Our economy needs local businesses – in whatever shape, size, form we are.
As a community, as a nation and even as a world, we need more businesses that put humanity above today’s share price or next quarter’s mega bonus. That doesn’t stop us from making a profit so we can pay our staff, pay bills, feed our families, and even have a holiday every now and then.
With the myriad of regulations at all levels, managing tax, finance, employment issues and so on, time gets tight. It’s a lot to know, and a lot to do.
If you’re a sole trader or independent company you have to survive against big chains with big budgets. If you’re a franchise, you need to survive against bigger multi-national conglomerates. Sometimes you need more marketing support. To do this you need exposure, even in your own local area.
You need to be visible, you need to be found in local search results and in local business advertising – online and offline. You need customer friendly technology, to be “mobile friendly”, to be on Social Media, and you need to be “everywhere people look”.
When faced with all of this, chances are you will want some help.
About Me
My days are made up of Local SEO for clients, writing, researching & testing, and keeping up to date. When I can, I travel to business associations and provide presentations to inform and assist local business owners with their online presence.
Mostly I work directly with businesses – be it the business owner or the marketing director. Occasionally I work through agencies or behind the scenes for agencies.
I am not an advertising agency or a branding consultant. I don’t compete with them; rather I complement what they do. What I do gives better results for what they do.
Bragging Rights
In 2016 I was invited to become one of an elite group of people in the world who have achieved the “Product Expert” status (formerly Top Contributor) for the Google My Business product. This is an honour awarded by Google in recognition for the expertise and dedication to helping people around the world with their business listings.
I am the only Australian GMB PE – giving me an unparalleled level of expertise in Australia and New Zealand.
Who am I behind the scenes?
Usually I’m cleaning up mess looking after nine chooks, three sheep, three guinea pigs, two cows, a cockatiel and a stupidly happy dog.
I like to relax sitting on the deck looking out over the paddock and sipping a cuppa. Other times I enjoy going to Melbourne to immerse my senses at MSO events and catching up with friends.
I believe in “giving back”, and share my knowledge as a volunteer on the Google My Business forums as well as serve on the volunteer committee with the regional Southern Business Women’s Network.
I’m a mum of two amazing young men, the most remarkable people I’ve ever met. Along the way they have helped me become a better person. And I’m wife to an incredibly patient and loving husband. And I’m forever grateful to all of them.
Lastly – I love the opportunity the Internet has brought to business. It’s exhilarating to try to keep up with the huge number of changes by the likes of Google, Facebook, and others. It’s satisfying to be able to translate all that into actions to help businesses survive and thrive.
Do you ever think…
- “I want to get started online, I want someone to guide me.”
- “I’ve been operating for a while, but my marketing just isn’t working right.”
- “I can’t do this all by myself anymore, I need help.”
If the answer is yes, let me know. Have a look around… hope you like what you find.