading a guide, or making a purchase. A well-designed CTA is:

Clear and concise (“Book a Free Consultation”)
Placed in high-visibility areas (like headers, after an introduction paragraph or at the end of blog posts)
Matched to user intent (e.g. “See Our Menu” for a restaurant)

Pro Tip: Use contrasting colours for buttons to draw attention, but always keep your brand palette in mind for consistency.

2. Mobile-Friendly, Fast-Loading Design

With over 60% of searches now happening on mobile, your website must look and function great on smartphones (in fact all types of devices). Ensure a mobile-friendly website:

Loads in under 3 seconds
Resizes content to fit any screen
Has touch-friendly buttons and simple navigation

Google takes mobile usability into consideration when it ranks a website, so this impacts your Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) too!

3. SEO-Optimised Layout & Structure

SEO starts with how your website is built and its content. Search engines trawl your content so it can rank your website, and your visitors need to find what they’re looking for quickly.

Effective SEO design includes:

Clear headings (H1, H2, etc.)
Keyword-rich web page titles and meta descriptions
Internal linking to other key pages or blog posts
Fast loading times and secure HTTPS encryption

Pro Tip: Not sure where your website stands? A website audit from a professional web design company can help highlight SEO and performance issues you might not spot.

4. Branding That Builds Trust

Consistent branding builds recognition and credibility. Visitors form an opinion in seconds. So, your colours, fonts, images and tone of voice should clearly reflect your business identity.

Good branding on your website should:

Match your offline materials (logo, signage, etc.)
Use brand-appropriate visuals (e.g., neutral colours of photography for a wellness brand)
Speak to your ideal customer with the right tone of voice

Strong branding = more trust = more leads.

5. User-Friendly Content Management System (CMS)

You should be able to easily update your website content, whether it’s publishing a blog post, updating your opening hours, or uploading new testimonials. A good CMS (like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace) empowers small business owners to stay agile.

When choosing a CMS, look for:

Easy editing and drag-and-drop features
SEO tools built in
Responsive templates that look great on all devices

Bonus Tip: If your website is more than 4–5 years old, it might be time for a refresh or rebuild. Modern websites are built to be faster, more secure, and more engaging for today’s audiences.

Making Your Website Work Harder for Your Business

Consider your website a key marketing tool for your business, working for you 24/7. When designed well, it doesn’t just look good, it works hard for your business. Whether you’re trying to improve local visibility, generate leads, or boost credibility, investing in smart web design pays off.

If you’re unsure where to start, we can help. From website audits to custom web design solutions, our web design team specialises in helping small businesses grow online with powerful, easy-to-manage websites.

Get in touch today to see how your website can work harder for your business.