Name: Smart Cow Marketing
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 Your Small Business Needs a Website

09/19/2024 by scmarketing

In today’s digital-first world, if your business isn’t online, you’re invisible. It might sound harsh, but it’s true—97% of consumers find out about a local business online. Whether you’re a coffee shop, a boutique, or a service provider, your customers expect you to have a professional online presence. But for many small businesses, the idea of building a website can feel overwhelming. You might think it’s too expensive, too complicated, or simply not necessary.

But here’s the thing: it’s never been easier (or more affordable) to get a website that works for your small business. At Smart Cow Marketing, we specialise in creating stunning, user-friendly websites designed specifically for small businesses—no tech jargon, no huge costs, just a website that helps your online presence.

Why a Website is Non-Negotiable for Small Businesses

Build Credibility
Consumers trust businesses with websites. A professional website shows that you’re serious about your business and gives customers the confidence to choose you over the competition. In fact, 75% of people judge a company’s credibility based on its website design. Even a simple, well-designed site can make a world of difference.
Reach More Customers
Without a website, your potential customers might not even know you exist. By being online, you open the door to a whole new world of customers. With the right SEO (Search Engine Optimisation), you can show up right where they’re looking.
Stay Open 24/7
Unlike a brick-and-mortar shop, a website works for you around the clock. Whether it’s giving customers the information they need, taking bookings, or selling products, your website never clocks out. It’s like having an employee who works 24/7, 365 days a year, without a salary.
Compete with the Big Players
Small businesses often feel they can’t compete with larger companies. But online, a professional website can level the playing field. With the right digital marketing strategy, you can stand out and attract customers just like the big names.

How We Make It Easy (And Affordable)

At Smart Cow Marketing, we get it. As a small business, you’re busy, and budgets are tight. That’s why we focus on creating affordable, high-quality websites that deliver real results. From simple, one-page websites to more complex e-commerce solutions, we’ll handle everything, from design to content to mobile optimisation.

And you won’t need to spend hours on the phone with developers. We make the process easy and straightforward.

Get a Website Quote Instantly

Not sure how much a website will cost? Don’t worry, we’ve made it simple. With our online website calculator, you can get an estimate based on your specific needs.

Ready to get started? Get your personalised website estimate in minutes with our Online Website Calculator. Let’s build something great together!

Embracing the Human Element in Marketing - Smart Cow Marketing Digital Marketing Croydon

Embracing the Human Element in Marketing: Why Authenticity Matters

09/12/2024 by scmarketing

Authenticity in marketing refers to being genuine, transparent, and true to your brand’s values and promises. It’s about creating honest connections with your audience by communicating in a way that feels real and relatable. Authentic marketing doesn’t hide behind flashy gimmicks or false promises; instead, it focuses on delivering value and building trust.

In an era where consumers are bombarded with countless messages daily, authenticity has become more important than ever. People crave real connections and are more likely to engage with brands that show a human side, admit mistakes, and genuinely care about their customers.

Why Authenticity is Important?

Building Trust: Trust is the foundation of any successful relationship, and this extends to your relationship with your customers. Authentic marketing helps build trust, making your audience more likely to choose your brand over others.

Creating Emotional Connections: Authenticity allows your brand to connect with people on an emotional level. Customers will be more inclined to become loyal advocates for your brand if they feel valued.

Standing Out in a Crowded Market: With so many brands competing for attention, authenticity can be a key differentiator. By being true to who you are and what you stand for, your brand can cut through the noise and resonate with your target audience.

Long-Term Success: Brands that prioritise authenticity are more likely to enjoy long-term success. This is because they build strong, lasting relationships with their customers rather than relying on short-term tactics that may not be sustainable.

