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Starting a Business on Income Support in 2023

Starting a Business on Income Support in 2023

by | Aug 7, 2023 | Finance and Welfare, PEST Analysis, SEO Wollongong, SWOT Analysis, Wollongong marketing consultant

A Guided Journey Towards Financial Independence While Balancing Business Startup and Income Support Payments.

Starting a business, especially while on income support payments or pension, requires navigating numerous challenges, from raising necessary capital to balancing obligations. However, it is indeed possible to take this path while preserving your financial safety net. Here’s how it could be done:

Legal Requirements and Limitations

So, when embarking on entrepreneurship while receiving income support benefits, you’ll need to navigate some legal requirements and limitations. The primary government benefit programs, including JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment, Age or Disabilty Pension they all have rules around income and assets that could impact your eligibility if not properly managed.

Reporting Your Income

First off, you are obliged by law to report your income. This requirement includes any income generated by your new business. It’s essential to maintain accurate records of all your business transactions and report your earnings to the Department of Human Services (DHS) routinely.

Income Test

Your reported income will undergo an income test, a process used by DHS to determine the amount of money you are eligible to receive. The income test takes into account both your earnings and other sources of income. Should your income exceed the threshold for your payment type, your benefits may be reduced or canceled altogether.

Asset Test

Moreover, an asset test might apply to your situation. If assets used in your business (like vehicles, equipment, or property) surpass a particular asset value, your payment may be affected. It’s vital to keep this in mind when investing in business assets.

Legal Assistance

Given these legal complexities, it’s beneficial to seek professional advice to ensure you are compliant with all requirements. This assistance can come from legal professionals specialising in income support or pensioner payments and can advise on the best options, and provide essential insight. Community legal centers or legal aid agencies can offer advice or steer you towards cost-effective alternatives.

There are also financial counselors who can provide free, independent advice on financial issues. Additionally, various online resources like the MoneySmart provide detailed information on the different aspects of starting and running a business while on income support payments.

Navigating the legal landscape of managing a business on some form of income support, pension or disability payments, can seem overwhelming. However, with careful planning, knowledge acquisition, and professional consultation, you will be equipped to tackle these legal limitations and requirements safely and efficiently. Remember, each business situation is unique; always consult with a qualified professional to ensure the decisions you make best suit your circumstances.

Business Strategies for Success

Starting a successful business while on income support payments requires careful planning and execution, not only with regards to your obligations to the DHS but also actually getting your business idea realised. This will include, focusing on identifying the viability of your ideas, crafting a solid business plan, and securing the necessary funding, and by doing this, you can build a strong foundation for your entrepreneurial journey.

Identifying a Viable Business Idea

A viable business idea aligns with your skills, passion, and the current market demand. In determining the right path for your business, consider the following steps:

  1. Self-assessment: Evaluate your skills, knowledge, and passion. Determine which of these areas will contribute to a successful business venture.
  2. Market research: Identify the market gaps, customer needs, and potential competitors within your chosen industry. This research helps in recognising areas of opportunity for your business.
  3. Scalability: Consider the growth potential of your business idea. Analysing the scalability will help you decide if an idea can grow beyond a hobby, generate income, and ultimately contribute towards financial independence.

Creating a Business Plan

A well-structured business plan serves as a roadmap for your business journey. The key components of a business plan include:

  1. Executive Summary: A concise overview of your business idea, objectives, and strategies.
  2. Market Analysis: A detailed study of your target market, competition, and customer personas.
  3. Marketing Strategy: A plan for promoting and positioning your business to attract customers and generate sales.
  4. Operations Plan: An outline of your business structure, daily operations, and processes.
  5. Financial Plan: A projection of your business expenses, revenue, and profit over time.

Securing Funding and Support

Launching a business requires funds for setting up and ongoing operations. Here are some resources:

  1. Grants and Incentives: Many Australian government programs offer grants and incentives for small businesses, including those run by welfare recipients. Carefully research opportunities like the New Business Assistance with NEIS, which provides financial assistance and training to start a business.
  2. Crowdfunding: Use crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo to pitch your business idea to the public. Successful campaigns can receive backing and funding to kickstart operations.
  3. Microloans: Small, low-interest loans offered by organisations like microfinance institutions and Good Shepherd Microfinance help entrepreneurs with limited resources to finance their ventures.
  4. Business Support Services: Organisations like the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman offer guidance, as well as business mentoring and networking programs to help you develop your entrepreneurial skills.

Leveraging resources

Remember to utilise available resources to guide and support your business strategies. Public libraries, government websites, free business workshops, webinars, online courses, mentoring groups, and free consultation and mentoring from local agencies, can provide a wealth of knowledge and input. By applying these strategies, you’ll position your business for a successful and sustainable journey.

Learn More about Free resources and advice.

Managing Financial Risks

Essential elements for financial management while on income support include budgeting, tracking business expenses, and accessing business grants. These minimise the risk of jeopardising your payments and ensuring a steady flow of income.

When running a business, it’s crucial to take steps to minimise financial risks and continue receiving essential support. By diligently budgeting, tracking expenses, and seeking extra funding, you can maintain a safety net while growing your business.

Budgeting

Creating a detailed budget helps you control your finances and make informed decisions. To budget effectively for your business:

  1. Determine your business expenses: Identify all the fixed costs (e.g., rent, utilities, insurance) and variable costs (e.g., supplies, marketing) associated with your operations.
  2. Categorise expenses: Organise expenses into categories (e.g., rent, equipment, staff) to keep track of funds allocated to different business areas.
  3. Forecast revenue: Estimate the expected income from your business, considering seasonal variations and potential changes in market demand.
  4. Monitor and adjust: Review and analyse your budget periodically to identify areas for improvement or adjustments.

Tracking Business Expenses

To minimise risks and comply with income support reporting requirements, you must accurately track your business expenses. Key steps include:

  1. Maintain records: Keep all receipts and invoices for verification purposes. Use spreadsheets or accounting software to record and track business expenses.
  2. Separate personal and business finances: Use separate bank accounts and credit cards for personal and business use. This distinction helps avoid confusion when reporting your income to your income support agency.
  3. Regular reviews: Regularly review your business expenses to detect any inconsistencies or potential issues. This habit allows for quick action before financial risks escalate.

