Australia
UK-born and Australian-based, I love the art of storytelling for business - combining strategy with creativity whilst being bang on with the detail.
I have worked with many well-known and emerging brands, engaging both consumer and B2B markets with great results. Take a look at some of my work.
From smoothing the onboarding process to upskilling existing employees on new products or systems, training manuals play a key role when it comes to teaching staff new tricks. Here are five key elements you should include to better engage your audience and boost learning and recall. 1.
As a result of COVID-19, our radars are more highly-tuned than ever to the financial struggles of our clients. You've most likely felt the immense pressure of your critical advisory role during through these tough times. But when a client is experiencing financial difficulties, how far do your obligations stretch?
In our business we're all too aware that no company, big or small, is immune to crisis. In fact, according to a global report by PwC, 80% of CEOs say they've faced financial crisis at some point. Crisis triggers can be diverse, from operational inefficiencies to poor staffing to economic downturns.
Early last month, we published a blog asking 'How solid is your business continuity and crisis management plan?' in light of COVID-19. At that point, the crisis seemed manageable. Unfortunately, as we're all too aware, things have now worsened and the risk the Coronavirus pandemic presents to public health and, as a result, the economy and business owners, has become very real.
To solve the problem of disconnected data in a world where we are dealing with millions of touchpoints and interactions, 51 percent of marketers say they currently use a customer data platform (CDP) and 35 percent say they plan to use one.
Published: 17 February 2020 Company policies are essential for establishing workplace standards in areas such as procedures and codes of conduct. But how many could your employees recall off the top of their heads? Here are five creative design ideas to help infuse them into your office life.
The creatives you choose – and how you use them – can make or break your advertising or marketing campaigns. Here are some of the top formats for driving customer engagement and tips on how to squeeze the most value from them.
Your sales manual is crucial to achieving success. It gives your reps everything they need to sell, puts them on the same page and motivates them to seal the deal. But what makes a winning sales manual? Find out here.
How concerned should you be about your business and employees in the face of the current Coronavirus epidemic? Whatever your level of risk, being aware of it, and having a business continuity and crisis management plan in place is essential - but how solid is yours?
Under current law, if a company does not meet its Pay-as-You-Go (PAYG) withholding or Superannuation Charge Guarantee (SGC) obligations, the director can be held personally liable via the Director Penalty Notice (DPN) regime. On 5 February 2020, legislation passed to extend this liability to include GST.
Contextual targeting is having a resurgence. According to a report by Business Wire , the global contextual advertising market is expected to grow to US$279.2 billion by 2025. This revival is largely due to the impact of Europe's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
At RPG, we understand that putting money into a property is a big commitment – especially when it has been hard-earned. That’s why all of our investment properties are designed to be a sure bet rather than a risk.
Success in business is ultimately about believing in yourself and making the right choices. Whatever stage you’re at in your business, we listen, support, advise and offer fresh ideas and networking opportunities to make you more effective, profitable and the best at what you do.
From smoothing the onboarding process to upskilling existing employees on new products or systems, training manuals play a key role when it comes to teaching staff new tricks. Here are five key elements you should include to better engage your audience and boost learning and recall. 1.
COPYEDITING/PROOFREADING - We are so excited about being a part of your day! Sometimes the whole process can be quite overwhelming and the last thing we want to do is put extra pressure on you. You are more than welcome to contact us much as you need and like – email, phone, text or come by the warehouse and we can sit down and have a chat.
The construction game can be tough. If you’re operating in the industry, you’re at potentially higher risk of facing insolvency, and you could become the victim of insolvency higher up the chain. However, with the right advice and actions, you can minimise the risks.
While COVID-19 has impacted all businesses, there's no doubt that SMEs have, and will continue to be, hit the hardest. One of the biggest reasons for this is that smaller businesses tend to operate with only a few months of cash flow.
It's a fact: customers love coupons. Last year alone, approximately 31 billion e-coupons were redeemed globally, compared to 14 billion in 2014, making them a great marketing tactic. Not only can coupons drive sales and conversions, but they can also increase engagement and brand perception.
What is the key to marketing success? Understanding your customers, and building and maintaining relationships with them by meeting their needs and wants.
Published: 2 October 2019 As we get closer to summer, a fresh Pantone colour palette has arrived on the design scene. This season's hues are uplifting, confident and playful, portraying feelings of optimism and warmth. What more do we want from this time of year?
Published: 22 October 2019 All business inventory needs managing, and branded stationery is no exception. By keeping track of what you have, how much you have and how you use it, you can reduce costs, used materials and, with that, your environmental impact. Here are our six top stationery management tips.
The University of Newcastle is known for its strong commitment to innovation - and its approach to IT is no exception. A dedication to DevOps is helping it stay agile, and stay ahead, as an educational provider and employer. Pratap Iyer, UON's Cloud & DevOps Lead (IT Resources Division) is one of the people at the helm of its digital journey.
Business stationery isn’t just a practical necessity. A consistent suite of items can help keep you front of mind and put your brand in the right light. Here are some key items you should have in your inventory.
Published: 4 November 2019 Having your customers as brand advocates means you're doing something right and what kind of business doesn't love that? It means you can keep growing with confidence, knowing your customers are happy and you're likely hitting your goals.
Please note: The client has made edits/revisions to the content. Please contact me to see the original copy submitted. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE | URBAN DESIGN | PLACEMAKING | VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS PLAY VIDEO COLLABORATION | COMMUNICATION | INNOVATION Our team delivers engaging, functional and sustainable solutions for our clients through a combination of research, consultation, technology and innovation.
Edit for a Singapore client - The first Singapore Vet 2019 was held on October 11th-12th at Suntec Singapore. The event was organised by CloserStill Media, in association with The Royal Veterinary College and the Singapore Veterinary Association. As our unique products and services address unmet clinical needs in the veterinary medicine market, the Amber Compounding Pharmacy booth attracted high footfall over the two days, with visitors keen to share their needs and issues.
