The Rise of Voice Search: Is Your Business Ready?

The Rise of Voice Search: Is Your Business Ready?

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.

What is OOH Marketing and Why Does it Matter?

What is OOH Marketing and Why Does it Matter?

Let’s talk about Out-of-Home (OOH) marketing. It’s one of those things that’s been around forever, yet it’s still as relevant today as it’s ever been- maybe even more so.

With digital ads crowding every corner of our screens, there’s something special about stepping outside and seeing a billboard that just clicks. No logos, no hard sell – just a visual or message that you instantly associate with a brand.

You may have seen in the media that Heinz has done a series of billboard ads – “It has to be…” You don’t need to see the logo to know it’s Heinz. That’s the power of great OOH marketing. Google it, it is impressive.

OOH Marketing - what is Out of Home Marketing? Photo of a billboard at a bus stop saying "Are you struggling to grow your social media?"

What is OOH Marketing?

OOH marketing, or Out-of-Home marketing, is exactly what it sounds like: advertising designed to reach you when you’re out and about.

Think billboards, ads on buses and trains, digital screens in shopping centres, posters at bus stops, or even a quirky pop-up installation in the middle of a city square.

I remember when the tram system first launched in Nottingham. We sourced tram advertising for a campaign, and it was such an exciting opportunity to have our message moving across the city. That’s the beauty of OOH – it’s everywhere, it’s tangible, and it’s unavoidable (in the best possible way). It’s not just a throwback to traditional marketing; it’s proof that old-school strategies still packing a punch.

The Different Flavours of OOH Marketing

  1. Billboards – The OG of OOH. Whether it’s a classic printed poster or a high-tech digital screen, billboards dominate high-traffic spots and demand attention.
  2. Transit Advertising – Ever notice ads on buses, trains, or taxis? They’re like moving canvases, reaching people across areas and cities.
  3. Street Furniture Ads – Ads on benches, kiosks, and bus shelters are perfect for urban areas where people are on the move but have time to look around.
  4. Digital OOH (DOOH) – Those dynamic screens you see in airports, shopping malls, or stadiums? That’s DOOH, bringing flexibility and interactivity to the OOH world.
  5. Guerrilla Marketing – The wild card. This could be anything from a street art installation to a flash mob, designed to grab attention in unexpected ways.

Why Does OOH Marketing Work So Well?

  1. You Can’t Skip It – Unlike digital ads that you can scroll past or block, OOH is always there. It’s part of your environment.
  2. Massive Reach – From commuters to shoppers, OOH reaches a huge audience across different times and places.
  3. Instant Brand Recognition – Seeing a brand in a public space gives it credibility. It’s like saying, “We’re here, and we’re worth noticing.”
  4. It Amplifies Digital Campaigns – Pair an OOH ad with a digital push, and you’ve got a recipe for serious engagement. QR codes, hashtags, or call-to-action links can bridge the gap beautifully.
  5. It Sticks Around – OOH campaigns don’t vanish after a few seconds. They’re up for weeks, sometimes months.

How to Make OOH Marketing Work for You

  • Pick Your Spot – Where’s your audience? Find the high-traffic areas they frequent.
  • Keep It Bold and Simple – You’ve got seconds to make an impression. A clean, striking design with a strong message is key.
  • Connect It to Digital – Add a QR code or a memorable hashtag so people can engage with your brand online.
  • Track the Impact – Measure success through metrics like brand lift, foot traffic, or social mentions to see how your campaign resonates.

A Final Word

OOH marketing isn’t just advertising—it’s an experience. It’s the big, bold reminder of your brand’s presence in the real world.

And the best part?

It works for everyone—whether you’re a global name like Heinz or a small business wanting to make a splash. When done right, OOH has the power to stop people in their tracks, spark conversations, and leave a lasting impression.

So, are you ready to step outside the screen and go big with OOH?

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

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

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!

Creative Marketing At Its Best…

Creative Marketing At Its Best…

A fabulous way to end the week!!!

Earlier this year, I was very fortunate to work with the amazing Gill Heppell on her new book – It’s Not About the Silver…When You’re Gone, Pass It On. This was a new adventure for Gill who had committed herself to write a book and have it published in October of this year.

Gill’s brief was very clear – vibrant, eye catching design that people will take notice if they see it on the shelves. Her writing name is Geordie Gill which needed to be reflected. So the Creationz Marketing team got straight to work

Working on the branding and front cover was a poignant project  due to my personal circumstances at the time. These circumstances really brought home how important keeping memories alive are and to see it in print feels amazing. It is so true that when you lose someone, it is the little memories and recipes that last and I am sure this is going to be a fantastic success for Gill!

Today, Gill joined our Synergy Business Network Club meeting and gave me a signed copy and it is something I will treasure and has made my week. Thank you so much Gill!