Accessing Business Grants and Additional Funding

Additional funding can help alleviate financial pressures. Look for opportunities like:

  1. Government grants: Research government assistance such as the Business Entrepreneurship Incentive Strategy to support your venture.
  2. Industry-specific grants: Explore grants and financial incentives available within your industry. These opportunities can enhance your business growth and sustainability.
  3. Non-profit organisations and foundations: Some non-profit organisations and foundations offer financial support to small businesses and entrepreneurs. Research and apply for those relevant to your business.

Effective financial risk management is essential for starting and maintaining a business while on income support. By budgeting, tracking expenses, and seeking additional funding, you mitigate financial risks and set your business on a path to success without jeopardising your support.

Placement of Earned Money

It’s important to legally and securely direct any earned money from your business into a separate account or investment vehicle. Trusts, superannuation, and other financial resources can be beneficial for incomwe support recipients. Seek expert advice to understand these resources better.

Placement of Earned Money: Guidance for Income Support Recipients

As an entrepreneur on income support, one of your top priorities is ensuring the money earned from your business is placed appropriately. This placement needs to be secure, legal, and beneficial to your financial situation for the long term.

Opening Distinct Bank Accounts

One essential step toward separating your business and income support funds is to open a separate bank account exclusively for business transactions.

  • Simplify record keeping: Having a separate account allows for simpler management and monitoring of your business income and expenses.
  • Promote accountability: All the transactions associated with your business occur in one place, promoting accountability and transparency.
  • Enhance reporting accuracy: By clearly separating business and personal transactions, you can report your income with greater accuracy for income declaration.

Establishing Trusts

In some cases, establishing a trust can be beneficial for support recipients. A trust is a legal mechanism where you transfer assets to a trustee, who then manages these assets on behalf of beneficiaries.

  • Non-discretionary trusts: Also known as fixed trusts, these allow beneficiaries to earn a fixed income, which can provide a predictable source of income. In this set-up, ensure the income distribution doesn’t risk exceeding your support income thresholds.
  • Discretionary trusts: Also known as family trusts, these provide flexibility for the trustee to determine the distribution of income among beneficiaries. These trusts can be complex, require careful management, and may have implications for income support eligibility.

Contributing to Superannuation

Superannuation funds can be another way to store income you earn without affecting your current support payments.

  • Long-term investment: Superannuation is a long-term investment strategy designed for retirement savings. Depending on your age, contributions may not be accessible until you reach preservation age, offering a future source of income.
  • Tax benefits: Generally, superannuation contributions may offer tax benefits, which can be financially advantageous. However, these advantages should be evaluated alongside potential impacts on your support eligibility.

Contributing to Superannuation for Income Support Recipients

To expand on the superannuation pathway for support recipients who run a business, contributing to a superannuation fund can help secure retirement savings and provide associated tax benefits. Understanding key aspects such as long-term investment benefits and potential tax advantages allows you to make informed decisions about superannuation.

Long-term Investment

Superannuation is a long-term investment designed to provide a stable and secure retirement income. Factors you need to consider include:

  • Preservation age: Your preservation age, ranging from 55 to 60, depending on your birth year, determines when you can access your superannuation funds. You must reach preservation age and meet other conditions before you’re eligible to withdraw your benefits.
  • Compulsory contributions: By law, employers in Australia must contribute a percentage of your earnings to a superannuation fund if you’re eligible. As a business owner, you should check your eligibility and the required contributions accordingly.
  • Voluntary contributions: Business owners can also make voluntary contributions to their superannuation funds. These additional contributions can help your retirement savings grow faster over time.

Tax Benefits

Superannuation funds often provide tax benefits, making them an attractive investment vehicle. However, it’s essential to balance these benefits against any potential impacts on your support payments.

  • Concessional contributions: These pre-tax contributions, which include employer contributions and salary sacrifices, are usually taxed at 15% within the superannuation fund, potentially providing a lower tax rate compared to your marginal income tax rate.
  • Non-concessional contributions: These post-tax contributions, which come from your after-tax income, are not subject to additional tax within the fund since they have already been taxed at your marginal rate.
  • Low Income Superannuation Tax Offset (LISTO): If your adjusted taxable income is below a specific threshold, you may be eligible for the LISTO, which can refund the tax paid on concessional contributions up to a set amount.
  • Income Support implications: It’s essential to evaluate the tax benefits of superannuation contributions against any potential impacts on your support eligibility. In some cases, withdrawing your superannuation funds may impact your payments.

As an income support recipient and business owner, the decision to contribute to superannuation requires careful consideration of various factors. Consulting with a financial advisor or accountant can help guide your superannuation strategy and provide tailored recommendations, ensuring you make informed decisions.

Contributing to Superannuation for Disabled Income Support Recipients

For those with disabilities, the prospect of contributing to a superannuation fund can provide long-term investment benefits and tax advantages. However, it is essential to weigh these benefits against potential impacts on support payments.

Long-term Investment

Superannuation acts as a long-term investment meant to offer a steady and secure income during retirement. Your ability to access these funds depends primarily on your preservation age, which ranges from 55 to 60, depending on when you were born.

Preservation Age

This is the minimum age set by law at which you can start drawing upon your superannuation. For those born before 1 July 1960, the age is 55, and for those born after this date, the age gradually increases up to 60 years.

If you have a disability, you may have additional flexibility when it comes to accessing superannuation. For instance, if your disability leads to premature retirement, you might be able to access your super earlier under a condition of release:

  • Permanent incapacity: You might be able to access your super if two medical practitioners certify that, due to ill-health, you are unlikely to gain employment in an industry for which you’re suited by training or experience.
  • Severe financial hardship and compassionate grounds: In certain circumstances, you may gain early access due to severe financial hardship or on compassionate grounds.

Tax Benefits

Superannuation contributions can provide significant tax benefits, making it an attractive option for those looking to maximise their returns.

  • Concessional contributions: These are payments made into your super account from your pre-tax income; they are usually taxed at 15%, significantly lower than most people’s marginal tax rate.
  • Tax deductions: If you’re self-employed, you may be able to claim a tax deduction for contributions made to your super from your after-tax income. This could effectively turn your non-concessional contributions into concessional contributions, reducing your tax liability.
  • Offsets and rebates: If you earn a low income, you might be eligible for the Low Income Superannuation Tax Offset (LISTO), which essentially refunds the tax you pay on your super contributions up to a certain amount. Additionally, you might qualify for a super co-contribution, where the government contributes up to a certain amount if you make personal (after-tax) contributions to your super fund.