Practical Tips for Implementing Authenticity in Digital Marketing

Know Your Audience: Understand who your customers are, what they care about, and what problems they need solving. Use this knowledge to tailor your messaging and ensure it resonates with their needs and values.
Be Transparent and Honest: Don’t be afraid to show the behind-the-scenes of your business. Share your successes and your challenges. Honesty fosters trust, and customers appreciate brands that are upfront about their journey.
Use Personalised Communication: Personalisation goes beyond just using a customer’s name in email marketing. Tailor your communications based on customer behaviour, preferences, and past interactions.
Engage in Genuine Conversations: Whether it’s through social media, customer service, or email marketing, engage with your customers in a meaningful way. Listen to their feedback, respond to their questions, and show that you value their input.
Leverage User-Generated Content: Encourage your customers to share their experiences with your brand. User-generated content is a powerful way to showcase authenticity because it comes directly from the people who use and love your products or services.
Highlight Your Brand’s Story: Every business has a story. Share yours. Whether it’s how your company started, the challenges you’ve overcome, or the mission that drives you, storytelling is a compelling way to connect with your audience on a deeper level.
Maintain Consistency Across Channels: Ensure that your messaging and tone remain consistent across all platforms. Whether a customer interacts with you on social media, your website, or in person, they should always experience the same authentic brand voice.
Balance AI with Human Touch: While AI can help automate and personalise your marketing, don’t rely on it exclusively. Make sure there’s a human element in your communications, especially in interactions that require empathy and understanding.

Bringing It All Together

In the digital age, where technology plays an ever-growing role in marketing, the human element should never be overlooked. Authenticity and personalisation are not just buzzwords; they are essential strategies for building trust, creating meaningful connections, and standing out in a crowded marketplace.

As a small business owner, you have a unique opportunity to infuse your marketing with the genuine, personal touch that larger companies often struggle to replicate. By focusing on these principles, you can create a digital marketing strategy that resonates with your audience and drives long-term success.

Take to use if you need support to help grow your business with a tailored digital marketing strategy.

Small Business Strategies: Embracing Digital Marketing

09/04/202409/02/2024 by scmarketing

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, staying on top of the latest marketing trends is crucial for small business growth. Harnessing these trends not only boosts your online visibility but also provides a competitive edge in your industry.

Let’s explore some of the most impactful digital marketing trends and how they can help your business thrive.

Video Content Strategy

Video content, in particular short form video, has become a powerhouse in digital marketing, with platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok dominating user engagement and helping to enhance a brand’s reach and engagement.

Why Video Content?

Videos can be more engaging compared to text or images helping to convey complex information quickly and entertainingly.
With short-form video, there is viral potential. These videos offer bite-sized snippets, perfect for capturing attention and engaging with a younger audience. Short videos are easily consumable, leading to higher engagement rates with the content more likely to be shared, increasing your reach.
Creating short videos can be more cost-effective. These videos are often less resource-intensive than longer content.
Videos can help to improve your website’s SEO. Google prioritises websites with video content.
Videos can effectively convey your value proposition, leading to higher conversion rates.

How to Implement

Create Tutorials: Demonstrate your products or services in action with an How To or Explainer video.
Share Customer Testimonials: Real testimonials build trust and authenticity.
Live Streaming: Engage with your audience in real-time through Q&A sessions, product launches, or behind-the-scenes content.
Create Quick Tips and Hacks: Share valuable tips related to your industry.
Showcase Products: Highlight product features or demonstrate their use.
Engage with Trends: Participate in popular challenges or trends relevant to your brand.

Personalised Marketing

With the wealth of data available today, personalised marketing is more achievable and effective than ever. Tailoring your marketing efforts to individual customers can significantly boost engagement and loyalty.

Why Personalised Marketing?

Personalised content resonates more with customers, helping to enhance the customer experience, making them feel valued and understood.
Personalised emails, recommendations, and offers are more likely to be opened and acted upon.
Personalisation drives higher conversion rates by delivering relevant content at the right time.

How to Implement

Segment Your Audience: Divide your audience into segments based on behaviour, preferences, and demographics.
Customise Communication: Tailor your emails, social media posts, and ads to each segment.

Authenticity

In an era of information overload, your customers crave authenticity. Genuine, transparent communication can set your brand apart and build lasting relationships with your audience.

Why Authenticity?

Being authentic helps to build brand trust. Being open and honest fosters trust and credibility.
Authentic brands cultivate loyal customers who advocate for them.
Authentic communication helps to humanise your brand making it relatable and approachable.

How to Implement

Share Behind-the-Scenes Content: Show the human side of your business.
Be Transparent: Communicate openly about your processes, values, and challenges.
Engage With Your Audience: Respond to comments and feedback genuinely and promptly.

Digital Marketing Trends

Staying abreast of the latest digital marketing trends is essential for small business growth. By integrating video content and personalised marketing into your digital marketing strategy while remaining authentic, you can enhance your online visibility, engage your audience, and drive business success.

Start implementing these trends today and see where it takes your business. For more personalised advice, contact our digital marketing team of experts and let’s grow together!

