Telling tales and driving sales
In which I reflect on the last six months of business and get quite excited about what's on the road ahead!
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Isn't this a lovely time of year! Winter is melting away from us, the darkness being replaced by ever lighter mornings. No more sunrise photos for me, not for a very long time!
I'm still out and about most days, counting my steps, phone or camera in hand. Below are a couple of my recent favourite images from my Instagram account.
I love browsing through Instagram. I'm not entirely convinced about its application as a serious business tool, although it can certainly help raise brand awareness, but for me, it's just a nice way of sharing my creative side and being inspired by others. I think it's overtaken Pinterest as my favourite waste of time!
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If you're on Instagram yourself, swing by and give me a like and I'll be sure to return the love!
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Business Review
At the beginning of March, I presented to a group of business owners at the Moray Business Women's annual showcase event.
It was only a five-minute pitch, but it became the catalyst for a six monthly business review, time for a spot of reflection, to take stock and plan ahead...
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Telling Tales
When I first started out, I was focussed solely on content creation; copywriting and photography mainly, and I still offer those services.
I position myself as your 'one-stop content shop', I'm a small-business storyteller.
And what a diverse range of stories there's been!
In no particular order, some of the topics I've written about since I started include; fine coffee and luscious homebakes; the importance of healthy nutritional choices; and a miracle food supplement (clearly three very different clients).
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I've crafted articles on skincare, hair care, eye care and airborne wind energy systems.
For example, did you know there's a technology being developed which will allow you to charge your mobile in the most remote locations, by flying a kite? (By my brother-in-law, in fact, he's a clever old stick!) Click on the image to find out more.
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I've written about building new houses and saving old lighthouses. I now know the difference between a grey seal and a common seal (their head shapes; greys have a 'roman nose'), and can identify three different types of crab (but then so can my five-year-old daughter, so maybe not that impressive).
Over the last six months, I've photographed ladies who sell fashion brands and one who brands businesses; a company that manages documents, and a doctor that teaches compassionate management.
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And of course, there's my star pupil, the potter, who continues to crush social media with the sheer force of her enthusiasm!
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Your digital journey
I'm so lucky to be doing something I find so fascinating! Small business owners tend to be inspirational people full of drive and passion for their subject, so it's quite a lovely thing to be a part of the journey.
Because it is a journey. As our businesses grow, we're all at different stages on essentially the same digital journey.
Some are just starting out, maybe with a simple Facebook page, or getting a new website up and running. Others have been in business for a few years, and perhaps feel it's time to move up a gear, while others are already in the fast lane and looking to accelerate further.
There's so much information out there about digital marketing, it can feel confusing, overwhelming and time-consuming, when all you really want to do is get on with running your business. How do you know where to go? And what do you need to do to get there?
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Shall I drive?
Luckily, being a bit of a techy geek, I love all that stuff! So, this month I expanded my business services to offer not just content creation, but content marketing solutions as well.
I've launched a new service designed to help you get clarity, take control and move forward with your online marketing. And just to throttle the motoring analogy even further, I'm calling it an MOT!
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I gave this new service a successful test-drive (sorry!) with a local business and officially launched the Digital Marketing MOT at the MBW event. I'm delighted to report someone signed up for an MOT right there and then!
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So if you're ready to rev up your revenue with an effective yet simple service, give me a shout, and let's get on the road to digital success!
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That's all for now. Next time the spring cleaning vibe continues as I reveal my lovely new logo, which, time permitting, will mean a fresh new look to the website too! Watch this space!
Until then, drive carefully,
Alison
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Alison Read Digital Content
Digital marketing solutions for small businesses
07792 751582 | hello@alisonread.co.uk | www.alisonread.co.uk
Facebook: AlisonReadDigitalContent
Digital content - what is it, and what does it mean for your business? Find out here.
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PS - Want some free advertising?
Here's a nice little tip for you, dear readers.
Is your email footer working hard for you? Make the most of this free advertising space by including a direct link to promote your latest service, product, or piece of content, as above.
Remember to refresh it weekly to keep 'em coming to your site!
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