Copyedit for a Singapore client - 1. What is K9Biotix used for? K9Biotix is used to treat ear infections in dogs (canine otitis externa). It is available as a customisable otic gel compounded in accordance with a prescription from a veterinarian. 2. How can K9Biotix be customised? Based on a culture and sensitivity test, a veterinarian can prescribe from a range of suitable antimicrobial agents that can be delivered via the thermo-reversible gel to the site of infection.
With robots taking over more and more parts of the supply chain, what does the future hold for the increasingly automated logistics sector? Learn more here.
Need a skilled, efficient contractor? Pacific Welding Australia delivers superior quality welding and fabrication solutions on time in the toughest industrial environments.
Lodging and paying employees superannuation is a legal requirement for businesses. Despite this, non-payment rates in Australia are high. In the 2017 financial year, the ATO wrote off over $219 million of super debt.
Not paying your tax debts is a serious issue, one that can lead to serious action being taken against you and your company. One of these actions is the serving of a statutory demand. To help you understand exactly what an ATO statutory demand is, and what the implications of receiving one are, we've answered all the questions for you.
If your company is struggling financially, you have three main options available to you: business turnaround, voluntary administration or sale (followed by liquidation or administration). If the first two aren't viable, but you believe your business can be successful, selling your business, after careful consideration of your director's duties, creates an opportunity for you to buy it back and start over.
Unsure what a garnishee notice is, or exactly what you need to do if you receive one? To make things easy, we've taken it back to basics for you. A garnishee notice is a serious document sent by the ATO (and other creditors).
The Asia Pacific (APAC) region is experiencing an insurance boom, as well as significant digital disruption in this sector, according to a recent report by Bain & Company . As competition grows and new players enter the market, insurance companies are implementing artificial intelligence (AI) powered tools to stay ahead.
Effective, reliable mine support solutions for your business. Running a mine site is no mean feat. That’s why we’re here to help you keep your operations running smoothly and efficiently – reducing downtime and boosting productivity.
Struggling to lodge and pay your tax? The worst thing you can do is stick your head in the sand. By letting the ATO know about your situation, you can avoid worsening debt and potential legal action. You may also be able to apply for a payment plan to spread the cost.
Debt agreements continue to be a popular solution for people struggling financially. According to the Australian Financial Security Authority, debt agreements made up 14,834 of the total 31,859 personal insolvency activity in 2017/18. This is compared to 16,811 for bankruptcies and 214 for personal insolvency agreements.
Robots are taking over every kind of transport. But what do these new modes of automated travel look like? And what will their impact be? Find out here.
What does it take to carve a career in UX? In our latest Q&A, we spoke to Matt Spier, Head of User Experience at eCoach for an insight.
How many times should a prospect see an ad for it to be effective? It's a decades-old marketing dilemma - one that digital has made both easier and more difficult to manage. However, this question of effectiveness isn't just about quantity.
Employee benefits are a great way to recognise and reward staff. As well as improving acquisition and retention rates, they can also boost productivity. The only downside is they could leave you with an additional tax known as fringe benefits tax (FBT).
Here are the top three countries where Singaporean parents are sending their kids to study, and what it costs them.
Here are the bank accounts that can help you fulfil immediate goals such as paying your bills as well as long-term ones such as planning for your retirement.
We understand the uncertainty and stress that comes with experiencing financial difficulty, whether in business or personally. The challenge of keeping your head above water, along with feelings of potential failure, can be overwhelming.
For any marketer, one of the first and most critical steps in any successful new product launch is identifying the right audience. Rather than relying on demographics and guesswork, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) can help you find the prospects with the highest potential to convert among your existing customers, and beyond.
Entering bankruptcy does not normally prevent you from working. However, when you earn as a bankrupt, you may be required to pay income contributions towards your bankrupt estate. Whether you pay, and how much you pay, depends on your income.
As part of the government's plans to crack down on illegal phoenix activity, on 29 March, amendments to GST law were made requiring purchasers of new residential property to withhold GST from the contract price and pay it directly to the ATO. If you're an accountant or lawyer, take note.
If a client's business is experiencing financial difficulties, your job, as their accountant, is to go over the books and work out just how bad the situation is. If it's a short-term cash flow problem, you can start looking at alternative sources of funding.
In this year's budget, the then Treasurer Scott Morrison outlined a number of reforms to the corporation and tax laws, as part of Federal Government's clamp down on illegal phoenix activity. One of these reforms was to make company directors personally liable for unpaid Goods & Services Tax (GST).
Data privacy concerns are on the rise in a post-GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) era. Four in five marketers worldwide were worried about the potential risk of violating the EU's GDPR due to their tech vendors. However, data is critical in today's engagement-focused marketing battlefield.
Travel checklists are a dime a dozen but being fully prepared for off-grid adventures require more strategic packing. Whether you're camping atop a mountain or experiencing life in a local village, here are some pro-traveller must-haves for what you can expect - and what you won't.
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) launched Single Touch Payroll (STP) on 1 July 2018. As a small business owner, you will now be required to use STP-enabled payroll software to report your payroll information to the ATO every time you complete a pay run. Find out what this means for your business.
Local recruitment agency located in Cooks Hill, GWG has recently welcomed a new Senior Consultant, Amanda MacGregor, it its team. Amanda will lead the agency's accounting, finance and legal practice and brings with her a wealth of experience including several leadership and training roles, as well as 15 years in finance.
Australian household debt has risen steadily over the past three decades. As a result, we now have some of the highest levels in the world. According to the latest OECD statistics, our average ratio of household debt to income sits around 211%. The means a person with net disposable income of $80,000 has total debt of $168,800.
Struggling to pay your bills or make your loan or credit card repayments is a scary position to be in, especially if you have a family relying on you. Whether it's the result of poor money management or you've been affected by unemployment, ill health or a relationship breakdown, the feeling of hopelessness as debts roll into yet more dollars can be overwhelming.
