Ideas & Insights
From what makes good content work to getting more from your social media, website, emails and wider marketing, this is where we share what we’re seeing, what we’re learning and the ideas we think are worth passing on.
If we were starting a trade business today, here’s how we’d approach marketing
Starting a trade business comes with no shortage of things you could spend your time and money on, but you don’t need to do everything at once. If your goal is to work with builders, developers or other businesses, there are a few marketing foundations worth getting right from the beginning. From securing your business name to sorting your workwear, signage, online presence and content, here’s where we’d start.
A guide to marketing channels and what they actually do
Marketing comes with a lot of channels, platforms and terminology, and it isn't always obvious what each one is actually there to do. This guide breaks down the main marketing channels, from websites and social media to email, advertising, PR and referrals, how they generally fit into the customer journey and how they can work together.
Small business marketing: how to know what’s worth your time and money
Small business marketing can quickly become overwhelming when there are so many different places you could be spending your time and money. But doing more isn't always the answer. Knowing who you're trying to reach, what you want your marketing to achieve and which channels make sense for your customers can help you focus your efforts on the things that are actually worth doing.
How to build a marketing plan that actually lasts
Building a marketing plan is one thing. Building one that actually lasts is another. A good marketing plan needs to work in the real world, taking into account your goals, budget, resources and what your business can realistically maintain. With the right strategy, systems and processes in place, marketing becomes easier to manage consistently rather than something that keeps falling to the bottom of the list.
Why marketing feels like it’s not working (even when it is)
There’s a moment in almost every business where you start to question whether your marketing is actually doing anything. You’re posting and showing up, but the results don’t feel obvious yet. The reality is, marketing rarely delivers instant results. It works in layers, building awareness, familiarity and trust over time. While it might feel slow at the start, this is often the stage where momentum is being built and, eventually, that’s what drives real growth.
Why authenticity is the most underrated marketing strategy of 2026
In a world of polished feeds and copy-and-paste captions, authenticity is becoming one of the most powerful ways for businesses to build trust online. It’s not about being unfiltered or unprofessional. It’s about showing the real people, work and stories behind your business. If your social media feels forced or flat, better lighting or smarter captions might not be the answer. The missing piece could simply be showing up more like you.