Guides for small business owners
Plain-English advice on websites, getting found on Google, selling on eBay and Amazon, and looking the part. Written by the people who do the work.
All articles
Websites
WordPress or a bespoke CMS: how to choose
Both let you edit your own site. The difference is in what you'll want to change in two years' time, and how much you want to look after it yourself.
SEO
Local SEO for small businesses: where to start
Your Google Business Profile, a few honest reviews and a page for each town you cover will do more than any trick. Here's the order to do it in.
eBay
How to write an eBay listing that sells
Titles buyers actually search for, photos that answer questions before they're asked, and a description people can read on their phone.
Google Ads
Google Ads on a small budget: what £300 a month gets you
Enough to be seen for the searches that matter, if you're strict about where it goes. How we'd split it, and what to switch off first.
Logo design
What makes a good logo for a small business
It needs to work on a van, a favicon and a black-and-white invoice. Five simple tests to run before you sign one off.
Websites
Website maintenance and management: the difference
One keeps your site safe and running. The other keeps it up to date. Most small businesses need one, some need both, and a few need neither.
Amazon
Setting up an Amazon brand store, step by step
From Brand Registry to your first published page. What Amazon asks for, the image sizes it wants, and the mistakes that get stores rejected.
Websites
What every trade website needs on its home page
Your phone number, the areas you cover, proof you're good and a quick way to get a quote. Anything else is a bonus.
Print
Flyers still work. Here's how to make yours count
One clear offer, one reason to act now and one way to get in touch. How to design a flyer that doesn't go straight in the recycling.
Online shops
Moving from an eBay shop to your own website
You don't have to leave eBay to have your own shop. How to run both, bring your best customers with you and keep fees down.
Social media
Social media post ideas for quiet months
Behind-the-scenes shots, before-and-afters, customer questions and a simple giveaway. Twelve ideas that take less than an hour each.
Stationery
Business cards people actually keep
Thicker card, less text and a reason to hold on to it. What to put on the back, and the finishes worth paying extra for.
Topics
Read up on a service
Each guide links to the service behind it, with fixed prices, so you can go from reading to sorted.