I’ve talked about localised SEO in other articles, and how it’s becoming more and more vital to businesses. As an increasing number of people switch their buying habits from in-store to online, your business must appear exactly where your target market is looking. One of the ways to do this is through directories, and more specifically, through NAC: Name Address Correspondence To boost your localised SEO you need to have the correct citation and, more importantly, have the directories point back to your website. As a company we’ve recently researched more than 50 of the top directories in the UK - here’s our list of 29 directories that you can add your details to for free. Before you begin to add your details to these directories you need to apply keyword research to discover the most appropriate description and keywords to use in your listing. Description: This will be what people will read that will ultimately encourage them to get in touch with you for the product or service they require. For example, here’s a basic description that we wrote for the marketing side of our business, Novus Marketing Solutions LTD: Novus Marketing Solutions LTD is a multi-award-winning content creation company, based in Doncaster. Specialising in branding, website design, SEO, social media advertising and videos, we make sure your product/service is seen by your target market on the most effective platform. Check out our website www.novusmarketingsolutions.co.uk or give us a ring to see how we can take your business to the next level. This is a basic description that contains the keywords we want to be found for. Some directories ask for a short bio, others allow you to have descriptions as long as you want; that said, remember that your prospective customers will be reading these, so make sure you’re to the point. Encourage people to get in touch with you - your listing will be next to your competitors’ and people can be put off by too many words. As well as a description, directories often ask you for: Pictures of your business (e.g. your logo) Videos Services and products you offer Business Name Address Company size Email Social media links Phone number Keywords you want to be found for It’s a good idea to write these into a Word document so that you can simply copy and paste the information. It will save you a lot of time re-writing the same details. Here’s our list of the 29 online directories in which you can be featured for free (last checked 07/07/2020). *Freemium means free for a specific period, or that the directory offers a premium version that carries additional features. www.google.co.uk/business – Free www.bingplaces.com – Free www.yell.com – Freemium www.yelp.co.uk – Free www.thomsonlocal.com – Freemium www.scoot.co.uk – Freemium www.foursquare.com – Freemium www.uklinked.co.uk – Freemium www.freeindex.co.uk – Freemium www.hotfrog.co.uk – Freemium www.lacartes.com – Freemium www.192.com – Free www.locanto.co.uk – Freemium www.approvedbusiness.co.uk – Freemium www.uksmallbusinessdirectory.co.uk – Free www.opening-times.co.uk – Free www.yalwa.co.uk – Freemium www.brownbook.net – Freemium www.businessmagnet.co.uk – Free www.opendi.co.uk – Freemium www.thetradefinder.co.uk – Free www.listedin.co.uk - Freemium www.searchme4.co.uk – Free www.pinbud.co.uk – Freemium www.tradepages.co.uk – Freemium www.ukbusinessdirectoryltd.co.uk – Freemium www.business-directory-uk.co.uk – Freemium www.uk-businesses.co.uk – Freemium www.bizify.co.uk – Free If you have any problems adding your company’s details to the above directory sites, get in touch with us. We admit that it’s time-consuming, but we’re more than happy to create your listings on your behalf. Check out our website: www.novusmarketingsolutions.co.uk; alternatively, message us by email: Info@novusmarketingsolutions.co.uk or through social media. I hope you found the above useful. Remember, SEO isn’t just a one-off project - you need to keep developing new content to make sure you keep rising the ranks. Read our other articles to find out more about SEO and how you can do it yourself.

