Prof Robert Binns

If your website is getting visits but not enquiries, this is one of the easiest fixes to make. Add a simple What happens next section. Most websites ask people to get in touch, then leave them guessing. That gap creates doubt, and doubt stops action. Tell people what you need from them, how quickly you reply, and what the next step looks like. It makes your website feel clearer, safer, and easier to act on. Save this and add a What happens next section to your website this week. #WebDesign #WebsiteTips #LeadGeneration #ServiceBusiness #WebsiteConversion #EnquiryOS

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My interviewing skills won't set the world on fire. But the sentiment is valid, if your postage costs are going through the roof, switch to digital letters.

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Don’t skip this step when starting a business. Market research Your idea might be brilliant or just noise. Ask. Listen. Build from feedback. #businessowners #cleaningbusiness #cleaningbusinessowner #cleaningtok #cleaninguk #2025business #thrivingbusiness

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Most small businesses are on social media. Very few are using it in a way that actually brings in clients. If you’re posting consistently but not seeing enquiries, bookings or meaningful growth, the issue usually isn’t the algorithm. It’s strategy. On Wednesday 20th May in Reading, I’m hosting a relaxed after-work session called: ✨Using Social Media to Grow Your Business✨ This isn’t about trends or viral hacks. It’s about using your platform in a strategic and meaningful way that drives success without burning out. It’s designed for small business owners, consultants and coaches who know social media matters but can’t afford to waste time doing it wrong. Ticket includes a drink on arrival, a 45 minute masterclass, a light buffet and time to connect with other local business owners. If that sounds useful, I’ll share the link in the comments ⬇️

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Most businesses set up their Google Business Profile once and never touch it again, but that's a missed opportunity. Your profile is often the first thing people see when they search for your services locally - before your website, before your competitors. I've put together 8 practical tips you can use to optimise yours. Nothing complicated, just straightforward steps you can do in a couple of hours that'll help more local customers find and contact you. No ongoing costs. No technical knowledge needed. Just better visibility. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eB42WGmZ

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Why creative business owners are their own worst enemies (and how to fix it) 💪 In my work with creative businesses across Staffordshire, I meet so many talented small business owners who are brilliant at what they do but terrible at recognising their own worth. The pattern is always the same: exceptionally skilled creators apologising before they even show their work. 'Sorry, it's probably not that good... I'm still learning... I don't know if this is worth your time...' Then they reveal work that literally takes your breath away. Years of expertise evident in every detail. Creativity that transforms raw materials into magic. Skills that would make industry veterans envious. The disconnect is staggering. These creative business owners are: · Exceptionally skilled at their craft · Terrible at acknowledging their expertise · Convinced everyone else is more qualified · Apologising for taking up space in our business community Meanwhile, less skilled but more confident competitors are booking the clients, charging premium prices, and building successful businesses. Competence without confidence is invisible. Confidence without competence is unsustainable. But competence WITH confidence? That's unstoppable in our local market. If you're reading this thinking, 'maybe I'm actually good at what I do,' you probably are. The imposter syndrome whispering 'you're not qualified' is lying. Your years of experience matter. Your unique creative perspective has value. Your skills deserve recognition from our local community. Stop apologising for your expertise. Start owning it. #CreativeBusiness #BusinessConfidence #StaffordshireBusiness #ImposterSyndrome

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A successful launch isn’t about what happens on the day. It’s about everything that happens before it. Earlier this year, we created a full launch plan guide for IMAGE Skincare UK partners. Not just to help them launch a new product, but to help them build momentum that lasts. Whether you’re launching a treatment, product, or service, the “coming soon” phase is where connection is built. We included: ✅ A four-week content and messaging timeline ✅ Ready-to-edit social posts and captions ✅ A customisable reel script ✅ Plug-and-play email copy ✅ Tools that can be adapted again and again, for every launch to come This wasn’t just a one-time template. It was a strategic asset that partners could reuse across their business. Because real launches don’t start on launch day. They start with a plan.

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I see this all the time when speaking with business owners – they’re spending on ads but not seeing real results. The truth is, running ads isn’t just about pressing “boost post” or throwing money at Meta/Google. It’s about: Having the right targeting Strong creative that actually cuts through And a clear strategy that ties back to real business goals When all three aren’t working together, money gets wasted. If you’ve felt like your ad spend is leaking away with no return, you’re not alone and there is a smarter way to approach it. Check out the post below for more details.

