hey-marketing-aust

Websites, AI & findability: Why being online isn’t enough

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:55:12 GMT

There was a time when having a website meant you were doing the right thing.

A homepage. A few service pages. A contact form.

You were findable.

That’s changed.... *cue awkward slience*

Your website is no longer just competing with other websites. It’s competing with AI answers, search summaries, social content, and very short attention spans. If your site isn’t built to be found and understood quickly, it gets skipped.

The shift from searching to skimming

People don’t browse the way they used to. They ask a question, scan the answer, and move on.

Sometimes that answer comes from Google. Sometimes from AI. Sometimes from social media. Often, they don’t click through at all.

That changes the role of your website. It’s not just a destination anymore, it’s a source. Hot tip, if your content isn’t clear, structured, and specific, it won’t be used.

What findability actually means

Please don't think findability is just about SEO.

It’s whether your business can be:

Found
Understood
Trusted
Chosen

Across different platforms, think: search engines, AI tools, maps and social.

If your website doesn’t clearly say what you do and who it’s for, you’re harder to find in all of them.

Where most websites go wrong

Most websites start with design. Layout first. Colours. Fonts. The words come later. That’s where things fall apart (Don't get me wrong, design is important for visual communication and engagement but messaging is so important).

If you start with design you end up with:

Vague messaging
Overwritten headlines
Missing detail
No clear structure and often lots of waffle (and not the yummy kind my Dad makes).

It might look good, but it doesn’t do much. And tools that surface content don’t care how it looks. They care how clear it is.

Clarity beats cleverness

If someone (or something) scans your site, can it tell what you do in seconds?

This: "We create elevated brand experiences that inspire connection."

Sounds polished. Says very little.

This: "We design and build websites for service-based businesses that need more leads."

Plain, specific and easy to understand. Capeesh?

What your website needs to do

If you want to be found, your website needs to do three things well:

1. Be obvious

Say what you do. Say who it’s for. Say it early.

Don’t rely on people to figure it out.

2. Be easy to scan

Use headings. Short sections. Simple language.

Make it easy to pull meaning from quickly.

3. Be built on strategy

Design should support the message, not replace it.

If the message isn’t clear, design won’t fix it.

Content still matters

Your website shouldn’t just exist. It should answer questions. Good content does two things:

Helps your audience understand what you do
Gives search and AI something clear to work with.

That’s where service pages, FAQs, and blogs come in. Not more content. Better content.

The reality: Less clicking

More people are getting answers without visiting websites and that doesn’t make your website less important, it makes clarity more important. Because if your content is used to answer the question, you’re still part of the decision.

Where to start

If your website hasn’t been reviewed in a while:

Check your messaging. Is it clear? (Ask someone who knows nothing about what you do to sanity check if, your eyes are bias!)
Check your structure. Is it easy to scan and get the key takeaways?
Make sure your services & POD (point of difference) are obvious within seconds
Write for real questions your audience asks

Start there and then let's organise to have a coffee. Refreshing your website is critical in your businesses success.

About the Author of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!

What does intentional marketing look like in 2026?

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 09:59:08 GMT

Intentional marketing in 2026 is less about doing more and more about doing creative things, on purpose.

It’s a shift away from reactive, trend-chasing content toward strategy-led, audience-aligned, commercially accountable marketing, that’s creative and authentic! Wow, that was a mouthful.

Here’s what it actually looks like in 6 bite sizes, walk with me:

1.Strategy first, always

Intentional marketing starts with:

Clear positioning
Defined audience segments (not just “ideal client avatars”)
Specific commercial objectives (pipeline, retention, margin - not just reach)

Instead of:

“We should be on Instagram.”

We’re thinking more along the lines of:

“Our highest-LTV (aka: Lifetime value) audience spends time on A platform and consumes B content - so we’ll show up there with C message and D unique creative execution.”

Intentional marketing is anchored in business outcomes aligning with the business goals, not platform or trend pressure. If you’re playing the trend game and trying to keep up it’s a slippery slope.

2. Depth over volume

AI has made volume cheap and overly accessible.

Intentional brands focus on:

Fewer, higher-conviction ideas
Strong points of view
Repeatable narrative themes
Owned IP (frameworks, methodologies, language)

The edge is:

Original thinking
Clear differentiation (aka pushing creative limits)
Being BOLD in messaging
Pushing creative limits

Just to repeat… Not frequency.

3. Human life in an AI-saturated world

AI-generated content is everywhere…. Like literally everywhere. It has a certain scent about it, and it wreaks!

Intentional marketing:

Uses AI for leverage (research, iteration, repurposing)
Preserves human insight, experience, and tone of voice
Prioritises credibility over clickbait

Audiences are increasingly sensitive to:

Generic content
Performative authenticity
“Value-packed” fluff

The brands that win feel:

Thoughtful (aka Intentional)
Creative
Specific
Lived-in
Opinionated

4. Distribution is designed, not hoped & prayed for.

Posting and praying is dead….

Intentional brands will and should:

Map content to buyer stages
Repurpose content strategically across formats
Build owned channels (email, communities, events)
Use paid amplification surgically, not blindly

Every piece of content has a job:

Attract
Nurture
Convert
Retain
Expand

If it doesn’t serve a purpose, it shouldn’t get created….

5. Measured by meaningful metrics

Vanity metrics are losing authority.

Intentional marketing tracks:

Revenue contribution
Pipeline velocity
Retention and expansion
Brand search lift
High-intent engagement

Impressions & reach alone mean very little.

6. Clear boundaries

Intentional marketing also means deciding what not to do and intentionally NOT doing it.

It looks like:

Not chasing every trend
Not launching random offers
Not pivoting positioning every quarter
Not creating content that doesn’t align with long-term brand equity

Restraint is strategic power in 2026.

So to wrap this all up, Intentional Marketing in 2026 is:

Commercially aligned, strategically disciplined, human-led marketing that prioritises clarity, differentiation (aka creativity), and long-term brand equity over noise and short-term visibility.

About the Author of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!

Our 2026 Focus - Intentionally Creative

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 11:04:13 GMT

Each year, Josh, Greg and myself like to set a theme for the year. A focus that we feel is important for our team, our clients and in the industry. Last year was ‘Be Bold and Push Creative Limits’. I feel our team really lived this one out, pushing the creative seam from every angle of creativity and striving to be bold in a world that is trendy and passive. It was a huge year for Hey!

It was difficult to think what 2026’s theme might be (and of course we used some good ole’ fashion independent creative thinking… no chatgpt used for this theme) but alas! This year (drum roll please) our theme and focus is ‘Intentionally Creative’. Sounds nice, but what does it really mean? I’m so glad you asked…

Creativity with purpose.

Not creativity for decoration, trends, or noise, but creativity that is considered, strategic, and outcome-driven.

Intentional

Every decision is made on purpose
Grounded in strategy, insight, and clarity
Aligned to a goal, not ego
Measured, meaningful, and accountable

Creative

Imagination, originality, and expression
Problem-solving through ideas
Emotional connection, storytelling, and design
Seeing what others miss

Together: “Intentionally Creative”, it’s the ultimate intersection of head and heart for a creative.

Big ideas, backed by clear thinking. Beauty that works. Expression with direction.

What it communications about about our work:

We don’t create for attention — we create for impact.

We believe creativity is most powerful when it’s focused.

We respect both strategy and imagination.

What it communicates to our clients:

You’re not hiring “just creatives”

You’re hiring partners who think before they make

You’ll get work that looks good and performs

Creativity is used as a tool , not a gamble

I personally cannot wait to see how this theme challenges and pushes us as a team of creatives and what it unlocks for our clients. I mean this in the most exciting way, stay tuned to see this theme unfold in more ways than one.

About the Author of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!

Marketing 101: What We Learned In 2025

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 23:17:57 GMT

2025 was a year. AI went bananas, platforms kept changing the rules, and brands had to work harder than ever to stay relevant.

I've compiled my key learnings from the year. And if you don't feel like reading all this? Scroll to the bottom for my one key takeaway.

So what actually mattered this year? Let's break it down.

Strategy First, Always

Before the tools, before the tactics, before the trending audio on TikTok, you need a strategy.

The brands that won in 2025 were the ones that started with clear objectives, understood their audience deeply, and built a roadmap before touching a single tactic. Strategy isn't sexy, but it's the thing that makes everything else actually work.

Own Your Channels

This year reminded us, sometimes painfully, that rented land is risky land. Many brands learnt this year that you don't control social media platforms, but you do control your email list, your website, and your customer database. And you need to use it!

The smartest brands in 2025 used social media to build awareness and drive traffic, but they converted that attention into owned channels. They grew their email lists, invested in killer websites, and created direct relationships with customers that no algorithm change could touch.

AI is your assistant, not your strategy

2025 was the year AI tools became truly accessible to everyone and the year that we became experts in deciphering human vs robot content (did someone say em dash?).

AI helped us write faster, analyse data better, and automate the boring stuff. But the brands that tried to let AI run their strategy ended up sounding like everyone else.

The lesson? Use AI to enhance your work, not replace your thinking. Let it handle the grunt work so you can focus on the creative and strategic decisions that actually differentiate your brand.

Brand Over Buzz

Every week brought a new trend, a new platform feature, a new viral moment. But 2025 proved that trends are quick to move and buzz fades fast!

What lasted? Strong brands. The companies that invested in clear positioning, consistent values, and authentic storytelling built something trends couldn't touch: trust and loyalty.

When consumers had infinite choices and endless noise, they gravitated toward brands that felt reliable, recognisable, and real.

Building a brand takes longer than chasing trends, it’s a slowwwww burn.

Content Is Still King

In a year saturated with AI-generated copy-and paste, the bar for what counts as "good" actually went up, not down. Audiences got better at sniffing out generic, soulless content, and they rewarded the brands that created something genuinely valuable.

The winning content in 2025 educated, entertained, or inspired. It had a point of view. It solved real problems. It reflected the brand's personality and expertise.

Integration Is The New Default

Say no to siloed marketing channels. The most effective marketing was integrated by design.

A piece of owned content gets amplified through paid ads, generates earned media coverage, and sparks social sharing. A PR moment drives traffic to owned channels and gets repurposed into social content. Everything connects, reinforces, and amplifies everything else.

The brands that treated their channels as an ecosystem rather than separate buckets saw exponentially better results than those still operating in silos.

Final Takeaway: Marketing In 2025 Was Human At It's Core

Here's the thing: for all the technology, automation, and innovation this year brought, the most important lesson was the simplest one.

Marketing is still about humans connecting with humans.

The brands that won weren't the ones with the most advanced tools or the biggest budgets. They were the ones that understood their customers as people, communicated with empathy and authenticity, and built real relationships.

Technology can help you scale, but it can't replace understanding, creativity, or genuine human connection.

In 2025, we learned that the best marketing happens when we use all our shiny tools in service of something fundamentally human: helping people, telling true stories, and building trust.

That's not changing anytime soon.

Need help getting your marketing strategy sorted for 2026? Let's start a conversation around what your brand really needs and get strategic together.

About the Author of this blog:

Hannah Cook

Hannah has worked on major government and private sector projects, and most recently internationally, as the Marketing and Communications Manager of The Royal Ballet School in London.)

Kickstart The New Year Right

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 00:50:45 GMT

The truth is, everywhere you look, brands are trying to catch attention, and they ramp it up especially when it comes to the end and start of the year. If your brand doesn’t have a marketing plan to tap into that energy and high attention time, then you’re missing out on a huge opportunity. However, the good news is that kicking off the New Year with a smart, simple, strategic and intentional marketing moves doesn’t have to be complicated!

Here’s a few ideas on how you can start strong, connect with your audience, and build momentum for 2026!

Idea 1: Year In Review Round Up

People love looking back almost as much as they love looking forward. Sending a “year in review” to your customers is like giving them a mini highlight reel of their relationship with your brand. Show them the products or services they interacted with the most and remind them why they love you. It feels personal and thoughtful and it taps into nostalgia in a way that generic promotional emails simply cannot.

The key here is to make it human.

How? Use images, fun stats, or even a short video to show them a snapshot of their year. Don’t just smash something out on AI, give it thought and intentionality. This isn’t just a recap, it’s a gentle nudge to get them back engaged with what you offer.

Idea 2: New Year Quiz

People love finding out what fits them best, they loveeee personalisation! A New Year quiz is a fun and interactive way to help customers discover what they want next. Whether it’s a personality quiz that points them to products or a quick survey that suggests services, it’s a chance to collect valuable insights while offering something genuinely helpful.

Quizzes work because they feel personal. You’re not just shouting a promotion at them, you’re helping them navigate their choices and giving them a reason to engage with your brand. Every answer gives you data you can use to segment and improve your marketing throughout the year.

Idea 3: Giveaways For Growth

The start of the year is noisy. Everyone is trying to grab attention with big sales and flashy campaigns. A well-timed giveaway can cut through that noise. It’s a chance to grow your email list, attract new leads, and build your owned audience without relying solely on ads. The trick is to make it exciting and relevant.

Tie the prize to your products or services and make participation simple. Not only do people love free stuff, but when you make it shareable, your reach can grow exponentially.

Idea 4: Fresh Start Products

The New Year is all about fresh starts and new habits. Highlight products or services that help your customers achieve their goals. Pair them with authentic customer reviews to show real-life benefits. The magic here is that it’s not about discounting everything to death. It’s about showing value and creating a sense of purpose around your offerings. People are more likely to invest in something that feels like it will genuinely help them kick off the year on the right foot.

Idea 5: VIP Treatment

Your most loyal customers are your best friends in business. Start the year by giving them something special. Early access, exclusive deals, or limited edition products make them feel seen and appreciated. Reach them on the channels they prefer. Whether it’s email, SMS, or even WhatsApp, showing that you understand their habits and giving them first dibs builds loyalty that lasts long after the New Year hype fades.

My final thoughts, ideas & suggestions.

All of these strategies have one thing in common: they put your audience first.

They engage people where they are, give them something of value, and make them feel connected to your brand. You don’t need a massive budget or a complicated plan. You just need thoughtful, intentional, targeted, and personal marketing moves that resonate. When executed well, these small actions can lead to bigger wins in engagement, sales, and brand loyalty.

If you’re ready to start the year with marketing that actually works, it’s time to act. Your audience is online, your competitors are already planning, and the tools are at your fingertips. Make this next year the year your marketing moves smarter, not harder.

End Of Year: 2025 Recap

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 02:27:15 GMT

2025 has been one of our most memorable years to date and I think it’ll go down as one I remember for many years to come. Why? I’m so glad you asked… it’s been equally incredible with growth and extremely challenging.

We have expanded our team not just to handle the current workload but to push our creativity to the next level. Our new team members are incredibly talented and skilled people who bring a fresh perspective to Hey. One that I felt was much needed, some may say a revival! They’ve experts in their field and have really taken our campaigns bigger, bolder and more creative than I could have ever imagined.

There were standout moments that defined this year for me, they include (if you dare to know):

Hosting our second team retreat in the Gold Coast Hinterland
Moving into our brand new renovated Hey HQ on Raff Street in Toowoomba
Growing the team with incredible new talent joining us from overseas
Bringing the city to life with marketing activations
Watching our creative campaigns and websites hit new heights
Seeing brands get a fresh new lease on life through some clever and very creative rebrands
Handling a large scale state campaign for local council & state Government around Waste & Recycling - bringing creativity to make a seemingly boring topic interesting!
Hannah got engaged! ��
Josh got engaged and then got married!
Welcoming baby Walter Riehl into the world.

We are setting a new benchmark for our creativity and execution standards moving forward. I believe the team has absolutely nailed the value we pinned for this year : “be bold and push creative limits”.

Josh, Max, Greg and I want to say a huge thank you to everyone, team and clients who helped us be bold and push creative limits in 2025. We feel so blessed to have worked with over 140 different brands in 2025 alone from Toowoomba, interstate and overseas.

If we thought 2025 was big then I cannot wait to show you what we’re intentionally & strategically lining up for 2026! Watch this space.

Signing off - Maddie Riehl & the Hey team

About the Author of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!

Is SEO really dead?

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 05:42:20 GMT

Is SEO Really Dead? (Spoiler: Not Quite)

Despite what you may think or have read online, SEO is not dead, but it is absolutely changing. And yes, with AI generated summaries now appearing at the top of Google results, zero click searches are very much a thing. Your impressions might rise, but your site traffic might not.

Stop Crying Over Missed Clicks

Here is what we actually think: do not fixate on the clicks you are not getting. Instead, lean into the clicks you can win. The game is no longer just about ranking for certain keywords, it is now about getting your copy recommended by AI driven engines and generative platforms. That is where the future of discovery is headed.

Welcoming in GEO and AEO

Say hello to GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation) and AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation). These are not just buzzwords, they are the new playgrounds for high intent traffic. We are talking about people asking big, open-ended questions and AI tools crawling to find exactly the kind of thoughtful, in depth content that answers those questions.

The Numbers Don't Lie...

Let us look at the data. In June 2025, platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini generated over 1.13 billion referral visits. Now that does still lag Google’s 191 billion, but it is up 357 percent from June 2024. That kind of growth is not a fluke, it's a signal, people are using AI like search engines.

Content That AI Loves

Here is another important bit: most of that AI driven traffic goes to blog posts, guides, and long form educational content. Product pages are not performing the same. According to a study by previsible.io, they capture less than one percent of AI referred traffic. Why is that? Because AI tools prioritise value, depth, and information over hard sell pages.

Rethink Your SEO Strategy

If your SEO game is still all about transactional or product focused content, you might be missing out. AI referrals favour content that provides real value - teaching, explaining, and diving deep into topics. Think guides, explainers, big questions, not just “shop now.” The smarter play is to align your content with what generative engines love to surface.

Early Adopters Always Win

Here is a truth from history: every major shift in SEO gave early adopters a huge head start. We saw that with mobile first indexing, with featured snippets, with social search. Now AI referrals are the next wave. Brands that lean in early will be the ones AI recommends and those who wait risk playing catch up.

SEO Isn't Dying, It Is Evolving

Let us be crystal clear if we weren't already, SEO is not dying, it is evolving. The basics remain the same: high quality content, valuable insights, and smart optimisation. What is shifting is how that content is found and who surfaces it for users. AI is just another part of the discovery journey now.

The Bottom Line

So, is SEO dead? Absolutely not. It is alive, kicking, and more exciting than ever for marketers who are ready to adapt.

If you are still sitting on a static website or not regularly creating blog content, now is the time to act. By adding a blog or regularly updating your website, you are not just keeping up with trends, you are positioning your brand to be recommended by AI platforms, capture high intent traffic, and stay ahead of competitors.

Do not wait for the next shift to leave you behind. Start creating, start publishing, and make your website work as hard as you do - that’s where we come in.

Marketing Buzzwords That Should Be Banished in 2025

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 14:00:29 GMT

Tired of hearing the same marketing buzzwords that mean… well, nothing? You’re not alone. From “disruptive” to “game-changer,” these overused phrases can make your brand sound generic instead of genuine.

Here’s how to ditch the fluff and speak with clarity, confidence, and real credibility.

1. Disruptive

�� Meaningless unless you’re actually changing an industry.
✅ Instead: “New approach”, “Innovative solution”, or explain how it’s different.

2. Authentic

�� Overused to the point of irony.
✅ Instead: Show the authenticity — don’t say it. Use storytelling, real voices, real people.

3. Synergy

�� Jargon-heavy and vague.
✅ Instead: “Working better together”, “Collaboration”, “Combined strengths”.

4. Game-changer

�� Unless it actually changes the game, this feels hollow.
✅ Instead: “Real impact on…”, “Major improvement in…”

5. Next-Gen/Next-Level

�� Lacks specificity. Next what?
✅ Instead: Explain what’s improved or different — faster? Easier? More powerful?

6. Cutting-Edge/Leading-Edge

�� Everyone claims this. Few prove it.
✅ Instead: Use a concrete example of the technology or practice that sets you apart.

7. Leverage

�� Sounds corporate and stiff.
✅ Use “Use”, “Apply”, “Tap into” instead — simpler and clearer.

8. Growth Hacking

�� Buzzwordy and often associated with spammy tactics.
✅ Instead: “Rapid growth strategy”, “Smart marketing tactics”.

9. Scalable

�� Can feel like investor speak, not customer-focused.
✅ Explain why it scales: “Built to grow with your business”.

10. Low Hanging Fruit

�� Feels lazy and condescending.
✅ Instead: “Quick wins”, “Immediate opportunities”.

11. Holistic

�� Vague and often misused.
✅ Instead: “All-in-one”, “Complete solution”, or be specific about what’s included.

12. Robust

�� Generic and unclear.
✅ Describe what’s strong about it.... durable? Secure? Flexible?

13. Paradigm Shift

�� Dramatic for the sake of drama.
✅ Be concrete: “A new way to think about…”

14. Optimize

�� Valid word, but can be overused without substance.
✅ Instead: Say what’s being improved, and how.

15. Value Added

�� Redundant. (If it doesn’t add value, why mention it?)
✅ Just say what the actual benefit is.

If you can’t explain it simply, your customer won’t understand it either.

Buzzwords feel safe, but they water down your message. Try swapping them for clear, conversational language that’s backed by proof, stories, or results.

Need help sharpening your brand voice? Let’s make your message clear.

About the Author of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!

Your Audience Is Scrolling. Here's How Video Can Stop Them.

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 14:00:18 GMT

Let's be real: right now, somewhere out there, your ideal customer is lying in bed watching a 12-second video of someone making pasta. Or folding laundry. Or taking you through their day in the life.

Everywhere you look online, short-form video is setting the pace. From quick product reveals to fast how-to tips & behind-the-scenes snippets, bite-sized clips are now driving the way people interact online.

If your brand isn’t speaking this language yet, we need to talk.

Why Short Form Video Is King

Let’s be honest, our attention spans are short. Thanks to TikTok, Instagram Reels, and the hypnotic pull of doom scrolling, we've all become masters of the split-second swipe or scroll. If something doesn't grab us immediately, we're gone.

The great news is that this isn’t bad news for brands. It’s actually an incredible opportunity.

Short-form video content has opened the door to connect with people in a way that feels immediate and authentic. In just a few seconds, brands can tell a story, highlight a product or spark curiosity, all while showing up where your audience already is (their ‘For You’ pages at 10pm!)

The beauty of these platforms is the interaction they can create. Comments, shares and likes give direct & instant feedback, helping brands see what works and refine their approach on the go.

How Do You Actually Do This In Your Social Media Mix?

The heart of short form video is storytelling. Not in a fancy, corporate or over-produced way. We're talking real, human storytelling that makes people stop mid-scroll and pay attention.

In an endless feed of content, standing out means showing up as you - addressing pain points, sharing wins, and maybe cracking a joke or two.

Here's how to get started without overthinking it:

1. Know Your Audience

Take the time to learn what your customers actually care about by using surveys, website analytics & social media insights to uncover their interests and challenges. Then build clear audience profiles so your content speaks directly to the people you want to reach.