Most businesses tend to ignore their marketing when things are going well, and then try to double down on marketing when things are going wrong or they are losing business, which means they end up wanting great marketing for minimal cost. This is counterproductive. When things are going great, you should spend on Great Marketing and be ready for when the bad times come knocking. Marketing is the lifeblood of any business, regardless of its size. For small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the United Kingdom, effective marketing strategies can be the difference between obscurity and success in a competitive market landscape. Understanding how SMEs utilize marketing, perceive its impacts, and acquire marketing services sheds light on the critical role marketing plays in their growth and sustainability. The Importance of Marketing for SMEs: Marketing serves as a bridge between businesses and their target audience. For SMEs, it is a vital tool for building brand awareness, attracting customers, and driving sales. Despite its importance, many SMEs face challenges in allocating resources to marketing activities, especially when balancing limited budgets and competing priorities. Take, for example, the global beverage giant Coca-Cola. Over the years, Coca-Cola has consistently invested heavily in advertising to maintain its position as one of the world's most recognized brands. In 2019 alone, Coca-Cola spent approximately $4 billion on advertising worldwide, a testament to the company's commitment to marketing despite its market dominance. This underscores the significance of continuous investment in marketing, even for established companies. Utilization of Marketing by SMEs: SMEs in the UK employ various marketing strategies to promote their products or services and connect with their target audience. Digital marketing has emerged as a cornerstone for SMEs, offering cost-effective ways to reach potential customers through channels such as social media, email marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising. Moreover, traditional advertising methods, including print ads, radio commercials, and TV spots, still hold relevance for SMEs looking to reach a broader audience. Content marketing, influencer collaborations, and public relations efforts further complement SMEs' marketing initiatives, allowing them to engage with consumers across multiple touchpoints. Perceived Impacts of Marketing: Effective marketing efforts yield tangible results for SMEs, ranging from increased brand visibility to higher conversion rates and customer loyalty. By investing in marketing, SMEs can differentiate themselves from competitors, establish a strong brand presence, and cultivate long-term relationships with their target audience. Moreover, marketing catalyzes business growth, enabling SMEs to expand their market reach, enter new territories, and adapt to changing consumer preferences. The ability to measure and analyze marketing metrics empowers SMEs to refine their strategies, optimize their marketing spend, and maximize their return on investment (ROI) over time. Acquiring Marketing Services: SMEs adopt various approaches to acquire marketing services tailored to their needs and resources. Some SMEs maintain in-house marketing teams equipped with the expertise to develop and execute marketing campaigns internally. This approach offers greater control over marketing activities but may require significant investment in hiring and training personnel. Alternatively, many SMEs choose to outsource their marketing needs to specialized agencies or freelancers. These external partners bring valuable insights, skills, and resources to the table, allowing SMEs to access professional marketing services without the overhead costs associated with maintaining an in-house team. For SMEs with limited budgets or specific expertise, a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach to marketing may be more viable. Online resources, training programs, and marketing tools enable SMEs to create and manage their marketing campaigns independently, albeit with varying degrees of success. Challenges Faced by SMEs in Marketing: Despite the benefits of marketing, SMEs encounter several challenges in effectively leveraging marketing strategies: Limited Budget: Budget constraints often restrict the scale and scope of SMEs' marketing activities, necessitating careful allocation of resources to high-impact initiatives. Lack of Expertise: SMEs may lack the specialized knowledge and skills required to navigate complex marketing landscapes, particularly in digital marketing and emerging technologies. Time Constraints: Managing marketing activities alongside day-to-day business operations can strain SMEs' resources and personnel, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. Adaptation to Digital Marketing Trends: With the proliferation of digital channels and shifting consumer behaviours, SMEs are increasingly embracing digital marketing as a core component of their marketing mix. From social media marketing to search engine optimization, SMEs leverage digital platforms to engage with their audience, drive website traffic, and generate leads. Data-driven insights and analytics empower SMEs to optimize their digital marketing efforts, identify emerging trends, and refine their targeting strategies for maximum impact. Moreover, the rise of e-commerce and online marketplaces presents new opportunities for SMEs to expand their reach and diversify their revenue streams in the digital space. Marketing plays a pivotal role in the success and growth of small to medium-sized businesses in the UK. By investing in effective marketing strategies, SMEs can amplify their brand presence, drive customer engagement, and achieve sustainable business growth in an ever-evolving marketplace. With the right approach and resources, SMEs can harness the power of marketing to thrive amidst challenges and capitalize on opportunities for success.

