In this episode of the Talking Business Australia Podcast, we share 7 common mistakes we see on business websites and run through what you can do to improve each area.We know small businesses are always looking for ways to improve their business and we hope that by highlighting these common website mistakes, we can help you to fix them and improve how potential customers use your website, and learn more about your business.In this episode we cover:Issues with the speed of your website and how to determine the problemsThe importance of having an SSL certificate and website security through hostingThe need for a site map to ensure your site can be indexedSetting up google analytics and the benefit of using google search consoleThe importance of call to action buttons Ensuring your website has contact buttons in multiple locations The importance of contact forms and keeping them easy to fill outIncluding personal touches on your website like photos of yourself and your teamEnsuring that you have a click-to-call and click-to-email functionality on your websitrLinks mentioned in the show:Talking Business Australia WebsiteTalking Business Australia FacebookTalking Business Australia InstagramFind Cath at:The Digital Laneway WebsiteThe Digital Laneway FacebookThe Digital Laneway InstagramFind Mel at:Regional Roar WebsiteRegional Roar FacebookRegional Roar Instagram

Regional Roar

7 common website mistakes and how to fix them

In this episode of Talking Business Australia, we chat with Jahna Koehler from Keeping Balance. We learn her top tips to help business owners bring balance to their business and their life.Jahna is a business manager, coach and consultant who helps business owners achieve their own version of balance through systems, processes and management strategies. She’s on a mission to help business owners who are time-poor, take control of their business, so they feel confident in growing a successful, sustainable, and profitable business.In this episode we cover:The benefit of sharing past experiences and helpful tools with business owners who might be strugglingThe difficulties and stressors associated with starting a businessThe importance of taking time out to focus on our health and wellbeingHolding yourself and your employees accountableThe power of outsourcing The importance of overseeing work even if you’re not the one doing it How to find balance when running a businessLinks mentioned in the show:Keeping Balance WebsiteKeeping Balance InstagramTalking Business Australia WebsiteTalking Business Australia FacebookTalking Business Australia InstagramFind Cath at:The Digital Laneway WebsiteThe Digital Laneway FacebookThe Digital Laneway InstagramFind Mel at:Regional Roar WebsiteRegional Roar FacebookRegional Roar Instagram

Interview with Jahna Koehler: Keeping balance in business

In this episode of Talking Business Australia, we chat with Julia Spicer from Engage & Create Consulting.Julia runs her business, Engage & Create Consulting from Goondiwindi, South West Queensland. Engage & Creates’ focus is to support the viability and vibrancy of businesses and community organisations across regional Australia.Julia works with regional communities across the country on a range of projects, with a focus on identifying needs in business and implementing creative solutions to address them. Her passion lies with small businesses, sustainable agriculture, and regional women in leadership.In 2018, Julia was honoured to be one of the 100 Faces of Small Business for Queensland Government and listed as one of the Australian Financial Review 100 Women of Influence Award. In 2017, Julia won the Queensland Rural, Regional and Remote business owner of the year. Julia was listed as one of the 100 Women in Australian Agribusiness in 2014 and was a finalist in the community contribution category.In this episode we cover:How rural and remote communities are best placed to support women and their skills when they move into the areaThe necessity of staying strong and resilient when living and running a business rurallyThe more time & money it takes to start a business when you’re living rurallyHow the networks you can establish in rural and regional Australia are second to noneThe beauty of starting your own business and embedding your own vision into what you do Links mentioned in the show:Engage & Create Consulting FacebookThe Goondiwindi Business Hub FacebookTalking Business Australia WebsiteTalking Business Australia FacebookTalking Business Australia InstagramFind Cath at:The Digital Laneway WebsiteThe Digital Laneway FacebookThe Digital Laneway InstagramFind Mel at:Regional Roar WebsiteRegional Roar FacebookRegional Roar Instagram

Interview with Julia Spicer: Supporting the viability and vibrancy of businesses across regional Australia