2. Tell Real Stories

Share genuine moments. Behind-the-scenes footage of your team, customer wins & even the occasional blooper. Authenticity builds trust faster than any polished ad ever could. And if humour fits your brand? Use it, but just keep it natural!

3. Inspire & Connect

Highlight real wins and challenges that align with your brand values. Show empathy and keep your content relevant to what’s happening right now, this makes your brand feel more human and relatable.

4. Focus On Quality, But Keep It Real

Yes, optimise for each platform. Yes, use good lighting and clear audio. But don't get so caught up in perfection that you lose the vibe. Encourage engagement by asking questions, sharing hot takes, or inviting opinions.

The proof? It's in the pudding.

Short-form video isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a game-changer. Our Hey clients have seen wild results, like one business that scored a 272% increase in impressions across Instagram and Facebook. We achieved this by partnering with a local journalist & influencer in our region to create authentic UGC style content - showcasing real local talent, asking quick-fire fire digestible questions & sharing off-the-cuff moments that resonated with the community.

If you're still on the fence about short-form video, let this be your nudge. Your audience is already scrolling. The platforms are ready. The tools are there. All you need is the courage to hit record and be yourself.

About the Author of this blog:

Hannah Cook

Hannah has worked on major government and private sector projects, and most recently internationally, as the Marketing and Communications Manager of The Royal Ballet School in London.)

Silly Marketing Season Prep 101

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 22:32:13 GMT

The holiday season is upon us, also referred to as the ‘silly’ season, and for small to medium businesses, it's a golden opportunity to boost sales and strengthen customer relationships. But with the digital landscape buzzing with festive promotions, how can you ensure your brand or business stands out without breaking the bank?

Here are some practical, no-nonsense strategies to make the most of this silly season:

Flash Sales & Social-Only Deals

The end-of-year rush is prime time for exclusive deals. Flash sales, especially those exclusive to your social media followers or website visitors, can create a sense of urgency and reward loyalty.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are your chances to offer irresistible deals that drive traffic and conversions. Boxing Day is a perfect opportunity for customers to grab items they missed before the holidays now at discounted prices.

To maximize impact, use compelling calls to action like “Hurry, limited time only!” or “Exclusive deal for our followers.” Consider adding perks such as free shipping, gifts with purchase, or buy-one-get-one-free offers to sweeten the deal.

Stick to What Works

The holiday season is not the time to test unproven marketing tactics. Rely on the strategies that have worked for you throughout the year. Consistency in messaging and branding helps maintain customer trust and recognition.

Pay attention to what your customers have shown interest in leading up to the holiday period. Focus your campaigns on these popular items or services to increase the likelihood of conversion & leave testing new waters to the new year.

Engage Through Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool for reaching your audience during the holidays. Utilise both paid and organic posts to promote your seasonal offers.

Paid ads can target your audience with creative campaigns that highlight your holiday deals. Organic posts can encourage engagement with messages like “Tag a friend to win a holiday gift” or “Share your holiday shopping list with us.”

Optimise Your Website For Holiday Traffic

Ensure your website is ready to handle the increased traffic during the holiday season. A seamless online experience can make the difference between a sale and a lost opportunity.

Fast loading times are critical as slow websites can drive customers away. Make sure your site is mobile-friendly and easy to navigate so customers can find products and complete purchases quickly. Clear contact information including customer support and store locations is also essential.

Build Relationships, Not Just Sales

While the holiday season is a prime time for sales, it is also an opportunity to build lasting relationships with your customers. Personalized communication, exceptional customer service, and a genuine brand voice can turn one-time buyers into loyal patrons.

Remember, the goal is not just to boost sales but to create memorable experiences that keep customers coming back long after the holidays are over.

By implementing these strategies, you can navigate the silly season with confidence, ensuring your business not only survives but thrives during this bustling time of year.

Want To Learn More?

Sign up with your email address below to download your free “Silly Marketing Season 101” handbook, and get all the tips you need to make this holiday season a success.

Your Black Friday Email Campaign Cheat Sheet

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 14:00:44 GMT

Thinking of running a Black Friday or Cyber Monday email blitz but worried your messages will get lost in the noise? That’s a very fair and real concern.

But if you’re going to play along with BF & CM here’s a little go-to cheat sheet from us to you.

Warm Them Up Early

Don’t wait until the week of. Start teasing your offers weeks ahead. Send sneak peeks, early-access invites, or countdowns to build anticipation and prime your list for action.

Segment Smartly

One size doesn’t fit all. Use behaviour, purchase history, or customer value to segment your list. Reward loyal customers with VIP access, treat cart abandoners differently, and tailor offers based on what your segments care about.

Diversify Your Offers

Don’t just stick to one type of discount. Mix it up with bundles, buy one get one, freebies, or free shipping. Sometimes perceived value, like a gift or bundle, outperforms a straight discount.

Make Scarcity Work For You

Flash sales, quantity limits, or time-limited deals spark urgency. Use countdown timers, low-stock alerts, or “only a few left” messaging to push people to act.

Tell A Story

If offering steep discounts isn’t viable, tell a story. Share your brand’s journey, product inspiration, or customer stories to create emotional pull, especially when discounts are limited.

Reward Your Top Customers

Make your best buyers feel special. Give them early access, exclusive offers, or sneak-peek emails before you open sales to everyone else.

Keep Your Emails Clean & Bold

Your email needs to be scannable in a sea of promotions. Use strong imagery, short but clear copy, and visible calls to action. Include animation only if it enhances the message.

Use Dynamic Content

Trigger urgency with live elements like countdown clocks or low-stock messages. Personalised content such as product recommendations from past purchases can help drive clicks.

Show Off A Little

Include reviews, testimonials, or trust signals in your emails to reduce hesitation and enhance credibility.

Craft Subject Lines That Cut Through

Your subject line must grab attention fast. Use intrigue, urgency, and relevance to the offer to stand out in crowded inboxes.

Time It Right

During Black Friday and Cyber Monday, inboxes are overflowing. To cut through the noise, experiment with sending your emails at less common times. Early mornings, late evenings, or even weekends can help your campaigns land when competition is lower and visibility is higher.

Pick Your Audience

It’s also worth being strategic about who you send to. Instead of blasting your entire database, focus on the subscribers who are actually engaging with your emails.

Clean Your List Before The Big Push

Remove unengaged contacts ahead of time. It improves deliverability and reduces the risk of hitting spam filters during heavy sending periods.

Multi Channel It!!! Don't Rely Only On Email

Combine your emails with SMS, push notifications, or social media to maximise reach. Multiple touchpoints help when inboxes are overloaded.

Follow Up After The Sale

Once Cyber Monday ends, don’t stop communicating. Send thank-you messages, request reviews, promote related products, or start a welcome journey for new customers to keep them engaged.

Want A Little More Help?

Sign up with your email below for a free Klaviyo audit on your account & find out how to get the most out of your email marketing this Black Friday & Cyber Monday. Only 3 spots available in first week of November ��‍♀️

How Professional Services & Small Businesses Can Get Involved in Black Friday

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 14:00:06 GMT

Black Friday isn’t just for big-box retailers and eCommerce giants. Professional services and small businesses absolutely can (and should!) get involved in BFCM — you just have to get a little creative with what you’re offering and how you promote it. Here’s how:

1. Package your services like products

Create limited-time service bundles or discounted packages that feel “Black Friday-worthy.”

Examples:

Accountants: End-of-year tax check + business health review
Photographers: Mini shoot sessions with a BFCM discount
Consultants/Coaches: 3-session packages at 20% off

Make it time-bound. Make it feel exclusive. Slap a countdown timer on it and boom — instant urgency.

2. Offer Giftable Options

Turn your service into a gift someone can give.

Gift vouchers for your service
“Book now, use later” offers for the holidays or new year
Group discounts (e.g. buy a branding session, get a free strategy call for a friend)

People love buying experiences, not just things.

3. Run a ‘VIP-Only’ Promotion

Instead of going wide, go deep. Offer an exclusive deal to your best clients, email list, or followers.

E.g. “We don’t usually do discounts, but here’s 25% off our most popular service for 24 hours — just for our email fam.”

It feels personal and builds loyalty.

4. Create Urgency Without Slashing Prices

If you don’t want to discount heavily, add value instead:

Bonus inclusions (free consultation, template, review session)
Extended support
Upgrade to premium service for the base price
You still ride the BFCM wave, without undercutting your worth.

5. Lean into Social & Email

People expect BFCM emails and posts — so don’t sit this one out!

Build anticipation: “Coming soon…”
Share sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes prep
Use countdowns, urgency-based subject lines, and fun social reels
This is your chance to remind people you exist and you’re offering something special.

6. Partner with Other Local Business Legends

Join forces with complementary businesses to create a BFCM bundle.

A beauty therapist + pilates studio “Glow & Flow” package
A dog groomer + pet photographer special
It increases reach and makes it more exciting for your customers.

You don’t need a warehouse of TVs or a Shopify store to join BFCM.

You just need a great offer, a smart angle, some creative execution (that’s where we come in!) and a way to get it in front of the right people (also where we come in!).

Your service is valuable, BFCM is your excuse to shout about it. Loudly.

Let’s start a conversation around what your brand really needs and get strategic together.

About the Author of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!

Balancing AI Tools and Creative HUMAN Talent in Your Marketing Mix

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 01:57:17 GMT

Thinking about integrating AI into your marketing mix but worried it’ll suck the soul out of your campaigns? Or maybe you’ve already tried a few tools but the content feels robotic? This blog is for you.

Let’s face it: Using only AI for your marketing is like giving someone a chef’s knife and ingredients, then expecting a gourmet meal. You need a balance if you want content that connects, converts, and still feels human.

Here’s how the team here at Hey mixes AI tools into our workflow, while keeping our human creativity alive and authentic:

Use AI For The Grunt Work, Not The Heart

AI is amazing for repetitive or time‑consuming tasks: automation, first drafts, research, or data crunching. But it can’t feel the brand vibe or write with empathy. We let AI do the heavy lifting so we can focus on the storytelling, strategy, and nuance that machines just can’t nail.

Start With A Human-Led Creative Brief

Every project begins with a human vision. We outline objectives, time frames, tone of voice, audience, and key messaging before AI enters the picture. AI can then generate variations, suggest angles, or draft copy for us to tweak - but it’s never the one deciding the strategy or putting together the finished product.

Make Collaboration Tangible

We use tools like ChatGPT for copy inspiration, Meta for Ad headlines & CTA options, and Canva’s AI features for basic enhancements our Graphic Designers could do with their eyes shut. But every output gets a human review and final magic touch - sometimes it’s a word change, or sometimes retouching a design manually.

Keep Your Voice Authentic

AI can mimic tone, but it can’t truly understand culture, context, or inside jokes. We preserve authenticity by adding human stories, examples, facts & brand personality after AI drafts the content. A blog, social post, or email can only convert best when the human touch is visible.

Experiment, Measure, Adjust

Some AI-generated ideas work brilliantly, some flop. Track performance like you would with human-created content. Test subject lines, captions, visuals, or post formats and iterate based on results. AI speeds up the testing process but humans still make the strategic calls.

Encourage Creativity, Not Complacency

The danger is relying too much on AI and letting creativity stagnate. The magic in our strategy or brainstorming sessions still comes from bouncing ideas off of one another. Our team shares ideas, inspirations & variations on our previous success stories that AI could never come up with. Then we can loop AI in to expand or refine further, and choose whether to take that further towards the finish line or not.

Takeaway? AI & Human Creativity Are Best Friends, Not Rivals

The sweet spot is clear: use AI to remove friction, free up time, and explore possibilities - but keep humans at the core. That’s how marketing feels authentic, sparks connection, and keeps campaigns interesting. Balance is everything, and the right mix of tools can make your team as efficient as possible, freeing up more time to do what they do best.

Need a strategy & some training? We’ve got you!

Let’s start a conversation around what your brand really needs and get strategic together.

DON’T do these things during BFCM in Your Email & Social Campaigns

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 01:41:41 GMT

Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM) can be a goldmine… or a total flop…. Depending on how you play your cards. And while everyone’s focused on what to do, we’re flipping the script and diving into what not to do during the biggest sales weekend of the year.

1. Don't wait until last minute

Your audience is already being bombarded with deals. If your emails and social posts are rushed or poorly timed, you’ll be lost in the noise. Plan early, schedule smart, and don’t wing it. The earlier you plan, the more room you have to test, tweak, and refine your campaigns before the big weekend. It also means you can avoid the stress of scrambling when things inevitably go wrong. A little organisation now saves you a whole lot of chaos later.

2. Avoid generic messaging

“Big Sale! Don’t Miss Out!” �� Yawn. If your emails and captions sound like everyone else’s, they’ll be ignored like everyone else’s. Be specific, highlight value, and keep it on-brand. Your copy should sound like you, not a clearance bin. Think about what makes your brand irresistible and weave that into every message. Maybe it’s your playful personality, maybe it’s your quality guarantee, or maybe it’s your sense of community. Your unique angle is your secret weapon - use it to cut through the noise and speak directly to your audience.

3. Don't forget your mobile audience

Over 60% of people shop on mobile during BFCM , if your email or landing page isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re basically asking them to bounce. That means buttons need to be thumb-friendly, text needs to be readable without zooming, and checkout flows should feel smooth. If your site takes forever to load or makes people pinch and swipe just to buy, you’ve already lost them. Be sure to test everything.

4. Don't spam your audience

Yes, it’s a big sales moment, but more emails ≠ more sales. Be strategic with your send times, segment your lists, and respect the inbox. Same goes for social, don’t post for the sake of it. Instead, think quality over quantity. Craft messages that feel tailored and intentional, not like a bullhorn blasting the same message to everyone. A well-timed, relevant email is far more powerful than five forgettable ones. Respect earns attention, and attention turns into conversions.

5. Avoid unclear offers

If your discount requires a math degree to figure out, it’s too complicated. Keep your offers clean, clear, and upfront. Bonus points if the deal feels too good to ignore. Clarity also builds trust. If shoppers feel like they’re jumping through hoops just to unlock a deal, they’ll head elsewhere. Remember KISS (keep it simple…. Silly!)

6. Don't go dark after the sale

Engagement doesn’t end at checkout. Keep the momentum going with thank-you emails, review requests, or post-sale offers. Social media? Show off your community, share behind-the-scenes content, and ride that BFCM wave. Post-purchase communication is your best chance to turn one-time shoppers into loyal fans. Show gratitude, keep delivering value, and remind customers why they chose you in the first place.

Final 2 cents...

BFCM is about more than just blasting out deals, it’s about creating smart, intentional touchpoints that feel human and helpful. So skip the spray-and-pray, avoid the inbox assault, and keep it real.

Need help cleaning up your strategy before the madness starts? Let’s talk!

About the Author of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!

Building Brand Communities: Strategies for Genuine Customer Engagement

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 03:41:05 GMT

Building brand communities: My top tips for genuine Facebook group engagement online

Considering starting a Facebook group that aligns with your brand? Orrrr already got one that’s kind of flopping? This blog is for you.

Let’s face it: slapping together a Facebook group and hoping people chat is like planting a tree and waiting for it to grow… in a box… indoors. If you want a brand community (utilising the Facebook Group Functionality) that actually sticks and grows, you need substance.

Here’s how to get people loving your brand without going full stalker‑marketing mode:

1. Know why they’re here (and let that guide everything)

Before you start tagging people in “Community Rules” posts, ask yourself: what’s the real value for them? Belonging? Early access? Daily laughs? Define your strategy for the group (get your WHY right) then reverse‑engineer your actions around it, not around “being everywhere.” That’s how you avoid becoming that brand that yells into the void.

Bottom line: Make the why obvious.

2. Keep it flexible (because life and trends move fastttttt)

Some days your audience wants heartfelt discussions. Other times, they just want memes. Block that wiggle room:

Set aside 10–20% of your time/resources for community experiments, theme weeks, ingredient‑swap polls, or “ask us anything” sessions.
Pivot quickly based on what’s resonating. Got a post going viral? Double‑down mid‑week.
Watch the data, not the hype , from post‑reach to DM‑flood (yes, real metrics), be ready to ride the wave or pivot fast.

Bottom line: Your community strategy should feel more like jazz than classical, improvised, reactive, and a little bit surprising.

3. Let the inside jokes happen (don’t force them)

Communities bond over shared language. Never stage‑manage it. Let it grow organically. When your people start riffing, that’s when you know your community’s alive.

4. Shout them out (they’re the real MVPs)

Your best content won’t come from your brand’s “Voice and Tone Guidelines”, it’ll come from your people:

Feature customer stories, reviews, and wild uses of your product.
Repost UGC (user‑generated content) with genuine enthusiasm: “This takeover by @username = wanted to repost!” energy, not corporate formality.
Make user contributions feel like co‑building, not like mining for free content.

Bottom line: The more you elevate your people, the more they’ll elevate you.

5. Strategic & smart (not just silly)

A good community is more than cat GIFs (though there’s always room for cat GIFs).

Track engagement, not just likes . Shares, DMs, replies, repeat visitors, those are the real signs of belonging.
Audit quarterly : What’s working? What’s falling flat? Pull the breaks on flops and gas up the wins.
Train your team (or yourself) to speak consistently but authentically. If someone jumps in to moderate, they shouldn’t demolish the vibe.

Bottom line: Community is fun but it’s also a strategic channel that needs TLC, attention, and measurement.

Bottom line: be real, be ready, be relatable

Building a brand community via a Facebook Group isn’t about forcing it, it’s about creating spaces where your people feel valued, connected, and a tad obsessed. Let your strategy breathe, lean into the realness, and watch genuine engagement happen (without needing motivational posters or forced prompts).

Need a strategy & some training? We’ve got you!

Let’s start a conversation around what your brand really needs and get strategic together.

About the Author of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!

Your LinkedIn personal brand: Content that converts in 2025

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 03:32:05 GMT

In Part 1, we covered why personal branding matters on LinkedIn and how to get your profile in tip top shape.

Now, let’s talk content and how to actually show up in a way that builds trust, grows visibility and works with the algorithm (not against it).

It’s all about (content) balance

The secret sauce? Mixing up your content.

Balance three types of content for maximum impact:

Value-driven Posts : Share practical insights, how-to guides, and actionable tips that solve specific problems your audience faces
Thought leadership : Offer unique perspectives on industry trends, personal experiences, and lessons learned from both successes and failures
Personal moments : Include authentic glimpses into your professional journey.

Content formats that actually work

Based on the latest algorithm trends:

Document Posts (Carousels) : PDF slideshows of 10-12 slides work brilliantly for educational content and generate exceptional engagement.

Short Videos : Keep under 2 minutes with compelling first 8 seconds.

Text + Images : Use authentic personal photos rather than stock images for significantly better performance.

Interactive Content : Polls drive high visibility and provide valuable audience insights.

Understanding the beast of the algorithm

In 2025, LinkedIn now favours:

Niche Authority : Consistently posting around 3-4 core themes establishes thought leadership
Engagement Quality : Comments carry more weight than likes – ask questions and respond quickly
Native Content : Carousels, videos, and text posts get 25-40% more visibility than external links
Dwell Time : Content that keeps users engaged longer gets broader distribution

Build daily habits

If you’re serious about growing, go beyond posting content and:

Engage daily on 10-15 posts in your sector/industry/niche
Focus on meaningfully growing your network
Tag collaborators or team members in your content to maximise reach

Here’s what you really need to know

LinkedIn rewards those who provide genuine value within their niche.

So think of it as an easy recipe: combine thoughtful insights + regular activity + authentic engagement = real results!

Your personal brand will thank you later!

And if this still feels confusing, you know who to call (me)!

A health check on your personal LinkedIn page
Quick fix suggestions for your personal LinkedIn page
Tangible next steps for your LinkedIn profile

About the Author of this blog:

Hannah Cook

Hannah has worked on major government and private sector projects, and most recently internationally, as the Marketing and Communications Manager of The Royal Ballet School in London.)

How to build a personal brand and win on LinkedIn in 2025

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 03:23:59 GMT

LinkedIn has evolved far beyond an online resume platform. It’s the go-to platform for professional thought leadership, and it’s where 80% of B2B social media leads are born. Why? Because people come ready to consume professional content.

Hi, I'm Hannah, Account Manager at Hey Marketing. We’ve been deep in the world of LinkedIn strategy lately, so I’m here to share what’s working in 2025 and how you can build a personal brand that actually lands.

Personal profiles are where it’s at

Why should you show up on LinkedIn?

The data is clear: Personal LinkedIn profiles receive an average of 3x more engagement than identical content posted on company pages.

People don’t follow companies, they follow people. Why might this be? Your personal career journey, insights, learnings, failures are all stories that only you can tell and what a company page cannot replicate.

Start with strategy

Before you post that brilliant idea you had at 2am, take a step back and understand your purpose for LinkedIn. Is it showcasing expertise? Positioning yourself as a thought leader? Driving leads? Sharing what your wedding taught you about sales? IYKYK.

Every post should be working towards something. If it's not, it’s just noise.

Set the foundations

Your LinkedIn profile is your digital first impression. It’s part CV, part pitch deck, part capability document, all in one.

Here’s how to optimise it:

Use a professional headshot (this doesn’t mean boring — just clear, high quality and current)
Level up your headline. Go beyond your job title. Share your specialty or value proposition
Your summary is not your resume. Tell a story. Share your achievements, your values and what drives you
Add relevant keywords throughout your profile (especially in your headline and ‘About’ section), but keep them sounding natural

If you’re building a personal brand on LinkedIn, your profile is step one. But what happens next? Content. Connection. Consistency.

In Part 2, I’ll show you how to actually show up with the types of posts, formats and daily habits that get real results.

A health check on your personal LinkedIn page
Quick fix suggestions for your personal LinkedIn page
Tangible next steps for your LinkedIn profile

About the Author of this blog:

Hannah Cook

Hannah has worked on major government and private sector projects, and most recently internationally, as the Marketing and Communications Manager of The Royal Ballet School in London.)

3 tips for setting your marketing budget up for success

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 00:45:26 GMT

Whether you’re a fresh start‑up or a seasoned brand, aligning your marketing budget with strategy is like giving your business a high‑octane fuel injection or a strong triple-shot coffee! Here are three actionable and simple tips for setting your marketing budget up for success.

1. Start with clear objectives – Let the why drive the how much

Before you assign dollar signs, define what success looks like. Is it driving website sales, capturing leads, boosting brand awareness, or all of the above?

Define the job description of what it is you are trying to do. Pick a primary goal like Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC), Return on Investment (ROI), or Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) numbers that actually matter (we’re talking revenue‑connected leads , not vanity metrics!).
Reverse‑engineer your budget. Once you know what you expect, whether that be a specific number of leads, sales, or dollars returned, you can work out how many resources you’ll need to hit that target.
Create aligned sub‑KPIs. Think CAC, CTR, ROAS. These give you early signals so you can pivot before the main campaign nose‑dives.