When writing social media content for your business, you may sometimes suffer from writer’s block and wonder what on Earth to talk about. There may not be anything particularly interesting going on for you to talk about - or so you may think. There’s always something to create content around; in this article, I will show you where to find inspiration for social media posts. Create a social media content plan Having a plan in place makes it easier to curate content on days where you may draw a blank. An easy plan to follow is: Monday - #MondayMotivation Tuesday - #TopTipTuesday Wednesday - #WednesdayWisdom Thursday - #ThrowbackThursday Friday - #FridayFeeling These hashtags serve as effective prompts and are great inspiration for social media posts. Reshare old content If you’re struggling to produce social media content, why not reshare and repurpose old social media posts? Choose content that will be meaningful to your audience, or a ‘throwback’ to one of your significant milestones. Perhaps reshare some of your favourite products or services, and how they helped one of your customers – you could even tag that same customer in the post. Tagging the relevant client means that they’ll be more likely to share your content, talk about your business and describe their experience with you. Share customer reviews Sharing (positive) customer feedback is a great way to boost client loyalty. Put your customers’ opinions of your business out there for all to see. Once again, tag the relative customer in the post; increase the chances that they’ll share the post and talk positively about your business. Utilise trending topics Commenting on trending topics is a great way to organically boost your reach on social media. Because people will be actively searching and talking about these topics, they’ll be more likely to see your post and interact with it. Try to avoid subjects such as politics, religion, or anything too polarising; you don’t want to alienate members of your audience. Twitter is a great way to identify the popular topic of the hour/day - you can even see the top posts for the subject that’s trending and take inspiration from these to create your post. Host a poll on your socials Polls are a great way to generate organic engagement on your social media. Polls can be created around anything to do with your business. For example, a marketing company could host a poll that relates to two new logos and ask their audience which one they prefer. Not only does this provide market research, it will get them talking about your plans. Go behind the scenes People are intrinsically nosy and will therefore be interested in what goes on behind the scenes of your business. Bring them into your world and show them what a typical day is like for you and your company. Posting behind the scenes humanises your business, it gives your brand a personality and makes you more relatable. It’s easy to create compelling content for your social media if you think outside the box. Just keep in mind, with any content you create, that it must always be engaging and relatable to your audience.

The Oscars occurred last Sunday with Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer winning seven Oscars putting it into an exclusive club of films that have managed this feat. This year was a good year for films with many high-profile film releases such as Barbie and Poor Things. But are the Oscars still relevant in our current age? With streaming and television on the rise, fewer and fewer people are following these once “unmissable” event and is it possible for them to bounce back? Last year the moment that kept the Oscars relevant was the slap heard across the world as Will Smith walked on stage and slapped comedian Chris Rock across the face after making a joke towards the actor's wife. But other than that, most people won’t be able to tell you much about what else happened at the event. Some would argue that this could be due to a lack of diversity. Concerns started after many people pointed out that the Oscar nominations would often overlook films directed by women, people of colour, and from countries that weren’t America. The recent rule changes introduced by the Oscars in response to diversity concerns have ignited discussions about their true efficacy. While these alterations aim to foster inclusivity and representation in filmmaking, sceptics suggest they might serve as mere surface-level remedies, failing to address the deeper-rooted systemic inequalities within Hollywood. According to insiders from prominent film companies who spoke anonymously with the New York Times, the diversity requirements have had limited impact on their filmmaking processes, with some asserting that the standards are easily met and may not lead to substantial shifts in hiring practices or narrative choices. However, this year's Oscar nominations do reflect some strides towards diversification. Notably, among the nominees for acting awards, seven individuals hail from historically marginalised communities. The recognition of talents such as Lily Gladstone, the first Native American nominee for Best Actress for her role in "Killers of the Flower Moon," and Colman Domingo's portrayal of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin, nominated for Best Actor, signifies a move towards acknowledging and celebrating diverse voices in the industry. Moreover, films like "Barbie" and "American Fiction," nominated for Best Picture, feature casts and narratives that offer a broader spectrum of experiences, such as "Past Lives," which explores the reunion between a Korean American woman and her childhood friend, showcasing storytelling that reflects the rich tapestry of human existence. Despite these positive developments, the ongoing debate underscores the need for more comprehensive and sustained efforts to enact meaningful change in Hollywood's landscape. Another reason for the Oscar's decline is the growing commercialisation and corporate influence on the show. Behind the scenes, studios and distributors spare no expense in mounting elaborate campaigns to sway Academy voters, pouring resources into everything from lavish events to glossy promotional materials. The allure of an Oscar win is not merely symbolic; it carries tangible financial benefits, driving box office revenue and shaping long-term industry dynamics. Yet, this pursuit of Oscar glory often comes at a cost, as artistic integrity takes a backseat to marketing strategies and financial incentives. Major studios, wielding considerable influence within the Academy, further tilt the scales in favour of big-budget productions, while smaller, independent films struggle to compete. The Oscars, once a celebration of cinematic excellence, have become entangled in a web of sponsorship deals, brand integration, and profit-driven agendas. In this landscape, the line between artistic merit and commercial interests blurs, raising questions about the authenticity and integrity of the awards. As the film industry grapples with these challenges, the Oscars risk losing relevance, becoming little more than a glittering spectacle of corporate branding and industry politics. While the Oscars remain a highly anticipated event in the film industry, their relevance has faced challenges in recent years. Issues such as lack of diversity in nominations, growing commercialization, and corporate influence have led to debates about the awards' significance and impact on the industry. Despite efforts to address these concerns through rule changes and recognition of diverse talents, scepticism remains about the Oscars' ability to truly reflect the rich tapestry of human experiences and maintain their integrity as a celebration of cinematic excellence. Moving forward, continued efforts to promote diversity, inclusion, and artistic integrity will be essential for the Oscars to remain relevant in an ever-evolving film landscape.

