The Rise of Voice Search: Is Your Business Ready?

The Rise of Voice Search: Is Your Business Ready?

by | Mar 24, 2025 | Uncategorized

Voice search isn’t new – it’s been shaping the way people interact with technology for years. With the rise of AI assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, voice search has become an integral part of everyday life. Whether it’s asking for the weather, finding local businesses, or setting reminders, voice commands have become second nature for many of us.

Did you know that 35% of UK households now own a smart speaker? And that’s not even counting the millions of people who use voice search daily on their phones. So, if your business isn’t optimised for voice search, you could be missing out on an increasingly important way to connect with your audience.

The reality is simple: if you’re not getting the visibility you want online, it might be time to consider how voice search optimisation could help your business.

Voice Search: A New Way of Searching

Voice search isn’t just about speaking instead of typing; it’s changing how people phrase their queries. Traditional searches often involve short phrases like “best coffee shop Beeston,” but voice searches are more conversational: “Where’s the best coffee shop near me in Beeston?”

This shift has implications for how businesses show up in search results. To stay visible, it’s essential to focus on natural language and question-based keywords.

And it’s not just about phrasing. Voice searches are highly local. People often ask “near me” questions, like “Where can I get flowers near me?” This means small businesses have a unique opportunity to capture local customers through voice search.

Practical Tips to Optimise for Voice Search

The good news? Optimising for voice search doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some actionable steps to get started:

  1. Adapt Your Content for Natural Language

Create content that mimics how people talk. Focus on answering specific questions, such as:

  • “How do I choose the best marketing strategy for my small business?”
  • “What are the top social media trends for 2025?”
  1. Prioritise Local SEO

Voice search thrives on local queries, so make sure your Google Business Profile is fully optimised. Include up-to-date contact details, opening hours, and encourage customers to leave reviews.

  1. Add FAQ Sections to Your Website

FAQ sections are perfect for capturing voice search queries. Think about the most common questions your audience asks and provide clear, concise answers.

  1. Optimise for Mobile

Many voice searches happen on mobile devices, so your website needs to load quickly and be easy to navigate on small screens.

  1. Use Structured Data

Schema markup helps search engines understand your content, increasing the chances of appearing in voice search results.

  1. Focus on Conversational Keywords

Tools like Google’s Keyword Planner or AnswerThePublic can help you identify conversational, question-based keywords.

 

Why Voice Search Matters for Small Businesses

For small businesses, voice search represents a huge opportunity to connect with local audiences. By embracing this technology, you can:

  • Improve local visibility, making it easier for customers to find you.
  • Enhance the user experience by providing quick, relevant answers.
  • Stay ahead of competitors who haven’t yet optimised for voice search.

The best part? Optimising for voice search often aligns with other good SEO practices, so your overall online presence benefits.

Let’s Keep the Momentum Going

Voice search is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to building an effective marketing strategy. If you want to take your digital marketing to the next level, check out our blog on the Benefits of Email Marketing. It’s packed with tips to help you engage your audience and drive results.

And remember, you don’t have to do it alone. At Creationz Marketing, we can be your outsourced marketing team, helping you navigate the ever-changing digital landscape. From voice search optimisation to content creation and email marketing, we’re here to support your business every step of the way.

Ready to Optimise Your Marketing for 2025?

Voice search is here to stay, and the businesses that embrace it now will reap the rewards. If you’d like help getting started, we’re just a call or email away. Let’s chat about how we can support your business’s marketing goals in the year ahead.

Thrive25 Comes to Nottingham – A Must-Attend Event for Nottingham Business Owners!

Thrive25 Comes to Nottingham – A Must-Attend Event for Nottingham Business Owners!

by | Mar 5, 2025 | Uncategorized

There’s something truly special about Nottingham. I moved here 23 years ago, and from day one, I knew this city had an energy unlike any other. It’s a place where businesses grow, where ideas turn into action, and where connections make all the difference.

One of the things that has transformed my own business journey is networking. When I connect with other business owners, I see my business through fresh eyes, gain new insights, and uncover opportunities I might never have considered alone. That’s why, in 2022, I became an ambassador for EC Circle—a thriving network of entrepreneurs who are committed to growth, accountability, and success. It’s given me a space to learn, share, and connect with like-minded business owners without having to travel far.

And that’s exactly why I’m so excited to invite you to Thrive25 Nottingham on March 21st at Cleaver & Wake.