Bottom line: Budget shouldn’t be arbitrary. Tie it to measurable outcomes and keep it agile.

2. Build in flexibility

The digital world moves quickly. Your budget needs to be ready to move with it.

Reserve a “mid‑course correction” fund. Allocate ~10–20% for optimising and scaling based on performance insights.
Make room for smart experiments. Sprinkle in smaller test budgets for emerging channels, content types, or creative angles. Then double down on what performs.
Use real‑time metrics. Tools like Google Analytics, or your ad or website dashboards give you the live data you need to shift spend quickly. Watch these numbers closely.. Aka Weekly!

Bottom line: Treat your budget like a living document, not a fixed ledger.

3. Prioritise quality over quantity

It’s not about spending more, it’s about spending better . Focus on what truly moves the needle.

Think lead quality, not just volume. Leads that convert to revenue matter more than a flood of low-intent contacts.
Balance your channel mix. Don’t dump everything into search or social ads. Allocate across high-ROI channels (paid ads, email, organic), and also test new channels (like micro-influencers, short‑form video). You do need to give these channels time to perform and measure, I’m talking 1-3 months not 6-12 months.
Lean into community-driven tactics. In 2025, micro and nano influencers often outperform bigger ones by driving stronger engagement and trust. And they usually come at a lower cost.

Bottom line: A focused, quality-driven strategy beats a diluted, broad play every time.

Bottom Line: align, adapt, amplify

Align your budget to the outcomes that matter.
Adapt it as insights and tides change.
Amplify the channels and partnerships that deliver real growth.

Think of your marketing budget not as a static sheet, but as your brand’s playbook in motion—ready to pivot, invest, scale, and succeed.

I’d love to hear what’s worked (or flopped) for you.

Let’s have a coffee and talk about your 2025/26 Marketing Strategy.

Crafting a memorable brand voice in a loud market

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 00:49:45 GMT

Let’s face it: your brand voice is your secret weapon. In a sea of sameness, it’s the thing people remember. Nail it, and you’ll build trust, drive recognition, and cut through the noise. Here’s how to do it—no fluff, just focused strategy.

1. Know Your Brand’s Core Personality

Before you craft tone and style, define who you are as a brand. Ask yourself:

What do we stand for? (values, mission, bold beliefs)
What’s our archetype? (entertainer, everyman, philosopher? Unsure… we need to do a 1-on-1 strategy session and yes that was a shameless plug)
How do we make people feel? (empowered, curious, reassured?)

Be brutally honest when answering the above, you’re building relationships and raving fans through crafting a memorable brand.

2. Define Clear Tone Guidelines

Your voice must stay consistent across platforms, even if the style adapts - tone never changes.

HOT TIP:

A brand’s voice is your brand's personality—an unchanging, distinctive identity that reflects its values, character, and mission across all channels. Think of it as the brand’s accent or DNA. In contrast, tone adjusts that voice’s emotional delivery to fit different contexts—be it playful in social media, serious in a customer apology, or upbeat in a product announcement

3. Use “Tell Me Without Telling Me” Messaging

Let the audience feel your brand. Say you’re bold—then lead with bold visuals or statements. Want trusted expert status? Use client case studies or data to back it up. Evoke emotion, don’t state it.

4. Centralise & Audit Regularly

Storing brand assets and tone rules in one accessible, shared space stops misfires of off sounding collateral going out in the world. Use templates for email, social, blog—keep that voice consistent. And yes, audit: review content quarterly to catch tone drift and patch any mismatches. - Another shameless plug here, we can audit your collateral for you to help align your messaging.

5. Train Your Team On The (Brand) Tone

Your brand voice isn’t just for marketing—it’s for everyone who speaks for you. Whether chatting with customers or writing a blog post, everyone should know:

Key brand traits (e.g., “we’re friendly experts, never buzzwordy”)
A handful of approved phrases or shorthand
How to pivot tone based on channel, with brand personality anchored

(HOT TIP: training isn’t a once‑off—it’s ongoing culture-building.)

Bottom Line______

A memorable brand voice is more than a slogan, it’s the consistent, strategic expression of your personality across channels. It builds trust, recognition, and, yes, revenue. Keep it defined, centralised, emotion-driven, and measured.

Be bold. Be clear. Be you.

That’s how you stand out when the market is crowded and LOUD.

About the Author of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!

Key Marketing Metrics to Track in 2025

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 08:03:36 GMT

Let’s face the music, marketing can feel a little like throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks. But in 2025, it’s not enough to just do marketing. You need to know what’s working, what’s not, and where to double down. Stop scatter gunning and spreading your budget so wide and thin….

That’s where metrics come in. No, they’re not the sexiest part of the job, but they’re the secret sauce behind smart, strategic marketing decisions.

Here are the key marketing metrics you actually need to track in 2025. No fluff, no filler.

1. Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)

Let’s start with the big one. CAC tells you how much it costs to get a new customer through the door. And with ad costs on the rise (againnn ), you need to know if your marketing dollars are working hard or hardly working.

Formula:

Total Marketing & Sales Costs ÷ Number of New Customers

If your CAC is creeping up, it might be time to reassess your strategy or look at how well you’re retaining the customers you already have.

2. Customer Lifetime Value (CLV)

It’s not just about getting customers, it’s about keeping them. CLV estimates how much revenue a customer will bring in over their lifetime. A healthy CLV shows you’re building real relationships, not just one-and-done transactions.

Pro tip: You want your CLV to be at least 3x your CAC. If it’s not, there’s work to be done!

3. Return on Marketing Investment (ROMI)

This one’s your bottom line. ROMI tells you whether your campaigns are actually generating profit, or just noise.

Formula:

(Revenue Attributed to Marketing – Marketing Spend) ÷ Marketing Spend

The goal? A positive number that justifies your budget (and helps you fight for more next quarter).

4. Conversion Rates (CR)

You can drive all the traffic in the world, but if no one’s converting, what’s the point? Track your CR across landing pages, email campaigns, ads, and forms. And in 2025, with AI-driven personalisation on the rise, optimising your CR is more important than ever.

5. Engagement Metrics

Think likes, shares, saves, comments, time on page, scroll depth, the little signals that your audience is actually paying attention. These numbers won’t pay the bills or buy you a coffee, but they’ll tell you if your content is resonating. Whatever resonates… make more of it! The other stuff? Learn from it and move on.

Spoiler: vanity metrics still don’t count. But meaningful engagement? That’s gold.

6. Attribution Data

In 2025, the buyer journey is messier than ever. People touch multiple platforms, devices, and messages before making a decision. Tracking attribution (first-touch, last-touch, or multi-touch) gives you a clearer picture of what’s driving conversions, so you can invest where it counts.

Wrapping It Up

Metrics aren’t just numbers, they’re stories. They tell you what’s working, where to pivot, and how to grow with intention. And while the digital landscape will keep evolving, the need for clarity and accountability isn’t going anywhere.

So, if you’re still tracking “likes” and calling it a day, 2025 is your year to level up.

Let the numbers lead. Your future self will thank you.

About the Author of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!

The Power of Consistency in Multi-Channel Branding

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 08:03:34 GMT

In today’s digital-first world, customers engage with brands across a wide range of platforms: social media, websites, mobile apps, emails, retail environments, and more. With so many touchpoints, keeping your brand consistent isn’t just helpful, it’s essential to building recognition and trust!

Why Consistency Matters

Brand consistency means presenting your business in a unified way across every channel. This includes your visuals (like logo, colors, and fonts), your messaging, your tone of voice, and the overall experience you deliver.

Here’s why consistency is such a powerful tool:

It builds trust. When customers encounter the same brand experience wherever they go, it signals professionalism and reliability.
It boosts brand recognition. A cohesive brand look and voice makes it easier for customers to recognise and remember your business.
It reinforces your messaging. A consistent brand message ensures your values and story come across clearly, no matter the platform.
It improves performance. Unified branding increases the effectiveness of your campaigns and reduces confusion for your audience.

Multi-Channel Does Not Mean Multiple Personalities

A common mistake businesses make is changing their brand identity too much depending on the platform. While your content should adapt to the format of each channel, your brand personality should stay consistent.

For example:

A LinkedIn post might be more in-depth and educational.
A Facebook post might be more community-focused and conversational.
An Instagram post might be more laid back and visual.

Each channel has its nuances, but your tone, values, and style should all reflect the same brand foundation.

How to Stay Consistent Across Channels

Create Brand Guidelines. These should define your tone of voice, logo usage, color palette, font choices, image style, and core messages. Share them widely across your biz and with any external partners.
Use Templates. Build branded templates for emails, social posts, internal documents and ads. This ensures consistency even when multiple people contribute to content creation.
Centralise Brand Assets. Keep all your visual and written brand assets in a shared, easy-to-access location. This helps prevent version mix-ups and maintains quality.
Train Your Team. Whether someone is answering a customer email or writing a blog post, everyone who speaks for your brand should understand how to reflect its personality and message.
Review Regularly. Audit your channels on a regular basis to make sure your brand is showing up consistently. Look for visual or messaging discrepancies and make updates where needed.

Real-World Examples of Consistent Branding

Spotify maintains a strong brand across its app, social media, playlists, and advertising. Whether you're seeing a playlist on Instagram or using the mobile app, the tone and visuals are immediately recognisable.

IKEA delivers consistency across its catalogs, online store, in-store signage, and even its product packaging. The brand’s playful, practical, and affordable personality comes through everywhere.

Airbnb ties its brand together with a consistent tone of voice, clean design, and storytelling. From the homepage to host emails, the feeling of connection and belonging remains strong.

Final Thoughts

Brand consistency across multiple channels creates a more powerful and memorable brand experience. It helps your audience trust you, recognise you faster, and connect with your values more deeply.

Being consistent does not mean being boring. In fact, it gives your creativity a strong foundation to grow from. The more consistent your brand feels, the more impactful your marketing becomes… no matter where your audience encounters you.

How a logo sets the tone for your entire brand identity

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 08:03:32 GMT

When you think of iconic brands like Nike, Apple, or Coca-Cola, what's the first thing that pops into your head?

It’s probably their logo… and that’s no accident. A logo isn’t just a symbol; it’s the heartbeat of your brand identity.

In the fast-paced world of branding, first impressions matter. Your logo is often the very first interaction someone has with your brand. It’s your opening handshake, your first "hey" (��), your introduction to the world. In that split-second impression, people start forming opinions about who you are, what you stand for, and why you matter.

More Than Just a Pretty Design

A strong logo does more than just look good. It communicates your brand’s personality , values , and promise without needing a single word. Are you bold and adventurous? Sleek and sophisticated? Fun and friendly? Your logo can hint at all of that through simple choices in color, typography, and shape.

Think about it...

Colors evoke emotions. (Blues feel trustworthy. Reds feel exciting. Greens feel natural.)
Typography sets a tone. (A serif font says "classic and refined." A handwritten font says "personal and creative.")
Shapes suggest moods. (Circles feel inclusive. Sharp angles feel cutting-edge.)

Every little design decision works together to build a feeling that feeling sticks!

The Ripple Effect Across Your Brand

Once your logo is locked in, it becomes the anchor for everything else.
Your website design, your packaging, your social media posts, even the way you style your emails all ties back to the look and feel your logo creates.

Get the logo wrong, and your whole brand can feel off.
Get it right, and suddenly everything clicks: you feel cohesive, professional, memorable.

It’s not just a logo. It’s your foundation.

So, What Makes a Great Logo?

A great logo is:

Simple: Easy to recognise and remember.
Relevant: Matches your brand’s vibe and industry.
Versatile: Looks good everywhere (business cards, websites, billboards; you name it).
Timeless: Designed to last longer than a trend cycle.

At the end of the day, your logo should feel like you, and make your audience feel something too.

Bottom line:
Your logo isn’t just an image; it’s your brand’s entire story in one glance. Make it count.

Omnichannel Marketing: The Art of Being Everywhere (Without Being Annoying)

Wed, 28 May 2025 00:45:00 GMT

Omnichannel Marketing… Sounds fancy, right? But don’t let the buzzword intimidate or utterly confuse you—at its core, it’s all about giving your customers a smooth, seamless experience, no matter where or how they interact with your brand.

Imagine this: You’re shopping online for a new pair of sneakers. You check out a brand’s website, get distracted (thanks, TikTok), then later see an Instagram ad from the same brand showing the exact shoes you almost bought. You click, add to cart, and boom—your phone pings with a 10% off code via SMS. You make the purchase and get a confirmation email. Everything felt connected, convenient, and kind of magical.

That, my friend, is omnichannel marketing at work.

So, What Is Omnichannel Marketing?

Omnichannel marketing is the strategy of creating a consistent brand experience across multiple channels—digital, physical, and everything in between. Think websites, email, social media, in-store, mobile apps, SMS, carrier pigeons (okay, maybe not pigeons).

The goal? Make the customer journey feel like one cohesive conversation, not a disjointed game of telephone.

Omnichannel vs Multichannel: Not the Same Thing

Let’s clear up a common confusion.

Multichannel = You’re on multiple platforms (like Facebook, email, your website), but they don’t always talk to each other.
Omnichannel = All your channels are integrated and working together like a well-rehearsed harmonious boy band.

It’s the difference between playing a solo on six instruments at once (multichannel) versus conducting a harmonious symphony (omnichannel).

Why It Works (a.k.a. Why You Should Care)

Omnichannel marketing isn’t just trendy—it gets results.

Brands with strong omnichannel strategies retain 89% of their customers. Those without? Just 33%. Ouch.
The average order value is 13% higher for customers engaging across multiple channels.
It boosts brand loyalty by making your customer feel like you get them.

In short, it’s like dating your customers the right way. Remembering their preferences, showing up when they need you, and not ghosting them after the first interaction.

What It Looks Like in Action

Let’s say you run a boutique coffee brand.

A customer browses your beans on mobile.
Later, they see a retargeting ad on Instagram with a fun brewing tip.
They click through to a blog post, subscribe to your newsletter, and receive a welcome email with a discount.
They order online and choose to pick it up in-store.
At pickup, your staff greets them by name and suggests a new roast based on their last order.

This is omnichannel bliss. Every touchpoint is connected, every message relevant, every interaction personalized.

⚠️ The Secret Sauce: STRATEGY, Data, Tech & a Human Touch

To pull this off, you’ll need:

A solid strategic approach to your marketing
A solid CRM system to track customer interactions
Marketing automation tools (like HubSpot, Klaviyo, etc.)
Analytics to understand what’s working and what’s not
And most importantly: a customer-first mindset

Because at the end of the day, omnichannel isn’t about being everywhere. It’s about being everywhere that matters, in a way that’s actually helpful.

Final Curtain Closing Thoughts

Omnichannel marketing isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s becoming the standard. Customers expect brands to meet them where they are and make the experience seamless, intuitive, and maybe even fun.

It’s not just for the hip cafes and clothing stores, it’s also for designed for builders, professional services, electricians etc, remember: consistency is king, personalization is queen, and customer experience is the whole royal court.

Want help putting an omnichannel strategy together for your business?

Drop our team a line, we love coffee and strategy, first ones on us!

About the Author of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!

The Shift to Ethical Marketing: Transparency as a Strategy

hannah@heymarketing.au (Hannah Cook) — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:45:00 GMT

Ethical marketing may seem like an oxymoron, but it doesn’t have to be!

It’s 2025. Consumers are smarter than ever. They’re not just buying your product - they’re buying into your values.

And the data backs it up: brands perceived as purposeful, or as having positive impact, have grown more than 2 times the rate of other brands. Why? Because people want connection, honesty and brands that walk the talk. Say goodbye to the days of flashy ads without substance.

What is ethical marketing?

Ethical marketing is all about prioritising honesty, transparency, responsibility and respect, and communicating this with your target audience or customers. Today’s consumers want to know where products have come from, how they’re made and what impact they have on people and the planet.

They crave authenticity, and they’re willing to spend their money on brands that share their values. From commitment to sustainability to product transparency, ethical practices have a major mpact on purchase decisions.

Enter transparency as a strategy

With access to a world of information at their fingertips, transparency hasn’t just become a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have. Transparency in your marketing strategy builds trust, and trust builds loyalty.

Transparency can look like sharing behind-the-scenes content, telling your brand’s story, creating spaces for two-way dialogue, or being honest about your company’s environmental or social efforts.

Our top tips
We know that building transparency into your marketing strategy can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Here’s our three tip tops for small and medium-sized enterprises on where to start:

Start with a brand audit
This can be a helpful exercise to identify your values and explore what you are already doing well and where you can improve.

Be true to your values and commit to your purpose
Every single thing piece of external communication should reflect your purpose and values. From social media posts to email campaigns, make sure all the information you share is grounded in truth.

Be open about your process
People love seeing the how. Whether it’s how your product is made or the people behind your business, humanise your brand and share insights into your journey.

Want to bring more authenticity into your marketing?

We help bold brands tell their stories with honesty, integrity and heart. Let’s chat.

About the Author of this blog:

Hannah Cook

Hannah is a passionate marketing, brand communications and PR professional with five years of experience in the industry. She holds a Bachelor of Communication (Advertising, PR and Marketing) from QUT. Hannah has worked on major government and private sector projects, and most recently internationally, as the Marketing and Communications Manager of The Royal Ballet School in London.

Email Campaign Analytics: Key Metrics You Should Be Tracking

m.riehl@outlook.com (Madeleine Riehl) — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 00:45:00 GMT

You’ve crafted the perfect email. The subject line is witty, the design is sleek, and your CTA is chef’s kiss. You hit send, sit back, and… then what? Do you cross your fingers and hope for the best? Light a candle for good luck?

Or maybe you forget you sent it at all?

Stop doing all of that and start thinking about email campaign analytics and actually review them, it’ll change your whole email marketing strategy (I pinkie promise)!

In this blog I want to break down the key metrics you should be tracking—without the tech jargon, just a good ol’ friendly chat.

1. Open Rate: Did They Even Show Up?

Think of your email like a party invite. You send it out, but how many people actually open it? That’s your open rate—the percentage of recipients who clicked on your email.

How to boost it?

• A killer subject line (curiosity and personalisation go a long way)

• Proper sender name (people open emails from humans, not robots)

• Avoiding the spam folder (because what good is an invite if it lands in the trash?)

2. Click-Through Rate (CTR): Did They Take the Bait?

Great! They opened your email. Now what? CTR measures how many people clicked on your links. It’s like checking how many party guests actually made it to the dance floor instead of just lurking by the snack table.

How to boost it?

• Engaging content (keep it clear, concise, and valuable)

• A standout CTA (bold, obvious, and irresistible)

• Mobile-friendly design (no one likes squinting at tiny buttons)

3. Conversion Rate: Did They Do the Thing?

Clicks are great, but did they actually sign up, purchase, download, or click? That’s your conversion rate—the ultimate proof that your email is doing its job.

How to boost it?

• A seamless user journey (from email to landing page, make it smooth)

• Persuasive copy (why should they act NOW?)

• Social proof (testimonials, reviews, and success stories)

4. Bounce Rate: Oops, That Didn’t Work…

If an email bounces, it means it never reached the recipient’s inbox. It’s like sending an invite to an address that doesn’t exist.

There are two types of bounces:

• Soft bounce: Temporary issues (like a full inbox)

• Hard bounce: Permanent issues (like an invalid email)

How to fix it?

• Keep your email list clean and updated

• Use double opt-in to ensure valid emails

• Remove inactive subscribers

5. Unsubscribe Rate: The Party Poopers

Nobody likes to see unsubscribes, but they’re part of the game. It’s like when guests leave early—it happens, but you want to make sure it’s not because of a bad DJ (or, in this case, annoying emails).

How to reduce it?

• Don’t spam people (send relevant, valuable content)

• Let them control frequency (weekly vs. monthly options)

• Personalise your emails (so they feel special, not spammed)

6. ROI: Is It All Worth It?

At the end of the day, you want to know if your email efforts are paying off. Return on Investment (ROI) tells you if your campaigns are bringing in more money than they cost.

How to improve it?

• Test different strategies (A/B testing is your BFF)

• Segment your audience (the right message for the right people)

• Automate and personalise (efficiency + relevance = $$$)

My final thoughts: Keep an Eye on the Numbers!

I’m not great with numbers but analytics are critical, so pay attention! They tell a story. Analytics aren’t just fancy charts and percentages—they tell you exactly what’s working (and what’s flopping) - they don’t lie.

Track these key metrics, tweak your strategy, and watch your email campaigns go from meh to magic (that was cringey but I had to, sorry!).

Now, go forth and send emails that people actually want to open!

P.S. If you need help crafting emails that get results, let’s chat. Your client's inbox deserves better.

About the Author of this blog:

Sophie Mara

Sophie loves the creative & fun side of the marketing world, but her colour-coded to-do list is always close by to keep her on track (organised queen!).

Sophie graduated with a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) in 2018, she then spent the next 5 years gaining experience in a variety of different industries - which all operated very differently giving her a chance to develop a broad skill set. Sophie is excited to help bring brands to life & see them flourish in the digital marketing space.

AI vs. Human Designers: Who Wins the Logo Battle?

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:45:00 GMT

AI is everywhere; your group chats, your work meetings, your dinner table debates. Everyone’s got an opinion, and most people have at least a surface level idea of what AI can do. But when it comes to design, is AI about to swoop in and steal the job of human designers? Let’s break it down.

For startups and small businesses running on tight budgets, AI powered logo generators can seem like a lifesaver. Need a logo? Click a few buttons, and voilà! Instant brand identity (sort of). These tools provide a quick and budget friendly way to get a logo without immediately hiring a designer.

The Perks of AI-Generated Logos

Cost-Effective - AI generated logos are usually way cheaper than hiring a professional designer. If you’re just starting out and need something fast, it’s a tempting option.
Speed & Convenience - Need a logo by lunchtime? AI’s got you. These tools can churn out multiple logo variations in minutes, no back-and-forth emails required.
Plenty of Options - AI serves up a buffet of styles, fonts, and colour schemes. You can mix and match until something feels right (or at least, close enough).

Sounds great, right? Well, maybe not. While AI offers speed and affordability, it also comes with a few... quirks that might not work in your brand’s favour long term.

The Drawbacks of AI-Generated Logos

Lack of Uniqueness - aka no heartbeat! - AI relies on preexisting templates, which means your logo might look eerily similar to someone else’s. Not ideal when you’re trying to stand out.
Potential Copyright Nightmares - AI doesn’t exactly “invent” things, it pieces together patterns from existing designs. This means your AI-generated logo could end up looking a little too close to another brand’s, bringing up trademark headaches you didn’t ask for.
Limited Customisation - AI plays by its own rules, which means tweaking the finer details (like spacing, typography, and overall vibe) can be frustrating. If you want that perfect, polished look, human input is still key.
Scalability Struggles - Your logo might look great on a screen but turn into a pixelated mess when blown up on a billboard. AI doesn’t always optimise for different formats, leaving you with a logo that needs extra work down the track.