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Building your business website can seem like a mammoth task, even when using a professional and choosing the right images can take time when you just want to launch and get going! So I get it, the temptation to use stock photography or download a few photos from Google as a quick fix can be strong. BUT! the risks could be bigger than you know... Using unlicensed images can result in hefty fines - many image libraries and creators are using AI software to trawl the internet for sites using copyright images without the right permissions Stock photos feel generic and reduce brand trust - Why would you want to use the same photos as every other business in your industry when you could stand out with your own powerful and original images, showing exactly who you are and what you do? Social media algorithms promote original content, meaning your posts may never reach their full potential or their target audience The solution? Invest in professional photography tailored to your brand. You’ll stand out with unique visuals, own the rights outright, and improve your online performance. Original content doesn’t just look better...it works harder. #PersonalBranding #SmallBusinessTips #AuthenticityMatters

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"I'll sort the marketing once the business is more established." It's the most common reason business owners put strategy on hold. The logic makes sense on the surface. Less risk, more certainty, better foundation. But here's what actually happens... #TheJAMAgencyUK #FractionalCMO #NorthEastBusiness #SmallBusinessGrowth

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Big brands keep a close watch on design trends and will change their look - even subtly, to stay current. Small businesses are no different, as 'dated' visuals can signal to customers that you're out of touch - and that can hit a small business hard. Last year I received some brief instructions from a small business owner looking for a new website: "Same colours. Same logo. Same tagline" Of course, the 'customer is always right' ... but as I checked the existing branding, I felt conflicted. His logo, colours, and messaging had been the same for 16 years, and looked dated. I knew that a new website would only further accentuate a mismatch, so I suggested a brand refresh. If you refurbish your shop interior, you give your shopfront a little TLC too:) At first, my client wasn't too enamoured with the idea. This had been his brand 'look' since 2009, he explained; that's how it had looked. However, after providing a few mockups, he agreed that change was needed. We created a fresh website with updated brand assets that reflected what his business had become - not where it had started. Thankfully, he was delighed with the finished project. Catching up this year for some page 'tweaks', I was delighted to learn that his sales had increased steadily and from a wider demographic since the re-launch. Always good to hear! Sticking to 'how it’s always been' might mean you're missing out on what COULD be. And I'm pretty sure that doesn't just apply to branding ... 😁 #BrandingStrategy #WebDesignUK #SmallBusinessGrowth #BrandEvolution #IsleOfBute #BlueMoose https://lnkd.in/efB5kVUu

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🌟Finding The Time For Your Website!🌟 Your website is a crucial asset in not only your business but also your marketing and being a business owner and finding the time to help your site can be difficult. ✔️Why is Finding Time Important? ✔️How to Find Time ✔️How to Prioritise What to do Next Read the Blog! 👉https://lnkd.in/emr3xrTk

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Social proof is one of the most powerful tools to gain trust and credibility for your business, especially in industries like home care. Private pay clients, showcasing positive experiences and testimonials from your existing clients can be the deciding factor for prospects when choosing your services. This blog will explore how you can effectively use social proof on your website to attract more private pay clients and boost your business growth. https://lnkd.in/gZSh6rVF #Hospice #HomeCare #SeniorLiving #Healthcare #CareWebsites #DigitalMarketing #GrowthStrategy #CaregiverAnd #RAISEcaregiving #WebsiteDevelopment #OnlineMarketing

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The Marketing Meetup - High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire In the evolving landscape of marketing, the choice between in-person and virtual meetups can be pivotal for your success. In High Wycombe, these two avenues offer distinct experiences for building connections and engaging with your community. **In-Person Meetups:** - Provide a tactile sense of community that virtual cannot replicate. - Encourage real conversations and spontaneous interactions. - Ideal for those who thrive on face-to-face connections and a more personal touch. **Virtual Events:** - Offer accessibility to a broader audience, breaking geographical barriers. - Allow for convenient scheduling, enabling participants to join from anywhere. - Great for those who prefer an environment of lower pressure. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal style and community connection needs. Both formats are valuable, and embracing both could enhance your learning and growth as you connect with peers. What’s your experience with in-person vs. virtual events? Share your thoughts below! #Community #Connecting #Marketing The Marketing Meetup https://lnkd.in/ePh5eS93

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Chris Wardle - Videographer & Founder of Eldraw Creative Media Chris joins us to discuss his journey from Graphic Design to Videography, and how the Digital Marketing Industry has transformed from posters to promotional videos and Podcasts. #TheBusinessGrowthShow #DigitalMarketing #Videographer #DigitalMedia #Agency #ContentCreation #Stamford

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𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗣 - i'm drowning in admin........... I hear this all the time from frazzled business owners who need help, but are in a state of limbo. Your business is going really well and you have clients 𝗕𝗨𝗧 financially you can't afford to employ anyone 𝗕𝗨𝗧 without help you can't grow. As a small business owner myself, I can totally relate to this. I could do with a bit of help, but need to grow my membership to enable me to have the available funds to bring in support. Thankfully as a Virtual Assistant, i'm highly organised and used to dealing with a myriad of tasks and priorities, but the support would be great for my stress levels. My advice to anyone who is in this situation, is to sit down and write a list of the tasks you hate and are time stealers that are stopping you from growing. Write down how long it takes you each week to complete these tasks and how much your hourly rate is. Let's say they take you 2 hrs a week - chances are a Virtual Assistant will rattle through these tasks much quicker - you will have gained 2hrs of your life back each week, and for a fraction of the cost if you were charging yourself your own hourly rate to do the work. Working with a Virtual Assistant doesn't have to be a huge financial commitment as we offer flexible support options and you will only be charged for the work we actually do - no costly overheads!!! My team of Values-Led VAs would be an asset to any business and are always happy to have a chat about how they can help you 🤩

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