Despite these benefits, it’s crucial to consider potential impacts on disability support or other income support payments. In some cases, making contributions or withdrawing from your superannuation account can affect your benefits, particularly if it results in your income or assets exceeding the eligibility thresholds. Always consult with a financial advisor with experience in disability and superannuation matters to clarify your individual situation in such matters. They can provide advice specific to your circumstances and future financial goals.

Seeking Professional Advice

Note that the suitability of each financial placement option largely depends on your personal circumstances. It is crucial to seek advice from a qualified financial advisor or legal professional when deciding how to best manage the money you earn from your business. The Australian Government’s MoneySmart website is another excellent resource to gain some basic understanding.

Remember, keeping your earned money separate from your support payments can ensure you meet your legal obligations. It also provides a clearer picture of your business’s financial health, supporting critical decision-making and goal-setting processes.

In Summary

Starting a business while on income support is challenging but achievable with careful planning and strategy. Use the resources available, and don’t be afraid to seek assistance. Remember, your journey towards financial independence is a marathon, not a sprint. Let this guide be your starting block!

Use the many resources available to you to build a financially independent future while safeguarding your current situation.

Warm Regards,

John
Marketing Specialist
YBR Marketing

“Helping your business shine brighter.”
www.ybrmarketing.com.au

Senior-Friendly Marketing Tips for 2023

Senior-Friendly Marketing Tips for 2023

by | Jul 29, 2023 | Advertising Wollongong, Digital marketing wollongong, facebook advertising, Google Ads, Lead generation, Senior-Friendly Marketing, SEO Wollongong, website design, Wollongong marketing consultant

Why Seniors are the New Power Consumers: The Rising Importance of the Senior Market

In today’s digital age, it’s easy to get caught up in targeting younger demographics when it comes to marketing strategies. However, neglecting the 55+ age group means missing out on a significant and often overlooked market. Seniors are more tech-savvy than ever before and are actively seeking products and services that cater to their needs and preferences. Whether you’re promoting retirement communities, healthcare services, business start-ups or leisure activities, it’s crucial to understand how to effectively connect with this demographic. In this article, we will explore the top tips and tricks for senior-friendly marketing, ensuring that your messages resonate with the 55+ age group. From creating relatable content to utilising the right channels, we’ll dive into strategies that will not only boost your visibility but also build trust and loyalty among this valuable audience. So, let’s dive in and discover how to unlock the untapped potential of senior-friendly marketing!

Understanding the Senior Demographic

To effectively market to seniors, it’s essential to understand their unique characteristics and preferences. The 55+ age group is diverse, comprising individuals with varying interests, lifestyles, and needs. However, there are some common traits that can help guide your marketing efforts.

Firstly, it’s important to recognise that many seniors have a strong sense of independence and self-reliance. They value their autonomy and appreciate marketing messages that respect their decision-making abilities. Secondly, seniors are often looking for products and services that enhance their quality of life, whether it’s health and wellness solutions, retirement planning, or leisure activities. Lastly, it’s crucial to acknowledge that many seniors have a significant amount of disposable income, making them an attractive market segment for businesses across various industries.

By understanding these key aspects of the senior demographic, you can tailor your marketing strategies to resonate with their specific needs and aspirations.

Why market to seniors?

Before we delve into the strategies for senior-friendly marketing, let’s first address why it’s important to target this demographic. The 55+ age group represents a substantial and growing market segment. According to recent statistics, there are over 52 million individuals aged 55 and older in the United States alone, and this number is expected to reach 95 million by 2060.

Furthermore, seniors have a significant purchasing power, with an estimated $3.2 trillion in annual spending. With such a substantial market potential, it’s clear that businesses cannot afford to overlook this demographic. By developing marketing strategies that effectively engage seniors, you can tap into this lucrative market and drive business growth.

Challenges in marketing to seniors

While marketing to seniors presents numerous opportunities, it also comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the main obstacles is the misconception that seniors are not technologically inclined. While it’s true that some seniors may not be as comfortable with technology as younger generations, the gap is narrowing. Many seniors are embracing digital platforms, using smartphones, tablets, and computers to connect with others, access information, and make purchasing decisions.

Another challenge is the tendency to stereotype seniors as a homogeneous group. While there are commonalities among seniors, it’s crucial to recognise their diversity and avoid making assumptions based on age alone. By taking the time to understand the unique needs and preferences of your target audience within the senior demographic, you can tailor your marketing messages to resonate with them on a personal level.

Additionally, it’s important to address any potential barriers that seniors may face when interacting with your marketing materials. This can include font size, colour contrast, and user-friendly website navigation. By ensuring that your marketing assets are accessible and easy to understand, you can eliminate any potential obstacles that may hinder seniors from engaging with your brand.

Senior-friendly marketing strategies

Now that we have a solid understanding of the senior demographic and the challenges associated with marketing to this group, let’s explore some effective strategies for senior-friendly marketing.

Creating targeted messaging for seniors

To effectively connect with seniors, it’s crucial to develop messaging that resonates with their unique needs and aspirations. Start by identifying the key pain points and desires of your target audience within the senior demographic. Are they looking for ways to stay active and healthy? Are they interested in financial planning for retirement, are the starting a new business? By understanding their motivations, you can craft messaging that speaks directly to their specific concerns.

When creating content for seniors, it’s important to use language that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may confuse or alienate your audience. Instead, focus on using relatable language that speaks to their experiences and desires. Additionally, incorporating storytelling and personal anecdotes can help create an emotional connection with seniors and make your messaging more memorable.

Utilising traditional marketing channels

While digital marketing is essential in today’s landscape, it’s important not to overlook the power of traditional marketing channels when targeting seniors. Many seniors still rely on traditional media, such as television, radio, and print publications, as their primary sources of information. By including these channels in your marketing mix, you can reach a wider audience and increase your brand visibility among seniors.

When utilising traditional marketing channels, it’s important to be strategic in your approach. Consider partnering with media outlets that have a strong senior following or sponsoring events that cater to this demographic. Additionally, make sure your messaging is tailored to the specific channel you’re using. For example, television advertisements may require a more visual and engaging approach, while radio spots may rely on compelling storytelling and sound effects to capture attention.