The Historical Essence of Symbols A logo…branding…having a symbol to define what you, your family, or your company stands for is not something new. Consider noble families' coats of arms and countries' flags - even ancient civilizations used unique carvings to differentiate themselves. It’s human nature to want to stand out from the crowd and represent what you stand for. The Visual Language of Corporate Identity Today, there’s an extensive library of easily recognizable company logos; we all know what they are and what they stand for just from their symbol, logotype, or a combination of both. From an early age and as we grow older, we’re bombarded with these brands. Even small children recognize the Nike tick, McDonald’s golden arches, and Amazon’s smile. The Human Connection: Attributes of Branding So, what makes a random symbol on a sign, shirt, or screen resonate? People give human-like characteristics to brands based on their understanding of a company’s values and behaviours. A logo is important to a brand; it visually embodies the culture and character of a company. It’s comparable to a person’s signature. Strategic Significance: The Role of a Logo The main focus of a logo is to ensure the brand it represents ‘remains at the forefront of the audience’s thoughts’ (Herskovits and Crystal, 2010, p.21). Decoding Recognition: The Art and Science The secret to what makes a logo recognizable is a lengthy and complicated subject. If you only take one thing away from this short article, it should be this: a logo needs to be powerful so that customers don’t just remember its shape but what it stands for, too. The most memorable logos remind consumers why your business exists. Icons of Recognition McDonald's has possibly one of the most recognizable logos in the world. With Amazon's increasing success, its logo is becoming very iconic. The Pitfall of Indistinctiveness If your logo isn’t distinct, potential customers will struggle to differentiate your brand from your competitors. They’ll be more likely to confuse you with other providers of what you offer and spend their money with someone else.

In the rich tapestry of international Rugby, few tournaments boast a history as storied and captivating as the Six Nations Championship. From its humble origins in the late 19th century to the modern-day spectacle watched by millions around the globe, the Six Nations has become synonymous with passion, pride, and fierce competition among Europe's rugby elite. Origins: The Birth of a Tradition The roots of the Six Nations can be traced back to 1883 when the Home Nations Championship was first played between England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. England claimed the inaugural titles, but disputes over refereeing and professionalism led to the formation of the International Rugby Board (IRB) in 1886. England's exclusion from subsequent tournaments and the sporadic disruptions due to World Wars underscored the tumultuous early years of the championship. Evolution: Expansion and Inclusion Despite the challenges, the championship persevered and evolved over time. France officially joined the tournament in 1910, expanding the competition to five nations and ushering in a new era of international rugby. Format changes, suspensions, and the eventual inclusion of Italy in 2000 transformed the tournament into the modern-day Six Nations Championship, solidifying its status as one of the premier rugby competitions in the world. Six Nation Rivalries: The Heartbeat of the Championship At the core of the Six Nations lies its defining rivalries, each steeped in tradition and lore, adding layers of intensity to every matchday. From historic feuds to Celtic clashes, these rivalries epitomise the spirit of competition that defines the championship. England vs. France: Dating back over a century, the rivalry between England and France is steeped in history and cultural significance. Matches between these two nations are marked by fierce competitiveness and breathtaking displays of skill, making them must-watch fixtures in the Six Nations calendar. Scotland vs. England: The Calcutta Cup, contested between Scotland and England, is the oldest fixture in