Forest Software
Web, SEO and IT & Business Advice for the Smaller Business
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Last updated on January 6th, 2025 at 09:21 am
Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Change for UK Small Businesses
2024 has been a year of notable transformation for small businesses in the UK. From navigating economic challenges to embracing innovation, small business owners have shown remarkable resilience. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the key events, trends, and changes that shaped the year, examining their impact on the small business landscape. Continue reading
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Last updated on January 6th, 2025 at 09:21 am
The Dangers of Changing DNS Records Without Checking: A Guide for Small Businesses
Changing DNS records might seem like a straightforward task, but for small businesses, it can have significant repercussions if not handled properly. A single mis-step can lead to website downtime as happened to a client recently, email disruptions, and loss of customer trust. In this blog post, we’ll explore why it’s essential to approach DNS record changes with caution and how to ensure your business remains protected.
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Wishing You a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year
As the festive season approaches, we at Forest Software extend our warmest wishes to all our readers. This time of year offers a chance to reflect on the past twelve months and prepare for the opportunities ahead.
Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Growth and Learning
Throughout 2024, we’ve shared insights to support small businesses in navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape. Let’s revisit some key topics that have resonated with our readers: Continue reading
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Last updated on January 6th, 2025 at 09:22 am
Does Your Small Business Stand Out in the Sea of Sameness?
Photo by Kellie Churchman: https://www.pexels.com/photo/landscape-photograph-of-body-of-water-1001682/
In today’s crowded marketplace, small business owners face a significant challenge: standing out. Whether you run a boutique clothing store, a local café, or an online service, the competition is fiercer than ever. It’s no longer enough to offer good products or services; you need to make an impression that sticks. The question is, do you stand out in the sea of sameness ( when a brand or business is not distinct from its competitors and is saying the same thing as other brands in its category) ?
The Problem With Blending In
Many businesses unintentionally fall into the trap of looking and sounding like everyone else. They use generic slogans, overused design trends, and standard marketing strategies. While these may feel safe, they’re also forgettable.
Take a moment to think about your own business. What makes you different from your competitors? Why should a customer choose you over someone else? If you struggle to answer these questions clearly, you’re not alone. But this is exactly where the opportunity lies.
Standing out means creating a brand that is memorable, compelling, and unmistakably yours. Let’s explore how you can do this. Continue reading
Reading Time: 5 minutes
How Small Businesses Can Learn from Horror Movies
Running a small business can feel like navigating a haunted house: unexpected challenges lurk around every corner, risks are everywhere, and the stakes are high. Surprisingly, horror movies, with their tension-filled plots and resourceful characters, can offer insightful lessons for entrepreneurs. While they may not be your typical MBA course material, these cinematic tales of survival can teach valuable lessons about resilience, creativity, and strategy. Here are some key takeaways from horror movies that small businesses can use to thrive.
Reading Time: 6 minutes
The Problems of Using Purchased Mailing Lists for Emails
In the past, my wife ran a business and in order to help her I added an email address to her site so that I would get some specific emails and also control her business LinkedIn and Google Business profiles. Of course, even though the business has been closed for several years now I am still getting spam emails to this email address (I don’t want to close the email down as there are some people that validly use it). So, it lead me to thinking about the use of purchased email lists.
In the world of email marketing, reaching the right audience is essential. Businesses are constantly searching for ways to grow their email lists, boost outreach, and connect with potential customers. One tempting shortcut is purchasing a mailing list from a third-party provider. At first glance, this might seem like an easy way to access a large audience quickly. However, using purchased mailing lists can create more problems than it solves.
If you’re considering buying a mailing list, it’s important to understand the risks involved. From legal issues to damaging your brand’s reputation, purchased lists often cause headaches that outweigh any perceived benefits. In this blog post, we’ll explain why buying email lists is a bad idea and explore better alternatives for growing your email list organically.