The Verdict: AI vs Human Designers

While AI is a great starting point, can it truly match the expertise and creativity of a human designer?

AI powered logo generators offer a budget friendly and efficient way to create a logo, making them especially useful for businesses in their early stages. However, automation has its limitations. These tools often lack the personal touch, strategic thinking, and emotional depth that come with human creativity.

Every business has its own unique identity that a professional designer carefully considers when crafting a logo. Instead of relying on pre-set templates, a designer creates a brand identity that not only reflects your vision but also evolves with your business over time.

If you’d rather brainstorm with a real human over coffee instead of decoding AI-generated designs, let’s chat. No robots, just real creativity.

About the Author of this blog:

Emily Prestipino

Emily is passionate all things creative, she particularly specialises in graphic design and photography which allows her to bring her creative visions to life.

She graduated from QUT in 2022, with a Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication) and harnesses her passion for photography with her too, along with years of freelancing experience.

Since graduating she has solo-backpacked Europe and is ready to tackle the design industry with a diverse and full toolkit of life experiences behind her.

Redesigning Legacy Brands: How to Evolve Without Losing identity

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 22:29:18 GMT

A brand’s legacy is one of its biggest strengths, built over years; sometimes even decades, of trust, recognition, and emotional connection with its audience. But as times change, so do design trends, customer expectations, and digital platforms. So, how can a legacy brand refresh its identity, especially its logo, without losing the elements that make it special?

1. Understand the Core Identity

Before making any design changes, it’s important to figure out what parts of the brand’s identity are essential. Ask yourself:

What are the must-keep elements that customers instantly recognise?
What emotional connection does the audience have with the brand’s look?
What historical significance does the logo carry?

Gathering feedback through surveys, customer interviews, and brand audits can help pinpoint what should stay the same and what can be updated.

2. Keep Key Visual Elements

A logo refresh should feel like an upgrade, not a total makeover. Look at keeping elements like:

Colours: If the brand is known for a specific colour, keep it or tweak it slightly for a fresh look.
Fonts: Updating typefaces to a modern style while keeping familiar characteristics can create continuity.
Symbols: If there’s a well-known emblem in the logo, consider refining it rather than replacing it entirely.

3. Simplify and Streamline

Many legacy brands go for subtle tweaks rather than drastic changes. Simplifying the design can help keep it modern and functional. That might mean:

Making lines bolder for better visibility at any size.
Removing outdated or cluttered design elements.
Adjusting proportions to create a more balanced, aesthetically pleasing look.

4. Embrace Modern Design Principles

While keeping the brand’s heritage intact, it’s also important to stay relevant. Consider these updates:

Minimalism: A cleaner, more streamlined look makes the logo more versatile.
Scalability: The logo should work just as well on a social media icon as it does on a billboard.
Versatility: A design that looks great in both black-and-white and full colour increases usability across different mediums.

5. Test and Gather Feedback

Once you have a modernised version of the logo, test it out. Share it with stakeholders, loyal customers, and focus groups to get their thoughts. A phased rollout can also help ease the transition and maintain brand trust.

6. Communicate the Evolution

A logo update is a big deal, so make sure to communicate it effectively. Let people know:

Why the redesign was necessary.
What elements were kept to maintain the brand’s essence.
How the brand’s core values remain the same.

Refreshing a legacy brand’s logo is all about honouring its past while preparing for the future. The best approach is thoughtful refinement rather than a complete reinvention, ensuring customers still see the brand they know and love, just with a fresher, more modern feel.

By striking the right balance, brands can successfully evolve while keeping their identity intact. After all, change is inevitable but staying true to who you are is priceless.

About the Author of this blog:

Perri Adkins

Perri our legendary graphic designer. She has a passion for all things quirky and unique.

With a Diploma of Graphic Design and 6 years experience of bringing visions to life, Perri will make sure your brand stands out from the crowd and won’t be forgotten!

Unpopular Opinion! Why Email Marketing is Essential for Businesses (even over Social Media)

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

In the digital age, businesses are constantly vying for the attention of potential customers, and social media has long been a go-to platform for many. However, when it comes to driving consistent, high-quality results, email marketing stands out as the more powerful tool.

Here are some key reasons why email marketing is essential for businesses, particularly when compared to social media.

1. You Own Your List (It’s YOURS!)
Unlike social media platforms, where algorithms and third-party control dictate what your audience sees, with email marketing, you own your list. Building and maintaining an email list means you have direct access to your audience without being at the mercy of changing platform rules. This control gives you the ability to communicate with subscribers on your terms, ensuring that your message reaches them consistently.

2. Higher Conversion Rates (You’re talking direct!)
Studies consistently show that email marketing boasts higher conversion rates compared to social media. This is because emails are sent directly to your audience’s inbox, making them more personal and less likely to be ignored in the crowded social media feed. When done right, email campaigns can encourage direct action, such as making a purchase, signing up for an event, or engaging with content, leading to a more tangible return on investment.

3. Personalised Customer Journeys
With email marketing, you can craft highly personalized experiences for your subscribers. By segmenting your list and tailoring content based on user behavior, interests, and preferences, you can guide prospects through a more personalized journey. This level of customization is harder to achieve on social media, where you’re often addressing a broad audience with varying interests.

4. Valuable Data Insights
Email marketing provides detailed analytics, such as open rates, click-through rates, and conversions, which allow businesses to continuously refine and optimize their strategies. This data is invaluable in understanding customer behavior and improving future campaigns, giving you more control over your marketing efforts than what social media platforms typically offer.

In conclusion, email marketing provides a level of ownership, personalization, and data-driven insights that social media simply can’t match. By investing in email marketing, businesses can ensure they reach their customers more effectively and efficiently - we love that!

Ready to discuss an email marketing strategy for your biz? Just say Hey.

About the Author of this blog:

Sophie Mara

Sophie loves the creative & fun side of the marketing world, but her colour-coded to-do list is always close by to keep her on track (organised queen!).

The Power of Storytelling in Brand Building

m.riehl@outlook.com (Madeleine Riehl) — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 00:45:00 GMT

Once upon a time, there was a brand. The End.

Just kidding!

Let’s start again. Once upon a time, there was a brand, it had a great product, an excellent service, and a solid marketing plan (and I heard their marketing team was really good looking). But something was missing, connection. That’s where storytelling came in.

Storytelling isn’t just for fairy tales or Hollywood movies; it’s a powerful tool that can transform a brand from just another name into an unforgettable experience. Think about the brands you love the most—Nike, Apple, or even your favourite local coffee shop. Chances are, they’ve mastered the art of storytelling, making you feel like a part of their journey.

Why Storytelling Works

Humans are wired for stories! They froth them. From ancient cave paintings to modern social media posts, we connect through narratives. A compelling brand story can:

Create Emotional Connections

People may forget facts, but they remember feelings. A well-told story can evoke emotions that make your brand more relatable.

Differentiate Your Brand

In a sea of competitors, a unique story helps your brand stand out. What makes your brand special? Your story answers that.

Build Trust and Loyalty

Consumers gravitate towards brands that feel authentic. A genuine story fosters trust, and trust leads to long-term relationships.

How to Tell a Great Brand Story

Know Your Origin

Every brand has a beginning. Share what inspired you to start, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them.

Make It Relatable

A good story isn’t just about you; it’s about your audience. What problem does your brand solve? How does it fit into their lives?

Use Emotion

Whether it’s humor, nostalgia, or inspiration, tap into emotions to make your story memorable.

Be Consistent

Your story should shine through in everything, your website, social media, packaging, and even customer service! Abso-lute-ly every touch point!

Your brand’s story is its heartbeat. Without it, you’re just another product or service on the shelf. But with the right narrative, you become something more. A brand people love, trust, and remember. So, what’s your story?

Let’s tell it together.

About the Author of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!

Why Fonts Matter More Than Ever

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 23:30:56 GMT

Typography plays a crucial role in branding, shaping how consumers perceive and connect with a brand.

In today’s fast-paced digital world, font choices influence everything from brand personality to memorability.

So, why do fonts matter more than ever?

The Psychology of Typography

Fonts communicate more than just words, they evoke emotions and reflect brand identity. A bold, sans-serif font can convey confidence and modernity, while a flowing script may feel elegant and personal. Typography has the power to build trust, enhance engagement, and influence purchasing decisions. Choosing the right typeface is an essential part of brand storytelling.

Standing Out in a Crowded Market

In a highly competitive marketplace, strong typography can help brands distinguish themselves. Custom fonts create a unique visual identity, making a logo or website instantly recognisable. Consistency in typography across digital and print platforms reinforces brand recall, making it easier for customers to recognise and remember a brand.

Brands That Get Typography Right

Take Nike , for example. Its bold, italicised fonts mirror the brand’s energy and athleticism. Similarly, Converse utilises simple, classic typography to reflect its timeless streetwear appeal. These choices align with each brand’s values and target audience, strengthening their overall identity.

Choosing the Right Typography for Your Brand

Selecting the perfect font requires more than just aesthetics. Here are some best practices:

Align with brand values – Your font should reflect your brand’s personality and message.
Prioritise readability – A stylish font is useless if it’s difficult to read, especially across different devices.
Embrace innovation – Variable fonts and responsive typography allow for greater adaptability across platforms.

The Future of Typography in Branding

With advances in digital technology, typography is becoming more dynamic than ever. Brands are exploring inclusive, diverse typefaces that resonate with a broader audience. Whether through custom fonts, adaptive type, or creative pairings, typography continues to be a powerful tool in brand building.

Typography is more than just a design choice, it’s a critical component of branding. Thoughtful font selection can make a brand more memorable, trustworthy, and visually compelling. In a digital-first world, choosing the right typography is more important than ever.

About the Author of this blog:

Emily Prestipino

Emily is passionate all things creative, she particularly specialises in graphic design and photography which allows her to bring her creative visions to life.

She graduated from QUT in 2022, with a Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication) and harnesses her passion for photography with her too, along with years of freelancing experience.

Since graduating she has solo-backpacked Europe and is ready to tackle the design industry with a diverse and full toolkit of life experiences behind her.

Top Logo Design Trends to Watch

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:39:38 GMT

2025 is off to a good start and over the last month there’s been numerous articles released predicting trends for every aspect of marketing and design. There have been some predictions that have caught our attention more than others.

G o Bold or Go Home

Minimalist logos have had their time to shine, but in 2025 we’re seeing brands embrace bold, maximalist designs to make a lasting impression. I’m talking oversized elements, vibrant colours and high contrast. In the era of short attention spans, you need to be instantly recognisable. Bold logos cut through the noise and establish a strong presence across both digital and physical spaces.

Keep your eyes peeled for:

Chunky, oversized fonts that dominate their environment
Colour schemes that will make you look twice
3D elements and textural depth to add a new layer to modern branding

Dynamic Typography

Static logos are taking a backseat as brands experiment with motion-driven, responsive typography. Dynamic typography allows a logo to change form depending on context, creating an adaptable and engaging brand identity.

I’m loving:

Variable font weights and styles that shift based on usage
Animated logos that respond to user interaction or scroll behaviour
Interactive typography that adapts based on user engagement or contextual changes

Digital deconstruction (these rules were made to break!)

Perfectly polished logos are giving way to raw, fragmented, and deconstructed aesthetics. Digital deconstruction challenges conventional design norms by embracing imperfection, asymmetry, and glitch-inspired visuals.

I expect a flood of:

Distorted typefaces and irregular letter spacing
Layered elements that create a sense of controlled chaos
Glitch effects and pixelated graphics for a tech-driven aesthetic.

About the Author of this blog:

Perri Adkins

Perri our legendary graphic designer. She has a passion for all things quirky and unique.

With a Diploma of Graphic Design and 6 years experience of bringing visions to life, Perri will make sure your brand stands out from the crowd and won’t be forgotten!

New website - What’s next?

m.riehl@outlook.com (Madeleine Riehl) — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 00:45:00 GMT

New website - What’s next?

So you've just received your amazing new website from Hey Marketing and you're in love. Ok, that might be slightly dramatic but you're loving the new website and you want everyone in the whole world to see it! (sorry... dramatic again!)

But seriously, what's next? You've invested in this great, engaging and high conversion focused website - what the heck do you do next?!

So glad you asked.

To help you maximise your new site and drive more business, here are some key areas to focus on:

Social Media Strategy – Tailored to your target audience, with hands-on support or mentoring (remember we’re not a traditional agency!).

Fresh Content & Media – Keep your brand engaging with new visuals, videos, and creative assets.

Email Campaigns – Stay top-of-mind with your audience and nurture leads.

Google Ads & Paid Marketing – Get in front of the right customers faster.

Advertising & PR Strategy – Build brand awareness and credibility.

Community Engagement – Strengthen your brand presence through local and online communities.

Collateral Refresh – Flyers, brochures, capability statements—keep your marketing materials sharp.

Ready to chat about the next step forward for your brand?

Let's grab a coffee, a fresh juice or a wine - I'm really not fussy.

About the Author of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!

4 Steps to Developing a Time-Saving Content Repurposing Strategy

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 03:00:00 GMT

If you’re a business owner, you’re likely wearing multiple hats from managing people, operations, customer service, and marketing all at once.

So the thought of creating fresh content for social media, your website, and advertising can feel overwhelming and near impossible.

That’s where content repurposing comes in, a smart strategy that maximises your efforts, saves time, and stretches your marketing budget further! Sounds too good to be true, right?

So, what is content repurposing?

Seems simple, just repost the same content? Well, yes and no.

When we are repurposing content we look to take existing content and give it a face lift of sorts, whether it's adapting it for different platforms, or even audiences. This way, instead of creating brand-new material every time, you can breathe new life into what you’ve already produced.

With repurposing content, the possibilities are endless - which is why we love it.

Where to start - 4 simple steps.

Execute Every Format

Great examples of this could be if you write a blog, don’t just post it and forget about it. Turn the blog into social media tiles for LinkedIn. Don’t stop there, create a video talking about the blog topics in a conversational reel for Instagram. What next? Can you use the audio from the video for a podcast episode on Spotify? You see where we are going with this, once you get the ball rolling you will have endless options.

Auditing Content

The best place to start is to see what you have already got! Sifting through current content and categorising what content is evergreen for your business. Evergreen content refers to anything that isn’t time sensitive. Repurposing evergreen content is also a strategic move as it can be a great way to educate any new followers about your business without having to create new content.

Review your Stats - Understand what’s performing!

Another great way to get the most out of your repurposed content is to review platform statistics and see what type of content performs best on which platform. This way you can create different modes of content to drive engagement. TikTok reaches the younger demographic who need information in short, easy to consume forms whereas over on LinkedIn you may find people engage more in the detailed, educational parts of the content.

Relating to Real Time

If there is a current weather event, or maybe a local festival, even a national something day - see where you can relate your already captured content. This style of repurposing works if you are a location based business and can engage with consumers by relating to what they are experiencing.

Content repurposing isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about working smarter.

By making small tweaks to existing content, you can stay visible, engage your local audience, and grow your business without burning out.

2025 Marketing Trend Predictions

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 10:57:01 GMT

Marketing trend predictions for 2025! Here’s my 5 cents!

As we approach 2025, the marketing landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace (honestly you have to keep up to date all the time, every week something is changing!), driven by technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviours. Here’s a look at key trends that I THINK will shape marketing strategies in the coming year;

1. AI Improves & Becomes Very Handy! A Friend, Not a Foe!

Artificial Intelligence (AI) will continue to be a transformative force in marketing, enabling brands to harness data for deeper insights and predictive analytics. From personalised content delivery to real-time campaign optimisation. Word on the street is AI tools will automate repetitive tasks, enhance customer targeting, and even drive the emergence of AI-powered influencers. I’m genuinely excited for this!

This allows for precision in delivering tailored experiences at scale, a trend that will be crucial for marketers looking to stay competitive in 2025.

2. Short Form Video Continues & Say Hey to Live Streaming.

Short-form video content, fueled by platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, will remain a dominant force. Say goodbye to your attention spans (LOL!). Brands that leverage engaging, bite-sized content will find success in capturing attention quickly and building connections with audiences. Livestreaming, too, will be essential for fostering authenticity and real-time engagement, offering brands an avenue for more personal and interactive customer interactions.

3. Omnichannel & personalised mobile marketing.

Consumers expect seamless, personalised experiences across multiple touchpoints (there’s a lot of work involved to do this well!). In 2025, integrating data across channels will be critical for delivering cohesive omnichannel (omni meaning multiple) experiences. Mobile marketing will take centre stage, with brands leveraging data to offer hyper-personalised interactions via smartphones, further blurring the lines between digital and physical shopping experiences.

4. Sustainability & Ethical Marketing

An oldie but a goodie! Consumers are increasingly aligning with brands that prioritise sustainability and ethical practices. In 2025, transparency around eco-friendly initiatives and corporate social responsibility will be more than a differentiator—it will be an expectation. Companies that fail to meet these standards risk losing consumer trust.

5. Immersive & Interactive Technologies

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) will offer new dimensions for immersive customer experiences. From virtual try-ons to interactive product demos, these technologies will help brands create memorable engagements that boost confidence in purchasing decisions and drive conversions. I cannot wait to try on a pair of shoes from the comfort of my own home (can you imagine!?).

6. Rise of Voice & Visual Search

As consumers continue to adopt smart devices, voice and visual search will gain prominence. Brands must adapt their search engine strategies to optimise for these emerging search methods, ensuring they remain discoverable in a rapidly changing search landscape.

So all in all, in 2025, marketing success will hinge on adaptability, technological integration, and a commitment to authentic (keeping it real!) and values-driven engagement.

If the above overwhelms you or confuses you, that’s ok, that’s what we’re here to help with.

We help brands get ready to be looking and feeling the best they ever have as well as being strategically aligned with their business strategy (we’re in the business of growing stronger connections with brands consumers and driving sustainable growth!). I like coffee (and wine) so let’s chat.

About the Author of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!

Bye Bye 2024: A Year in Review

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 22:54:15 GMT

The curtain is closing, the last song is playing, the bartender is yelling out ‘last drinks’ and everyone is tidying up their desk, ready to say ‘hooroo’ as my two year old would say, ‘bye bye bye’ as the backstreet boys would say. And for some, it’s “good riddance, 2024,” while for others, it’s a bittersweet goodbye.

I just wanted to pause for 2 minutes, yes this will only take you 2 minutes to read and reflect on the incredible journey we’ve been on together. 2024 has been a year of growth, resilience, and creativity for Hey. None of this would’ve been possible without our powerhouse of a team or the unwavering trust of our clients.

For those who have an additional 2 minutes, read on.

2024 has been one of our most transformative years to date. We’ve continued to expand our team and this growth has allowed us to onboard a number of new clients, ranging from dynamic startups to established brands seeking fresh approaches to their marketing strategies.

There were standout moments that defined our year:

Hosting our first-ever team retreat in the serene beauty of Maleny.
Celebrating Hey Media’s 1-year milestone.
Launching eCommerce website services
Launching a local, Aussie founded, skincare brand - The Know Skin in Las Vegas.
Watching our creative campaigns and websites hit new heights.
Seeing a bunch of brands get a breath of fresh air with some clever and extremely creative rebrands (biased opinion - I know!).
Supporting the community through Tony's Community’s first gala, raising over $170,000.

And that’s just scratching the surface! Every project, every milestone, every challenge conquered this year has raised the bar for what we can achieve. We’re setting a new benchmark for our creativity and execution standards moving forward, we’re being bold and pushing creative limits.

As the digital marketing landscape evolved rapidly in 2024, we embraced emerging technologies and trends. From leveraging AI-powered tools to streamline processes to creating activation campaigns for brands to interact and engage with their clients on a whole new level, breaking through noisy digital spaces with more creativity and innovations with reasonable budgets. We’ve pushed the limits this year and ensured our clients stayed ahead of the curve.

Our commitment to bettering ourselves together as 1 team, we’ve aligned and refined our values that matter deeply to us and our clients.

As we prepare for 2025, our focus is clear for the new year: be bold and push creative limits. We’ll be investing in upskilling our team, exploring untapped markets, and continuing to prioritise creativity and impact in everything we do.

To our loyal clients: Thank you for trusting us with your brands and stories. To our incredible team: Your passion and talent make the impossible possible.

Hooroo 2024. It was nice knowing you.

About the Author of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!

Let Your Audience Fill the ____s

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 03:00:00 GMT

One of the greatest joys and special sparks of storytelling or any kind of writing is the connection you create with your audience. But sometimes, the best way to connect isn’t by laying everything out bare. But instead, it’s about letting your audience fill in the blanks.

The Power of Implied Understanding

Think about the stories or advice that have stuck with you. Chances are, they didn’t spoon-feed you every detail. They hinted, they nudged, they invited you to think. By leaving space for interpretation, you’re giving your readers the opportunity to draw upon their own experiences and insights, making your message more personal and memorable.

When you resist the urge to over-explain, you’re not withholding information; you’re trusting your audience to meet you halfway. This mutual engagement builds a stronger bond and leaves a more lasting impression.

Why Filling the Blanks Matters

Engagement Grows in Gaps
Readers don’t just skim for facts, they yearn for connection.
When you create room for them to reflect on their own experiences, they naturally invest more attention and thought.
Insight Sticks When It’s Earned
There’s a unique satisfaction in discovery.
When your audience has that “aha!” moment because you’ve led them just far enough, your message will resonate more deeply.
Your Readers Feel Seen
Over-explaining can sometimes alienate. It’s like telling someone how they should feel. Instead, describe a struggle, paint a vivid scene, or pose a question and let them recognise themselves in the narrative.

How to Lay Breadcrumbs

Here’s how you can practice the art of leaving space in your writing:

Pose Questions, Not Solutions
Instead of saying, “This is how you fix X,” try asking, “Have you ever considered why X happens in the first place?” Questions invite curiosity and exploration.
Show, Don’t Tell
Instead of stating outright, “This creates frustration,” describe the situation: “You’ve been trying the same thing, over and over, and nothing changes.” Let the reader connect the dots.
Use Metaphors and Analogies
Comparisons invite the reader to visualise and interpret. For instance, saying “It’s like trying to carry water in a sieve” paints a picture more powerful than explaining futility in detail.
Leave Space for Reflection
Avoid tying everything up in a neat bow. End sections with open-ended thoughts or a subtle pause, letting the reader reflect and interpret.

The Magic of Ambiguity

A well-placed blank isn’t a gap; it’s a beautiful, well-designed bridge. It invites your audience to cross over with their own context, emotions, and ideas. This not only enriches their experience but also reinforces the authenticity of your message.

In a world full of information overload, the restraint to leave something unsaid can make your words stand out.

So next time you write, ask yourself:

What could I leave unsaid to let my audience fill __ the ____s?

The answers they’ll find might surprise you and them.

About the Author of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!

Pantone's Colour of the Year 2025

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Pantone's Colour of the Year 2025

PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse

“A flavourful brown shade, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse envelopes us with its sensorial warmth. As a trend-led fashion color and a neutral rolled into one, this comforting brown brings us into harmony with an ever-changing world." - Pantone

In my opinion, the world needs more thoughtful indulgence, harmonious comfort and feelings of contentment. Cue chocolate croissants, iced mocha’s and good times.