international rugby, symbolising pride and tradition. Matches between these two teams are known for their intensity and unpredictability, adding to the allure of the championship. Ireland vs. Wales: Rooted in shared Celtic heritage, the rivalry between Ireland and Wales is a showcase of skill, passion, and pride. The Millennium Trophy adds an extra layer of significance to their encounters, making each match a crucial chapter in the Six Nations narrative. Wales vs. England: Arguably the most intense rivalry in the championship, clashes between Wales and England are defined by national pride and sporting excellence. The competition for the Triple Crown adds extra spice to this perennial showdown, creating iconic moments that resonate with fans worldwide. Ireland vs. England: The battle for the Centenary Quaich trophy adds an extra layer of intensity to the rivalry between Ireland and England. Witnessing some of the most thrilling moments in tournament history, clashes between these two nations are eagerly anticipated by fans. Italy vs. Everyone: As the underdog of the championship, Italy brings determination and resilience to every match. While their rivalry with each nation may not carry the same historical weight, the Azzurri's quest for recognition adds an intriguing subplot to the tournament. From its humble beginnings to its status as one of the premier rugby competitions in the world, the Six Nations Championship is a celebration of rugby excellence, tradition, and rivalry. As fans eagerly await each tournament, they know they are witnessing the pinnacle of European rugby, where legends are made, and rivalries reign supreme.

In September 2016, ByteDance, a Chinese tech company, introduced the world to TikTok, known as Douyin in its home country. The app made its debut on iOS and Android markets in 2017, captivating users globally with its short-form video format. However, it wasn't until August 2018 that TikTok took a giant leap forward, becoming available in the United States after merging with the popular lip-sync app, musical.ly. Since the fusion with musical.ly, TikTok has experienced an exponential surge in popularity, giving rise to a new generation of influencers, particularly among teenagers. The app's unique features and engaging content have fueled its growth, making it a powerhouse in the social media landscape. TikTok's platform empowers users to create short videos, with a maximum duration of 15 seconds, shared seamlessly on their feed. For those seeking a longer storytelling format, the option to link shorter clips and craft 60-second videos is available. While users can upload external videos to their feed, the majority adhere to the app's preferred 15 or 60-second durations. As of January 2020, TikTok boasts a staggering user base of 800 million people each month, earning the coveted title of the most downloaded app of the year. This impressive reach underscores the platform's global impact and influence. Understanding the Audience: Age Statistics for TikTok Users For businesses considering the integration of TikTok for their marketing strategies, understanding the user demographics is key. Teenagers, aged 13-17, constitute a significant portion, making up 27% of the app's user base. Beyond the teenage demographic, the breakdown further reveals: 13-17: 27% 18-24: 42% 25-34: 16% 35-44: 8% 45-54: 3% 55+: 4% This diverse age distribution positions TikTok as a versatile platform for businesses aiming to reach specific target demographics. TikTok for Business: Is It Your Perfect Fit? If your business caters to products or services aligning with the preferences of the 13-24 age group, TikTok should undoubtedly be a cornerstone in your marketing mix. Embracing TikTok for business allows you to tap into a vibrant community, presenting your brand where your ideal customers spend a significant portion of their online time. In conclusion, TikTok's unique blend of creativity, short-form content, and diverse user base positions it as an invaluable tool for businesses seeking to make a lasting impact in the digital realm. The question then becomes, can you afford to miss out on the opportunities TikTok for business brings to the table?