Harnessing the power of digital marketing

While traditional marketing channels are valuable, digital marketing offers unique opportunities to connect with seniors on a more personal level. Many seniors are active on social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, and use search engines to research products and services. By developing a strong online presence, you can engage with seniors where they spend a significant portion of their time.

When implementing digital marketing strategies, it’s important to optimise your online content for search engines. Seniors often rely on search engines to find information, so it’s crucial to ensure that your website appears in relevant search results. This can be achieved through search engine optimisation (SEO) techniques, such as keyword research, content optimisation, and link building.

Additionally, consider incorporating video marketing into your digital strategy. Seniors are increasingly consuming video content, making it an effective way to capture their attention and convey your brand message. Whether it’s through product demonstrations, customer testimonials, or educational videos, video marketing can help build trust and credibility among seniors.

Designing user-friendly websites and advertisements

When it comes to marketing to seniors, user experience is paramount. Many seniors may have age-related visual impairments or difficulties navigating complex websites. To ensure that your online assets are user-friendly, consider implementing the following design principles:

– Use clear and legible fonts with an appropriate size and colour contrast.

– Ensure that your website is easy to navigate and intuitive to use, with clear call-to-action buttons.

– Optimise your website for mobile devices, as many seniors use smartphones and tablets for online browsing.

– Include relevant and engaging visuals that enhance comprehension and capture attention.

By designing user-friendly websites and advertisements, you can create a seamless and enjoyable experience for seniors, encouraging them to engage with your brand and take the desired actions.

Building trust and credibility with seniors

Trust is a crucial factor in senior-friendly marketing. Seniors are more likely to engage with brands they perceive as trustworthy and credible. To build trust among this demographic, consider implementing the following strategies:

– Highlight testimonials and reviews from satisfied senior customers to showcase positive experiences.

– Develop partnerships with reputable organizations and associations that cater to seniors.

– Provide transparent and accurate information about your products and services, including pricing, benefits, and potential risks.

– Offer exceptional customer service and support, addressing any concerns or questions seniors may have promptly and empathetically.

By prioritising trust and credibility in your marketing efforts, you can establish a strong relationship with seniors, fostering loyalty and repeat business.

Measuring success in senior-friendly marketing

As with any marketing campaign, it’s essential to measure the success of your senior-friendly marketing strategies. Start by defining clear and measurable goals that align with your overall business objectives. Are you looking to increase brand awareness among seniors? Are you aiming to drive conversions and sales within this demographic? By establishing specific metrics, such as website traffic, engagement rates, and conversion rates, you can track the effectiveness of your campaigns and make data-driven decisions.

In addition to quantitative metrics, it’s also important to gather qualitative feedback from seniors. Conduct surveys, focus groups, or interviews to gain insights into their perceptions and experiences with your brand. This feedback can help you refine your marketing strategies and ensure that you’re continuously improving your approach to better meet the needs of this demographic.

To Summarise

Marketing to seniors requires a thoughtful and strategic approach. By understanding the unique characteristics, needs, and preferences of the 55+ age group, you can develop effective marketing strategies that resonate with this valuable demographic. From creating targeted messaging to utilising traditional and digital marketing channels, there are numerous strategies to connect with seniors and unlock the untapped potential of senior-friendly marketing. By prioritising user experience, building trust and credibility, and measuring success, you can create meaningful connections with seniors, driving business growth and establishing long-term relationships. So, embrace the opportunities that senior-friendly marketing offers and position your brand as a trusted partner for this growing market segment.

In conclusion, effectively marketing to the 55+ age group can be both rewarding and profitable for your business. Don’t forget to check out our cutting-edge Seniors-as-a-Service (SaaS) offering, which can help you seamlessly connect with this vital demographic! Thanks for stopping by, and if you have any questions or require assistance, our team at YBR Marketing is here for you.

Ready to discover the transformative potential of Seniors-as-a-Service Accelerator Plans for your business? Sign up for a free consultation with our experts today!

Until next time,
John from YBR Marketing

The Benefits of Hiring a Local Marketing Consultant for Your Wollongong Business

The Benefits of Hiring a Local Marketing Consultant for Your Wollongong Business

by | Mar 30, 2023 | SEO Wollongong, Wollongong marketing consultant

On This Page

Understanding the Local Market

Personalised Marketing Strategies

Access to Local Networks

Cost-Effective Solutions

Ongoing Support and Collaboration

Introduction

Running a small business in Wollongong can be tough, especially when it comes to marketing. That’s where a local marketing consultant can come in handy. With their knowledge of the area and experience working with small businesses, they can help you develop a marketing strategy that fits your budget and goals. Learn more about the benefits of working with a small business marketing consultant in Wollongong.

Understanding the Local Market.

One of the biggest benefits of hiring a local marketing consultant for your Wollongong business is their understanding of the local market. They know the area, the people, and the culture, which can be invaluable when it comes to developing a marketing strategy that resonates with your target audience. They can also provide insights into local trends and competition, helping you stay ahead of the game.
A local marketing consultant in Wollongong can help you tailor your marketing efforts to the specific needs and preferences of your target audience. They can help you identify the best channels to reach your customers, whether it’s through social media, email marketing, or local advertising. They can also help you craft messaging that speaks directly to your audience, using language and imagery that resonates with them. By understanding the local market, a marketing consultant can help you stand out from the competition and build a loyal customer base.

Personalised Marketing Strategies.

A local marketing consultant can provide personalised marketing strategies that are tailored to your specific business needs. They can work with you to identify your target audience, develop a unique value proposition, and create a marketing plan that aligns with your business goals. By taking the time to understand your business and its unique challenges, a local marketing consultant can help you stand out in a crowded market and achieve long-term success.
As a small business owner in Wollongong, it can be challenging to navigate the ever-changing landscape of marketing. That’s where a local marketing consultant comes in. They can provide personalised strategies that take into account your business’s unique strengths and weaknesses. Whether it’s developing a social media plan, creating targeted advertising campaigns, or optimising your website for search engines, a marketing consultant can help you reach your ideal customers and grow your business. By working with a local consultant, you’ll have the advantage of their knowledge of the Wollongong market and their ability to provide hands-on support and guidance.