Struggling to lodge and pay your tax? The worst thing you can do is stick your head in the sand. By letting the ATO know about your situation, you can avoid worsening debt and potential legal action. You may also be able to apply for a payment plan to spread the cost.
A bit of stress can be good when it comes to exams - it can give you the adrenaline and drive to get you through. Too much, however, will leave you feeling exhausted, which can negatively affect your performance on the day.
Published: 12 August 2019 A brand style guide is a reference tool to help keep your visual branding consistent across all levels of your business. It is not only handy for internal use, but helps you convey your brand's message to your business partners and audiences.
Everyone knows someone who works at Newcastle Permanent aka the Perm. Australia's second largest customer-owned building society, in business for over a century, it's become a bit of an institution here in its namesake city.
Despite all the changes introduced to date, illegal phoenix activity remains a pressing issue. According to a 2018 Pricewaterhouse Cooper report commissioned by the Government, the estimated annual cost to the Australian economy is $5.19 billion - a figure which is leaving employees unpaid, business in debt and taxes owing.
Governments are on a mission to evolve their defence capabilities to ward off the threats of today and tomorrow. Thanks to developments in robotics and AI, the possibilities for military applications are exploding.
Concerned about your cash flow? You're not the only one. The challenge of ensuring you're bringing in more money than you're spending at any one time is the key issue affecting Australian tradies today. In fact, 90% of business failures ¹ are caused by poor cash flow.
Figuring out your tax obligations when you're a self-employed musician can be a challenge. From reporting to understanding the deductions you're eligible for, there's a lot to learn. Here's what you need to know to keep you and the tax man in tune.
Thanks to the cobots entering the factory floor, manufacturing jobs are not only becoming more interesting - they're becoming safer too.
While marketing might not be your forte, getting it right not only helps you attract and generate new leads, it can also be a powerful way to keep your existing portfolio of clients loyal. Not sure where to start? Here are some ideas.
If you're looking for ways to get ahead and add value to your accounting business, it's time to invest in the right tools and tech. Automated accounting software QuickBooks Online Accountant (QBOA) is designed to help you manage your business and workload more efficiently. Here are the benefits.
Single touch payroll (STP) has been in the pipeline for a few years, but with the ATOs first STP reporting deadline looming, business owners are likely to start asking questions now. To give your clients confidence in the change, talk them through these five benefits.
All the preparation and planning for tax time is sweetened by the possibility of claiming a refund for all your deductions.Whether you're unsure exactly what you can claim for, or you're failing to document it sufficiently in your return, here's some advice to help you give this year's refund a boost.
If you're a sole trader running your own business, then you're lucky enough to have the flexibility and freedom to do things your way. Unfortunately, at tax time, you have to fall in line like everybody else. Here are a few tax tips to get you through.
Buying an established business is a great option for your first entrepreneurial leap. In saying that, buying an existing business, whether it's a cafe or an accounting firm, isn't without risk. So, before you commit and part with your cash, do your due diligence and ask these five questions first.
Your branding will highlight your business's personality and help you stand out from the crowd. When your branding and design send a strong message, it lets people know what they can expect when they hire you. Focus on getting this right and you may see your customer list grow more quickly than expected.
From Nasa to the European Space Agency, investors are pouring billions into creating robotics and AI applications suitable for zero-gravity conditions. Find out about the potential of this inspiring new technology.
With the announcement of the Government's latest measure to stamp out superannuation non-payment - a one-off, 12-month amnesty - businesses who have superannuation debt should seize this opportunity to be proactive. But what exactly does the amnesty mean? And what do businesses who take advantage of this new legislation stand to gain?
The modern business landscape is set to change dramatically in the next few decades. Here are 10 jobs that may crop up on your CV in the future.
When you work in a trade, word-of-mouth matters. In fact, reviews, testimonials, and recommendations from a customer can make or break your reputation, and sometimes even your livelihood. When you're a tradie, you're only as good as your last job. So making a good impression should be high on your to-do list.
Since the Government announced its 12-month Superannuation Guarantee (SG) Amnesty, there's been a fair bit of confusion. This is largely because, despite being introduced into Parliament on 24 May 2018, the law has not yet been passed. In fact, there's no certainty it will be. This leaves business owners in a quandary.
In the aftermath of disaster, humans have always been first on the scene putting their lives at risk. But is there a better way? These SAR robots are showing us the future.
Discover how robots are reimagining mining. From how materials are extracted and transported, to the ways in which sites are controlled and monitored - will mines become human free?
While Samaritans work hard to support our communities, behind the scenes one man and his team are on a mission to ensure its digital systems and processes are up to task: Meet Head of Business Technology, Luke Russell.
Your body language speaks volumes. If you're looking to get ahead at work, you need to start paying attention to the way you act and speak to co-workers. Get it right and you'll show colleagues, clients, and, most importantly, your boss that you're confident, engaged, and a great person to have around.
GHOSTWRITTEN for Chad Rapsey: Successful businesses never rest easy. Instead, they're constantly seeking out new ways to evolve their corporate model and strategy to maintain a competitive advantage. Unfortunately, not all companies have this same 'constructive dissatisfaction' mentality. Many become complacent, a catalyst to financial decline and eventually crisis. It's a tough reality, but, with smart intervention and cost...
If your business is struggling, deciding what to do isn't easy, especially if you have a small to medium business and are emotionally, as well as financially, invested. When in this situation, voluntary liquidation can seem like the sensible, or even the only, option.
Letterbox marketing is a smart tactic. Not only can you reach millions of consumers directly but, according to research by Nielsen, 45% of Australians have considered buying something, 42% visited a store, and 19% went to a website after engaging with letterbox marketing material. However, letterbox marketing works best as part of an integrated campaign.