Amid the escalating US election fervour, the spotlight once again turns to Mr. Trump, who actively courts black voters in the lead-up to the polls. Key to Joe Biden's 2020 victory, black voters find themselves targeted in a new disinformation trend: manipulated images of black Trump supporters generated by artificial intelligence (AI). Contrary to previous instances of foreign influence campaigns, these AI-generated images seem to originate from within the US, casting a shadow over the upcoming presidential election. The co-founder of Black Voters Matter, an organization dedicated to encouraging black voter participation, raised concerns about these images, suggesting they serve a "strategic narrative" portraying Mr. Trump as popular within the black community. See the BBC Article about it here https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68440150 Unveiling the Technology: How AI Creates Deceptive Images Delving into the heart of this emerging threat reveals the intricate technology driving AI-generated disinformation campaigns. At its core lies the formidable power of Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and sophisticated deep learning algorithms. These artificial intelligence are not mere tools but rather adversaries in a digital duel. GANs, for instance, consist of two neural networks – a generator and a discriminator – locked in a perpetual dance to create and detect realistic content. The process begins with the generator crafting synthetic images by learning from extensive datasets of real ones. This neural network strives to produce content indistinguishable from authentic visuals. Concurrently, the discriminator's role is to differentiate between real and generated content. Through this adversarial training, the generator refines its skills until the boundary between the real and the fake becomes increasingly imperceptible. This technology, while holding promise in various fields, becomes a double-edged sword when wielded for malicious intent. Its ability to churn out convincingly realistic images has profound implications for disinformation campaigns, threatening the fabric of truth in our increasingly digital existence. Concerns and Implications: Beyond the Surface Beyond the immediate political sphere, the repercussions of AI-generated disinformation stretch into the very fabric of societal trust and digital security. The concerns transcend political manoeuvring and delve into the intricacies of privacy, identity, and the erosion of truth. Privacy Breaches and Identity Manipulation: The rise of AI-generated content poses a severe risk to individual privacy. Deepfakes and manipulated images can thrust unsuspecting individuals into fabricated scenarios, tarnishing reputations and causing lasting harm. As black Trump supporters find themselves unwitting subjects, the potential for exploitation and harm to personal lives is amplified. Erosion of Trust and Reality: In a world inundated with AI-generated disinformation, trust becomes a scarce commodity. Authenticity is under constant siege, as individuals grapple with the challenge of discerning between reality and meticulously crafted falsehoods. This erosion of trust extends beyond politics, affecting all aspects of our digital lives, from social interactions to business transactions. Political Manipulation: A Voting Dilemma: The malicious use of AI-generated content to manipulate public opinion, especially during elections, raises a significant red flag. By strategically disseminating deceptive visuals, nefarious actors can sway voters' perceptions and influence electoral outcomes. The deliberate targeting of black voters in the 2020 election exemplifies the potential harm, accentuating the need for vigilant safeguards. AI-Generated Disinformation: Unveiling the Hidden Threat The term "AI-generated disinformation" encapsulates the sinister synergy between artificial intelligence and the deliberate spread of false information. It signifies a new frontier where technology and deception converge to exploit vulnerabilities in our digital society. As we grapple with the ramifications of this hidden threat, the urgent need for comprehensive countermeasures becomes apparent. From bolstering digital literacy to deploying advanced detection algorithms, addressing AI-generated disinformation demands a multifaceted approach. Additionally, fostering responsible AI development and usage is crucial to preventing the malevolent exploitation of these technologies. The Urgent Call to Action: Identifying Fakes Before it's Too Late The hyper-realism of AI-generated photos amplifies the urgency for proactive measures. The battle against AI-generated disinformation requires collective efforts, from individual awareness to legislative initiatives. By recognizing the potential consequences of this technology, society can forge a path towards preserving the authenticity of democratic processes and protecting the integrity of our digital discourse. Now is the time to act before the menace of AI-generated disinformation spirals beyond our control.