In this episode of Talking Business Australia, we chat with Simone Kain co-owner of creative agency Hello Friday, and the co-founder and author of award-winning educational brand George the Farmer.With a vision for all children to connect to the earth, food, and farm, the George the Farmer brand encompasses picture storybooks, free curriculum-aligned teacher resources, stage performances, and paddock to plate short films which can be viewed on YouTube and ABCTV.Simone sits on various boards and has received a number of awards including the NAB Women’s Agenda Regional Entrepreneur of the Year, Brand SA Flinders Education Award, and national runner-up in the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.In this episode we cover: What goes into creating an inspirational children's characterThe importance of teaching children about the reality of farmingThe support you receive when you start a business regionallyHow the freedom that comes with living rurally can serve as a creative inspiration Staying true to your brandLinks mentioned in the show:George the Farmer WebsiteGeorge the Farmer InstagramTalking Business Australia WebsiteTalking Business Australia FacebookTalking Business Australia InstagramFind Cath at:The Digital Laneway WebsiteThe Digital Laneway FacebookThe Digital Laneway InstagramFind Mel at:Regional Roar WebsiteRegional Roar FacebookRegional Roar Instagram

Interview with Simone Kain: Making agriculture cool with George the Farmer

In this episode of Talking Business Australia, we chat with Cara Peek from The Cultural Intelligence Project.Cara Peek is a Yawuru/Bunuba woman and lawyer by profession. Having worked primarily in Native Title Law, Cara now focuses her skills as Head of Innovation and co-founder at the Cultural Intelligence Project, an independent director of the National Rural Women’s Coalition, Rural Women of the Year for WA, and Churchill Fellow.In this episode we cover:The freedom that comes with being a small business ownerThe Lack of resources & opportunities afforded to those living rurallyBeing able to provide real solutions to people who need themThe importance of building and maintaining networksLinks mentioned in the show:The Cultural Intelligence Project Website The Cultural Intelligence Project InstagramTalking Business Australia WebsiteTalking Business Australia FacebookTalking Business Australia InstagramFind Cath at:The Digital Laneway WebsiteThe Digital Laneway FacebookThe Digital Laneway InstagramFind Mel at:Regional Roar WebsiteRegional Roar FacebookRegional Roar Instagram

Interview with Cara Peek: Helping people and businesses transform mind-sets that result in positive change

In this episode of the Talking Business Australia Podcast, we explore 7 free and low budget marketing ideas for your business. We know that small businesses are always looking for ways to spread their marketing budget further, so we’ve put together our top ideas for where you might like to focus your attention.In this episode we cover:The importance of having a Google My Business accountPosting & engaging on social media organically Social media advertising Email marketing and the importance of customer data SMS marketingAttending networking events and business groupsCustomer referral and loyalty programs Links mentioned in the show:Talking Business Australia WebsiteTalking Business Australia FacebookTalking Business Australia InstagramFind Cath at:The Digital Laneway WebsiteThe Digital Laneway FacebookThe Digital Laneway InstagramFind Mel at:Regional Roar WebsiteRegional Roar FacebookRegional Roar Instagram

7 free & low budget marketing ideas for your business

In this episode of Talking Business Australia, we chat with Jo Palmer from Pointer Remote.Jo founded Pointer Remote after noticing a gap in the market for connecting employers with the educated and talented candidates available in regional, rural, and remote areas. Jo is motivated by the new global attitude towards remote work and what this means for rural communities attracting new populations.In this episode we cover: The positives of working from home The importance of challenging misconceptions of people living rurally The resilience of people who live in regional, remote, and rural areasHow to market yourself and your rural locationThe power of financial independence Links mentioned in the show:Pointer Remote WebsiteTalking Business Australia WebsiteTalking Business Australia FacebookTalking Business Australia InstagramFind Cath at:The Digital Laneway WebsiteThe Digital Laneway FacebookThe Digital Laneway InstagramFind Mel at:Regional Roar WebsiteRegional Roar FacebookRegional Roar Instagram

Interview with Jo Palmer: Supporting rural communities through championing remote work