GHOSTWRITTEN for Wasif Kasim What's currently driving your marketing efforts? If leads and sales are top of your list, you're not alone. According to the 2016 Content Marketing Institute (CMI) report, 85 per cent of B2Bs cite lead generation as their chief priority. But how can content deliver on these traditionally sales-driven ends?
At the end of April, India's Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Ravi Shankar Prasad, announced that all mobile phones must include a 'panic button' by 2017 and GPS by 2018. This move is just one of many recent tech-driven government initiatives launched to enhance the safety of women in light of growing concerns about sexual violence in India.
GHOSTWRITTEN for Wasif Kasim - Content marketing is a key part of our overall marketing strategies. What's more, the budgets we're allocating are getting bigger with 75 per cent of...
GHOSTWRITTEN for Lee Sunlay - Career coaching can benefit people at all stages of their working lives - especially young people. However, most people don't actually know what's involved in the coaching process. TwoPointZero's Manager of Coaching Lee Sunlay gives her insight into what ...
GHOSTWRITTEN: Recently I was lucky enough to catch up with the lovely Guy Ashford, owner of The Junction's very own Lotus Espresso. Unassuming and refreshingly laid-back, this man is the epitome of what every upmarket café owner should be. When I arrive he is already in a meeting but is instantly warm and welcoming and asks me to join him.
Now comes the stumbling block - where's all this content going to come from? What are the pros and cons of In-house vs Freelancers vs Agency?
Salmat is a marketing services business that helps clients with the constant pressure of acquiring customers, week-in, week-out. With media, digital and customer service capabilities, we manage the fundamentals to ensure this happens like clockwork. More articles by The Salmat Team
Businesses have been using catalogues for years to promote their goods and services that are on offer - first printed and now digital. Why? Because they work.
GHOSTWRITTEN for Melle Staelenberg - Email marketing is simple, right? Create a great email, send it to your list of subscribers, and wait for those clicks and conversions tocome rolling in. If only it were that easy. The reality is that email marketing success doesn't happen without a little blood, sweat, and insight.
They say food is one of life's simple pleasures but, when it comes to eating for health,the science can get complex. But no matter your food philosophy or diet plan, there's one thing you shouldn't ignore: the importance of macronutrients. Nature's body fuel, these bad boys are the basis of all things edible and essential ...
Self-driving cars are coming whether we're ready for them or not - and they're rewriting the rules of road travel. Predictable, intelligent machines will be better and safer drivers than us hands down. Here's why.
AI and robotics are re-imagining how health professionals work and how patients are diagnosed, treated and cared for. These seven applications are making a big impact.
Many Australian business owners are yet to invest in artificial intelligence technology. This is likely because the technology is perceived to be too complex, expensive and confusing. However, while the technology itself is advanced, most of the AI applications designed for small business are simple to use.
If you're looking to start a new business, plan to make a few mistakes along the way. It's all part of being an entrepreneur. In fact, making a few blunders is not always a bad thing. It can be a valuable learning experience and make you a better business owner down the track.
Your branding will highlight your business's personality and help you stand out from the crowd. When your branding and design send a strong message, it lets people know what they can expect when they hire you. Focus on getting this right and you may see your customer list grow more quickly than expected.
While the race to level-5 self-driving cars continues to capture the public imagination, less is being said about the increasing automation going on behind the scenes. Here's a quick guide to some of the top robotic tech shaking up the sector.
Is your business simply limping along a little - or is it more serious? Could it require a business turnaround to get it performing again? Most businesses become inefficient over time and need to make changes to remain in the game. From rising overheads to old processes, many inefficiencies negatively impact profitability and cash flow.
From humanoids and androids to self-driving cars and automated drones, robots are re-imagining all aspects of our lives, opening up new possibilities and helping us solve problems in smart new ways. Here are ten of them.
Engineering is about developing solutions that can make our lives better. When it comes to the environment, innovation can literally help us save the world. Discover how.
Experts are predicting that in the next 45 years machines could be as smart as humans, or even out-thinking us. But who are the brains behind the artificial brain?
Robots, AI and the Internet of Things are taking over processes and machinery, redefining manufacturing. Here are six case studies of those companies pushing us forward and examples of their revolution-enabling technology.
CROs have become the new best friends of distressed businesses. But what is a chief restructuring officer exactly - and could appointing one be the saviour that your business has been looking for? Objective, practical and realistic, these interim executives are able to take a failing company by the horns, identify what's going wrong and work quickly to turn things around.
Having completed a Bachelor's degree in E-commerce Daniel was first employed by IBM, which put his trajectory on the path towards Salmat, where in 2007, he set up Salmat's Digital Catalogue business with Paul Marshall and Matt Mason.
Concerned about your cash flow? You're not the only one. The challenge of ensuring you're bringing in more money than you're spending at any one time is the key issue affecting Australian tradies today. In fact, 90% of business failures ¹ are caused by poor cash flow.
Say goodbye to traditional work appraisals. Quantified self-assessment auditors will scientifically monitor employees using " quantified self " technology - where even human characteristics such as creativity are measurable - then suggest how improving the self will enhance company efficiency. There'll be no room for slacking. 2.
Imagine you're doing a Google search and you see two businesses in the local results, one with a two star rating review and one with a five, which would you click on? It's a no brainer, right? You'd pick the one with five. Why?
It's great when employees get along, but even better when co-workers become friends. According to a recent study by LinkedIn, millennials - more than any other group - stated that workplace relationships affect them positively, making them feel happy (57 per cent), motivated (50 per cent) and productive (39 per cent).
According to a new Content Marketing Institute (CMI) report published at the end of last year - Content Marketing in Australia 2017:Benchmarks, Budgets and Trends - 82% of Australian marketers are currently engaged in content marketing, but only 25% consider themselves extremely or very successful at it. Great if you're one of them.
What's more important than having a business website? Knowing how it's performing. Why? Because if you don't know how many people are visiting, what they're doing when they get there or if they're converting to paying customers, how can you gauge its success?