About the Author of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!

To Rebrand or Not Rebrand?

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 21:38:29 GMT

Well, it’s my first Hey Marketing blog debut - so HEY!

Let me introduce myself quickly! I’m a graphic designer and photographer working at Hey Marketing who has travelled internationally and done freelancing previously. I’ve learned that in the ever-changing business world, keeping up with trends, mastering new strategies, and learning the latest technology can feel like a full-time job in itself. And let’s not forget the constant challenge of staying ahead of the competition! But here’s the thing: CHANGE is inevitable. It’s fast, unpredictable, and yes, sometimes a little scary. I get it!

Look at it like this, change is also the one constant you can rely on; every day, in every way, things are evolving. The key to success isn’t avoiding change, it’s embracing it, and when it comes to branding, the signs that it’s time for a refresh can be clear, but you might still wonder, "Why should I even consider rebranding?".

Well, if you want my 2 cents, here are my top 3 reasons to consider:

Evolving Vision: As companies grow, their vision can shift or become unclear. Rebranding clarifies and communicates your new direction, reinforcing core values and ensuring a consistent identity.
Resonance with Your Audience: If your brand no longer connects with consumers, rebranding can help you reconnect and attract new customers, boosting loyalty and keeping you competitive.
Growth Beyond DIY: DIY branding may start strong but can become outdated as your company grows. Rebranding involves refining your core values, goals, and messaging into a cohesive visual identity, leading to long-term benefits and renewed brand value.

So, when’s the best time to rebrand?

Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to when the right time for a rebrand is-it’s more

like standing at a crossroads, deciding which path will lead your brand to success. The decision to rebrand isn’t always clear, and it requires careful consideration of your company’s unique circumstances.

However, there are certain key signs that might indicate it’s time to refresh your brand:

Your Company Has Evolved: If your branding no longer reflects your company's current mission and vision, a rebrand can realign your public image with your updated values and goals.
Entering a New Market: When venturing into a new market, a rebrand can adjust your focus and messaging to connect with a new audience, establishing your brand as a credible and relevant competitor.
Blending in with the Competition: If your brand is blending in with industry trends and competition, a rebrand can help you stand out by refreshing your identity, carving out a unique market space, and avoiding stagnation.

In each of these scenarios, rebranding isn’t just about changing your logo or colours. It’s about strategically realigning your brand’s identity to better reflect who you are, where you’re headed, and how you want to be perceived by your audience. When done thoughtfully, a rebrand can breathe new life into your company, helping you to navigate the ever-changing landscape of your industry with renewed confidence and clarity.

Rebranding is exciting. Rebranding is fresh. Rebranding is CHANGE!

If any of this resonates with you—whether you're thinking about a full makeover, a partial rebrand, or just a little refresh—let's chat! We’re always up for a coffee (our door’s always open...well, metaphorically speaking!).

About the Author of this blog:

Emily Prestipino

Emily is passionate all things creative, she particularly specialises in graphic design and photography which allows her to bring her creative visions to life.

She graduated from QUT in 2022, with a Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication) and harnesses her passion for photography with her too, along with years of freelancing experience.

Since graduating she has solo-backpacked Europe and is ready to tackle the design industry with a diverse and full toolkit of life experiences behind her.

The 10 minute engagement growth hack.

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 23:00:01 GMT

Excuse me, do you have 10 minutes?

How spending 10 minutes on social media daily can help grow your engagement.

If you’re short on time but want to stay active on your social media, here are five effective ways to make the most of just 10 minutes a day:

Engage with Your Audience
Spend a couple of minutes replying to comments, messages, or mentions. A quick response goes a long way in building relationships and encouraging future interaction.
Share a Story Daily
Share a Story. By sharing stories daily you can help stay top of mind and draw attention to your in-feed content. Stories could be a tip, a quote, or an in-the-moment update. Don’t make these too polished! It doesn’t have to be perfect, just consistent. Authenticity often wins over polished content on stories.
Reshare Content
Share relevant content from other creators or industry leaders. This adds value to your feed and helps build connections with others in your niche.
Check Trends
Spend a few minutes exploring trending topics online. Join conversations that are relevant to your brand, or engage with popular posts to increase your visibility.
Review Analytics
Use the last minute or two to glance at your metrics. See what’s working and what’s not, so you can refine your strategy over time.

By focusing on small but meaningful actions, you can maintain an active presence on social media without feeling overwhelmed.

What you focus on grows. This 10 minutes each day will help your larger social media marketing strategy.

Oh and I find setting an alarm is a good idea for this and do it with your favourite beverage in hand so that it’s a fun and enjoyable experience.

About the Author of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!

Bringing Your Brand's Personality Back: Your clients are subconsciously begging you to.

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 01:45:00 GMT

Does your brand feel a bit flat these days? Maybe you’ve grown a little stale and boring and forgotten what made you unique in the first place. It happens! The good news is, bringing back your brand's personality can be easier than you think—and it's actually pretty fun (if I do say so myself!).

Here’s why it’s important and how you can bring your brand’s personality back.

Firstly just chat about WHY your Brand personality matters:

Connection
Customers love brands that feel real. A personality makes your brand relatable and memorable, helping people connect with you on a personal level. Think of it as your brand’s “vibe.”
Standing Out
With so many brands out there, your personality is what makes you stand out. It’s what people remember after they’ve scrolled past dozens of other companies.
Building Trust
A consistent brand personality builds trust. When people know what to expect from you, they’re more likely to stick around and become loyal fans.

Ok, ok, How do you bring it back?

Revisit Your Roots
Take a trip down memory lane. Why did you start your brand in the first place? What were your original values? Getting back to your roots helps realign your messaging with what matters most.
Know Your Audience (Again)
As your brand evolves, so does your audience. Get reacquainted with who they are today. What do they care about, and how can your personality speak to them?
Audit Your Messaging
Look at your current brand communications—social media, website, emails. Does it sound like you ? If not, it’s time for a personality check!
Craft Your Voice
Your brand’s voice should match its personality. Whether you’re cheeky, professional, or laid-back, keep it consistent across all platforms.
Tell Your Story
People love a good story. Share your brand’s journey and let your personality shine through in the process. Be authentic and don’t be afraid to get personal.
Sprinkle in Some Humor
If it fits your brand, don’t hesitate to add a little humor. A clever quip or funny post can make your brand feel more human and relatable.

Keep It Consistent

Once you’ve revived your brand’s personality, make sure it sticks! Consistency across all channels is key. Let your personality flow through everything you do, and watch your audience grow along with it!

Remember: A fun, fresh personality isn’t just a bonus—it’s what makes your brand unforgettable.

About the Author of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!

EG-what?! EGC!

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 22:47:16 GMT

You’ve heard of UGC (user generated content) but have your heard of EGC? Not ECG - although I might need one if I marketing keeps moving at the pace it is! EGC is Employee-Generated Content.

In today’s digital landscape, where authenticity and trust are more valuable than ever, brands are constantly seeking innovative ways to engage their audiences. One method that has gained considerable traction in the last 12 months (thanks to platforms like TikTok) is Employee-Generated Content (EGC). But what exactly is EGC, and why is it becoming a cornerstone of modern marketing strategies? Well buckle in and let’s take a ride.

What the heck is Employee-Generated Content (EGC)?

Employee-Generated Content refers to any content created and shared by a company’s employees rather than the official corporate communication channels. This content can take various forms, including:

Employees sharing their work experiences, achievements, or insights on platforms like LinkedIn, TikTok & Instagram mostly and typically via videos that show behind-the-scenes footage, day-in-the-life vlogs, or testimonials that provide a personal glimpse into the company.
Articles or opinion pieces written by employees, offering unique perspectives on industry topics or company culture.

The key to EGC is that it is authentic, unfiltered, and personal. It gives employees the freedom to express themselves and share their experiences, which often resonates more with audiences than polished corporate messaging.

Why is EGC Important?

Builds Authenticity and Trust

Consumers today are increasingly skeptical of traditional advertising. EGC offers a genuine voice, helping to humanize the brand and build trust with both customers and potential employees.

Enhances Employee Engagement

Encouraging employees to create and share content fosters a sense of ownership and pride in their work. It also strengthens their connection to the company, leading to higher engagement and job satisfaction.

Amplifies Reach and Visibility

When employees share content, they extend the company’s reach. Employees are more inclined to share company resources if they help create them. This organic sharing can significantly amplify brand visibility and help attract new audiences.

Drives Employer Branding

EGC is a powerful tool for showcasing company culture. Potential hires often look to social media and other channels to gauge what it’s like to work at a company. EGC offers an authentic glimpse into daily life at the organization, which can be a deciding factor for job seekers.

Encourages Creativity and Innovation

Allowing employees to create content taps into their creativity and diverse perspectives. This can lead to innovative ideas and fresh takes that might not emerge through traditional marketing channels.

How to Encourage EGC in Your Organisation

While EGC can be incredibly beneficial, it’s important to approach it thoughtfully. Here are some tips for fostering a culture of content creation among your employees:

Empower & Educate

Provide employees with the tools, resources, and training they need to create high-quality content. This could include workshops on social media best practices, access to design tools, or tips on effective storytelling.

Set Clear Guidelines & Expectations

While it’s important to allow freedom, providing clear guidelines helps ensure that the content aligns with the company’s values and messaging. This might include best practices for representing the brand, respecting confidentiality, and adhering to legal requirements.

Lead by Example

Leadership should set the tone by actively participating in content creation. When employees see leaders sharing their experiences, they’re more likely to follow suit.

Employee-Generated Content is more than just a trend—it’s a powerful strategy that can transform how a company communicates and engages with its audience. By tapping into the authentic voices of your employees, you can build trust, enhance your brand, and create a more engaged and motivated workforce.

In a world where authenticity is key, EGC offers a way to connect with audiences on a deeper level, turning employees into brand ambassadors and storytellers.

Ready to embrace this dynamic approach and unlock the potential of your organisation’s most valuable asset? AKA your people? Let’s get a personalised strategy behind you to set you up for success.

About the Author of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!

A logo isn't a brand

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 02:54:23 GMT

There’s a belief out there that a logo is synonymous with branding. Spoiler alert—it’s not! While a logo is a significant part of the branding puzzle, equating it with the entirety of branding is like calling a single Lego piece a full-fledged spaceship.

Let’s dive into the delightful depths of why a logo isn’t branding, and unravel the vibrant tapestry that true branding weaves.

Let’s start by giving logos their due credit. A logo is like the face of your business; it’s often the first thing people notice, and it serves as a visual shorthand for your company. Think of the swoosh of Nike, the golden arches of McDonald's, or the apple with a bite taken out of it for Apple. These logos are instantly recognisable and can evoke emotions and memories with just a glance.

But here’s the kicker: a face alone doesn’t tell you everything about a person. It doesn’t reveal their dreams, values, or quirks. Similarly, a logo, while important, doesn’t convey the whole story of a brand.

Branding paints the full picture

Branding is the complete experience that customers have with your business. It encompasses:

Identity : This includes the logo, color palette, fonts, and other visual elements that create a cohesive look and feel.
Voice : The tone and style in which your company communicates. Are you formal or casual? Playful or serious?
Values : What does your company stand for? Your core beliefs and mission.
Customer Experience : How customers interact with your business, from the user interface of your website to the customer service they receive.
Perception : The overall impression and emotional response people have when they think of your brand.

Imagine branding as a sumptuous, multi-course meal. The logo is the appetizer—enticing and memorable—but there’s so much more to savour… cue Branding!

The Recipe for Branding

Creating a strong brand involves blending various ingredients to create a cohesive and compelling story. Here’s the recipe:

Consistency : Ensure that all your brand elements, from your website to your social media, present a unified image. Consistency builds trust and recognition.
Authenticity : Be true to what your company stands for. Authenticity resonates with customers and fosters loyalty.
Engagement : Interact with your audience. Social media, email marketing, and customer service are great ways to build a relationship with your customers.
Adaptability : Stay relevant by evolving with trends and customer preferences while maintaining your core identity.
Emotional Connection : Create an emotional bond with your audience through storytelling, shared values, and memorable experiences.

In the end, while a logo is an essential part of your branding toolkit, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. True branding is a harmonious blend of visuals, messages, values, and experiences that together create a unique and memorable identity. So, next time you think about your brand, remember: it’s not just about having a pretty face; it’s about telling a compelling story that resonates with your audience.

Need help with your branding? Let’s have a coffee or wine! You choose!

About the Author of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!

The Rule of Seven: Myth or Marketing Gold

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 01:00:00 GMT

The Magic Number: How Many Times Do You Need to Show Up Before Your Customer Buys?

Ever wondered how many times you need to appear in front of your customer before they finally decide to whip out their wallets and buy your product? Well, get ready to dive into the science, art, and a sprinkle of magic behind customer impressions.

The Rule of Seven: Myth or Marketing Gold?

First off, let’s talk about the legendary Rule of Seven. No, it’s not a magical incantation from Harry Potter. It’s a marketing principle that suggests a potential customer needs to see or hear your marketing message at least seven times before they take action.

Why seven? Why not eight or six and a half? Think of it as the Goldilocks number—not too much, not too little, but just right to nudge your prospect from “Who are you?” to “Take my money!”

From Stranger to Superfan: The Customer Journey

Let’s break down the customer journey, shall we?

ONE: Awareness

Your customer sees your ad for the first time. They think, “Hmm, interesting,” and promptly forget about you.

TWO: Intrigue

The second encounter makes them pause. “Wait, I’ve seen this somewhere before.”

THREE: Recognition

By the third time, you’re starting to look familiar. “Oh, it’s that brand again. They’re everywhere!”

FOUR: Consideration

Around the fourth to fifth touchpoint, curiosity gets the better of them. They visit your website, browse your products, maybe even sign up for your newsletter.

FIVE: Decision

By the sixth or seventh time, they’ve moved from “maybe” to “yes!” They click ‘buy now’ and officially become your customer.

Is Seven the Sweet Spot?

Seven isn’t a hard and fast rule. Depending on your industry, audience, and product, the magic number can vary. For high-ticket items, it might take more touchpoints. For impulse buys, fewer encounters might be needed. It’s about finding the sweet spot where your message resonates without becoming a repetitive nuisance.

Quality Over Quantity: The Power of Meaningful Impressions

It’s not just about showing up; it’s about showing up with value. Think of it like dating. You wouldn’t just text “hey” seven times in a row (unless you want to be ghosted). Instead, you share interesting stories, show genuine interest, and make a memorable impression.

Here are some tips to make your touchpoints count:

Personalisation: Tailor your messages to address the specific needs and desires of your audience. Personalized emails, targeted ads, and relevant content can work wonders.

Consistency: Ensure your brand’s voice and message are consistent across all platforms. This builds trust and familiarity.

Engagement: Create opportunities for two-way interaction. Social media polls, Q&A sessions, and interactive content can make your brand memorable.

Value: Offer something of value in each interaction. It could be a helpful tip, a discount, or exclusive content.

The Digital Dance: Multi-Channel Strategy

In today’s digital age, relying on a single channel is like fishing with one hook. Diversify your approach. Use a mix of email marketing, social media, content marketing, paid ads, and even good old-fashioned direct mail.

Each channel offers a unique way to connect with your audience, and when used together, they create a symphony of impressions that lead to that all-important purchase decision.

The Bottom Line

So, how many times do you need to appear in front of your customer before they make a purchase? The answer is—it depends. But aiming for around seven meaningful, value-packed touchpoints is a great place to start.

Remember, it’s about building a relationship, not just making a sale. Show up, be memorable, and most importantly, provide value. Do this, and you’ll not only gain customers but also loyal fans who will sing your praises long after the purchase.

Now, go forth and make those seven (or so) impressions count!

About the Author of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!

3 things I learnt from VEGAS (marketing edition) 😎

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 05:24:10 GMT

In case you missed it, Pez and myself went to Vegas for a week (blink and you’ll miss it!), supporting one of our fantastic clients who launched their skincare brand in Australia last month, they attended Cosmoprof, one of the worlds largest cosmetic conferences!

Here’s a few key learnings from Vegas that I’ll share because what happens in Vegas doesn’t always need to stay in Vegas

ONE: Everything, literally everything, is an advertising opportunity.

Sooooo many billboards lining the highways, street signs, neons, body parts, cars, driving billboards, seats, tables, the floor, legitimately everything has branding and messaging on it! Trying to sell you something or some sort of experience!

To stand out you really need to work HARD and get creative because it’s a noisy environment! Visually and audibly.

TWO: Get creative otherwise you’ll get lost.

Write things backwards, get out of the box, make it quirky, this is how you stand out in a room full of noise! We’ve got a bunch of fresh ideas for our clients

THREE: Multiple touch points.

Don’t just appear somewhere once. We know this one but seriously appear multiple places at once and you’ll get noticed! The more creative you can be with this the better impact…. A billboard, a brochure, a targeted ad, a mascot - you get the point. There’s no one single weapon in marketing in Vegas…. Or anywhere for that matter.

In case you missed our travel tiktoks - watch them here

About the Author of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!

Our Trend Predictions for Google Ads in 2024-2025 FY.

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 07:34:01 GMT

Get ready to say "Hey" to the future of Google Ads with our predictions for 2024/25.

As we step into the 2024-2025 Financial Year, the landscape of online advertising is evolving faster than ever, and Google Ads is at the forefront of this exciting revolution. So, grab your crystal ball (or maybe just your favourite caffeinated beverage), because here are our bold predictions for what's in store:

AI Takes the Lead: Move over, human marketers (just kidding)! In 2024-2025, artificial intelligence (AI) will dominate the Google Ads scene like never before. With advancements in machine learning algorithms, expect to see AI-driven ad campaigns that adapt and optimise in real-time based on user behaviour, preferences, and even emotions. It's like having a supercharged marketing genie in a digital bottle!
Hyper-Personalisation: Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all advertising. In 2024-2025, hyper-personalisation will be the name of the game. Thanks to data-driven insights and AI-powered targeting, expect Google Ads to deliver ads that feel like they were custom-made for each individual user. From personalised product recommendations to tailored messaging based on past behaviour, it's all about making your audience feel seen and understood.
Video Ads Will Grow: We're forecasting a surge in video ad growth (it’s already started!), but here's the twist: it won't just be your typical YouTube Ads. Picture this: short-form video ads taking centre stage, a mix of professional and user generated type content. YouTube Shorts is Google's response to the TikTok and Meta's Reels phenomenon. Now, you can target Shorts as a prime ad placement. However, with TikTok and Instagram seeing a surge in advertising competition, we predict Shorts will steal the spotlight, enticing advertisers to tap into this dynamic placement opportunity.
Instant Gratification Ads: In a world where attention spans are shorter than ever, instant gratification is the name of the game. Expect to see more "buy now, pay later" options integrated directly into Google Ads, along with features like one-click purchasing and instant checkout. Because who has time to wait when you can have it all at the click of a button?

So, there you have it—our bold predictions for the future of Google Ads in 2024-2025!

From AI-powered campaigns to hyper-personalisation, the possibilities are endless.

Are you ready to embrace the future?

Did you know we offer Google Ad set up, management and also mentoring / hands-on training?

Let’s grab a coffee, I’m ready to talk about all things Ads.

About the Author of this blog:

Hayley Jurd

Meet Hayley, our wiz on all things e-com. Wanting to execute a killer email marketing campaign? She’s got you! Looking to enhance your digital visibility with the right audience? No worries!

With 3 years of industry experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge to help businesses thrive online. Having a deep understanding of the digital landscape, she's committed to exceeding expectations and delivering results.

Recruitment & Your Brand: Why do they go hand in hand?

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 22:20:42 GMT

RECRUITMENT AND YOUR BRAND GO HAND IN HAND.

Your brand is crucial to finding the perfect candidate to join your team and we are here to tell you why.

With the unemployment rate at an all time low, finding the right employee has become challenging for a lot of business owners. There was a time where all you needed to do was post a Seek ad and you would get 10+ suitable applicants to interview, compare and ultimately choose from. Now, we see a lot of businesses needing to actively search and recruit for the candidates they are wanting.

Firstly, what is a brand?

As many of you who have worked with us (or just follow along) you would know, your brand is so much more than your business name and logo. It is everything from your website, social media platforms, your office, your values, your messaging, and how you operate day to day. It is everything that your brand represents. Who would they be if they were a person?

Once we have a clear vision for this, we start strategising exactly how we bring this vision to life. How would the brand want to be perceived by a stranger (a.k.a a future employee)? Trustworthy? Welcoming? Professional? Nurturing? We could literally go on all day. But you get the picture - and if this is something you are unsure about, we can help you with this.

So, how can you attract employees with your brand?

We do this by ensuring that all the elements of your brand (values, messaging and how you do business) is forward facing, as for most businesses this also shows what the company culture will be like. Employees need to be able to envision themselves in your business, doing what you do, how you do it and be enjoying it. The biggest thing of all, is this needs to be genuine.

Showcasing culture through your forward facing branding is best executed through content, whether this is through social media, your website or events. Think of sharing day in the life content (we did one! Check it out), project insights or team activities. Your strongest platform for this will be social media. Social media is where we spend most of our time browsing, observing, stalking…we’ve all been there…so this is one of the first places potential employees will go to learn more about your company and what it would be like to work there.

Once you have captured their attention they will often head to your website. You need the same look and feel to be across your website. We also highly recommend creating an engaging careers page, the page needs to be easy to find and navigate. This is where you can also directly outline your brand elements such as values, company culture and messaging. A great marketing tool on this page is to engage current employees to help communicate the brand, this adds a lot of value.

Attracting new employees through branding is about telling your company’s story. By showcasing your brand, your culture, leveraging social media, and creating engaging content across your website you can draw in the talent that will help your business thrive. Remember, just like in customer marketing, it has to be genuine.

Happy recruiting / marketing / absolutely killing it!

About the Author of this blog:

Sophie Mara

Sophie loves the creative & fun side of the marketing world, but her colour-coded to-do list is always close by to keep her on track (organised queen!).

Keep your brand WARM this Winter!

m.riehl@outlook.com (Madeleine Riehl) — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 06:34:48 GMT

MARKETING STRATEGIES THAT WILL KEEP YOUR BRAND WARM IN WINTER.

Here’s the 411 on what your business needs to do with its digital marketing during the Winter months.

Just because it’s chilly outside, doesn’t mean your digital marketing needs to freeze up. Think like a bear. This is the time to grow your marketing coat, gather the fish, build your fat and prepare for the upcoming season. Fitness freaks say Summer bodies are made during Winter, the same applies to your brands marketing goals.