In this episode of the Talking Business Australia Podcast, we chat with Ange Taylor, founder of Country Allure.Ange founded Country Allure in 2017 from outback Queensland. Her business has continued to go from strength to strength, fast becoming one of Australia's leading lifestyle brands. Ange is passionate about closing the gap between our city sisters and country queens, with a focus on design classical pieces that remain authentic and of the high quality the brand has become known for.In this episode we cover:· How to tackle self-doubt and imposter syndrome· The importance of chasing your career goals· Letting go of the fear of failing and how to just have a go· The advantages of running a business in a rural area· The challenges of working full time whilst establishing a businessLinks mentioned in the show:Country Allure WebsiteCountry Allure InstagramThe Confident CEO InstagramTalking Business Australia WebsiteTalking Business Australia FacebookTalking Business Australia InstagramFind Cath at:The Digital Laneway WebsiteThe Digital Laneway FacebookThe Digital Laneway InstagramFind Mel at:Regional Roar WebsiteRegional Roar FacebookRegional Roar Instagram

Interview with Ange Taylor: Learning to back yourself and your business

In this episode of the Talking Business Australia Podcast, we dive into email marketing and share our top ten email marketing tips for small businesses. Email marketing continues to be one of the most effective ways you can reach your customers and is equally important for those running small businesses.In this episode we cover:The importance of creating a strong marketing list and choosing the right email marketing softwareWhat you should and shouldn’t be including in your email subject linesEmail automation and how to use welcome emails effectivelyEmail design and how to effectively incorporate images and graphicsCall to actions, email scheduling, and how to keep your email marketing personalLinks mentioned in the show:Talking Business Australia WebsiteTalking Business Australia FacebookTalking Business Australia InstagramFind Cath at:The Digital Laneway WebsiteThe Digital Laneway FacebookThe Digital Laneway InstagramFind Mel at:Regional Roar WebsiteRegional Roar FacebookRegional Roar Instagram

Email marketing tips for small businesses

In this episode of the Talking Business Australia Podcast, we chat with Kym O’Leary from Co Gear.Kym founded Co Gear back in 2013, originally known as ‘She’s Empowered’ – a brand that identified a need for maternity workwear. She’s Empowered was initially focused on empowering women within the workplace by providing workwear options that catered to the needs of pregnant women. After much success within the women’s maternity range and crucial support from large companies promoting diversity and inclusion, the brand expanded into workwear that catered for all women’s sizes and shapes.In this episode we cover:How your place of employment and its culture can provide the perfect opportunity to create a business idea.The difficulties working regionally and trying to keep connected.Building up resilience. How that helps with building a business.The process and journey taken to cement your position in an industry.Getting it right by listening to your customers.The challenges that come from a ramp up in business, logistically and keeping momentum going.The payoff that comes from keeping your products inclusive for everyone.How to make a change, the significance of keeping your eyes open and self-belief.Links mentioned in the show:Co Gear WebsiteCo Gear InstagramTalking Business Australia WebsiteTalking Business Australia FacebookTalking Business Australia InstagramFind Cath at:The Digital Laneway WebsiteThe Digital Laneway FacebookThe Digital Laneway InstagramFind Mel at:Regional Roar WebsiteRegional Roar FacebookRegional Roar Instagram

Interview with Kym O'Leary: Promoting diversity and inclusion through women's workwear

In this episode of the Talking Business Australia Podcast, we walk you through the anatomy of a great website home page.We’ve touched on this topic in episode 17, website copywriting to turn your visitors into customers, but we’re going to take a deeper dive and break the home page down, bit by bit.In this episode we cover:Make it easy for people to contact youKeep navigation simpleHave a clear headerInclude social proofAddress pain pointsLink to core services and productsInclude testimonials or case study linksHave multiple call to action buttonsPersonalise with custom imagesInclude legal infoLinks mentioned in the show:Talking Business Australia WebsiteTalking Business Australia FacebookTalking Business Australia InstagramFind Cath at:The Digital Laneway WebsiteThe Digital Laneway FacebookThe Digital Laneway InstagramFind Mel at:Regional Roar WebsiteRegional Roar FacebookRegional Roar Instagram