As a dog owner, I’m perhaps biased on the subject of whether to bring a dog into the office. That said, as the owner of the business, I needed to make sure it was okay with my team to bring a dog into our working environment. I didn’t want him to be too much of a distraction (actually, he’s one big distraction). When the company moved from Barnsley to Doncaster and into larger premises, it was the perfect time to introduce Arrow, my golden retriever, to the rest of the team. They’d met him a couple of times before, but this was the first time he’d spent the day with us at work. Luckily, I’m also a dog trainer; Arrow is well-behaved, and I’ve got to say, I was one proud dad that day. Office Dog Arrow He came in and said hello to everyone, then when I asked him to ‘go to bed’ he laid in his basket next to me and fell asleep. To be honest, it's probably one of the best company decisions I’ve made, as everyone loves him. He makes sure everyone is feeling good; if someone feels a little down, he picks up his favourite ‘Angry Bird’ toy and takes it to them. He’s truly earned his title of ‘Chief Cuddle Officer’ and lives up to it each day. The worry of whether he’d be too much of a distraction soon disappeared - all he does is waddle towards everyone to say hello, his tail wagging, and then he finds a place in the office (usually in the middle, where he can be the centre of attention) and just relaxes with his toys. I’m pretty sure that I can speak on behalf of my team and say that there’s a void in the office on the days he's not there (he's a popular dog, he regularly visits friends). Everyone is more productive and happier when he’s with us at work. He encourages us to have small breaks regularly - breaks that completely take us away from our screens. In terms of clients, they all adore him. More often than not clients say hello to him before me. He’s a great guard dog (only if intruders are deterred by the threat of being licked from head to toe!) and, in terms of marketing, he’s been amazing. He’s appeared in a lot of our adverts and even a couple of our clients. He was born to be on stage. So, should you have a dog in the office? As long as they’re well-behaved, I don’t think there are any negatives around bringing your pooch to work. The joy Arrow gives to us all is more than anything I can provide as the business’s owner. Thankfully, I can pay Arrow in biscuits, cuddles and W.A.L.K.I.E.S (never say that word in the office, unless you want to go on one). A dog-friendly office is a much nicer environment to work in. I don’t have to worry about Arrow being home alone, nor do I have to rush home at lunchtime to take him for a walk!

There's been some talk lately about a proposed vape tax that the government is considering announcing in the upcoming budget. Reports suggest that ministers are mulling over the idea, with estimates suggesting it could generate approximately £40 million in public funds, earmarked for services such as the NHS. Vape Tax The rationale behind this proposed tax stems from a notable decline in tobacco consumption. Over recent years, an increasing number of smokers have been transitioning to vaping, viewing it as either a means to quit smoking altogether or as a more economical and cleaner alternative. As a result, tobacco tax revenues have been on the decline. Data from studies conducted in 2021 reveal a decline in smoking prevalence, with approximately 5.6 to 6.6 million adults still smoking. In contrast, the popularity of vaping has been on the rise, with an estimated 3.1 to 3.2 million adults using e-cigarettes. However, the proportion of non-smokers taking up vaping remains minimal, with only around 0.6% to 0.7% of adults who have never smoked adopting this habit. Smoking v Vaping Despite concerns, vaping is generally perceived as a less harmful alternative to smoking, exposing users to fewer toxins. However, there's a pertinent question: Could imposing a vape tax deter smokers from switching to a potentially less harmful option? Vaping serves as one of the primary methods individuals employ to cease smoking, even endorsed by healthcare authorities like the NHS. Thus, some worry that taxing vaping might impede smoking cessation efforts. On the other hand, the government sees the vape tax as a means to offset the declining revenues from tobacco taxes. The projected £40 million in revenue could be allocated to bolster various public services, including healthcare. Ultimately, the decision to implement a vape tax involves a delicate balancing act, weighing potential financial gains against potential impacts on public health and smoking cessation efforts.

A hashtag is a way of categorizing your content so that it can be found under a specific topic, event, theme, or conversation. Hashtags effectively gather together all types of content with the same ‘label’. Your hashtag must always start with the hashtag symbol #, and they won’t work if you start adding spaces, punctuation or symbols. It’s worth doing a little research to ensure you’re using relevant and specific hashtags for your content. So, why should your business use hashtags? Your business can create its very own branded hashtags. This is useful when you wish to access UGC (User Generated Content). It makes it easy to find content that mentions you and your business, content that you can also share. Hashtags can lead to increased engagement on your posts and can boost your brand's visibility - through likes, comments, and shares. They can also help you summarise your social media post so that your audience knows which topic you’re talking about. This is good when you have a character limit, as you can save vital space by giving context to your post with a simple hashtag. How do you find the right hashtags? Now you know why you should be using hashtags, it’s time to find the best hashtags for you. One of the easiest ways to find relevant and effective hashtags is to monitor social media influencers who have an affinity with your topic - see what hashtags they’re using. If you’re searching on Instagram for a hashtag, the app will show you hashtags that are relevant to the one you’re searching for. This can help you build an archive of related hashtags that you can refer back to. Hashtags can also highlight news/trends and tell you what people are talking about. It’s then possible to ‘piggyback’ on these current news affairs or trends with relevant content. You can also purchase software that finds and analyses hashtags for you, so you don't have to do the hard work, which is perfect if you don’t have the time. How many hashtags should you use on social media? This depends on which social media platform you're using. X (Twitter) - They recommend using no more than 1-2 hashtags, but there is no limit as long as you stay within your character limit. Facebook - Just like Twitter, Facebook recommends sticking to 1-2 hashtags. Instagram - There’s a limit of 30 hashtags for your Instagram feed and up to 10 in your stories. They recommend using between 5-10 on your feed posts. YouTube - They limit the user to 15 hashtags, but advise that you use 2-3 hashtags in your posts. LinkedIn - LinkedIn recommends using 1-2 hashtags on your posts. Now you know how to use hashtags and how many to include, you’re ready to increase reach and engagement across your social media profiles.