Video marketing is big right now. Not only are more videos being consumed online than ever before but they also increasingly top the Google search results pages. Combine this with the fact that video has been proven time and again to powerfully hook in, engage and prompt an audience to action, and you'd be crazy not to consider video marketing for your business.
Emojis: they're cute, they're fun, they're expressive and over 92% of the digitally savvy population use them (Source: AdWeek). Once limited to our personal texts and emails, over the past few years they've entered the professional space, with more and more brands successfully using them in their communications.
What do top retail brands like Myer, Kmart, Mitre 10, and Dan Murphy's have in common? They're all integrating letterbox media as part of their wider multichannel marketing strategy - and if the big names are doing it, surely there must be something in it?
Knowing exactly who your customers are, and where they live, allows you to send fewer samples to more receptive households, reducing costs. But, you can also tailor campaign messaging to maximise conversions and, in turn, boost return on investment (ROI). It's an attractive advantage when budget accountability is palpable, no?
Marketing a dental practice in today's highly-competitive market can be tough. Despite this, demand, revenue and profit in the Australian dental market is rising so there's plenty of possibility for growth - with the right strategy. So what can you do to take advantage of this trend?
Online booking is no longer just a nice to have, today's patients and clients expect it. With more and more people accessing health services online, being able to book an appointment straight from the screen and bypass the need to pick up the phone is a real plus.
When it comes to content marketing in 2016, it's all about video. Both B2C and B2B Businesses are all over it, and if yours isn't you might want to get on board. Here are five compelling reasons why. In the face of information overload, your business needs to be paying attention to what is engaging audiences today.
In our last blog we covered the basics of crafting effective web copy, focusing on language, style and structure. Now it's time to focus on the content. People frequently ask, "What pages do I need on my website?", "How much copy should I write on each page?"
When it was first introduced, self-service was considered an inconvenience. Today, if your company doesn't offer fast, intuitive self-service options on a selection of digital channels, customers will be left with a bad impression of your brand. But how has self-service affected the contact centre, and how can you implement it successfully?
Choosing a payment system for your e-commerce site can be daunting. In fact, it's likely to be one of the toughest decision you're faced with after choosing a platform or developer. With literally dozens to choose from in Australia alone, from Stripe to PayPal, how do you know which is best for your small business?
Illustration has been used for centuries as decoration and to describe text, concepts and processes. It's been carved into cave walls, inked into religious scriptures and splashed across the pages of children's story books. It's also been used extensively in advertising over the years.
Matt Carracher is the Chief Operating Officer for Contact at Salmat. He has over 20 years in leadership positions and operational experience in Contact Centres, Product Management and Digital channel management in Australia, New Zealand and Asia.
An offshore contact centre could help your organisation save in several areas, but an onshore operation has the advantage of local service. To consolidate at home or abroad? It's a tricky call to make. By weighing up the pros and cons, you may get a better picture of what will work for your business.
Our first impressions are typically visual - they're also formed in seconds. Just think about quickly we make judgements on what people are like based on what they're wearing, their hairstyle, their body language etc. Well, the same applies in business.
How many of your website visitors actually go on to convert into leads and paying customers? Chances are it's not as many as you'd like. From getting people to sign up to your email newsletter to encouraging them to request a quote, give you a call or take that final step and buy, conversion is a tough egg to crack.
Winning at digital marketing means keeping on top of the trends. Technology and customer demands are moving at an unprecedented pace and you need to be aware of what's happening now, and its implications for tomorrow, in order to stay relevant, engaging and ahead of the competition.
Using your vehicle to advertise your business may not be groundbreaking marketing, but it can be an effective way to promote your company, especially if you're targeting a local audience. Whether you're a removal company, a dental clinic, a fitness instructor or an accounting firm, well-designed vehicle wrap advertising can increase your brand awareness and generate leads every time you're on the road, and even when you're parked.
When selecting images for your website, stock photography is often the easiest and most feasible option. Not only is it readily available, but it also offers a professional finish that looks good online. However, although stock images may be appealing, it's worth thinking twice before using them.
From its origins as an important pilchard fishing village to its transformation in the 20s and 30s to a creative hub which attracted reams of artists, today St Ives boasts a rich cultural heritage and a wealth of artistic talent. You can't visit this picturesque seaside town without dipping your toes into the galleries and museums that tell its story.
It's fascinating that so many supermarket brands still include letterbox marketing in their strategy. But how effective are mailbox promotions these days? Very effective, according to Roy Morgan's Single Source (Australia 14+) research for the period July 2015 - June 2016.
Keen to get your business in a prime position on Google's search results pages? While organic SEO is the answer, sometimes it's just doesn't work quick enough. Enter Google AdWords, the internet's most popular pay-per-click (PPC) advertising service.
Don't let dull dates get in the way of romance. Edinburgh singles, it's time to get awesome with your first date ideas. 1. Sunrise atop an extinct volcano Image source Sunset dates are pretty standard. Instead arrange to meet your date before sunrise at the foot Arthur's Seat.
EDIT EXAMPLE: So I drafted this blog on the Australian Real Estate Conference (AREC) a couple of months ago, however, in true perfectionist style, I didn't love it enough to click publish. Instead, I put it on the back burner almost ready to scrap it completely.
What are your resolutions for 2017? I'm sure you have some personal ones, but have you set any for your e-commerce business? While growing your customers and your profits are likely to be your overarching goals, in order to realise them, you'll need to focus in on the specifics.
To appear credible in business, a phone number is important - even if you are web-based. It gives customers a human point of contact that establishes trust in a way that email alone cannot. And, because of this, including one on your website can lead to more conversions - or, put simply, you selling more of your products or services.
Blogging can benefit your practice in many ways. Not only can it drive traffic to your website but it can also convert browsers into patients and help you establish yourself as an authority in your field so people keep coming back.