Access to Local Networks.

One of the biggest benefits of hiring a local marketing consultant for your Wollongong business is their access to local networks. They have established relationships with other businesses, organizations, and influencers in the area, which can be leveraged to promote your business and increase your visibility. This can include collaborations, sponsorships, and partnerships that can help you reach new audiences and grow your customer base. Additionally, a local consultant can provide valuable insights into local trends and consumer behavior, which can inform your marketing strategies and help you stay ahead of the competition.
When it comes to marketing your small business in Wollongong, it’s important to have a deep understanding of the local market. This is where a local marketing consultant can be invaluable. They have their finger on the pulse of the community and can help you tailor your marketing efforts to resonate with local consumers. They can also help you navigate the unique challenges and opportunities that come with marketing in a smaller, more tightly-knit community. By tapping into their local networks and expertise, you can give your business a competitive edge and position yourself for long-term success.

Cost-Effective Solutions.

Small businesses in Wollongong often struggle to compete with larger companies with bigger marketing budgets. That’s where a local marketing consultant can help. They can provide cost-effective solutions that are tailored to your specific business needs. For example, they may recommend focusing on social media marketing or local SEO to increase your online visibility and attract more customers, if you’re a local restaurant, they may recommend running targeted Facebook ads to reach potential customers in your area. Or, if you’re a boutique clothing store, they may suggest optimising your website for local search terms to improve your visibility in Google and Bing Maps. By working with a local consultant, you can get expert advice without breaking the bank, they can also help you prioritise your marketing efforts to ensure that you are getting the most bang for your buck. Plus, they can help you track your results and adjust your strategy as needed to ensure that you are getting the best return on investment.

Ongoing Support and Collaboration.

As a small business owner in Wollongong, it can be overwhelming to navigate the world of marketing on your own. That’s where a local marketing consultant comes in. When you hire a local marketing consultant for your Wollongong business, you are not just getting a one-time service, local consultants are invested in the success of their clients and will work with you to achieve your goals. They can provide regular check-ins, updates, and adjustments to your marketing strategy as needed. Whether it’s regular check-ins, updates to your strategy, or adjustments based on market trends, a local consultant can provide the support you need to thrive in a competitive market. Plus, with a strong relationship built on trust, you can feel confident that your consultant has your best interests in mind.

Conclusion

In the end, there is no better person to help you develop marketing strategies for your small business than a local marketing consultant in Wollongong. If you haven’t been able to achieve the results you want by yourself, working alongside an experienced marketing consultant may be what your business needs, their experience and local knowledge should keep you from making costly mistakes and reaching your goals more quickly than if you tried to go it alone.

Dedicated To Your Marketing Success 

John

wollongong digital marketing

 

The Power of Your Business Hub a.k.a. Website

The Power of Your Business Hub a.k.a. Website

by | Dec 2, 2022 | Online Advertising Wollongong, SEO Wollongong, website design, Website SEO

Your website is a powerful 24/7 marketing tool.

The digital age offers us all a dizzying array of choices. You have to sift through millions of web pages and navigate different mobile apps to find the information you need. But your business needs a hub – an online center (or origin) for the digital activities that promote your brand across all channels. I call this your “digital home.” Think of it as a place that makes people want to come back by providing high-quality content and acting as a trustworthy resource for your audience. All this will work together to build your online identity and enhance your brand awareness.

What are the 5 key purposes of a website?

Websites serve five main functions:

1) Provide information

One of the key purposes of your business website is to help you grow your business. To do that, you need to make sure you’re doing everything possible to promote yourself online. That means having a website that’s optimized for search engines, social media, email, and more. 

Creating an online presence is essential for any company looking to expand its customer base and grow its brand awareness. A well-designed and strategically-managed website is the foundation for any digital marketing strategy. It can be used to attract customers by providing them with valuable content on your products or services, as well as build trust among consumers by providing transparent information about your business practices.

By implementing these strategies into your digital marketing plan, you will see results faster than ever before!

2) Sell products and services

Selling products and services online is a great way to reach a wider audience.

When you’re selling online, it’s important to make sure you have all the tools and resources you need to promote yourself effectively.

A website is a great place to start. Not only does it give you a platform to showcase your products, but it also helps with search engine optimization (SEO).

3) Engage visitors

If you’re looking to engage visitors, you need to make sure you’re doing everything possible to promote yourself online.

The main way to engage visitors is through SEO. SEO stands for “search engine optimisation,” and it refers to the process of making your website more appealing to search engines like Google, Bing and Yahoo so that they’ll show your page when someone searches for terms related to what you do.

“Perform an on-page SEO audit on a page”

4) Collect contact details

If you’re looking to collect contact details, you need to make sure you’re website is designed to attract and inform.

You can improve your website’s ability to collect information about visitors by adding a phone number or email address in the footer. You can also use newsletter signup forms and social media buttons that allow people to connect with you on their favorite platforms.

If you want to grow your business and increase sales, it’s important that your site has an easy way for people interested in your products or services to contact you.

5) Build trust

One of the primary purposes of a business website is to build trust. You want to attract customers by providing useful information, and you want to make sure your site is designed in such a way that it’s easy for people to find the information they need.

This is especially important if your business is not well-known in the industry. By providing useful, verifiable information about your company and its products, you’ll help potential customers feel more confident about working with you.

Building a Strong Online Presence.

Your website hub is an extension of your brand that helps you manage your entire digital presence. It includes everything from your social media profiles to your email list.

Creating a strong online presence will help you grow your business and build loyalty among existing customers. Your website hub should give visitors a sense of who you are as a brand and what they can expect from interacting with you online.

Manage All Digital Marketing Efforts.

The easiest way to improve your digital marketing skills is to create a website!

If you’re looking to grow your business, then you need to make sure that every aspect of your digital marketing efforts is managed through one place.

A website is a central location where you can manage all of your online marketing efforts. You can use a website to create new content, upload images, schedule social media posts, and much more.

If you’re looking to improve your digital marketing skills, then you should consider creating a website. A website is a centralized location where you can manage your entire digital marketing strategy. You can use a site hub to create new content (like blog posts), upload images, schedule social posts, and much more – all from one place.

Remember, a website is more than just a collection of pages. It needs to add value for its visitors, tell your story in the best way possible, and keep people coming back for more.

