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Staunch Royalist and off with the heads of any wannabe republicans! 

But agree with some of the Klingons and those down the bottom of the food chain. In an ideal world Kate and Wills would take over the reigns, and breath some youth back into the Royal Family, but we are stuck with Charles unless he abdicates as well

This one 

New Business Start Up Marketing & Advertising Checklist

I'd imagine the new leaning to validated user reviews on social media and public review sites is an obstacle, as even Facebook has finally woken up and done away with anonymous reviews.

Maybe also look at sites like Trust Pilot or Review Centre who can gather reviews for you whilst people can keep their anonymity. 

Maybe that's the challenge you will overcome, bring your service into main stream acceptance. Possibly controversial health related articles, and making it a talking point. Or just good old celebrity endorsement 

Originally Posted by Kempres

“and my 50ppc and £5.00 daily budget would be 'almost a waste of time'...i close enough told them to stick it and paused my campaign after about 5 minutes ”

Remember their mission is to get you to spend more money...

Adwords is complicated at first, but (personally) it is worth the time and energy to investigate and learn all about it.

Just to prove you don't have to spend vast amounts, this is Mondays performance.

That hasn't happened over night, we've honed, trialled and experimented, but it has been pretty consistent over the years. According to our last account review, we need to increase our CPC and daily spend...

Once (if) you get in to it, no one knows or understands your business and market like you do. Even Google.

In this new Google world where all content now has to be of a certain qulaity if you expect to gain any organic traffic, is video marketing still in the reach of the average small business?

Someone else mentioned the cost to producing  high quality videos, does this cost justify the conversion rate? Or is it just vanity traffic or possible brand building?

Has anyone had any recent successes with video marketing?

Have you considered Google Shopping? Not had any experience myself, but I know some merchants rave about it.

After an anti EU backlash, the timing of this is great

According to BBC News

"The European Commission has called on the UK to raise taxes on higher value properties, build more houses and adjust the Help to Buy scheme.

The commission said council tax bands should be revalued, which would put up bills for some people..."

Just what we need, more rhetoric from Euroland? Or is it justified and it's about time Council Tax bands were revisited?

Kirstie Allsopp (location location location) has put the cat well and truly amongst the pigeons!

In an interview with the Telegraph, she has a frank discussion talking about the recent loss of her mother, then gives a frank assessment on her views of marriage and the pressure put on women to have a career, as well as settle down.

“I don’t have a girl, but if I did I’d be saying 'Darling, do you know what? Don’t go to university. Start work straight after school, stay at home, save up your deposit – I’ll help you, let’s get you into a flat. And then we can find you a nice boyfriend and you can have a baby by the time you’re 27."

Kirstie Allsopp interview - The Telegraph

As predicted, the news networks are alive with controversy and story stirring. It's interesting though, a lot of the people I know had kids a lot later, into their mid to late 30's and even 40's. We had our kids late, compared to my parents generation.

There's no denying a lot of people are fighting nature, and biologically women are designed to have kids younger, not older. But if there are no major health risks, and you are able to, then why not? Is it better for a woman to build a career first, or start a business, and then take time out to have kids? Or is it just a simple case of having the choice?

Being a bloke, it's subjective and I know we are wired differently, but it must be hard to raise a family, and then start a career/business when you are older, without the previous experience you would have built up in your 20s/30's when you were super keen and enthusiastic?

But fascinating to hear Kirstie talking so candidly, although I do wonder how much more fuss would have been raised if the comments had been made by a male!

Anyone got any thoughts?

Originally Posted by Barney

“What in amongst the crisp red ones?”

Do I look like a plumber? 

Assuming you are marketing to online or online and offline, where do you start first?

1. The marketing plan!

It doesn't have to be 500 pages of crafted marketing blurb, so somewhere between beer mat and word doc will do. But before you start wasting any time (time is money) - you need to plan.

What are your aims and objectives? You might be selling garden gnomes or high-end machinery. Regardless of your product or service, you need a targeted audience which will generate interest, leads and hopefully customers. How will you do it? Flyers, Newspapers, PPC, Social Media, other?

What is your budget, and how will you spend it? Marketing a business normally requires some sort of budget. Remember spending 12 hours a day using online free resources still has a cost - you!

2. Advertising - Directories

Have you worked out where to advertise your business? There are plenty of free resources. Business Directories tend to be emotive, but if you are reading this, then you have found ours! Freeindex, UK Small Business Directory, Cylex, Scoot, ThomsonLocal, Wampit and Yell are other popular ones that offer free options. Be prepared for up sell phone calls with some.

The one you cannot do without is a Google Local Listing. There have been a lot of changes over the last couple of years to Google Places/Maps/Local Listings. If you are confused by some of the terminology or have multiple listings, then this post may be useful: Creating a Google Places for Business page and getting reviews.

3. Advertising - Social Media

Social media tends to lend itself to certain types of businesses. Some people swear by it, others see it as a waste of time. Experiment and see for yourself.

If you are used to using Facebook socially, then consider separating your private and business life and creating a business profile. Regardless, make sure you create a business page to actually market your business, as opposed to using a profile page. This catches a lot of people out and you can learn more here: Common Facebook Marketing Mistakes - and how to avoid them

Look to set up a Twitter account and consider a Google Plus account if you haven't set up a Google local listing.

Business Forums such as this fall into Social Media, so use business communities to become an authority in your field. You will find these kind of outlets are best used as soft sells, with you building up a reputation, rather joining a community and spamming everyone with self promotion. 

4. Advertising - SEO

SEO - Search Engine Optimisation. Probably one of the most detested phrases by established businesses and one to be fully aware of if you are new! Everyone will promise you the earth, Google Page 1 rankings for your chosen products or services.

If you are unfamiliar with SEO, then have a look through this SEO 101 guide for newbies. The basic fundamentals of SEO haven't really changed in 10 years. Techniques come and go, normally when they are abused. In short, concentrate on good content, and promote it. If you do decide to outsource your SEO, make sure you are 100% happy with what is being done, how, and you have genuine expectations.

Taking short cuts or using some "sounds too good to be true" company will just end up with expensive problems or worse further down the road.

5. Advertising - Offline

Every bit as important as online, and for some businesses more so. Don't write offline techniques off, as things like leaflet drops, flyers etc can be very cost effective.

If you have any offline marketing questions, be sure to fire away as we have some great members who specialise in offline marketing. 

6. PR - Customer Services and Reputation

Every time you answer the phone you are marketing. Your reputation and public persona across social media and forums can shape peoples opinions about you and your business.

If you're not familiar with PR or think it is only associated with press releases, then this post maybe useful. PR advice for Small Business

7. Finally - Look through some of our marketing topics, compiled into one post

Marketing Gems and Nuggets!

Hopefully you may have found some of this useful, but if you have any questions, issues or looking for advice, then simply post a new thread.