Marketing in the healthcare industry is tough. Not only do you need to keep up with increasing competition and market developments, but you also need to stay compliant. This means following the strict and extensive set of rules and regulations which guide how health and medical services are advertised.
Okay, so you might know their basic demographics, but what else do you know? Could you describe their average day, their typical spending patterns or what inspires them at work and in life? If the answer is no, now's the time to start finding out. Why?
When considering the value of online patient-doctor reviews, medical professionals have traditionally been sceptical. Concerns over negative feedback and subsequent loss of credibility hit hard when your professional reputation is at stake. However, in today's digital world where patient testimonials are increasingly viewed as a valuable source of information, the real risk could lie in resistance.
Interested in using Google AdWords but not sure where to start? Our downloadable PDF guide offers step-by-step instructions on how to begin using the service. It also includes professional advice tailored to SMEs so you can make your first digital advertising campaign a success.
Choosing the right web design agency is critical for you future online marketing success, so it pays to get it right. What they offer and how they offer it can either help your business grow or leave it lost to the digital wind.
From Facebook to Snapchat, social media is a global phenomenon. Everyone who is anyone is signed up, connected and actively engaged in some form or another and, because they are, it has become one of the most popular marketing tools of the digital age.
You try to enlarge your logo but when you do it looks all pixilated; your image file is too big to upload to your website; you send your brochure to the printers but they say they need a master file. These kinds of problems are all too common when it comes to using prepared artwork files.
Whether you're a B2B or B2C business, setting up a stand at a trade show or event is a great marketing tactic. Not only can it help you build brand awareness, generate leads, nurture prospects and enhance existing client relationships, it's also a chance to get out there and see what the competition is doing.
Setting up an eCommerce store is an exciting step in business. However if you want to attract those online customers and convert browsers into buyers, it needs to be done right. Here are 12 essential attributes any site which sells should boast. 1.
A slow loading website is the epitome of modern frustration. In today's fast-paced digital world we simply don't have the time or patience to sit and wait, especially when out and about on a mobile device. In fact, according to the stats, as online consumers we expect sites to load in under 2 seconds - a pretty unforgiving figure.
As well as nailing the content, getting the timing of your emails right is critical to success. According to email marketing software company Campaign Monitor, 80 per cent of email opens occur within the first 48 hours of an email being sent, so if you don't get it right, yours will likely get lost in the inbox abyss.
A common mistake people make is assuming that what works for their brochure, in terms of content, will work just as well on their website. Wrong. Reworking printed content for digital purposes may seem like a good cost saving option, but it can be very ineffective. Why?
With Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in full swing, we turned our lenses to Sydney to capture the fashion frenzy of looks out on the street. Some familiar trends were definitely in there but this style-savvy crowd were taking things to the hilt.
The bay of St Ives is awash with glorious beaches, from more alluring urban stretches, to wide expanses of beautifully untouched sands and pretty sheltered coves. Whether you want to surf, swim, walk or enjoy the sun, you're sure to find your beach paradise on one of these Cornish stunners.
When it comes to content marketing, most businesses big and small are already either fully on board or at least dipping their toes into it - 81% of Australian organizations according to the latest research by the CMI. And why wouldn't they be?
Thanks to the internet, it's easy to take your business global. But it's surprising how many people still rely on an English-only version of their website to reach international audiences. If you want to enter a new market, surely it makes sense to speak their language - whether Spanish, Arabic or Mandarin?
From advances in computing - including the cloud, big data and APIs - to mobile devices and their capabilities, digital technologies are disrupting our businesses. Unless you take active steps to adopt them, your company will be left behind. According to research by Capgemini and MIT, companies embracing digital, "digerati", are 26 per cent more profitable than their industry competitors.
To those involved with digital marketing and search engine optimization (SEO), duplicate content is a familiar term. It is also a term which causes angst as your search ranking can suffer if your website includes it.
Online marketing has put printed brochures on the back foot. Why spend time and money designing and publishing information that people can now find and access virtually? Whilst there's no denying the power of digital, it doesn't mean we should disregard offline channels completely.
Search engine optimization or SEO: the practice of organically improving your rank positionin search engine resultspages, without the need for paid advertising.Why is it important? Not only is it a cost effective way to promote your business, but it is also acrucial part of any long-term digital marketing strategy.
GHOSTWRITTEN FOR CASEY EWERS THROUGH GETACOPYWRITER.COM.AU - If you're itching for a family break, but are short on funds, time or have commitments at home, why not take a holiday in your backyard? Are your family's hands as clean as they could be? APPLY TO REVIEW Dettol Liquid Hand Wash here No, not a staycation where you explore the area you live in, but your actual backyard.
As a piece of communication, annual reports have a bit of a lacklustre reputation. Typically viewed as a dry, text-heavy document designed to tick a legal box, they often elicit as much dread in the person who has to create them as they do in the person who is to read them.
Landing pages are effective in helping businesses get conversions. Well, they are if they're done right. Unfortunately, when it comes to content, they are often treated in much the same way as a standard webpage. But this is a mistake. Landing pages are unique in both content and design.
If you're planning a holiday to Porthleven, you'll want to get the very most out of it. Here are some top tips to help you enjoy the perfect stay. Go in summer if... ...you want to enjoy all the attractions to the full and see Porthleven at its most picturesque, complete with glistening harbour and golden beach.
The picturesque village of Porthleven is a great spot for family holidays, with a great range of self-catering accommodation. From its golden beach to its art galleries, restaurants, cafes and ice cream shops, it offers Cornish seaside charm in spades.
If you start working with a designer to brand or rebrand your business and they don't ask you many questions before they begin, be worried. While you might be pleased they're getting on with the job and not wasting time, this is a false economy. Why?
For healthcare providers looking to grow their conversions, landing pages present a great opportunity. Unfortunately, they are not utilised enough. Many medical businesses that promote themselves online often direct targeted traffic straight to their website homepage rather than sending them to the information they are looking for.
