Forest Software

Web, SEO and IT & Business Advice for the Smaller Business

Marketing

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Planning for Expansion: A Guide for Small Business Owners

Expanding a small business is an exciting prospect. It signals growth, ambition, and the chance to achieve new milestones. However, without proper planning, expansion can quickly turn into a costly misstep. For small business owners, having a structured approach is essential to navigate the opportunities and challenges of scaling up. This guide will outline how to effectively plan for expansion, ensuring a smoother journey towards growth and sustainability.

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Reading Time: 5 minutes

Should Your Small Business Join the Black Friday Frenzy?

Black Friday is one of the most anticipated shopping events of the year, with customers eagerly hunting for the best deals. Big brands and global corporations dominate the day with flashy advertisements and eye-catching discounts, but does that mean your small business should jump on the bandwagon too?

Before rushing into planning a Black Friday sale, it’s worth taking a step back to consider whether it aligns with your business goals, resources, and customer expectations. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of running a Black Friday sale as a small business and help you decide if it’s the right move for you.

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Reading Time: 6 minutes

Make Your Website Easy to Use

Creating a website that’s easy to use is crucial for small businesses. An effective website can attract customers, encourage them to spend more time browsing, and make it easy for them to complete actions like booking a service, buying a product, or signing up for a newsletter. But where do you begin? Let’s go through some simple tips on how to make your website user-friendly, so your customers have the best possible experience from start to finish.  Of course, you may want to use a professional website designer rather than doing it yourself but these tips are still relevant, and may tell you why your designer has done something a particular way.

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Reading Time: 5 minutes

The Importance of Communication with Your Website Designer for Small Business Success

I was talking to a fellow website designer yesterday and he was telling me about a client who kept changing their mind about their website and then once it went live decided that it shouldn’t have done so for another two weeks.  This lead me to think about how important it is to talk to your website designer.

A website is often the first impression customers will have of your business. For small businesses, especially, a well-designed website can be the difference between gaining or losing a customer. But achieving a website that truly represents your brand, engages visitors, and drives results isn’t just about hiring a talented designer. It’s about clear, consistent communication. Let’s explore why talking to your website designer is one of the most important steps in building an effective online presence and how to make the most of this collaboration. Continue reading

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Legal Information That Should Appear on a Limited Company’s Website

This article was written after a conversation with a client who didn’t want to show their company details on their website, I had to explain that it was a legal requirement, so for those who are not sure the information is shown below.

In the UK, a limited company must comply with certain legal obligations regarding the information that should be displayed on its website. The Companies Act 2006, the Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002, and other related regulations impose specific requirements. This article will guide you through the legal necessities for a limited company website, ensuring compliance with UK law and avoiding potential penalties.

As always when dealing with legal matters, you should check with a professional adviser about how the information applies to you. Continue reading

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Why Small Accountancy Firms Shouldn’t Hesitate to Make Website Changes and Embrace SEO

Many small firms of accountants approach website changes with trepidation. It’s understandable. Websites can feel like a massive investment, and altering something that seems to be working “well enough” can appear unnecessary. However, this hesitation might be holding your firm back. As accountancy practices grow and evolve, so too should their digital presence. A key aspect of that evolution involves optimising your website for search engines (SEO).

In this blog, we’ll explore why small accountancy firms shouldn’t be reluctant to update their websites, and the critical role SEO plays in ensuring your business stays visible and competitive. Continue reading

About this blog

Over the years we have published many articles based around the questions that we get asked from small businesses relating to marketing, SEO, general business advice and other subjects.  You can find a list of related articles grouped by subject below or can even search for a word or phrase or browse our recent articles.

We hope that you find our articles useful.

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