Why You Need to Be at Thrive25 Nottingham

This isn’t just another business event. It’s a game-changer Andy Willcox from Entrepreneurs Circle, one of the UK’s top marketing experts, will be there to share the EC’s proven 7-11-4 Business Growth Formula—a powerful strategy that has helped countless businesses scale, thrive, and achieve extraordinary results. Whether you’re a startup founder, a small business owner, or an established entrepreneur, this formula will help you attract more customers, increase sales, and grow your business faster than ever.

.      . .       

But Thrive25 isn’t just about learning—it’s about taking action. It’s about being in the right room, with the right people, having the right conversations. This is where ideas spark, partnerships form, and strategies turn into reality.

This Is Your Invitation

If you’re serious about making 2025 your breakthrough year and ready to invest in yourself and your business, then this event is for you.

Join us on March 21st at Cleaver & Wake for an event that will give you the tools, knowledge, and connections to take your business to the next level.

Book your spot now: https://thrive25nottingham.co.uk/

I can’t wait to see you there!

See all the info here

Aldi UK’s Social Media Masterclass: How a Simple Facebook Post Took Over the Internet

Aldi UK’s Social Media Masterclass: How a Simple Facebook Post Took Over the Internet

by | Feb 7, 2025 | Community

Social media success often comes down to timing, engagement, and creativity. Aldi UK recently demonstrated a masterclass in social media engagement with a simple yet brilliant Facebook post that took off like wildfire. In just 24 hours, the post garnered over 23,000 comments and 14,000 shares (and still increasing!!!), proving that a well-crafted message can generate massive organic reach.

The Post That Started It All

Aldi UK took to Facebook with a lighthearted post that read:

“Right, who wants to take one for the team and be OUR valentine Specsavers, Ryanair, Primark, Domino’s Pizza.”

At first glance, this might seem like an ordinary brand post, but its impact was extraordinary. Let’s break down why this post was so successful.

Why It Worked

1. It Brought Other Brands Into the Conversation

By tagging well-known brands like Specsavers, Ryanair, Primark, and Domino’s Pizza, Aldi instantly increased the likelihood of engagement. These brands have strong social media presence and are known for witty online interactions. As expected, the tagged brands jumped into the conversation, generating even more buzz and engagement.

2. It Used Humour to Connect With the Audience

Aldi is no stranger to using humour in its social media strategy. The playful tone of the post made it highly shareable. Audiences love witty brand banter, and this post tapped into that appetite perfectly.

3. It Encouraged Mass Participation

Beyond the tagged brands, everyday users also joined in, tagging their friends, suggesting other brands, and even joking about their own ‘relationship status’ with Aldi. This interactive element turned a simple post into a viral conversation.

4. It Leveraged a Timely Theme – Valentine’s Day

Seasonal content always performs well when done correctly. Valentine’s Day is all about relationships, and Aldi played into this theme in a humorous and engaging way. The timing made the post relatable and amplified its shareability.

The Power of Organic Reach

This post’s success showcases the power of organic social media marketing. Without any paid promotion, Aldi UK managed to capture the attention of thousands, drive engagement, and reinforce its brand personality in a way that felt natural and fun.

Key Takeaways for Marketers

  • Leverage other brands: Tagging and engaging with other brands can spark entertaining interactions and increase visibility.
  • Use humour and personality: A playful tone can make your brand more relatable and encourage sharing.
  • Encourage audience participation: Posts that invite comments and interactions perform better in social media algorithms.
  • Tap into timely events: Aligning content with relevant holidays or trends can make your posts more engaging.

Final Thoughts

Aldi UK’s post was a simple yet brilliant example of social media done right. By combining humour, brand collaboration, audience engagement, and timely relevance, they created a viral moment that marketers can learn from. If there’s one lesson here, it’s that sometimes the simplest ideas—when executed well—can lead to the biggest impact on social media.

Credit : Aldi UK – go and give them a like or two – their marketing team are brilliant – https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1F9MSMZCAr/?mibextid=wwXIfr

2025 Marketing Predictions

2025 Marketing Predictions

by | Jan 16, 2025 | Creationz News

2025 Marketing Predictions – a crystal ball look at what the year has to offer.

Just before Christmas, I had the privilege of sharing my 2025 marketing and business predictions with East Midlands Business Link. We all can see how the Marketing landscape is changing. From smarter marketing techniques, AI challenges and opportunities and just as importantly getting the right support for marketing professionals through coaching and mentoring, there is a lot to cover this year.