Every marketer needs a documented marketing plan. As well as acting as a practical guide and benchmark of success, the process of creating one demands in-depth research and strategic thinking - the key to making better, more informed decisions and winning those customers over.
Keep more bonfire and firework injury compensation with our Fairer No Win No Fee solicitors. Use our Compensation Calculator or call us for free on 0800 612 7456. According to the British Pyrotechnists Association, approximately 20 million people are estimated to attend either a public or private firework display over the November period.
Holidays aren’t just about taking a break. They’re about seeing more of the world, going on adventures and engaging in new ways of living. Whilst reading a novel by the pool or watching the sun drop behind a glistening ocean is wonderful, when your time in-between is spent learning, doing, discovering and exploring, the experience becomes infinitely more fulfilling.
Newly published findings from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) highlight significant safety failings across NHS and care services in the UK, with hospitals branded the greatest concern.
Technology has opened up a new world of working for the self-employed and freelancers. From the internet and mobile devices to apps and cloud computing, we can now do our jobs anywhere, anytime, with increased ease and efficiency. As a sole trader or freelancer, you might not consider yourself a business.
Unless you're in the business of food, fashion or travel, Instagram might not really be on your social media marketing radar. As a mobile app designed exclusively for photo and video sharing, it's easy to question whether it's relevant if your business is not visually focused. This is a real misconception.
Last month Google announced a significant shift in indexing. Instead of ranking the desktop version of websites, they will instead switch to ranking the mobile versions. This change will impact all businesses with an online presence. How much you'll be affected and what you need to do to prepare depends on your existing setup.
Having a professional website for your practice is critical in today's digital world. But unless you are actively promoting it, prospective patients won't find it. And if they can't find it, they don't know who you are, what you offer or how to contact you. Tactics such as SEO are essential, but they take time.
Packaging is so much more than just protective casing. Whether sat on a shelf or displayed in an online store, it tells people about your product and speaks volumes about your brand. Get it right and your product will stand out, get picked out and push customers to purchase.
Whilst interpreter services in Australia are highly accessible, and have been shown to improve the quality and safety of health and medical care, the same consideration is not always paid to digital channels of communication. Yet producing content, such as websites, in different languages can benefit both service provider and patient - and the process is relatively straightforward.
Traditions are a big part of Cornish life. And Christmas is no exception. The atmosphere at this time of year is even more enchanting than usual. With its colourfully lit harbours and villages, cosy pubs complete with log fires and Christmas trees and fun seasonal events, it's the perfect place for some festive family magic.
Increasing the number of clicks through to your website is a job well done. But your job doesn't end there. If your bounce rate is high or your subscriptions or sales aren't increasing despite increased traffic, you need to turn your efforts to an even more rewarding task: conversion optimization.
When it comes tocreating a new website for your business there are two main approaches you can take: template or custom-built. Both have their advantages and disadvantages but which one should you choose? The answer largely depends on the size of your business, how much you are prepared to spend and your expectations aboutwhat you hope to achieve.
Almost everything we do in the business world today is done digitally, and how we market ourselves is no exception. So why then, despite numerous tech-savvy alternatives, from online advertising and social media networks to virtual business card apps that design, store and send them to other mobiles, do a significant majority of businesses continue to make use of the good old printed business card?
A business plan is like the foundation of a building. A good business plan will pave the way for future success. Here are five tips for crafting the perfect business plan. 1. Tell your story In order to convince investors and inspire them to fund your plan, you need to provide a human angle by harnessing the power of storytelling.
To be seen in today's competitive marketplace, you need a trademark to set your business apart. Enter the logo. Though only a small part of your company branding, it's one of the most significant as not only does it assist visibility but it tells people who you are, what you do and what you stand for in an instant - well, the good ones do anyway.
If you can write, you can write great web copy, right? Wrong. Why? Because web copy is unique. Not only do people read online copy differently to printed text, but web copy must also be powerful enough to engage, persuade and drive action before people click away.
With the 30 th June fast approaching, now is the time to knock that outstanding marketing budget balance down to zero. If you don't, not only are you missing a valuable opportunity to boost your year's efforts but, if someone else is in charge of your budget, you face the possibility of a limited pot of cash next time around.
Branding is often overlooked when it comes to medical marketing. In fact, it wasn't always necessary. However, building a strong brand for your healthcare practice or clinic is essential in today's competitive healthcare market. Without branding you are missing out on an opportunity to stand out from your competitors and connect with your patients.
You've published a new blog on your website. Great, you're keeping your content fresh and your regular visitors engaged. However, if you're hoping to use blogging as a way to grow your business, you need to expand your reach. How? By optimising your blogs so they are more visible in search.
The Working Time Regulations 1998 put limits on the number of hours that an employee should work each week and defines minimum rest periods between shifts. An employer must take all reasonable steps - in order to fulfil their legal duty to protect the health and safety of employees - to comply with the regulations.
If you have a LinkedIn Company Page but are not actively using it, you're missing a trick. With over 450 million registered members, this business-orientated social networking platform is prime internet real estate for engaging B2B audiences, generating leads and building customer relationships - when you know how to work it.
"Let's rebrand!" announces many a marketing manager in an attempt to modernise their business, stamp their mark and bring in more customers. However, rebranding is not something that should be taken lightly. Yes it might be rewarding, but it can also be unnecessary, costly and, when done incorrectly or for the wrong reasons, outright rejected.
When it comes to content, many businesses often start and stop at the blog. This may be due to a reluctance to venture into creating unfamiliar formats or simply down to not being aware of the other types of content that are out there.
From wide lapels to frayed layers, bare ankles to fluff, this week was a mixed bag of style, with minimal regard for rhyme or season. On the international scene we saw sneakers, designer bags and even more red. AUSTRALIA #WideCoatLapels Top coat detail this week? Definitely the wide lapel.