Grab a hot choccie or almond latte and walk with us, here’s a few simple marketing winter warmers:

Firstly, focus on customer acquisitions and gather the data! Do you have a client database? No were not just talking about Facebook, Instagram & TikTok followers… We’re talking about a name, email and phone number of your current or potential clients. It is utitlised? Are you nurturing and growing it? It’s low-hanging marketing fruit, ripe for the picking! You can upsell and cross-sell through this database, think email campaigns and SMS campaigns. If you’ve got a database we can help and if you need to gather one, we can also help.

Secondly, ramp up your brand awareness efforts. Get front of mind! They (someone very clever) say it takes an average of seven interactions with your brand before a purchase will take place. If your brand isn’t ready to push itself out there, consider why not? Do you need a brand refresh, a new website, a social media overhaul? If you feel your brand is ready to get in front of people then let’s talk about paid assistance, we’re talking META Ads (aka those freakishly annoying but accurate social media ads), Google Ads, Pinterest Ads etc, etc. But we’re not just talking paid ads for brand awareness it’s much larger than that and it requires a… you guessed it… strategy.

Don't let your digital marketing efforts go into hibernation this Winter. Instead, use this time to grow, evolve into a stronger, more profitable business.

Warm regards,

Maddie & Hayley.

About the Author of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!

Squeezing the Most out of your Marketing 🍋

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 03:59:39 GMT

Sophie and Maddie share 3 strategies for getting the most out of your marketing before EOFY:

Repurposing Content
Use it or Lose it
Strategic Planning

About the Author of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!

Cool Campaigns Don't Cut It

Wed, 22 May 2024 00:01:28 GMT

Campaigns are simple, right?

Snap a few cool photos your consumers will like, take a video showing off the product or service and come up with a catchy caption enticing the audience…right?

Love the enthusiasm but give us 4 minutes of your time to explain why ‘cool campaigns’ are just not enough these days. Whilst they can be eye catching, if that's all you've got you will lose them quicker than you had them. Let’s talk about CCC… Customer Centric Campaigns. With the world, and especially the online world, being so heavily saturated with brands, products, services & well, marketing, we need a deeper approach to campaigns. Now, more than ever, it is so important to be investing in customer/consumer-centric campaigns.

Consumer centric campaigns are putting the consumers' needs and wants at the forefront of your strategy. We have put together three major things to consider when developing your campaign strategy to make sure you have the consumers point of view in mind.

STRATEGY OVER SHOWING OFF

Gone are the days of admiring ‘influencers’ designer handbags and lavish world round trips *cough please take us* ... While people may still watch and talk about it, we know there is much stronger engagement when approaching your audience through strategy. When we learn about our audience, what their life looks like, who they are surrounded by and most importantly, what they need AND want, we have the ability to build a much stronger strategy that drives engagement and in turn, drives sales. This is why it is so important to learn about your target audience inside and out so your strategy can be bang on.

PAIN POINTS OVER IMPULSE PURCHASES

While there will always be room for impulsive shoppers and of course, I’m sure most brands love them, strategy should be focused on consumers' pain points. Giving a solution to a consumer pain point improves retention, value and word of mouth marketing - which we all know is the strongest of all. This is because you are actually helping fix their problem. This is how you gain repeat customers and attract a dedicated customer database.

NURTURE OVER NAGGING

Once you have reached consumers through your strategy, it is important to find the right balance between nurturing the relationship and just plain nagging them. The last thing you want is for your customers to feel like you are trying to hard sell them constantly, pushing your products in their face or sending them a million ‘sign up now’ emails. However, you also don’t want to be forgotten about. This is where nurturing comes in. Strategising an approach to your consumers that makes them feel valued and a part of a community is the best way to nurture them into becoming loyal customers.

Nailing these three elements of a customer centric campaign and applying them to how you approach customers in general will lead you to better performing results.

Need a hand executing your next strategic campaign?

Reach out to us, we kind of love this stuff.

About the Author of this blog:

Sophie Mara

Sophie loves the creative & fun side of the marketing world, but her colour-coded to-do list is always close by to keep her on track (organised queen!).

3 Marketing Assets every business needs

Mon, 20 May 2024 04:35:55 GMT

Every company, regardless of its size or industry, should have these 3 fundamental marketing assets:

Website

A website is the digital face of your company and often the first point of contact for potential customers. It serves as a hub for information about your products or services, your brand story, contact details, and more. A well-designed website should be visually appealing, easy to navigate, and optimized for both desktop and mobile devices. It's crucial to ensure your website reflects your brand identity and provides a positive user experience.

Branding Materials

Consistent branding is essential for building brand recognition and trust. This includes your company logo, color scheme, typography, and any other visual elements that represent your brand. These materials should be used consistently across all marketing channels, including your website, social media profiles, print materials, and advertisements. Consistent branding helps to create a strong brand image and makes your company easily recognizable to customers.

Content

Content is king in the world of marketing. Whether it's blog posts, videos, infographics, social media posts, or email newsletters, creating valuable and engaging content is essential for attracting and retaining customers. Your content should provide useful information, solve problems, or entertain your audience. By consistently delivering high-quality content that resonates with your target audience, you can establish your company as an authority in your industry and build trust with potential customers.

These three marketing assets form the foundation of any successful marketing strategy, helping companies to attract, engage, and retain customers in today's competitive market.

About the Author of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!

Crafting your Brand Colours for Impact and Influence

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 06:28:36 GMT

In the ever-evolving world of marketing and branding, every little detail matters. From your logo to your website to the stickers on the back of your car, each element plays an important role in how people perceive your brand.

Sure we can chuck in a lion to show your strength in business, maybe a wave here or a tree there to let your target market know how chill and easy going you are… but have you ever thought about how impactful your colour choices can be for your brand? Seriously, there’s science behind it!

Countless studies have proven that different colours can make us react and respond in a variety of different ways. It’s almost like a secret tool we can use to trigger feelings and mental associations in our audience (and trust me, it's easier than you think!) ��

So, how do you decide what colours to use in your branding? Great question! Today’s your lucky day - below are some examples of how colours can influence your target market. Plus, we’ll even throw in a bonus downloadable cheat sheet at the end for you to reference on the go.

RED

Often associated with passion, energy and excitement, red can be a powerful choice for brands aiming to create a sense of urgency or evoke strong emotions. It’s no coincidence that hospitality and entertainment brands like McDonalds, Netflix and Coca Cola incorporate red into their branding to stimulate appetite and excitement for their products.

ORANGE

Symbolising optimism, warmth and confidence, orange is often used by brands wanting to show enthusiasm and generosity. ING, Fanta and Amazon use orange to promote abundance and confidence.

YELLOW

Radiating optimism, creativity and youthfulness, yellow can be a perfect choice for brands aiming to grab attention and foster a sense of positivity. Brands like IKEA, Subway and JB HiFi incorporate yellow to evoke feelings of happiness and energy.

GREEN

With its associations to nature, growth and harmony, green is often used by brands promoting sustainability, health and eco-friendliness. Companies like Woolworths, Starbucks and Medicare utilise green to align themselves with feelings of rejuvenation and promote a sense of well-being.

BLUE

Symbolising trust, stability and professionalism, blue is a popular choice for corporate brands wanting to establish credibility and confidence in their audience. Tech giants like Facebook, LinkedIn and Outlook leverage the colour blue to show reliability and trustworthiness.

PURPLE

Representing royalty, creativity and wisdom, purple is used by brands wanting to evoke feelings of stability and peace of mind. Cadbury, Hallmark and Yahoo! use purple to their advantage to create a calming and luxurious feeling in their audience.

Phew! Although it’s a handy skill to have, colour psychology can be tricky to remember on the go. That’s why we’ve created the Colour Psychology Cheat Sheet - a pocket-sized guide that you can reference quickly whenever you need.

Choosing the right colours for your brand goes beyond personal preference - it’s about understanding your target audience, industry standards and how you want your target market to feel. Maintaining consistency across all your brand touchpoints, from your logo to your marketing and collateral, strengthens your brand identity and ensures you won't be forgotten any time soon.

Need help with your brand colours or advice on your current marketing strategy?

That’s our bread and butter, we’d love to chat!

About the Author of this blog:

Perri Adkins

Perri our legendary graphic designer. She has a passion for all things quirky and unique.

With a Diploma of Graphic Design and 6 years experience of bringing visions to life, Perri will make sure your brand stands out from the crowd and won’t be forgotten!

Strong brands require good taste.

m.riehl@outlook.com (Madeleine Riehl) — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 10:16:12 GMT

What do foodies and music lovers have in common? Good taste. This applies not just to food and music but also to... you guessed it, branding and messaging! *cue my favourite topics*

Not following? Well good taste can be difficult to describe. So because you’re time poor and I’m writing the article, I did some research for us and dove into the inter-webs and found a Forbes article dedicated to describing and trying to unpack ‘good taste’. It said: “You’ll likely hear good taste described as ‘it’s something you’re born with’ or ‘it’s in the eye of the beholder’ or as Former Justice Potter Stewart once said, ‘most of us know poor taste when we see it.’”

The dictionary’s definition of good taste reads, ‘The ability to recognize beauty in something.’ Well, here’s the thing about the dictionary’s definition, there was once a time I saw beauty in rocking vintage sweaters I’d found from the local Op Shop, packet dying my hair a dark colour, listening to Shania Twain on repeat very loudly in my Toyota Corolla, ‘91 model. Do I personally think of this phase in good taste? Some parts yes, some parts heck no. I’ll let you decide what’s what.

I digress, but there’s two elements I can conclude from the above research. 1. Everything has a phase. 2. Good taste is unique but there are common determining factors - flashback to the statement: ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’.

Ready for it? Branding and messaging also share these two elements. Messaging has phases, while your value and vision will remain constant we see changes in messaging as your brand evolves in the ever-changing market. Here’s an example that I’ve faced in my own business: In 2021 we had to transform how we talked about websites and digital marketing, before we used to reference it as 1 weapon you could use in your armoury of marketing weapons but, this had to dramatically change during / post COVID craziness. Our values stayed the same but there was more urgency needed and more intentionality needed when we talked about digital marketing as this was some brands only point of connection and communication with potential customers. And last, beauty is in the eye of the target audience, your brand doesn’t need to appeal to everyone, it just needs to be seen as ‘good taste’ to your target audience. The way we design a brand for an engineering company to a skincare brand is very very different, and for a very good reason - their target audiences are very different.

Often I’m in the room, usually with a coffee in hand, with business owners and decision makers who feel something is ‘missing’ from their brand. They don’t feel connected to it and they sense their customers also share the same feeling.

We’ve built our team around creative professionals who know how to strategically work a brand's way out of this feeling, let’s call it the ‘off brand’ phase. We start with a strategic 2hr deep dive into your business, it allows us to fully submerse ourselves in your brand. In this session we have some valuable, intentional thinking time with tried and tested activities that will help to define your brand's personality, then from this understanding we can determine the right next steps. For every brand the next steps look different, for some it’s a rebrand, for others it’s a messaging overhaul / audit on all their collateral (print & digital) and for some it’s all of the above.

As always, I hope that these few thoughts resonate with you and if you need some creative assistance with developing your brand and getting a strategy in place. We are here, you know where to find us, we’re creative and ready.

About the Author of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!

3 Lessons I have learnt on the Business Runway

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 05:03:59 GMT

Recently, I was asked to contribute to the local Style Magazine. I thought it was only fitting to share my article here too. If you want to have a look at the entire magazine head to https://issuu.com/armcustompublishing/docs/style_march_2024_complete_v4

But first, have a read about my top 3 lessons I've learnt in my first 3 years of business...

As a young female business owner, wife, mother and advocate for our community – just to name a few hats I sport in life, I’ve learnt a lot of things in business in the past three years of starting my own digital marketing agency.

Here’s three of the most valuable and timeless lessons I’ve learnt, and of course they’re inspired by a fashion orientated theme, because it only felt fitting ... OK, I’ll stop with the fashion puns (maybe?).

1. People want the real deal

No knock-offs allowed. All fads are fleeting but authenticity can’t be replicated or knocked-off by a sweatshop for a fraction of

the price. The runway is only for GEN-U-INE, real deal pieces – get that Fucci out of here. Authenticity is key: develop it and protect it. Let your brand be authentic, and the same applies to you as a person. Be authentic; those who value “realness” will be attracted to you and the fake fur lovers will move on – this isn’t a bad thing. Knowing who you are as a person and who your business is as a brand is paramount! Don’t know what’s authentic to your brand? Our team can help with finding your brand personality.

2. Strut your stuff

When you see a model strutting their stuff down the runway, they really are workin’ it. One thing I’ve noticed is they walk with intention. Instead of a New Year’s resolution, I choose a word to focus my year, and fittingly, my word for 2024 is “intentional”, because I want to be more intentional with every step I take. Intentional doesn’t mean to have to tiptoe or walk slowly. Have you seen those catwalk models? They’ve got a good, strong, consistent stride. Step by step, intentional decision after intentional decision, you can walk the catwalk of business with unequivocal direction in your stride. Have conviction in your decisions and go for it! Side thought: this also means don’t get caught up looking at what others are doing or wearing (although interesting! Who doesn’t love people watching?!). In this case, watch your own intentional steps and strut in your own lane (aka run your own race) – this will mean you avoid bumping into others, causing a scene and ultimate runway embarrassment. No one wants that!

3. Trends come & go

As true as the seasons change, trends follow the same ebb and flow. But seriously, things don’t last long, so stay agile in biz, jump on a trend (if it feels right for your brand) and surf the waves that these trends bring. Being grounded in your business values and operating by strategy will anchor your brand through the different waves that your business rides... (cough) we can help with that.

Many years ago my mum reminded me that “this too shall pass”. It’s an oldie but a goodie (the saying that is ...). If something in this season of your business or, furthermore, life, isn’t quite going to plan then remember that saying. If something in this season is going incredibly well (happy dancing for you!) remember that saying and embrace every good feeling and outcome that is oozing from it. You deserve to celebrate the good and the bad – it’s all learning at the end of the day. No fashion victims, just enthusiasts willing to

take a risk. My hope is that these few thoughts resonate with you, and if you need some creative assistance with developing your brand and getting a strategy in place, we are here; you know where to find us, we’re creative and ready.

About the Author of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!

Know your numbers

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 06:00:23 GMT

Knowing your #'s is essential in marketing.

Here's just a few reasons why:

Performance Evaluation: Understanding your numbers allows you to evaluate the performance. Metrics like engagement rate, click-through rate, conversion rate, and reach provide insights into how well your content is resonating with your audience, allowing you to go forward with more strategy.

Data-Driven Decision Making: Knowing your numbers enables you to make informed decisions based on data rather than assumptions or guesswork. This helps you allocate resources effectively, prioritize initiatives, and optimize your marketing efforts for better results.

Budget Optimization: By analysing your numbers, you can identify areas of inefficiency or high ROI opportunities within your marketing budget. This allows you to reallocate resources to channels or tactics that generate the highest returns and eliminate or adjust underperforming strategies.

Audience Insights: Understanding your numbers provides valuable insights into your target audience's behaviour, preferences, and needs. This knowledge allows you to tailor your marketing messages, products, and services to better meet the needs of your customers, improving engagement and loyalty.

Competitive Analysis: Monitoring your numbers enables you to benchmark your performance against competitors and industry standards. By comparing metrics such as market share, customer acquisition costs, and brand sentiment, you can identify areas where you excel or lag behind competitors and adjust your strategies accordingly.

Goal Setting and Progress Tracking: Knowing your numbers helps you set clear, measurable goals for your marketing initiatives. By tracking progress against these goals, you can gauge the effectiveness of your strategies, identify areas for improvement, and make adjustments as needed to stay on track.

Risk Management: Understanding your numbers allows you to identify potential risks and challenges in your marketing efforts before they escalate. By monitoring key metrics and market trends, you can proactively address issues, adapt to changes, and mitigate risks to your business's growth and success.

In summary, knowing your numbers in marketing empowers you to make data-driven decisions, optimize performance, understand your audience, stay competitive, and achieve your business goals more effectively.

Our secret sauce is strategy, numbers are part of that strategy!

Ready to get more from your marketing in 2024? Let's start a conversation.

About the Author of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!

Pantone Colour of the Year 2024

Sat, 30 Dec 2023 01:03:54 GMT

Firstly.... it's sooooo fluffy!

Peaaacchheeesss ��

Pantone Colours of the year 2024 - PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz ��

"A beautiful light, delicate shade that sits between pink and orange, Peach Fuzz marks the 25th anniversary of Pantone’s Colour of the Year program. This soft, heartfelt hue expresses the desire to nurture kindness, compassion, and connection—all while fostering a deep coziness as we seek a peaceful future. ✨" - Pantone

The world needs more kindness, compassion, peace and connection - here’s to you Peach Fuzz - we’re a big fan ��✨ #ProThePeach

Words we're lovin' for 2024

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 05:36:51 GMT

Explore & More in 2024. Yes it rhymes and yes we're feelin' those words for 2024, and so should you be, here's why.

You should be challenging your marketing team, agency, person or go-to to get MORE out of marketing your biz in 2024 and you should be exploring new ways of marketing your biz in 2024 , especially in an ever changing and competitive landscapes.

Unsure what more looks like?

With budgets getting a little tighter (we get it! we're also a small biz) you neeeeddddd to make sure, more than ever, that your marketing is hitting home with your audience and kicking it's KPI in the tooshie.

Getting mo re out of your marketing efforts requires a strategic approach and a willingness to adapt to the ever-evolving landscape. Here are some practical tips to get more out of your marketing:

1. Understand Yo' Audience:

The foundation of successful marketing is a deep understanding of your target audience. Conduct thorough market research to identify their needs, preferences, and behaviours. Create buyer personas to guide your messaging and outreach strategies.

2. Set Clear Objectives:

Clearly define your marketing goals. Whether it's increasing brand awareness, driving website traffic, or boosting sales, having specific, measurable objectives will help you track your progress and adjust your strategies accordingly.

3. Embrace the Numbers! (Data & Analytics):

Leverage data analytics tools to track the performance of your marketing campaigns. Analysing key metrics such as conversion rates, engagement, and customer acquisition costs will provide valuable insights. Use this data to refine your strategies and allocate resources effectively.

4. Content is King:

Develop high-quality, valuable content that resonates with your audience (we know some great guys who can help with that!! Ahem... Hey Media ). Whether it's blog posts, videos, infographics, or podcasts, compelling content establishes your brand as an authority in your industry and attracts and retains customers.

5. Utilise Social Media Wisely (It can be a huge time suck if your not careful!):

Engage with your audience on social media platforms where they are most active. Tailor your content to each platform, and don't shy away from experimenting with new features.

6. Invest in a good Website:

Optimise your website for search engines to increase your online visibility. Conduct keyword research, optimize meta tags, and create high-quality, shareable content. A strong website not only boosts organic traffic but also enhances your overall online presence! (p.s we can also help with that!).

7. Explore Paid Advertising:

Consider incorporating paid advertising into your marketing mix. Platforms like Google Ads (search or display ads! - curious? ask us!), social media advertising (think Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn or YouTube) and allow you to target specific demographics, ensuring your message reaches the right audience. Monitor your ad performance and adjust your budget and targeting as needed.

8. Email Marketing still works:

Don't underestimate the power of email marketing. Build and nurture your email list, and send targeted, personalized messages. Use automation to streamline your campaigns and deliver timely content, promotions, and communication to your customers.

9. Leverage Influencer Marketing:

Collaborate with influencers in your industry to expand your reach and credibility. Identify influencers whose values align with your brand, and build authentic partnerships. Influencers can help amplify your message to a wider audience and create trust among their followers. We've got some great connections in this market - let's chat!

10. Stay Agile & EXPLORE - Marketing should be FUN!:

The marketing landscape is dynamic, so be prepared to adapt. Explore and experience with new channels, tactics, and technologies. Regularly review your strategies, learn from successes and failures, and be willing to pivot when necessary.

Remember, effective marketing is an ongoing process of PLAN, DO, CHECK and ADJUST. Stay attuned to industry trends, listen to your audience, and be proactive in adjusting your strategies to meet the ever-changing demands of the market.

This is how you get MORE out of your marketing in 2024.

Feel like you need some help? Let's chat, click click click!

We made the 2023 Fast Starters List!

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 23:58:08 GMT

Today is an exciting day for our team ✨

We have been recognised for our growth over the past 3 years of operation on the Financial Review Fast Starters 2023 List - Number 48 out of 100.

Greg and Maddie would like to express a heartfelt thank you to our incredibly creative and hardworking team and our supportive clients, family and friends.

This achievement represents all of the hard work and dedication of our extremely creative, young and dynamic team at Hey Marketing.

We’re so thankful for the support of our local Toowoomba business community, for our team, family and close friends who have made this achievement a reality.

We're BEA Finalists!

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 06:28:43 GMT

Our team is beyond excited to be named a finalist in the Focus HR Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards, for the category of Professional Services Under 10 People.

It’s been a huge journey but we’re so proud of how far we’ve come �� Congratulations to the other finalists ��

One Space. One Creative Powerhouse.

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 04:06:38 GMT

Catch us at 5/49 Raff Street, Toowoomba City 4350. Click to stalk.

That's it. Blog post over! Get back to work ��

Making a Moodboard & How We Use Them!

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 07:06:15 GMT

We all love a good mood board, and the best thing about them is they can be used for ANYTHING. New house? Mood board. Next holiday? Mood board. Wedding? Mood board. Colour palette? Mood board. Marketing Strategy? Mood board. As I said, an-y-thingggg!

But, why do we look at turning our fluffy, fun mood boards into strategic planning and marketing direction? Well, mood boards can be an extremely useful tool in communicating a marketing vision or idea and helping it come to life. Us creatives sometimes can see a picture of how we envision a campaign or photo shoot but explaining that to the team or client is a whole other story - and being on the same page as a creative powerhouse is extremely important for executing a project or campaign.

So how do we do this? Let’s break it down. Disco style. Just kidding, I’m a step-by-step girlie.

Step 1: Setting the scene.

Where do we start? Personally, I’m big on “the vibe”. What feeling do we want consumers to have when they look at the outcome? Does it transport them to a terrace along the Amalfi Coast sipping on a limoncello spritz? Are they heading down an art filled alleyway to a hidden bar in the heart of Melbourne? Or does it entice them to snuggle up in a cozy cafe in Toowoomba? We always want to create an experience through marketing, so it is important to know what that experience is from the get-go.

Step 2: Add your elements.

Once we have nailed ‘the vibe’ we outline the key elements. When we work with clients we are trying to capture a product or service. So, it is important we find similar imagery for the team to be able to envision what that product or service will look like in the final shots.

If we are creating the mood board for a shoot at a cafe, what features of the cafe are we needing to capture? Does it have an epic new coffee machine the client is wanting to showcase? Or have they added a new item to the menu we are capturing?

Or, say we are creating the mood board for an upcoming campaign for a beauty product, how are we wanting to display the product? In its packaging or in the hands of a consumer? These are the elements we need to see displayed throughout the mood board to make sure the entire creative team and clients understand the vision.

Step three: Highlight your focus areas.

It’s all fun and games going mad pinning anything and everything we see to our pinterest mood board but what do we do with it then?