Innovative Digital Marketing Strategies for Local Business Growth

08/26/2024 by scmarketing

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, local businesses must adapt to stay relevant and competitive. Digital marketing has undergone significant transformation, especially for smaller businesses looking to attract and retain local customers.

The rise of mobile internet usage, social media engagement, and shifts in consumer behaviour have all contributed to the need for local businesses to enhance their online presence.

Current Trends and Shifts in Consumer Behaviour

Consumers increasingly rely on online access to discover, research, and engage with local businesses. This shift underscores the importance of a robust digital marketing strategy tailored to the unique needs of a local business.

From optimising for local searches to leveraging social media for community building, local businesses have numerous opportunities to grow and thrive in this digital era.

Importance of an Online Presence and Effective SEO Strategies

Why a Robust Online Presence is Crucial

A strong online presence is vital for local businesses to attract and engage customers. An optimised website can serve as the foundation for your digital marketing efforts, ensuring that potential customers find you when they perform local searches.

Tips on Optimising Your Website for Better Search Engine Rankings

Use Location-Based Keywords: Incorporate keywords related to your location and services in your content and meta descriptions for example, “Accountant Croydon”; “Web Design Croydon”.
Mobile Optimisation: Ensure your website is mobile-friendly, as many local searches are conducted on mobile devices.
Fast Loading Speeds: A fast-loading website improves user experience and can positively impact your search engine rankings.
Quality Content: Publish high-quality, relevant content that addresses the needs and interests of your local audience.

Local SEO Best Practices

Optimising your online presence is key for local SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) success which in turn will help to attract more business from relevant local searches. Best practices include:

Google My Business: Ensure you have your Google My Business listing set up. Regularly update your business information so it is current, post engaging content, and encourage customer reviews.
Local Listings: Ensure your business is listed on local online directories and review websites. Consistent and accurate information across these platforms can boost your local search rankings.
Local Keywords: Use local keywords in your website content, meta descriptions, and blog posts to enhance your visibility in local search results.

Leveraging Social Media for Community Engagement

Social media platforms play a crucial role in connecting local businesses with their community. They provide an avenue for real-time interaction, customer feedback, and community building. Strategies for using social channels effectively include:

Facebook: Create a business page, post regular updates, and engage with your followers through comments and messages. An ad campaign can also help you to reach more potential customers in your local area.
Instagram: Share visually appealing content that showcases your products or services. Use local hashtags to increase your visibility and connect with local influencers.
LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn to network with other local businesses and professionals. Share industry insights, company updates, and participate in local business groups.

The Role of Email Marketing in Nurturing Local Customer Relationships

Email marketing remains a powerful tool for local businesses to nurture relationships with customers. It allows for direct communication, personalised content, and timely updates. Some tips on creating engaging email campaigns include:

Personalisation: Use customer data to personalise your emails, addressing recipients by their names and tailoring content to their interests.
Compelling Subject Lines: Write compelling subject lines that grab attention and encourage opens.
Relevant Content: Provide valuable content, such as exclusive offers, upcoming events, and useful tips related to your products or services.

Segmenting your email list allows you to send more relevant and targeted content to different groups of subscribers. Consider segmenting based on factors such as:

Location: Send location-specific offers and updates to subscribers in different areas.
Purchase History: Tailor content based on previous purchases to promote related products or services.
Engagement Level: Send re-engagement campaigns to inactive subscribers and reward loyal customers with exclusive deals.

Key Takeaways & Actionable Tips

Optimise Your Website for Local Search: Include location-based keywords in your content and meta descriptions to improve your local search rankings.
Utilise Google My Business: Regularly update your business information, post engaging content, and encourage customer reviews to enhance your online presence.
Leverage Social Media Platforms: Engage with your local community, share updates, and run targeted advertising campaigns on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Implement a Local SEO Strategy: Create and optimise your local listings on online directories and review sites to boost your visibility.
Partner with Local Influencers or Businesses: Collaborate with local influencers or businesses to expand your reach within the community and drive more foot traffic to your store.

Digital Marketing for Croydon Business

Local businesses can significantly benefit from a well-rounded digital marketing strategy that encompasses a strong online presence, effective SEO practices, social media content, and targeted email marketing. By implementing innovative marketing strategies, local businesses can not only attract and retain more customers but also foster a loyal community around their brand.

Book a time with our digital marketing team today and let’s start growing your business together!