If you're not doing case studies as part of your content marketing, you should be. As well as being one of the most widely used and effective formats in the B2B market - with 73 percent of businesses turning to them to inform purchasing decisions ( DemandGen) - they are increasingly being recognised by B2C companies aware of their power to inform and convince in a non-salesy way.
Build a profile, bid for jobs, then get hired and paid; that's Airtasker in a nutshell. Whether you're helping people move furniture, redesign their website, or walk their dog, your skills are in demand, so why not use them to make a bit of extra cash?
If you love the idea of cruising, why not indulge yourself and venture further afield to exciting far-flung shores. Our 2010 Worldwide Adventures, with durations of between 14 and 54 nights, give you the chance to explore the four corners of the globe in style.
Today we took a gondola ride along the canals of Venice; tonight we dine courtesy of Atul Kochhar.
As we settle into 2017, the beaches and suburbs of Newcastle continue to bask in the summer sun. Our city showcases itself so well at this time of year, from the coastal lifestyle to the café culture. Even as many of us return from extended holidays over the Christmas break, where it’s all about escaping, it’s never a chore to come home.
Every week we’re hot-footing the streets of Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide in search of the most stylish young peeps from all walks of life. Once snapped we upload to our weekly Aussie gallery where you can vote for your fave by clicking on the cocktail glass in the top left corner. Or send us a shot and enter yourself.
Need someone to write your company blog? After some persuasive copy for your next brochure? Building a new website or revising your current one but stuck for words? Whatever type of copywriting services you’re after, I can help you create just the right words to attract, engage, and win over your audience.
Want your business to thrive? Total Web Design can help. Our team of digital marketing specialists can help your company develop and implement a long-term marketing strategy whilst delivering real, trackable results. Working closely with you, we offer everything from web development and website design to graphic design, branding, content strategy, copywriting, internet marketing and more.
Noumea, capital of New Caledonia, is situated on a large peninsula to the south of the region's main island, Grand Terre. Settled by the French in 1854, today it retains a unique blend of French and old Melanesian culture. A popular South Pacific destination, with around 40 cruise ships visiting each year, it is bustling and cosmopolitan.
Blog, and the customers will come. That's what we've all been told at least. However, in reality that isn't usually the case. Even great blog posts can fail to attract a decent number of likes, shares and referrals, leaving you wondering where you went wrong. If your blogs are well-written and audience relevant, but they're...
JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul, South Korea LEED Gold JW Marriott wanted to create a luxurious yet all-encompassing eco-friendly hotel experience that pays tribute to the neighborhood.
COPYEDITING - Check out our portfolio to see the infographics we've designed for clients all over the world across industries. Get in touch to learn more about our work.
Infographic based on the 'City Momentum Index' 2015
Advanced Manufacturing: Singapore's smart factory future
Keeping in touch with clients is key to business success. But how do you nurture ongoing relationships beyond the seasonal greetings card?
Sustainable building is becoming much more than a 'nice-to-have' label for new developments in Asia Pacific; it's rising up the agenda in terms of how buildings are designed and run to help cities keep pace with the pressures resulting from rising urbanization. Sixty percent of the world's population or 4.3 billion people live in Asia Pacific.
A business plan sets you on the path to success. It's both a working guide and a hook for investors. It is an essential document for serious entrepreneurs.
50 years after its birth, ASEAN continues to overcome roadblocks and push its vision for strong intra-regional connectivity. This infographic will showcase ASEAN's connectivity successes through its aims and achievements in the three aspects - physical connectivity, institutional connectivity and people-to-people connectivity.
Walking delivers a unique feeling of freedom and adventure. Whether you’re ambling through countryside with nothing but the sound of birdsong above and the gentle crunch of hiking boots underfoot, or trekking to breath-stealing altitudes to cast your eyes on stunning peak and lake panoramas, nothing matters but the journey ahead
Paulo Parrinha joined Izzat's Eagle Street office in September to help manage our already long-established Brisbane client base. Paulo is well-known to us for his previous roles managing site construction teams for the company. We are fortunate that Paulo has recently moved back to the city and is able to bring his expertise to projects in this region.
Welcome to Week 4 of our Beginners Yoga Course – and congratulations on making it to the halfway mark. How did you enjoy your time on the mat this week learning backbends and twists? Did your teacher inspire you to be kind to yourself? It’s something many of us struggle with these days – but it’s central to happiness.
We've worked with healthcare professionals big and small across Australia and New Zealand - so you can rest assured you're in capable hands. Our clients include practices, clinics and professionals across the industry - from general practitioners to specialists, surgeons, dentists and allied health professionals.
Having worked with numerous physiotherapy clients across Australia, New Zealand and the UK, we appreciate the unique demands of marketing physiotherapy services online and have successfully developed over 30 websites within the industry.
Want to grow your business digitally? Download our Digital Marketing guide to find out how you can create ad campaigns on Facebook to attract new customers. Guiding you through the process, from pre-campaign planning to advert creation and ongoing optimisation, it provides step-by-step guidance tailored to SME owners and managers keen to utilise this popular advertising platform.
Interested in using Google AdWords but not sure where to start? Our downloadable PDF guide offers step-by-step instructions on how to begin using the service. It also includes professional advice tailored to SMEs so you can make your first digital advertising campaign a success.
Despite the push towards social media and content, emails are still highly effective ways to communicate with and increase loyalty among your customers. And any creative, managerial and logistical challenges that may arise can now be addressed with the SimplyCast eMarketing platform by Singtel myBusiness.
As more and more Asian consumers make the move to digital, having a professionally designed, easy-to-use website for your business is essential. However, achieving this is not always easy. This is where Web Builder can help.
A small business group specialising in the repair, maintenance and installation of automatic sprinkler and other fire protection systems for commercial premises got into financial difficulty after the first two years of trading. We were called in as voluntary administrators (VAs), taking control of their business and cash flow for two months.
When P&O Cruises meets Michelin-starred chef Marco Pierre White, innovation and inspiration are served up each and every day.