To find out more, please visit Gill’s website here – 

Could outsourced marketing help my business?

Could outsourced marketing help my business?

We are often asked what are the benefits of an outsourced marketing team so we thought we would put this quick guide together to look at some of the benefits.

What is outsourced marketing?

Outsourcing is simply having a third-party company involved. An outsourced marketing team can be used in addition to an in-house team for a particular skill or support your business whilst you develop the need for an in-house team.

We become your marketing team and help get your marketing activities off the ground!

Benefits of outsourced marketing:

  • Flexible Support

There are many benefits to outsourced marketing, a major one being you’re not held to a long-term commitment. Marketing support can be flexible to support your needs and budget and allow you to grow and adapt. Marketing should not stop still.

If you are looking to start marketing for the first time, you can outsource the activities to get you up and running and then work with us until you need to develop an inhouse service.

At Creationz, we help support businesses develop their in-house team and provide a coaching and mentoring service to support where possible.

  • Cost-Effective

Another benefit, linked to flexible support, is that outsourced marketing can be a lot more cost-effective than employing a staff member – especially if you do not need anyone full-time. Therefore, it saves you a lot more money and once your marketing is up to speed you can easily assess what your needs are – more outsourced support or it is time to employ someone.

Outsourced support also allows you to try new services with a small-time frame to see if it could be beneficial – email marketing, blog writing, and social media support spring to mind.

  • Training

By having an outsourced marketing team, you do not need to train an employee or send them on regular courses to widen their skills, as you will have access to experienced marketers – often with a wealth a knowledge to help you shape and define your marketing activities.

Marketing is moving at a very fast pace so you can be assured you are keeping up.

  • Outsiders Perspective

It is very valuable having an outsider’s perspective for the business as they might spot an opportunity you may have missed or not thought of.

Also, often companies carry out the same marketing activities as they have always done, and a fresh pair of eyes can help spot new opportunities.  Working on the business instead of the business and give a fresh perspective.

How can it help my business?

Outsourced marketing can really help your business if you don’t’ have the expertise in-house. We are able to work for you if you already have too much to do without taking on marketing activity, we take the pressures off you.

Outsourcing your marketing will show you what is needed, what budget is required and how you can get the results you need. 

We run our services to add value to any client we work with and take great pride in seeing businesses succeed.

Further Reading:

5 Mistakes to Avoid on Social Media
Are you a Marketing Magpie?
Are Testimonials Important
Do I Need a Marketing Plan

 

Get your festive marketing plan ready

Get your festive marketing plan ready

Christmas is an important time of year for almost every business and presents itself as a fantastic marketing opportunity. It can either lead to a huge increase in sales, or a quiet spell as people focus their attention elsewhere. No matter what the festive period brings to your business, it is vital that you have a festive marketing plan in place in order to take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves. According to Deloitte’s annual holiday retail forecast, sales are projected to “result between $1,147 billion and $1,552 billion during the November-January period.” With an increased portion of this falling online due to Covid reducing footfall in shops.

Let’s take a look at the basics of putting together a Christmas marketing plan.

  1. It’s never too early start

It’s seems strange to start thinking about your Christmas Marketing plan in September, but the truth is it is never too early. Your larger competitors will have their festive marketing plans drawn up and ready to implement, with the aim of securing vital coverage for the must have gifts. The idea here is that your festive marketing plan takes time to research, write and implement, and it should be part of your early autumn calendar every year.

  • There is no one size fits all

When planning your festive campaign, there is no one size fits all, you have to change up your approach and see what works for your business. Some of the most effective holiday campaigns use a mixture of blogs, videos, social media, competitions, giveaways and more. Look back at what worked over the year and tailor it to fit in with your festive marketing campaign, whilst mixing in success stories, tips and helpful content.

  • Understand what your customers will be looking for at Christmas

The first step in drawing up an effective festive campaign is understanding how your potential customers are going to behave in the run up to the big day. You have to understand how your customers behave throughout the year and refine this for your Christmas planning. Ask yourself questions such as what their spending priorities will be? Will they be more interested in products or services? Will they do their Christmas shopping early or late? Once you know the answers to these questions your marketing plan will begin to form itself.

  • Stay on brand but lighten up

The festive period is meant to be light and fun, of course stay in line with your brand image, however, it is a great opportunity to give your clients that feel and childlike wonder. You can stick with your tone, feel and brand colours but make everything more festive and inspiring. Change up your social media account, as this is a prime location to advertise your holiday discounts, specials and competitions

Once you are ready to implement your marketing plan, putting it into action should be relatively straight forward. However, it is crucial you monitor the results of your plan so you can see how it shapes up against the targets you set.