Building Your Own Hub

When it comes down to it, you need to be keenly aware of your needs and goals. If you have a very specific design in mind, then WordPress may seem like a good option, as you’ll have complete control over the final product. On the other hand, if all you’re looking for is an easy-to-navigate site with a few pages, then a simple website builder might be best. In short, do your homework before making a choice. You never want to discover too late that you or your web designer made an irrevocable mistake by building your site on the wrong platform.

If you’d like to create your own website, it might be easiest to start with an all-in-one building service like Squarespace, Weebly, or Wix. These services make it possible for you to build a site without knowing anything about code.

Have a website but it’s not showing the results you need?

If you have created your own business website, but it’s not showing the results you need?

Your website is the face of your business and it needs to work for you.

You might be suffering from a lack of traffic.

If you have invested in paid advertising, but that’s not working either?

You might be suffering from a lack of quality content.

If you have created both high-quality content and paid advertising, but your website is still not getting enough traffic?

Your website might look a little amateurish?

Then… you might be suffering from a lack of website optimisation or in need of a simple website makeover..

“How to Optimize WordPress to Speed Up your Website”

As a business, your website serves as your digital hub. It’s where you can showcase who you are, what you do, and how you can help others. Your website holds all the information that your customers and clients need to know and trust in order to do business with you. But if you’re not using it to its full potential, then it might be time for a website makeover. Ask yourself: are you providing helpful information to your audience? Are you making it easy for people to find what they need? Are people visiting your page because they’re looking directly for what you offer? There should be an increase in traffic and time on page, ideally leading to an increase in conversions.

Having an online presence that showcases who you are as a brand, is made through the power of your business information hub aka website, so you can ask yourself the question? What is the online future of my business? With a business hub, the future can be very bright!

Dedicated To Your Marketing Success

John

wollongong digital marketing

Why I Need Google Ads Conversion Tracking

Why I Need Google Ads Conversion Tracking

by | Sep 13, 2022 | Digital Marketing SOPs, Digital marketing wollongong, direct response marketing, Google Ads, Lead generation, Online Advertising Wollongong, SEO Wollongong

Easy Steps to Follow?

Lucky for you, it’s seriously simple to track conversions using Google Ads. In this guide, I’ll take you step by step through how to set up and monitor conversions for your online ads and marketing campaigns.

You’ve got your Google Ads campaign up and running, and your ads and keywords are starting to generate an impressive number of clicks. Great! But unless you’ve got conversion tracking installed, you won’t be able to see how many of those clicks are actually resulting in sales. 

conversion touch points

Conversion Touch Points

Google Ad Conversion Tracking: How It Works

Conversion tracking is a system that allows you to monitor the performance of your Google Ads campaigns at an individual level. With this information, you can make changes to your account that will optimize your ads and increase ROI.

In order to get started, you’ll need to set up conversion tracking in Google Ads, which involves three things:

1) Turning on conversion tracking for each campaign or ad group (this is done by going into the “Settings” tab under “Tools”)

2) Setting up conversion values for each conversion type you want to track (you can do this by going into the “Conversions” tab under “Tools”)

3) Creating goals for each conversion type (the goal creation process is the same as setting up the conversion types)

Google Ads setup objectives

Why It’s Important To Track Conversions In Google Ads

Google Ads can be a powerful tool for your business, but it’s only as powerful as the data you have about what works and what doesn’t.

In order to make the most out of your advertising budget, you need to know how many conversions each ad brings in. This is where conversion tracking comes in! Conversion tracking allows you to see which ads are driving the most conversions and then use that information to make adjustments that will help optimize your campaigns.

You can use conversion tracking with any of Google’s ad types, including text ads (formerly known as Search Network), image ads (formerly known as Display Network), remarketing ads (formerly known as GDN), YouTube video ads, and shopping ads.

Understanding Google Ads Conversions

Google Ads tracking is a powerful tool that allows you to track the effectiveness of your digital marketing campaigns. But if you’re looking to track conversions in Google Ads, you need to define your conversion, install the proper tracking tag, and choose an attribution model. Of course, if it were that simple, we wouldn’t need an entire blog post for it. We’re going to get into the step-by-step instructions for this shortly, but before we do, let’s unpack what each of those terms means so you can get a full picture of what this all means for your Google Ads account.

Defining Your Conversion

When you set up conversion tracking, you’ll need to choose a method for counting your conversions. This method is called an attribution model, and it can be either first click, last click or linear. The choice of attribution model depends on how many ads a user interacts with before completing a conversion action.

First click attribution gives all the credit to the first ad they interact with; last click attribution gives all the credit to the last ad they interacted with; linear attribution gives each ad a fraction of the credit based on how many times they interacted with each one before completing a conversion action.

attribution model

Conversion value is an option within some conversion actions that allows you to assign a specific value towards that given action. For example, a business might know that form-fills from a specific landing page lead to a $2000 job versus a $200 one, so that page’s conversion action will have that value applied to it. This can impact bidding strategies within your account, like maximize conversion value.

Google tag is a code you add to your website that acts as the “middle man” between your website and your Google Ads account. We’ll fully explain the Google tag installation process and purpose later. For now, keep in mind that this is what enables your website to accurately signal completed actions back to your Google Ads account.

Google Ads enables you to track a variety of conversions.

There are several types of conversion actions in Google Ads, and each one has a different purpose. For example, a click-through is just that: someone clicked on your ad and then visited your landing page. A form-fill is when a user filled out an online form (usually to receive more information about your product). A sale is when someone makes a purchase through your website. Here are the five main types:

Website actions are the most basic or well-known types of Google Ads conversions. A website action could be a purchase, form-fill, button click, and more.

Website conversions are when your website visitors take an action on your site.

These are the most basic or well-known types of Google Ads conversions. A website action could be a purchase, form-fill, button click, and more.

Phone calls: This conversion type is also very popular as it’s simply a call to your business that originates from your Google Ads.

If you have a local business, this is one of the best ways to track conversions, since Google Ads can provide you with details about the number of calls your ads received and who made them.

The only downside is that there are no details on how many people actually went through with buying something once they called—you just get to know how many people called.

App installs and in-app conversions: These only apply to businesses that are advertising an app. Their purpose is to count app downloads or other interactions within an app.

