Tips to help your Business Get Found Online

7 March 2025

Establishing a strong online presence is essential for small and medium-sized enterprises – whether you run a local bakery, a boutique consultancy, or a neighbourhood hardware store you need to be able to be found online. To help potential customers find you more easily, you can utilise the power of SEO (Search Engine Optimisation). Improving (aka optimising) your SEO helps your business appear in search results when people nearby search for products or services you offer. It’s like putting a spotlight on your business for local customers and making it easier for people to find your business, contact you, and visit your store or office. 


SEO seems like one of those buzz words and can easily be put in the ‘too-hard’ basket. However, here are some tips to help you increase your online visibility to potential customers. 


1. Make the most of your Google Business Profile (GBP) 

You’ve probably heard of ‘Google My Business’ which is an online profile for your business. It’s now known as a Google Business profile and allows you to input information such as business hours, contact information, and images of your products or services. To make changes to your listing, simply search for your business in Google, and on the right-hand side it should come up with your business. Scroll down and click ‘Own this business’ and you’ll be asked to manage this business. If you want to go the extra mile, you can ask for reviews, share updates and offers, but this is not necessary. 


2. Make sure your website is optimised for mobile devices 

People searching from their smartphones is becoming more popular than searching from computers and laptops, so it’s essential your website displays nicely on a mobile device. If you’re not sure, you can check by using your own mobile device and opening up your website – you’ll soon see if there’s a problem! 


3. Build backlinks to your website 

Having high-quality links to your website (called backlinks), can boost your SEO. For example, you can get listed in an online directory, chamber of commerce, or local pages. If you sponsor an event, ask them to link the online information to your website. KEY TIP - make sure the websites that link to yours are ‘high quality’ – which means from reputable websites rather than random websites. 


4. Optimise your website’s SEO 

When was the last time you looked at what you’re saying on your website? Are you using the common terms/names for what you’re selling? Is it easy to read, and have you included what people might search for in your descriptions? Make sure the words you’re using on your website match what people are searching for. 


5. More complicated SEO efforts 

If you feel like you’ve mastered the above and are looking for some slightly more complicated things to try, here are some ideas: 

a) Ask for reviews from satisfied customers on your Google Business profile and on social media. This shows you value customer feedback. 

b) Promote your products or services to a local audience through paid ads using location-specific campaigns such as Google Ads or Meta Ads (Facebook & Instagram). 

c) Analyse and track how your website and paid advertising is performing by using Google Analytics and Google Search.

Tips for Moving Day

17 April 2025
It's that time again and Moving Day is upon. Moving Day' is a big day in the farming industry. To help you with a smooth transition here are some tips: Early preparation Make sure sharemilker or contract milker contracts are signed. Plan a farm inspection with relevant parties (farm owner, incoming and outgoing sharemilkers, farm manager, advisor). Recruit and finalise employment agreements for new farm staff. Communicate plans and dates with everyone involved. Contact your insurer and utility providers. Farm owner responsibilities Make sure employees leave the houses clean and tidy. Carry out house inspections for maintenance. Comply with healthy home standards. Confirm departure and arrival times with tenants. Consider drug testing, if needed. Animal movements and biosecurity Plan animal movements carefully. Clean and disinfect farm equipment and machinery. Minimise the risk of introducing exotic pests. About 5,000 farmers do this every year. Talking clearly and planning well makes this important farming tradition go smoothly.

How to Protect Your Business from 2025's Cyber Threats

by Birgit Hoeglinger • 16 April 2025
Cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to trick businesses, and their scams are harder than ever to spot. Small businesses are especially at risk, often seen as easy targets due to limited resources or weaker security. But with the right precautions, you can protect your business and prove the scammers wrong. Be Aware of New Threats Staying informed is your best defence. Here are some of the latest cyber threats: AI-Powered Scams : Scammers now use artificial intelligence to create convincing phishing emails and fake websites that are difficult to distinguish from the real thing. Impersonation Attacks : Posing as banks, government agencies, or suppliers, attackers aim to trick you into sharing sensitive information. Deepfake Technology : Fake audio and video messages that mimic trusted sources are becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect. Train Your Team Educating your team is crucial. Teach them to: Spot warning signs, like urgent requests to act quickly. Double-check email addresses and URLs before clicking on links. Be cautious with unusual requests, even if they seem legitimate. Regular training sessions and phishing simulations can help your staff stay alert and recognise scams before they cause harm. Protect Your Business Basic but effective security measures can go a long way. For example: Enable two-factor authentication to secure your accounts. Keep your software and systems up to date. Use resources like the Business Online Security Series for practical cybersecurity tips. It's also wise to consult with your IT provider to evaluate your business’s vulnerabilities and develop a cybersecurity training plan for your team. Taking action now can save your business from potential threats while safeguarding your reputation. Stay informed, train your team, and strengthen your defences!

Planning for the Future of Your Business

by Birgit Hoeglinger • 16 April 2025
Over a decade ago, there was a lot of talk about a huge transfer of wealth from one generation to the next, with baby boomers retiring and passing on their businesses. But that tidal wave never quite arrived. Many business owners held onto their companies for longer than expected. The global financial crisis came and went, followed by COVID-19, which brought new challenges for businesses worldwide. While there have been many business sales along the way, the expected transfer of wealth didn’t happen. Now, as more business owners approach their 70s, selling or passing on their businesses has become a priority. We’re seeing a rise in demand for help with succession planning for family businesses. One important lesson applies to every situation: starting early and giving yourself enough time to plan is key to a smooth transition. What Is Succession Planning? Succession planning is about preparing your business for the future—making sure it’s ready for the next owner. It’s a deliberate process that involves tackling challenging issues, but the payoff is worth it. With careful planning, you can: Identify strengths and weaknesses in your business. Fix gaps in management, finances, legal structures, or insurance. Be ready for unexpected events, like illness or injury. Ensure your business is ready for opportunities to sell or transfer ownership. Succession planning isn’t just about passing on your business—it’s also tied to your estate planning and any legacy goals for your family or philanthropy. How the Transition Works Choosing the right buyer or successor is a key step. Options include: Selling or transferring to a family member. A management buyout (where the existing team takes over) or a management buy-in (where an external team comes in). Selling to another business in the same industry. Selling to a competitor. Who Can Help? Succession planning usually involves a team of experts. You’ll need advice from accountants and lawyers to get your business processes, legal structures, and financial setup in order before a sale or transfer. For bigger transactions, you might need help from a merger and acquisition (M&A) specialist or a business broker. When all advisors work together and have a solid plan in place, the transition can happen smoothly. Why It Matters Getting succession planning wrong can have serious consequences. It can lower the value of your business or, in family-run businesses, lead to tension and broken relationships. The key to success? Start early! Many business owners delay planning, leaving less time to prepare, which can lead to rushed and less effective outcomes. If you want to talk about your future plans and how to prepare your business for its next chapter, our team is here to help.
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