In the fast-paced, competitive market of today, businesses must remain relevant. This requires continuous adaptation to meet evolving customer needs. An effective strategy to stay competitive is revitalizing your brand, which is much more than a logo – it's the complete customer experience. This article, courtesy of In the Know Magazine, offers powerful strategies to refresh your brand, enhancing its appeal to both existing and potential customers. Fine-Tune Brand Messaging Messaging serves as the backbone of your brand. Updated, clear, and compelling messaging communicates your company's mission, vision, and values to your target audience. A clear message is like a beacon, helping prospective customers understand what you stand for and why they should choose you. Keeping your messaging up to date ensures that you connect with your audience in a way that is both meaningful and relevant. Establishing Core Company Brand Values Every strong brand is rooted in a set of core values. These values not only guide internal decision-making but also resonate deeply with your customer base. Clearly defined core values provide an anchor for your brand's identity, ensuring consistency throughout the refresh process. The emphasis on core values helps your customers relate to your brand on a deeper level, enhancing loyalty and credibility. Social Media as a Branding Tool In the digital age, social media platforms have become powerful tools for reaching and engaging with a vast audience. Different platforms offer unique opportunities to target specific demographics, enriching your marketing mix. The immediacy of social media allows you to shape and control the narrative around your refreshed brand, transforming perception in real time. Website Revamp for Brand Enhancement Your website often serves as a digital storefront, creating first impressions that can make or break your brand's image. Updating your website with a fresh design and relevant content not only enhances user experience but also boosts your credibility. A well-designed, mobile-friendly, and fast-loading website can significantly elevate your brand image in the digital landscape. Update Your Advertising Methods Leveraging new marketing avenues plays a pivotal role in broadcasting your brand's transformation. Embracing fresh forms of advertising allows your revamped identity to reach wider audiences with renewed vigor. Consider diversifying your approach by harnessing the power of social media campaigns, influencer partnerships, and experiential marketing events. Craft an Effective Newsletter Creating a visually appealing newsletter offers numerous advantages, especially when you're rebranding. A well-designed newsletter serves as an effective platform for communicating your brand story, mission, and product or service offerings to both existing and potential customers. And if you format your newsletter as a PDF, it’ll be easier to combine images and text, and then send it out to potential customers. If you run into any formatting issues, here’s a tool that can help you rotate PDF documents in seconds, should you need to work in landscape instead of portrait mode. This can significantly streamline the formatting process, ensuring that your newsletter aligns perfectly with your refreshed brand identity. Leverage Public Relations for Brand Amplification Public relations should not be an afterthought in your rebranding exercise. Garnering media attention can provide that much-needed third-party validation for your refreshed brand. A well-executed PR strategy can significantly amplify your brand message, reaching corners of your target market that other channels might not be able to penetrate. Partnerships with influencers can add a layer of credibility and reach to your PR efforts. Incentivize Customer Input Customer feedback can provide invaluable insights during the brand refresh process. Encouraging this feedback through incentives like gift cards can be extremely effective. Leveraging a gift card API automates the reward process, making it seamless and scalable. That way, you can simplify and enhance the feedback collection, using the data to refine your branding strategies. A brand refresh is a strategic move aimed at keeping your company relevant and engaging in today's dynamic market. From refining your messaging and defining core values to leveraging digital platforms and utilizing mobile advertising, each step in this guide offers a practical way to rejuvenate your brand. If you're looking to invigorate your business and fortify its market position, there's no better time to embark on this revitalization journey with these effective tips in mind.