I know myself, I am guilty of adding rogue images that are a completely different setting to ‘the vibe’ BUT something as simple as the hand positioning holding a product in the image has caught my attention. This is why the final, but dare I say most important, key to being intentional when creating mood boards is to make sure we can communicate why we included elements and how they will apply to the campaign or strategy. As creatives, we all interpret content very differently, so being able to highlight the focus areas and explain effectively will help our creative visions come to life.

The biggest takeaway we hope for is that if you thought mood boards were just for the dreamers, you now have learnt they can be a very useful tool & maybe even give it a crack making one yourself!

Inspiration can come from anywhere and anything and bring our creative dreams to life. It is one of the things I love most about what we do! ��

About the Author of this blog:

Sophie Mara

Sophie loves the creative & fun side of the marketing world, but her colour-coded to-do list is always close by to keep her on track (organised queen!).

We gave our brand some TLC

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 00:04:36 GMT

Check out our brand update ��

Because we’re in a new era of biz, we’ve decided to celebrate by giving our Hey Marketing brand a little TLC.

Introducing..... Hey Media

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 23:59:22 GMT

We’ve been up to something... Introducing Hey Media

Formally Prestige Media, together as Hey Marketing & Hey Media we are a creative powerhouse, excuse us for giving the title to ourselves… but at Hey, we really do believe that we are better together, and that having all this creativity under one roof makes us a powerhouse.

Look Local First

Fri, 19 May 2023 03:45:05 GMT

Here's our two cents on why you should 'look local first'.

In our increasingly interconnected world, it's easy to fall into the trap of turning to big-name companies or global brands for every service or product we need. However, there's immense value in looking local first. Supporting local businesses not only strengthens the community but also offers a range of benefits for consumers.

First and foremost, local businesses are deeply rooted in the community. When you choose a local service provider or purchase from a local store, you contribute to the growth and sustainability of your neighbourhood. Your money stays within the local economy, supporting jobs and enabling small businesses to thrive. By nurturing these local enterprises, you foster a sense of belonging and create a vibrant community that's more than just a faceless marketplace.

Additionally, local businesses often offer a personalized touch that larger corporations struggle to match. Local service providers have a genuine interest in building relationships with their customers. They take the time to understand your unique needs and tailor their offerings accordingly. Whether it's a cosy coffee shop remembering your favourite drink or a skilled artisan creating a custom-made product, the attention to detail and personalized service can elevate your experience.

Looking local also promotes sustainability. By reducing the distance between production and consumption, you minimize carbon emissions associated with transportation. Local businesses are more likely to prioritize environmentally friendly practices and support local sourcing, which reduces the ecological footprint of the products and services you consume.

Furthermore, local businesses contribute to the rich tapestry of diversity and culture. They often showcase the unique flavors, craftsmanship, and traditions of the local community. From farmers' markets brimming with locally grown produce to art galleries showcasing the work of talented regional artists, there's an undeniable charm and authenticity in experiencing what your local area has to offer.

When considering a new service or product, taking a moment to explore local options can lead to remarkable discoveries. You may find hidden gems that offer exceptional quality, niche expertise, or a refreshing change from the mass-produced alternatives. By supporting local businesses, you contribute to a thriving economy while enjoying the benefits of a closer connection to your community.

Here's our team's top 5 local businesses!

Jayden's Top 5 Local Faves:

Go give them some love - we've linked their website!

Perri's Top 5 Local Faves:

Maddie's Top 5 Local Faves:

p.s 5 Businesses is just TOO hard - so many good Toowoomba local businesses!

Fast Websites Matter!

Sun, 26 Mar 2023 22:47:07 GMT

Speed. Speed. Speed. We live in a world of instant gratification. Speed is now not only expected, but is crucial in engaging your audience and keeping them. Who likes to sit around and wait for a page to load? Not me ��‍♀️

This is just one of the many reasons why having a fast website matters . Need some more convincing? Perhaps you are wondering how you can achieve a fast website for your brand? Stick with me kid, I’ll show you the way!

Provides a better experience for your users

We all know a good customer experience is the lifeblood of a successful brand. But, you may be surprised at how something as simple as a fast web page can contribute to a positive customer experience. I think we’ve all painstakingly suffered waiting for a slooww website to load. It sucks… honestly, it is one of my pet peeves (Queen of instantaneity right here ��). Just like myself, users won’t wait around for a slow web page to load when there are so many other options just a click away. Even if your website is the BEST, users will never know if you don't provide a good experience. Fun fact (or not so fun fact if you have a slow website) visitors abandon sites at a 10x rate when a web page goes from 2 seconds to 10 seconds load time. I don’t know about you, but that is way too high to chance a loss of customers for me ��‍♀️.

Higher conversion rates

Better ranking on Google

Even Google understands that users prefer a page with a great page experience (you know i'm legit if Google agrees with me ��). Google recognised how important a good page experience is and developed a set of user-centred metrics named Core Web Vitals. These metrics measure the key aspects of the user experience, and guess what? Load time is the first key aspect. So, you know it’s pretty important. How does having a fast website translate into a better ranking on Google you ask? Well, because of the implementation of Google's Core Web Vitals, pages that rank highly in these metrics are prioritised by Google's ranking. After all, Google is a brand too, and the need for them to provide a good customer experience is essential for the brands survival as well. So, fast load speed = higher ranking on Google. It’s looking like wins all around for fast websites!

How do I find out what speed my page is running?

Google strikes again! PageSpeed Insights is an awesome system created by Google to assess the Core Web Vitals of any website. After assessment, PageSpeed Insights will dictate a pass or fail in relation to the user-centric metrics for both desktop and mobile platforms. There is also an opportunity to diagnose performance issues… talk about the whole package. Thank you Google �� P.s Give it a go yourself - click here.

Things that can slow your website down...

Home pages with unoptimized images or unoptimized videos
Third-party tracking pixels / analytics
Externally hosted embeds
Heavy 3rd party widgets E.g. Facebook, Map, Video, Image slider/gallery
Custom code at top of page
Pages with multiple instances of large media objects (images, sliders, videos, etc.)
Excessive font usage

We can help!

Do you have a slow website? Do you just need some help understanding Google’s Core Web Vitals and PageSpeed Insights? Whatever your website needs, the Hey team can help. We are experts in creating and maintaining kick-ass websites.

ChatGPT - Friend or Foe?

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 04:20:40 GMT

Before you ask, no I didn’t get ChatGPT to write this article. ��

ChatGPT had 1 million users in the first week of its launch. This AI writing tool sure is making a splash in the writing world, so what do we have to say about it?… Well we’ll get there, let’s just unpack what ChatGPT is for those who need to come up to speed.

So what the heck is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is essentially a Chatbot, but not like one you’ve ever seen before. It’s not one of those stupid ones that keep asking you the same question in a round about circle that take you nowhere and you end up saying a curse word to your screen.

ChatGPT is quite clever. It can fix spelling and grammar errors, give feedback on writing, write poems and songs, create lesson plans for teachers and much more…. Freaky huh?! And what’s even crazier is, it’s pretty good at its job.

So, what even does the GPT bit stand for?

Generative Pre-trained Transformer *cue bumblebee stage left*.

Get nerdy with me for a second.

GPT is a neural network machine learning model trained using internet data to generate any type of text. AKA this bad boy requires a small amount of input text to generate large volumes of relevant and sophisticated machine-generated text.

It’s pretty cool and pretty funny. Ask it to write you a song, you’ll be entertained for hours (best done while sipping on a glass of wine).

Ok enough flattery towards ChatGPT, what do we, as professional copywriters and marketers think about it at Hey Marketing?

Well, we think it’s cool (see above compliments), but here’s the rest of our thoughts in dot points:

It’s a tool, not the answer

Use it. It’s a clever tool but it’s not the answer. It forms part of your research, a tool and leaver to use in your tool kit. If you are treating it as ‘the answer’ you’re going to end up sounding like everyone else.

Don’t just copy & paste

Why not? Seems easy and simple… well, firstly Google will hate you. Google has already released an article saying it will penalise AI writing for SEO (search engine optimisation). And you just don’t want that!

No matter how smart this robot is, it doesn’t have a brain or heartbeat.

Although it seems quite convincing that it does, it really doesn’t. We’re the humans, we have the brain & heartbeat, we need to add the brand tone of voice, the humour, the heart to the writing.

ChatGPT can create efficiencies and be used as tool but it’s not the answer. Long story short, ChatGPT is a friend and I’d say it’s here to stay, change the game and there’s more of this to come in the future.

It’s a friend that creates efficiencies and helps us clean up and stack the dishwasher after dinner (we wish!).

About the Authors of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!

Feel Good! Toowoomba Hospital Foundation Donation

madeleine@heymarketing.com.au (Madeleine Riehl) — Fri, 23 Dec 2022 01:10:47 GMT

Our team has donated $4,600 to the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation.

This donation has been part of an incentive we've coordinated from our website sales throughout 2022.

We’ve got lots of love and appreciation for all the work that the Toowoomba Hospital does for our community. Our donation will be donated to the surgical sector of the hospital.

Year In Review - 2022

madeleine@heymarketing.com.au (Madeleine Riehl) — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 09:50:50 GMT

It’s seems every year holds its own set of ugly odd socks (let’s call these struggles) but it also holds its own set of comfy, fresh, never been worn before socks (let’s call these opportunities).

I’d love to summarise the year that we’ve had at Hey Marketing and I know, I know, this blog will find you at a busy time, your phone will be buzzing filled with notifications and noise, but I’d love to chat to you for just 4 minutes, sit back, deep breath, look me in the digital eyes (focus) and read on.

As I lay these words together to summarise our year at Hey Marketing, I find myself feeling the need to pick up a pen and paper. It’s now more than ever people are seeking authentic, true, real and trustworthy experiences with brands online. Don’t you feel the same? I know I did and I know a lot of our brands did also.

As I work in the digital space and own a digital marketing biz, I should probably be allergic and despise paper, pen and all things tangible, but I feel it is when we are most in-tune with what is authentic and real that we can create the best experience online for our brands. Breaking past the dreaded screen barrier, be conscious to avoid adding to the noise and actually speak to customers like they’re understood individuals who have their own needs, wants and heartbeats.

In a year with digital corruption, data stealing, social media ownership changing and a time where we saw ourselves accept more cookies than ever before (personally it’s done terrible things for my waistline!), we as digital marketers, had to be more innovative and creative then ever before.

It was a challenge our team accepted and went into the digital battle space for many local Toowoomba brands as well as international and interstate brands (humble brag). We thank those that trusted us with our left field ideas and those that brainstormed with us and allowed us to bring their ideas to life. Our end of month reports for our clients, showed us that we created content that left our audiences wanting more and interacting with their customer, suppliers and steakholders (sorry, I must be getting hungry again) in a way like never before, making them feel like they were connected, bridging the gap from online to in person - all through the power of a screen, strategic high quality content, good subtitles and brilliant marketers (not so humble brag).

Again in 2022 we repurposed our strategic digital content, when and where possible, into additional collateral mediums for our clients to utilise. Ensuring they got the best bang for the duck, I mean buck. I’ll stop rhyming there.

In 2022, our team took websites to another level by expanding and dabble with the creation of e-commerce stores. Creating a model that’s affordable for SME’s and has a fabulous user experience for both customers and the brand. More on this to come in 2023!

All this to say, you know me, I could talk digital marketing for days but Santa comes soon so I’ll pull up short. If you're on this email list than I want to thank you for your support and loyalty throughout another year. We’ve loved working with you and we hope for many more projects together. (Side note: our books are closed for January & early February but we’re taking bookings from then on for 2023!).

We hope that this year you get to have a break over the holiday period and spend it with those you love. Turn off your phone (yes, I’m advocating this!) and enjoy the moments because you can’t replay them.

Signing off for 2022 (oh, we will be working till 3:30pm Friday 23rd December 2022 and reopening our laptops on Monday 9th January 2023).

Happy Holidays and goodnight (or good morning, depends what time you get to this!).

About the Authors of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!

Say Hey to Hot Property

madeleine@heymarketing.com.au (Madeleine Riehl) — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 22:58:42 GMT

We recently rebranded a 20 year real estate agency in Toowoomba!

This rebrand has been in the works for over 12 months in our Hey Studio with our creative minds buzzing with ideas, strategies and just pure excitement! It's not everyday that an established, respected and trusted 20 year old business gives you the opportunity to rebrand them. So, we took it and ran with it, and held it carefully like we were running the most important egg and spoon race!

There's been a huge amount of effort go into this rebrand, strategically, mentally and emotionally - it's been an incredible journey. We are so excited to show you a few bits and pieces, but of course there is more to come so stay tuned!

View the full feature here.

Summer '22 Field Guide Collaboration

madeleine@heymarketing.com.au (Madeleine Riehl) — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 04:51:15 GMT

It was an incredible honour to put together a collaboration of Toowoomba’s finest food, fashion, coffee and hair, all located in the Kwong Sang Walk.

Hair by @profilehairdesign_
Jewellery by @ryleycreations
Fashion by @ivydesignercollections
Beauty by @luminosalove
Photography & Videography by @vuedigital
Coffee & Cake by @thequarteracrecafe
Location Kwong Sang Walk
Oh and collaboration co-ordination and design by yours truly ��

Grab a copy of the two page advert in the Summer @thefieldguidetoowoomba

Never Build a House on Rented Land

Fri, 04 Nov 2022 00:51:11 GMT

A popular saying in the marketing world… but what does it really mean?

If you’ve ever been on twitter, or even just heard of twitter, you’ve probably also heard of Elon Musk's love for the platform and his famous tweets. Well, he loved it so much, he bought it. Yep, he bought twitter.

You might be thinking… ahhh what does Twitter have to do with rented land? Worry not, keep on reading and all of your questions, including that one, will be answered.

If we take the phrase literally, you would never build a house on land you’ve rented, you have no control over what happens! All that time, money and foundational building spent on a place where the landlord could make sudden changes at the drop of a hat.

This same principle can be applied to brand content on social media platforms. Any platform you don't control is “rented land”. Unlike Elon Musk, most of us can't just drop a few billion to own it ourselves, so it's always going to be rented land! While platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube and TikTok unfortunately fall under this category, it is not to say you need to stop investing in them. Depending on your brand, a combination of these platforms will always play a very important role in a digital marketing strategy.

The problem is too many businesses risk entire investments on platforms where changes can be made that don't benefit them, or just plain don't make sense to them!

Do you remember when social media showed us content in chronological order? * Daydreams about never missing a post from the people you follow* . Fast forward to now, where that is no longer the case and you feel like your content isn't getting seen unless you're doing a dance *shudders at the thought*! Social networks now show content based on a user's current interactions and engagements, and continue to prioritise the same kind of content. You can see how that may be a problem when you’re trying to reach new audiences. Can you see where my Elon reference is tying in? It’s pretty easy to shape the algorithm to your advantage if you own it… nice move Mr. SpaceMan.

Why renting can be helpful ��

Renting doesn't have to be a bad thing. Using social media platforms to find your audience is crucial. BUT , to reap the rewards while also diversifying risk, these platforms need to be used as a vector to guide users to your own build. The goal should be to maximise interest and create buzz on rented land, and lead users to your controlled platform. Easier said than done…without the help of some marketing ninjas *aka the Hey Marketing team*.

Where you should build?

Most of us don’t have a cheeky $44 million lying around to buy a whole social media platform. Nice flex, Elon. There are however, a couple of different ways to ensure your investment on rented space is redirecting audiences to a platform you own.

Remember, ownership = control.

A self owned platform could include…

Your own website

Simple, but effective. There are many reasons to invest in a good website (btw, we are really good at making these ��‍♀️ Shameless 2nd Hey plug, I know I know). Here are our top 3 reasons why a website!

1). You have FULL Control

Ok we’re starting to sound like control freaks but control is seriously important when spending your marketing pennies!

With a website there’s no need to worry about algorithms blocking your content or changes being made by content landlords that don’t benefit you. A website allows for total customisation. From graphics, layout, what you put where, mix of media, outstanding customer reviews, blogs, an online shop- the opportunities are endless! All in one place. A brand experience like no other!

2). Boosts Professionalism & Trust

Fun fact: 84% of consumers today think a website makes your business more credible than businesses who only have social media presence. That's a pretty staggering number! When we see a social media profile with no website link or button it makes our marketing heart's cry. Seriously, folks are looking for it!

A website that is consistently updated is kept fresh and modern plus oozes professionalism. With the rise of social media, also comes fraud. I'm sure you’ve seen at least one fake business account trying to scam users. Copying a social media account is pretty easy, so a professional business website legitimises your company in ways no other social media channels can.

3). Stand Out Against the Crowd

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), one of digital marketing’s most beneficial tools (if done… optimally). A well-optimised website has a number of benefits. The first, and maybe most important - you appear on the first page of the search engine (aka Google, bing etc), right in front of your audience. I don't know about you, but personally, I’ve never even clicked to the second page of results when searching for anything… Who has time for that? ��‍♀️ In addition to the awesome front seat placement in search results, SEO can also help your brand exposure through researching a topic similarly associated with your brand. This may seem a little overwhelming to achieve yourself, but don't worry, the Hey team can help with that (Ok, that plug was a little more subtle… #3)!

Email Marketing

The perfect way to communicate with your audience directly. Build a mailing list. Use incentives to gain subscribers, you need to collect the data and own it. You're a land-owner baby - Metaphorically speaking! That means you can build whatever the heck you want, whenever the heck you want to!

Not convinced?

Mailing lists strengthen your brand awareness and legitimacy.
Usually if someone is on your mailing list, they’re there for a reason! They’re already a warm lead - just heat them up a little further with some amazing email marketing campaigns!
Easy to measure analytics to see what’s working and what’s not, tweek and try again!
Save the planet! Turn your business a little more sustainable and use email marketing instead (plus save money on print costs and save a few trees, win/win)!

SMS Marketing

Think about how many people own a mobile phone… most people I know, even my grandma. Therefore, it should be no surprise that text message marketing is a great way to reach a large number of people. All you need to do is establish a customer database with personalised information. There are sooo many benefits when it comes to SMS marketing! My favourites are...

Instant Deliverability

SMS is one of the most instant channels out there. This means a higher read rate and higher Return on Investment (ROI). Sounds good to me!

Ability to Personalise

Customisation is a breeze with SMS marketing. You can address your audience by name, and customise content to individuals based on their preferences.

Easy on the Wallet

Compared to traditional forms of marketing like print, SMS marketing is more inexpensive. With the high ROI rates, the investment into SMS marketing is a no-brainer!

Events

Who doesn't love an event? �� Always a heap of fun, and not to mention all of those free promotional gifts... love!! I'm a sucker for free stuff. Spoiler, so is everyone. Events are an amazing way to spread brand awareness and humanise your brand, making your audience feel like they are connected to you on a deeper level. Events are the perfect place to generate new leads and introduce new products and services. Remember to always surprise and delight your attendees, and give them a positive experience to associate to your brand!

Put on your construction hat and build baby, build! ��‍♂️��‍♀️

Elon Musk has the right idea. Own it, control it . Utilise social media for it’s amazing ability to reach audiences, but make sure users are redirected to your own platforms where you can maximise your content.

Need help building on your own land? ...Or maybe just enhancing or dare we say renovating the thing you've already built on it? You've come to the right place!

Skip this if you can’t read our shameless plug...

We are experts in digital strategy and creating kickass websites.

We aren't just going to give you four walls to herd your audience into...We're going to give you a home for your brand, for your business, somewhere that the audience you've worked so hard on wants to be.

By embracing your vision and investing all of our passion and expertise we go beyond the average digital marketing agency to make sure you are set up for success. Don't have an audience yet to bring to your land? We can help with that too!

Oh and I’m new here, you can read a bit about me below.

I’m looking forward to writing to you again ve ry soon ✌��.

About the Author of this blog: Grace Lovi

A recent graduate of a Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Creative Industries, Grace loves combining her logistical mastermind with her creative eye.

The newest face to the Hey Marketing team, Grace enjoys the diversity of her role and the learning opportunities that arise.

Specialties include knowing every word to every Taylor Swift song and dancing like there's no tomorrow (not pro, but she’s still got moves!).

Marketing Takes Momentum

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 07:43:35 GMT

Growth within a business is an incredible goal to set, businesses should always look at moving forward. Momentum is the force that can allow you and your business to continue to grow and move, but what is momentum in a marketing context?

Now don’t get me wrong, an instant return on in vestment is always a great feeling, but, in the marketing world, it can more often than not take time to build the momentum to receive that desired return on investment.

Building momentum takes time and it takes preparation. You have to ensure there is a solid strategy and building blocks in place so that when things do pick up, they don’t run away from you, a bit like the momentum fails below.

Phase 1:

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We recommend developing and implementing marketing strategies on a medium to long-term basis (this is how long we typically work with our clients). You may be thinking why does it take that long to establish the momentum?

Working with a range of different clients we often have found a pattern that has emerged in regards to the timeline. In this case, let’s call it the Momentum timeline.

Phase 1

It is imperative to the marketing of your business to understand the key messaging and the tone of voice of the brand.

We like to jump in with a marketing archetype exercise. As part of this archetyping exercise we like to set a clear brand tone of voice which helps keeps things authentic and consistent when we move in any marketing direction.

Phase 2

In the first and often second month of working together with a brand, it is what we like to call the benchmarking month/s.

Getting in and starting to implement new strategies which haven’t been utilised before. In the case of social media, this means we often see a large positive impact on statistics. We measure these so that we can manage them moving forward.

Phase 3

This is the phase in which we can really begin to build upon the strategies and foundation that were put into place during phase 1. This is a great time to start expanding on ideas and get creative.

Using statistics from the previous months to help steer the ship. We can start distinguising what elements worked and reuse and reshape them.

Considering the Plan, Do, Check and Adjust model is key in this phase. See more about this model here

Phase 4

Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. You want to keep audiences engaged and interested in your content, and sometimes this means switching it up and trying out some new ideas. The important thing to remember in this phase is that it is okay to try out new things because by this point you have built a solid foundation and momentum for your marketing strategy.

Craving momentum in your marketing? I'd love to chat over an almond cap.

Feel free to send us a message via our contact page or shoot me an email at taylor@heymarketing.com.au .

About the Authors of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!

Thriving, not just surviving through times of inflation

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 05:46:50 GMT

Inflation should prompt you to look at your digital marketing strategy to optimise and improve it, not try to cut costs on it.

What the heck is inflation anyway?

I’m going to level with you here, I may be a connoisseur of copywriting, but I am no economist. So, according to the RBA (Reserve Bank of Australia) - ‘Inflation is an increase in the level of prices of the goods and services that households buy . It is measured as the rate of change of those prices.’

I don’t know about you, but life has definitely become more expensive lately (cue my husband sitting me down to discuss online spending….again)

With customers being a little tighter with their hard-earned pennies, it’s now more important than ever to implement a killer digital marketing strategy so that your business can continue to thrive through times of inflation.