The anatomy of a great website home page

In today’s episode of the Talking Business Australia podcast we’ll be talking to Elle Roberts from Rare Seed Agency.Elle has been working in the online business space for over a decade and has helped hundreds of business owners through her coaching, courses and consulting. She works with change makers, risk takers, creative entrepreneurs - the rare seeds - to help them regain control of their business.Elle also runs Artful Business Events which delivers a bi-annual business conference dedicated to supporting creative, mission-driven and out of the box businesses.In this episode we cover:Energy leaks that get in the way of your businessCreating better systems and structures to plug your energy leaksAction plans and tackling goalsMaking your content calendar match your goalsRegaining control of your businessFinding small ways to save time - it all adds upThe disadvantages of living regionallyThe advantages of living regionallyThe regional lifestyleWorking remotely is very achievable especially since CovidLinks mentioned in the show:Rare Seeds Agency WebsiteRare Seeds Agency InstagramRare Seeds Agency FacebookTalking Business Australia websiteTalking Business Australia Instagram Talking Business Australia FacebookFind Cath at:The Digital Laneway WebsiteThe Digital Laneway FacebookThe Digital Laneway InstagramFind Mel at:Regional Roar WebsiteRegional Roar FacebookRegional Roar Instagram

Elle Roberts: How you can gain control of your business in 2021

In this episode of the Talking Business Australia Podcast, we start the new year off right by chatting through the small steps you can take to business success in 2021.For many of us we’re happy to leave 2020 behind us. That’s why we’ve decided to start the year right by giving a strategy for focusing on one area of your business each month. So you can make incremental changes to end 2021 on a high.In this episode we cover:Setting goalsUsing seasonal and themed strategies in business and marketingFocus on your socialsImplement systems and processesReview your products and servicesCheck in and review your goalsGive time to people and cultureSpend some time optimising your websiteSet up your email sequencesPlan end of year campaigns in advanceSpend time on your mindsetFocus on community and sharing the loveLinks mentioned in the show:Talking Business Australia WebsiteTalking Business Australia FacebookTalking Business Australia InstagramFind Cath at:The Digital Laneway WebsiteThe Digital Laneway FacebookThe Digital Laneway InstagramFind Mel at:Regional Roar WebsiteRegional Roar FacebookRegional Roar Instagram

Small steps to business success in 2021

In this episode of the Talking Business Australia Podcast, we chat with Amy Cox from Playful Families.Amy Cox is the founder of the multi-award winning business Playful Families™. A mother-of-four, former teacher, postgraduate in play therapy, and matrescence activist, Amy helps overwhelmed mums shake off the ‘shoulds’ of parenting and choose their own playful path.Amy’s online event Playful Challenge, her online membership Play Squad, along with her 6-week group program The Smile Connection, have helped thousands of mums of young children to parent with more joy, playfulness and connection – even in the messy, ordinary moments.You can download Amy's free 'Connection not Perfection' manifesto at playfulfamilies.com/manifesto.In this episode we cover:Creating your business onlineImportance of having a can-do attitudeHow living regionally teaches you to be resourcefulSurrounding yourself with the right peopleSocial media’s unrealistic standardsThe transition into motherhood (matrescence)Finding what feels right for youExploring rural small business grantsLinks mentioned in the show:Playful Families WebsitePlayful Families InstagramPlayful Families FacebookTalking Business Australia websiteTalking Business Australia InstagramTalking Business Australia FacebookFind Cath at:The Digital Laneway WebsiteThe Digital Laneway FacebookThe Digital Laneway InstagramFind Mel at:Regional Roar WebsiteRegional Roar FacebookRegional Roar Instagram

Interview with Amy Cox: building a business through playful connection

Regional Roar is an Australian business and marketing podcast for regional business owners, hosted by regional business owners. While at times we might be a quiet bunch, with 8.8 million Aussies living in regional Australia, we sure aren't a small bunch. We are debunking the myth that successful businesses need to be based in a capital city, because we know that great business ideas can come from anywhere. We are proud to share the success of regional businesses throughout Australia. We interview a diverse range of rural, regional and remote business owners from tradies, to professional services, hospitality, entrepreneurs and everything in between. Regional Australia is full of gorgeous country roads that lead to great adventures. And we know that some beautiful businesses are hidden away in quaint locations too. We will share with you regional businesses doing great things in their community and beyond. By sharing the successes and challenges of regional Australian businesses, we hope to inspire you to embrace what makes your regional, rural or remote business stand out from the crowd. As experienced business owners and marketers, Melissa and Cath will also share digital marketing, branding, website, social media and business tips and tricks. Helping you to improve the presence of your regional business. It’s through conversations with regional business owners that you can feel part of a community that wants to see you grow and succeed.

hubhopper

Regional Roar

hubhopper