App installs: When someone clicks on your ad and downloads your app, Google Ads counts this as a conversion.

In-app conversions: If someone opens your app after clicking on the ad, Google Ads counts this as a conversion. In-app conversions also include purchases, upgrades, or subscriptions made within the app.

If you’re not advertising an app, then these data types won’t apply to you.

Imported or offline conversions: These are actions that happen offline, but may have originated from an ad. You would import those tracked offline actions, such as an over-the-phone sale or in-person action, via a customer relationship management (CRM) platform.

Google Ads Conversion Tracking (GATC): This is the easiest way to track conversions on Google Ads. GATC is a snippet of code that you add to your site’s code so it can track actions on your site and report them back to Google Ads as conversions.

Free Professional Standard SOP: “Adding Google Ads conversion tracking to a site (using GTM)”

When a user completes an action that is specific to an advertiser’s physical location, it’s considered a local conversion action. These are automatically defined for you by Google Ads since they occur only across Google’s products or services, like Google Maps. Some examples of local actions are clicks to call, viewing a menu, or getting directions.

You’ll also have to choose a conversion category for your conversion actions. The point of this is to make segmenting your PPC reporting easier later by separating out data by category. There are 12+ conversion categories in Google Ads, but Google containers them into types:

Sale categories: Making a purchase, adding an item to a cart, initiating checkout, or subscribing to a recurring service are all examples of sales categories. These are the ones you’ll be familiar with if you’ve ever made a purchase online before—they’re what you see at the end of an e-commerce checkout process!

Non-sale categories: Clicking on an email newsletter signup form or filling out a contact form are examples of non-sale conversions. These kinds of actions are important because they represent potential customers who have become aware of your brand but haven’t yet made the decision to buy anything.

Leads categories: These include other website actions as well as local actions, such as submitting a lead form, booking an appointment, requesting a quote, calling your business, or getting directions.

There are further categories you have the option to select for unique Google Ads conversion tracking situations, like page views or downloads.

Conversion types: You can also choose from different conversion types. These include:

-Download

-Click on a URL

-Click on a phone number

-Click on an image (that is not an image ad)

conversion category types

Setting up Google Ads conversion tracking can be done in three steps.

Now that you know what to expect during the process, let’s walk through a basic website conversion action set up! In order to set up conversion tracking, you’ll need:

A website to place your Google tag code.

The ability to edit your website code: You or your web developer will have to paste a short snippet of code onto your website.

There are two core steps to start your Google Ads conversion tracking journey: creating a conversion action and installing your Google tag.

Step 1: Create a conversion action.

The first step for a standard Google Ads conversion tracking setup is creating a conversion action within the Google Ads platform. Here are the quick, easy steps to do so:

1. Sign into your Google Ads account.

2. In the upper right corner, click into the tools menu, and select the Conversions option located under the Measurement bucket.

3. You’ll be brought to the summary section within your Conversions view, where you’ll want to click +New conversion action.

4. Select website as your type of conversion action and follow the prompts to enter your domain and scan your website. This is to check if you have the Google tag installed on your site. If you don’t, you’ll receive a snippet of code you’ll be prompted to put on your website.

5. Choose how you want to set up your conversion action: either URL setup or manual setup (more on this below).

Which Setup is best?

While a URL setup is quicker and easier, it will only apply to you if you’re looking to track a page load as a conversion.

A manual setup allows you to track clicks on buttons or links, with the option to customize the event tag with conversion value tracking and transaction IDs.

It’s a fairly easy process. You just follow the prompts, and during this step you’ll select an attribution model and other settings. Click on the links below to 

Instructions for a URL setup,

Instructions for a manual setup.

I’ve linked to an Attribution Model Guide, so you can decide which one is right for you.

Guide to attribution models.

Step #2: Set up your Google tag

If you’re ready to get started with Google Ads conversion tracking, the next step is going to depend on whether or not your Google tag is already set up.

If your Google tag is already set up and you created your conversion action using a URL, then you’re done and good to start seeing data on that conversion.

If your Google tag is not set up and you created your conversion action using a URL, you’ll get a screen with instructions on how to set it up.

If your Google tag is already set up and you created your conversion action manually, then you’ll get instructions on adding the action’s unique event snippet.

If your Google tag is not set up and you created your conversion action manually, then you’ll get instructions on both setting up the Google tag as well as adding the event snippet for the action itself.

Installing the Google tag

Your Free Access to our Professional Standard SOP: “Adding Google Tag Manager to a WordPress Site”

Step #3: Check your Google Tag

To ensure that your Google tag is properly installed and firing off conversion tracking correctly, follow these steps:

1. Sign into your Google Ads account and navigate back to the Conversions section via the upper right corner menu.

2. In the conversion actions table view, you can see under the Status column how any single conversion action is performing. You can click on a statuses to get more information about it or click on Resolve to see what could be causing it. Check out our Google Ads conversion tracking hang ups guide to know which statuses to look out for.

3. If everything looks good, then you’re ready to start analyzing data!

google tag installation

Looking at your Google Ads conversion data

Once you’ve set up your Google Ads conversion tracking, you’ll be able to start seeing conversion data in your account!

To see this data, you’ll want to add columns like “Conversions” (known as “conv.” in the column view of the platform), “Conversion Rate,” and “Cost/Conversion” to your view. That way, you can leverage those PPC metrics to know you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

And if you’re wondering how your conversion data stacks up against competitors, check out this search ad industry benchmarks.

search conversion industry benchmarks

Troubleshooting Google Ads conversion tracking

You’re not seeing any data in your conversion columns.

If you’re seeing zero conversions in your conversion columns, don’t worry.

It can take up to 24 hours for conversion data to start appearing in Google Ads. If after 24 hours your conversion still isn’t showing up, it’s possible that no customers have converted yet. One way to test this is by going through the motions of a conversion yourself by clicking on your ad when it appears and doing whatever action is required to trigger the conversion on your site.

If after another 24 hours your conversion isn’t registering, double-check that the code was installed correctly. You might have to install additional plug-ins or move the code to a different part of the page.

The campaign has received many clicks, but not many conversions.

If your Google Ads campaign is receiving a lot of clicks, but few conversions, it’s time to take a look at your landing page.

A common reason for this kind of discrepancy is that you’re sending users to your homepage instead of a dedicated landing page. Sending users to your homepage can result in low conversion rates because the visitor doesn’t know what they’re getting into when they click on the ad.