You can read the full article here – https://www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk/mag/news/2025-business-predictions-claire-taylor-director-creationz-marketing/

So let’s break it down:

Tough trading conditions call for smarter marketing

With economic challenges predicted for 2025, many businesses may be tempted to scale back marketing budgets. However, history shows that businesses maintaining or even increasing their visibility during downturns often emerge stronger. Think back to lockdown, those that kept going seemed to bounce back quicker.

The focus this year will shift to smarter, data-driven marketing strategies that maximise ROI, ensuring every campaign delivers measurable results – are you ready

Companies that stay visible and connected with their audiences will be better positioned to weather the storm and seize opportunities. Clever Marketing will be the order of the day!

AI continues to change the face of Marketing

AI will continue to be a powerful tool in marketing, changing how businesses create and deliver content. However, the rise of AI-generated material will increase the need for brands to retain their human touch. Consumers will crave authentic connections, leading to a surge in storytelling, behind-the-scenes content, and personalised interactions. Successful businesses will strike a balance—leveraging AI for efficiency while ensuring their marketing remains relatable, engaging, and uniquely human.

As the top two predictions look at the Marketing industry, it is important to also look at the skills and competencies of what it takes to be a marketer in 2025.

Curiosity and adaptability will define successful marketers

With new tools, communication channels, and approaches emerging year on year, Marketers will need to be more curious than ever—embracing change, exploring innovative methods, and continually upskilling.

Agile and flexible professionals will stand out, as the ability to adapt will become a core requirement. Seeking guidance through coaching and mentoring will be essential for marketers to navigate the complexities of their roles, grow their expertise, and thrive in this dynamic environment. We are launching The Marketing Mentor Hub this year for exactly this reason – to support Marketing Professional get ahead with the right support they need.

Thank you:

A big thank you again to Business Link East Midlands. I am thrilled to see this in print alongside insights from other industry leaders! The 2025 predictions series is a fantastic snapshot of trends and opportunities across the region and covering all sectors.

I Wish I Had The Benefit Of A Marketing Mentor

I Wish I Had The Benefit Of A Marketing Mentor

by | Nov 1, 2024 | Marketing Mentor, Training

Looking back to the start of my career over 25 years ago, I was fresh out of university, eager but inexperienced, and quickly thrown into the world of marketing. With just a Marketing Degree in hand, I found myself responsible for running campaigns on a range of projects, all without any real-world guidance.

I was full of questions, and there was no one to answer them:

  • “Is this the right way to do things?”
  • “Are these results good enough?”
  • “Is there a smarter, more effective approach?”

The answer I often got was, “You know marketing; just sort it.”

Hearing this was both a challenge and a huge weight on my shoulders. Without a mentor, I navigated through trial and error, learning from each stumble along the way.

 

But I often wondered: What if I’d had someone there to guide me?

Five years ago, I decided to step into that role myself—to become the mentor I once wished I’d had. It’s been incredibly rewarding to support other marketers as they grow, using my own experiences to help them avoid pitfalls and achieve their own potential.

Watching someone flourish with a bit of guidance is proof that with the right support, anything really is possible.

For a long time, I thought that asking for help was a sign of defeat. But the industry is shifting. Businesses now understand that investing in mentorship and fostering a supportive culture benefits everyone.

 

So, why does mentorship matter?

Today, I see the incredible value a mentor could have brought to my own career—offering advice, feedback, and the kind of wisdom that only comes with experience. After all, you don’t know what you don’t know.

If you’re just starting out, or if you’re working in a solitary marketing role, I can’t stress enough how impactful mentorship can be. I have a mentor myself, someone who keeps me accountable and helps me spot my blind spots.

 

Here are some valuable things I’ve learned—from having a mentor and being one:
  • Mentors provide insights that help you navigate the marketing landscape more effectively.
  • Regular interactions with a mentor can speed up your learning curve and sharpen your skills.
  • Mentors often open doors to new industry connections, expanding your professional network.
  • A mentor’s encouragement and understanding can be invaluable, especially in challenging times.

 

Could a Mentor Help Your Career?

Whether you’re starting your marketing journey or facing new challenges on your own, mentorship can be a powerful tool. If you’re wondering whether a mentor could make a difference in your career, we have the tool for you: SCOREAPP

Or sign up early to be apart of The Marketing Mentor Hub. A supportive and informative network of ambitious marketers getting together to grow, learn and excel. With resources that cover all areas of marketing, we have something for everyone.

Find out more here: https://creationzmarketing.co.uk/the-marketing-mentor-hub/