Selling your products or services for Christmas?

Planning your marketing will give you the sales boost you’re hoping for – and it’s not too late to start.

Marketing and PR consultant Sarah Hawes from Izzy PR advises setting aside some time to plan your content – what it is and when it will be sent, so that you’re ready to go.

Target Audiences And Key Messages

Who uses your products / services and why? Each target audience will need different messaging – don’t go general, go targeted.

Social Media

Choose the best platforms – where your buyers will see you. Think about your target audience again – where are they? Online, offline, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok etc?

Use a mix of images and videos that show the product/service in action, used by the different target audiences, including the relevant key messages for each.

Post demo videos, ‘how to’ information, flash offers and previous customer reviews.

WEBSITE

Make sure the customer has all the information they need to know and that the buying process is quick, easy and secure.

EMAIL MARKETING

Plan targeted campaigns – you will need to segment your audience for this to be effective, so that you are telling the right people the right key messages. Plan a sequence, so that they are sent a series that makes sense, moving them closer to a purchase. Remove those who have already bought, into a different audience and send different messaging.

ADVERTISING izzypr.co.uk sarah@izzypr.co.uk

Digital advertising can be instant, but print advertising needs to be booked asap publications close to adverts 2-3 weeks ahead of distribution.

Five things to know about barn conversions

A barn conversion is a wonderful way of reviving an old, past used structure. Vernacular Homes has converted many barns. Director, Trevor, Weeks shares his key points to consider if you’re thinking of undertaking one.

What are the advantages of a barn conversion?

The higher-than-average ceilings lend themselves to beautiful features such as double height rooms, large windows and vaulted ceilings. The large open spaces also allow for open plan design with plenty of space for separate rooms too.

Can I design it myself?

Having your own ideas can help create a building you’ll love. But an experienced professional can advise on what works and help accentuate beautiful historic features. We also use Building Information Modelling (BIM), creating a virtual model of your new home which you can tweak before work begins.

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Do I need planning permission?

Usually, yes. However, a change to planning policy in 2013 – ‘Class Q’ – allows some barns to be converted under permitted development legislation. As specialists, we can guide you through the rules and regulations.

What can a barn be used for?

Depending on planning permission, it can be converted into a dream home, create extra space, or as a holiday let. The central structure and open areas can also make for a striking workspace.

Are conversions expensive?

Costs vary but will typically be a little more than building a new home from scratch. This is because significant remedial works are often necessary to make the building safe, secure and watertight. Planning permission costs should also be factored in.

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The Future is in Your Hands

What better way to secure the future of your business than to pass on your knowledge and experience firsthand. Mentoring is high on the agenda for leading Kent branding agency Oak Creative. The team of creative professionals discuss the mentoring they’ve been involved in, and how helping other people helps their business too.

Studio Director Laura Bevan is a mentor for the Growing Kent and Medway Food Accelerator programme which helps food and drink businesses in their infancy to make informed decisions. Laura says, ‘Oak are passionate about supporting businesses to get off to a great start. This can be friendly advice about their brand, website, or operations. Building the relationships within a trusted network is all part of the mentoring experience.’

Marketing & Advertising

In a creative sphere, Art Director Jasper Ryman has completed a mentoring stint with the Creative Mentor Network (CMN) on their Break the Wall programme. The CMN strives to make the creative world more inclusive through mentoring, recruitment and consultancy. Jasper says, ‘I am proud to have been able to use my skills and expertise to support rising talent in the creative industries.’

Internally, Oak Creative are keen to nurture their own team members too. Oak Creative designer Issy Richardson has been taking her first steps into the world of frontend development. She says, ‘I can’t emphasise enough how fortunate I am to have our fantastic web developer, Dane, as a mentor. His guidance, patience, and willingness to explain even the fundamental concepts have been invaluable. Collaborating with someone experienced has significantly smoothed out the learning curve.’

Illustration & Animation

Whether it’s mentoring or personal development, investing in your team will naturally have a positive impact on the service you provide now and in the future. Communicating this to your customers is also really powerful. If you’re not doing so already, start sharing your reallife learnings and your commitment to your future brand.