It’s also possible that your landing page isn’t optimized for conversion. Is there a prominent CTA? A simple form? Is the key information available above the fold? If not, it could be that people aren’t ready to convert when they arrive at your site and so they don’t do anything at all—or worse yet, they leave without converting.

Finally, it’s important to make sure that if someone clicks on one of your ads, they’ll be reassured upon reaching their destination that they’ll get what you’ve promised them—including the same keywords and copy so that the person is reassured upon clicking on the ad that they’ll get what you’ve promised them.

Thanks for reading, and we hope you got as much out of this article as we did in writing it. Ultimately, there is a lot to know about Google conversion tracking, but no matter what level of expertise you are at with your conversion tracking, hopefully this guide helped answer some questions and get you headed in the right direction to be more successful with your paid media strategy.

If you like to access our complete library of Professional Grade Digital Marketing SOP’s for FREE, just click on the SOP link in the sidebar or click on this link.. Become an Expert Digital Marketer minus the work..

Dedicated to Your Marketing Success

John

wollongong digital marketing

Social Media Marketing Wollongong – How To Grow Your Business With Social Media

Social Media Marketing Wollongong – How To Grow Your Business With Social Media

by | Aug 22, 2022 | Advertising Wollongong, SEO Wollongong, social media marketing

Social media marketing is an important part of any online strategy. It allows you to reach customers where they spend their time, and create a community around your brand. But it can be confusing. To make things worse, most advice on social media marketing comes from the people selling it, rather than from businesses who are already successfully using it. That’s why I wanted to write this article. I want you to have the real scoop – straight from other successful business owners who know what they’re doing and have been there before you.

Create an Account with Facebook.

Whether you’re a business owner, a blogger or a webmaster, we all know the importance of having a Facebook account. Having a Facebook account allows you to have your own personal page where people can follow and connect with you. However, did you know that there are also websites where you can create a business page as well? This allows your customers to get information regarding your business and also enables them to read posts that you’ve posted on your page. If you’re not using social media yet, now’s the perfect time to start! You can use Facebook as a free platform to build your brand and connect with potential clients.

To get started on Facebook:

1. Create a Facebook Page for your business by going to www.facebook.com/pages/create/. Follow the instructions to create a page for your business.

2. Set up your Page by filling out all of the required fields in the Info tab (including a profile picture).

3. Add some information about yourself by filling out the About tab and adding additional tabs if necessary (for example: Contact Info or Services).

4. Manage your Page by clicking on the Edit Page button at the top right-hand corner of your page (next to where it says “Like”) then selecting Manage Permissions from the dropdown menu that appears next to Settings & Privacy Settings in order to add new people as admins who can post content on behalf of your business.

Setup a Twitter Account

Twitter is another great place to promote your business. It’s easy to set up an account, and you can easily share links to your website, blog posts, and other online content.

To set up a Twitter account, go to the website: https://twitter.com/signup. If you already have a Facebook or Google account, you can use it to sign up for Twitter. If not, you’ll need to create an account with your email address and password, then verify it by entering in your phone number or SMS code.

Once you’re signed in, you’ll be able to write your first Tweet! A tweet is a 140-character message that can be posted publicly (to everyone) or privately (to only your followers). To post publicly on Twitter, just type in your message and hit enter—it’ll be posted instantly! You can also attach photos and videos from other websites using a “link” icon on each post. To send private messages (DM), click on the envelope icon beside a user’s name when they are mentioned in one of your Tweets; this will open up their DM inbox so that you can send them something more personal than what would be appropriate for everyone else to see!

Start posting regularly.

You should post at least once every day. This will help build trust with your followers and keep them interested in what you’re doing..

Here are some tips for making the most of your time on social media:

1. You should post at least once every day. This will help build trust with your followers and keep them interested in what you’re doing.

2. Post during times when your target audience is most likely to be online: between 9am and 5pm (Eastern Time) on weekdays, and 11am – 6pm on weekends.

3. Don’t use all caps or excessive punctuation—it makes it look like you’re yelling at people, which is never a good thing! Also avoid emoticons like 🙂 or :-(—they’re kind of creepy.

4. Make sure that each post has a clear call-to-action so that people know how they can interact with you (e.g., if you’re selling something, let people know how much it costs).

Find out what works best for your audience.

The best way to grow your business through social media is to tailor your approach.

There’s no one size fits all approach when it comes to social media marketing. It depends on your industry, your brand, and your goals.

So how do you know which approach is right for you? Here are some questions to ask yourself:

-What are my goals? Do I want to grow my customer base or increase brand awareness?

-What kind of imagery will appeal most to my customers? Do they like photos or videos? What kind of message should I convey in each post?

-What are the most popular platforms among my target audience? Facebook, Instagram, Twitter…or something else entirely?

-Who am I trying to reach—just people who already know about me or those who aren’t yet familiar with my business?

Promote your posts.

Don’t just post your content and hope it goes viral—you have to promote it!

This is one of the best ways to grow your business on social media. You should promote your posts as much as possible. This will help them gain more views and engagement.

You can do this by promoting your posts on other networks and sites, like Facebook or Twitter. You can also promote them on other websites that are related to yours, like forums or blogs.

If you’re not sure where to start with promoting your posts, then check out these tips:

1. Use hashtags in your posts so people can find them easily when they search for those terms on Twitter or Instagram.

2. Include links in your posts so people who want more information about something can click through and read more about it without leaving their feed (this is called a link-in-post). This is great because it allows users to quickly get a lot of information without having to go somewhere else first!

3. Try using video content on Instagram stories instead of just photos—it’s easier for people to digest while they’re scrolling through their feeds!

And most importantly, don’t be afraid to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. It may feel uncomfortable to hold a giveaway or reach out to strangers, but let’s face it—Social media is a powerful resource that we can all take advantage of. Don’t be afraid to at least give it a try, and you may find yourself growing in ways that you hadn’t even realized were possible.

Growing your business through social media requires consistency, persistence, and a willingness to experiment with new ideas. The information in this article should give you a headstart on growing your company through social media. Hopefully, it will serve you, but even if not; try something new. That’s the only way you’ll know for certain if it works for you.

 

Dedicated To Your Social Media Marketing Success!

John

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