As the prices of everything around us increase, so does the importance of your digital marketing and brand awareness in your area of expertise.

Inflation is going to happen (whether you stick your head in the sand or not)

Businesses that have stood the test of time automatically assume that inflation is going to happen. By focusing on your customers and what they value, you can shift your mindset from price increases, revenue and profit & loss statements to delivering real value to your customers. You need to focus on the long-term success of your business, not just short-term gain.

Businesses that invest in advertising and digital marketing campaigns during inflationary periods reap long term benefits to their business. Rather than those that stick their head in the sand and pretend that inflation isn't going on. Often we see these businesses struggle to maintain growth through times of inflation.

So what’s that got to do with digital marketing?

I’m so glad you asked! Let’s get real – unless your potential customers know about how you’re adapting a product/service or what you have to offer…how are they going to know to come to you? The EXPERT in your field, The ONE AND ONLY business that should be on your potential customer’s mind. You can’t be on their mind if they don’t even know you exist.

Here’s a few tips surrounding marketing strategies during inflationary periods;

Prioritise customer service – Make sure the customers coming to you are so happy that they will continue to use you for years to come.
Lean on personalised messaging – Know your target market and personalise the language you use in your marketing. Make your customers build an emotional connection with your brand.
Continue to build brand awareness – Again – how will potential customers know to come to you if they haven’t heard of you?

Inflation often causes businesses to cut costs and protect the bottom line. Maybe you’ve heard the saying ‘You’ve got to spend money to make money ’ . That statement has never held more meaning than when speaking about digital marketing during inflation.

Want to know more about how Hey Marketing can help your business through times of inflation? Get in touch

About the Authors of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!

Talking about Sustainable Digital Growth & Long Term Strategy

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 23:28:14 GMT

Long-term Strategy for Long-Term Gain

Investing in your digital marketing, and more importantly, your digital presence is paramount for succeeding in today’s digital world. Wait, ‘what is a digital marketing strategy?’ we hear you ask… The ultimate goal of a digital marketing strategy is to attract new customers to your business and increase awareness of your brand using digital technology such as emails, website, social media, sms, online advertising etc.

By setting up a plan that incorporates establishing a digital presence through a multitude of channels (think organic search engines, paid ads, social media, a GOOD website and all other digital platforms) you can be well on your way to achieving the digital marketing results of your dreams!

Long-term strategies help your business achieve steady and sustainable growth, not just a quick fix influx that may not drive results. Some long-term strategies may include web design (or hiring Hey Marketing to do a kick-ass website for you), content marketing (or hiring Hey Marketing for creative and conversion attracting content) and search engine optimisation aka SEO (or hiring Hey Marketing to…you get the picture – we can help you with all things long term strategy for your business).

To check out some businesses that have decided to trust us, click here .

Something to remember.... It’s probably not going to happen overnight..

When talking about resources in terms of marketing, it’s usually time and money. So the amount of time and money that is expended in whatever campaign or strategy you may be working on should be less than the goals you are aiming to achieve in the results of your campaign.

For example... let's talk about followers or even likes on a platform like Instagram – there are many sites that offer the purchase of Instagram followers or likes from as little as 100 to many thousands. While this may seem tempting to some it is not the way to build your business and define your online presence. An overnight increase of say 1000 Instagram followers may feel great. But all you are paying for is a number. There is no guarantee of engagement and it may hinder you in the long term on Instagram. Slow and steady growth in your following is much more important and much more sustainable if you want to reap the benefits long term.

Don’t get us wrong, short-term strategies are great, and they have their place, they can be important for generating buzz and boosting a particular product or service for a short-term. HOWEVER, if you want to build a sustainable brand that stands the test of time, you need to have long-term strategies in place that will help you transcend into the future.

Like the idea of your business transcending into the future? Sounds very mystical doesn't it!

Get in touch , we'd love to talk to you.

About the Author of this blog: Caitie Alexander

Backed by a decade of roles in digital marketing, content creation and copywriting is Caitie's forte. Mum to creatures with both 2 and 4 legs, Caitie and her family call the Gold Coast home.

Specialities include making a cup of tea and then forgetting about it until it's cold and rapping Eminem lyrics.

Is it time for your business to rebrand?

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 23:35:06 GMT

Let’s kick this off by saying a brand is more than just a logo.

A logo is the sole graphic identifier for your business, but a brand is everything that encompasses what you do and who you are. This ranges from brand imagery, and tone of voice, all the way down to fonts and colours.

As Jeff Bezos founder of Amazon famously said, “A brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room”

Often when starting a business, your brand identity is the last thing on your mind. You’re wrapped up in supply chain, profit & loss and figuring out your target market…not what fonts to use or which array of Pantone’s speak to you. This is where a rebrand can come in super handy! Your biz is in full swing, you’re a well-oiled machine! But you don’t love the feeling of your brand.

So, what does a rebrand involve?

Depending on your goal and what you want to achieve, a rebrand can be as subtle or as bold as you like. If you think it’s time for your biz to make an impact, that real * wow* factor, you might consider a name change and/or an entirely new logo. With this, you can really pinpoint what it is you want your updated brand to feel like and how you want to connect with your customers/clients. To tie in with this, you might also consider updating your website, engaging in a content shoot, or creating social media accounts for your biz (if you haven’t already).

OR perhaps you may just want an updated look of what you currently have. This can be as simple as tweaking your existing logo by changing the font, and colours or subtly updating the icon. In most cases, this is still enough of a change to reposition yourself amongst competitors whilst maintaining brand recognition with a refreshed, modern look.

Rebranding happens more than you think, and more than you may even realise. Large companies have often been through multiple rebrands to make sure they’re keeping up with the times. For example, how many Burger King logos can you picture? Since its creation in 1955, Burger King has gone through 4 rebrands. Recently they have reverted back to their more classic logo from the 7’70s-’90s perhaps trying to tap into the nostalgic feeling (read more about that here)

Image from 99 Designs

If you need assistance with your brand (or rebrand!), we would love to help (it’s kinda our jam).

Please don’t hesitate to shoot us a message.

About the Authors of this blog:

Jayden Leask

Bringing brands to life like never before, Jayden is passionate about storytelling through all visual aspects.

When it comes to your design elements, you definitely want Jayden on your team. She's an organisation goddess who does more planning and research than anyone.

A creative through and through, we give her coal and she gives back diamonds! A savant of colour palettes, Jayden helps to keep content on brand and super stylish

Give them what they want. They're craving authenticity.

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 03:57:22 GMT

Now more than ever your audience is craving authenticity at every touch point.

Audiences are saturated with content on each and every platform, there has been a shift in the past few years, shown in stats from each platform that scream that the audience wants to see more raw, authentic content, from both creators and businesses.

This creates the question, how do I create authentic content?

Our answer - user-generated content, and then our next question - does it really work?

The short answer is yes, but let's get into it a little further. Before we get any further let's rewind and define user-generated content.

User-generated content or 'UGC' is content that is produced by customers/clients that is brand/business-specific, which is then shared on social media platforms.

Now that we’ve defined what exactly UGC is let’s get into the reasons why it is important and why you should include this form of content in your digital marketing strategy.

Reason 1:

Build trust with your audience

As mentioned before audiences are craving authenticity in a world full of content saturation. Authenticity often leads to trust being built between your business, existing audiences and potential customers.

Showcasing your clients speaking about your services/products gives audiences an authentic look into your brand with someone with that they are able to connect and relate and see themselves. This helps potential clients start to associate your brand with being authentic, reputable and trustworthy.

Reason 2:

Mix it up

Although we are big advocates for professionally produced content and believe that these professionally created photos and videos should be an essential part of everyone's marketing strategy when possible, UGC helps mix up audience feed a little bit, providing something different for them to interact with.

This could be content that is generated by customers or could simply be an iPhone photo onsite that acts as a behind-the-scenes look. Having a mix of content styles is important when keeping your audience engaged with the content you are producing and distributing.

Reason 3:

Stand Out

This final reason kind of mixes both reason one and two together but UGC is a great way to make your content stand out. Due to the increased use of social media platforms for business and marketing, audiences can get sick of ads and promotions, leading to mindless scrolling and content not making the intended impact.

UGC is a great way to re-engage audiences with your content and brand without having to push ads and promotions heavily. If the promotions are constantly very ‘in your face’ for clients they can be turned off your brand and business. Utilising this UGC to subtly do the re-engaging and get the audience interested in your brand is one of the big benefits of using this style of content.

Check out some of our client's UGC:

Take this as your nudge to try out some user-generated content in your marketing strategy, don't be scared to try out something new!

Want to chat some more about how user-generated content could benefit your business and add to your marketing strategy?

Shoot me an email at taylor@heymarketing.com.au.

About the Authors of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!

Marketing + Makeup = The Perfect Insider Session

madeleine@heymarketing.com.au (Madeleine Riehl) — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 01:54:25 GMT

Join us for an afternoon of all things marketing and makeup while donating to a great cause.

Join Hey Marketing and Luminosa for an afternoon of Marketing & Makeup at the Luminosa Insider Sessions Space.

About this event

This amazing insider session will include:

A Look & Learn session with Ellie Burgoyne, founder of Luminosa, teaching you professional makeup tips and tricks for digital content creating.
A personal digital marketing session with Maddie Riehl, founder of Hey Marketing, helping you learn how to create your personal online brand and a digital marketing strategy.

Tickets are $95 per person and are strictly limited.

Bubbles and snacks served on arrival.

100% of funds raised at this event will be donated to Toowoomba Hospital Foundation.

The Myth's About Creating Content

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 01:06:34 GMT

Today Taylor and Maddie are taking on the self-appointed role of Mythbusters. We are going to get honest and real about creating professional content for your business.

It’s time to delete the stock imagery and take the time to curate content that represents your business, your brand and your vision.

Right-e-o, now that the intro’s out of the way, let’s get into busting some myths.

Myth 1: It costs a lot of $$

This does not have to be the case, it actually is more affordable than you might think (p.s. you can message us to get a quote - we don't bite).

The imagery which is captured can be used for multiple years AND can be repurposed to be utilised across a multitude of platforms, and also across your website.

Myth 2: It is time-consuming

A typical content shoot usually takes a MAX of 2 hours. That is 2 hours on-site to capture content that can be used, as we said before, for years and across multiple platforms. You don’t even have to stop operating the business for those 2 hours, we will follow around team members to capture the content we need which is decided on in a shoot brief or agreement.

Myth 3: You have to come up with the ideas

While we always love to have client input, we will never leave our clients up the creek with no paddle. Coming up with creative ideas is what we are good at. We provided a list of suggested content to capture and then as the client review they are encouraged to make suggested changes or request anything in particular that you would like to see.

Capturing the content of something you may consider as ‘boring’ or ‘mundane’ can actually be an amazing way to show audiences who you are as a brand and what you do. People love to see genuine, candid moments, it helps give your brand or business a personality.

So now that I’ve busted those myths for you, it may be time to take the next step in creating some professional content for your business. If you’d like to chat more about this we are here to help! It’s as easy as filling out the contact form below and then we will reach out to you once your enquiry is received!

Thanks for joining me today on this episode of Mythbusters. We can’t wait to hear from you and help you get started on your content journey.

About the Authors of this blog:

Taylor Byrne

Currently studying a Bachelor of Communications Taylor always grabs any opportunity to learn new things and step out of her comfort zone.

Starting as the OG work experience gal for Hey Marketing in July of 2021, her love for all things creative have only continued to grow. She loves getting to work with such a diverse clientele, as this means each day is different and presents new opportunities to learn and create.

Specialities include hitting the d-floor (no seriously she is trained in ballet), uncontrollable giggle-master and Gen Z translator.

Maddie Riehl

Originating from a marketing career starting in Agricultural Marketing for a national brand, paired with a Diploma in Marketing & Business Communications, Maddie started Hey Marketing in 2021.

Maddie has worked with brands in over 150 various industries both locally, nationally and globally. Her experience in multi-channel marketing is what drove her to start her own digital marketing agency.

Specialities include making people laugh, cooking and eating food and being obsessed with a clever marketing campaign.

Are You For Reel?

Fri, 20 May 2022 04:51:26 GMT

I’m sorry Ms Jackson, I am for ‘Reel’...

Okay, that’s it for the Reel puns…maybe

Anywho, back to the business at hand - Reels in marketing, not reels attached to a fishing rod.

If your business isn’t utilising Reels in its marketing strategy, it could be missing out on a lot of opportunities for brand awareness. In today's social media world, Reels are the fresh new functionality meaning there are a lot of people out there spending a lot of time watching them. At Hey Marketing we have to watch reels for work purposes…so it doesn’t count, right?

According to Earthweb - Content on Instagram Reels gets 22% more engagement compared to regular videos on Instagram. By posting Reels to your Instagram page, you are enabling your content to get in front of a wider audience. Instagram is currently placing emphasis on video content through its platform. Reels can be seen on the ‘explore’ page through trending audio and hashtags, meaning your content is being seen by non-followers or people who wouldn’t have usually seen your content. Winning!

The Reel Nitty Gritty Stuff

The digital world is forever evolving and social media for businesses is a definite must. Deciding which social media platforms to utilise for your business is a different conversation altogether - one we can definitely help you with!

But why Reels? Why now? C’mon social media gods, not ANOTHER function for small business owners to learn about! Reels are a great tool for showcasing your brand or business along with its values and personality. Social media is all about connection, communication and community. By resonating and connecting with your audience rather than pushing the hard sell you start to build a relationship. Your relationship with a non-following Instagram user can evolve into a captured follower and then a loyal customer if they resonate with your brand, your story or your values and ultimately the product or service you are offering. This means a real relationship, with a real person all because of some captivating Reels! That my friend is when the magic starts to happen.

Help Me! I’m Sinking into a Scroll Hole!

Instagram Reels use a proven, highly effective and highly addictive formula to fully engage its users. Have you ever been sent a hilarious reel that you open, then you think ‘I’ll just watch a couple more’…then suddenly it’s an hour or two later and you have no idea where the time has gone? That time has sunk into what’s known as a scroll hole, and you are never getting back. Washing to be done? Pfft, what washing? Let’s watch some more Reels.

Reels provide fast and fun entertainment without having to think too deeply about it. Not only that, because Reels are the hot new feature for Instagram you can be sure that the algorithm tends to favour accounts that regularly publish Reels…sneaky right?

The Reel Deal of Posting Reels

You need to make sure your content is appropriate for an unknown audience. What does this mean exactly? When posting Reels you never know who it may reach. Although your content may be engaging for your target market, you need to make sure it’s also appropriate for those outside of your target market - age, gender, beliefs, values etc. Your video needs to be short & sharp with your own unique spin added to it.

Round 3 Business Basics Grant!

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 05:51:30 GMT

Round 3 of the Business Basics Grants Program opens soon! �� ⠀

This means.... you & your amazing small biz may be eligible for a single up-front fixed grant payment of $5,000 for funding the following activities; ⠀
- Strategic Marketing Plans & Services ⠀
- Website builds or upgrades ⠀

Read more about it here!
⠀
Stay Calm! What's the procedure? ⠀
1. Contact Hey Marketing for a quote and some assistance in applying for this grant �� Easiest way to do this is submit an enquiry using the form below!

2. Applications open 9am, Tuesday 17 May (South East QLD) and 9am, Monday 16 May (Regional QLD) and is competitively assessed so make sure to get in touch if you're interested! And get in right at 9am to submit your application!

We look forward to talking to you shortly!

Remember When... Nostalgia marketing

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 03:41:17 GMT

Whatever generation you belong to x, y, z. There's something about that nostalgic feeling, revisiting those positive memories that makes you feel warm and fuzzy, a feeling that we could all use a little more of.

Now the question is, why use nostalgia in your marketing strategy? Shouldn’t we just leave the past in the past?

The answer is that invoking nostalgia in your marketing helps to build a positive relationship between you and your clientele (and potential clientele).

Let's take a look at some big brand’s take on using nostalgia in their marketing:

First up is Nintendo.

In this ad Nintendo reminds viewers about the fun you had playing with Nintendo as a child, which in this case brought two distanced brothers back together to bond over Nintendo once again. The other important showcase in this ad is that even though times and technology has changed the happiness and childlike wonder that Nintendo once gave is still possible.

Let’s take a look at an example that’s a little closer to home for us Aussies.

The reboot trend of 2018 gave the perfect opportunity for Tourism Australia to bring back the nostalgia of the Crocodile Dundee movies, all the while showcasing the best that Australia has to offer in tourism.

So why does nostalgia work? The simple answer is that it creates a positive association and feelings towards your brand and your services / products. This also means that positive brand recall is more likely to occur.

So next time you are planning a #throwbackthursday post, take a second to think about what nostalgic feelings you could tap into.

Digital Evolution Government Budget Announcement!

madeleine@heymarketing.com.au (Madeleine Riehl) — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 00:40:21 GMT

This is not an April Fool’s Joke, we repeat, this is not a joke ��

Seriously, the government is being really awesome and helping small businesses embrace the 'digital evolution' (cue trumpet sounds ��).

Small businesses that spend on new technologies and training courses to upskill staff will be able to claim 120% of the costs as deductions, as part of budget measures that will cost the government $1.6bn in tax revenue. ��

For the estimated 3.6m businesses with an annual turnover of less than $50m, eligible costs incurred from Tuesday evening (29/03/22) can be deducted from their taxable revenue at an amount greater than what was actually spent.

As Frydenberg (scomos right hand man) said, “Every hundred dollars these small businesses spend on digital technologies like cloud computing, e-invoicing, cybersecurity and web design will see them get a $120 tax deduction". What. A. Legend.

Here's hoping all gets passed in the coming months! We'll keep you posted.

But seriously, run, don't walk if you want to get a website built with us! We'd love to chat. ��

Stop The Spread ... Of Misinformation

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 04:58:18 GMT

Let’s be honest, we all have at one point or another said something thinking it was 100% true, but it has ended up maybe not being as true as we originally thought.

We live in a time where information is EVERYTHING. We consume so much information daily, as soon as we open a social media app on our phone we still digest information (not only to mention the amount of information we are giving away about ourselves, but that is a conversation for another day). It has become the ‘norm’ to get your daily news and updates through your social feeds, however, misinformation can easily run rampant on these platforms.

A lot is going on in the world at the moment, and we are seeing information about events left, right and centre across almost all social media platforms. Before you engage with any of this information, it is good to think about the following points.

SOURCE SOURCE SOURCE

What is the source of this information? Is it a reputable journalist? Are they knowledgeable in the topic that they are talking about? How has the information been acquired?

2. REFERENCE CHECK

Has the information been confirmed or is it just speculation? Check to see who the information has been collected from.

3. TAKE EVERYTHING WITH A GRAIN OF SALT

Keep in mind that as information is passed around the story can easily change and have new details added or removed. Any piece of information that you see on social media should be taken with slight caution. As people, who are misinformed slowly share and spread ‘information’ more and more opinions and changes can occur to the real story and the real facts.

I promise I’m not trying to scare you away from information and educate yourselves on important issues and events that you may see on your social feeds, HOWEVER, I do want to encourage you to take a moment to question the accuracy of the information. By taking that moment and asking those questions you are helping to stop the spread of misinformation.

Our Top 5 Super Bowl Ads - 2022

madeleine@heymarketing.com.au (Madeleine Riehl) — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 01:12:09 GMT

According to NBC Sports, 30-second ads are selling for roughly $6.5 million, which would make them the most expensive in Super Bowl history.

So if you're spending $6.5 million bucks on a 30-second ad (yup, read that again without falling off your seat) - how are you spending it?

Nothing beats a good Super Bowl commercial. This year the official number was an average of 42.7 million viewers, peaking at 51.6 million viewers.

Here's our top 5 Super Bowl ads, we'll even tell you why they're our favourite.

#1 - Rocket Mortgage: Barbie Dream House

Cash Offer Carl?! Better Offer Betty? Houseflipper Skipper?! Seriously, a large majority of the target audience who played with barbies are now watching this ad and feeling nostalgic and also laughing their butts off, because the house market is nuts and this ad just strangely makes sense.

#2 - Uber... Don't Eats.

Stomach churning scenarios and celebrities, we love it. Some of the scenes even remind us of episodes from 'My Strange Addiction'..... (IYKYK). Brilliant.

#3 - Pringle Hand

Simple. A solid story line and something that if you've eaten Pringles before has probably happened to you - RELATABLE!

#4 - Rakuten's High Stakes

Serious, classy, dramatic then BAM robot vacuum, they're all the rage and we love it. Clever way to tie it back to their brand.

#5 Lays - Golden Memories

Product p lacement, story-telling, celebrities and a zombie - definitely had us entertained.

We're curious, did you watch the ads? If yes, what was your favourite?

Supporting The Toowoomba Hospital Foundation

madeleine@heymarketing.com.au (Madeleine Riehl) — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 00:28:29 GMT

5% of website sales from 2022 will be donated to The Toowoomba Hospital Foundation

It’s our great pleasure to announce that in 2022 Hey Marketing will be donating 5% from all website sales to the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation ��

We’ve got lots of love and appreciation for all the work that the Toowoomba Hospital does for our community, especially during the past few years of the dreaded C word, on top of the general service. Our donation will be presented at the end of the year and will be donated to the surgical & emergency sector of the hospital - both sectors we are very very thankful for!

Heyyyyy Pantone Colour of the year 2022

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 05:33:11 GMT

Ummmm.... that looks familiar!

We love this colour!

Hence why our brand is a very very close pantone!

This pantone is a dynamic periwinkle blue hue with a vivifying violet red undertone blends the faithfulness and constancy of blue with the energy and excitement of red. A new Pantone colour whose dynamic novel presence encourages personal inventiveness and creativity, PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri, the happiest and warmest of all the blue hues, introduces an empowering mix of newness.

Displaying a carefree confidence and a daring curiosity that animates our creative spirit, inquisitive and intriguing PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri helps us to embrace this altered landscape of possibilities, opening us up to a new vision as we rewrite our lives. Rekindling gratitude for some of the qualities that blue represents complemented by a new perspective that resonates today, PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri places the future ahead in a new light.

We are living in transformative times. PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri is a symbol of the global zeitgeist of the moment and the transition we are going through. As we emerge from an intense period of isolation, our notions and standards are changing, and our physical and digital lives have merged in new ways. Digital design helps us to stretch the limits of reality, opening the door to a dynamic virtual world where we can explore and create new color possibilities. With trends in gaming, the expanding popularity of the metaverse and rising artistic community in the digital space PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri illustrates the fusion of modern life and how color trends in the digital world are being manifested in the physical world and vice versa.

We absolutely love this colour and we love the way that Pantone describes it. Personal inventiveness, creativity, energy, excitement, newness, carefree confidence, daring curiosity, happiness and warmth! All things we aspire to be!

ABOUT PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR

The Pantone Color of the Year selection process requires thoughtful consideration and trend analysis . To arrive at the selection each year, Pantone’s color experts at the Pantone Color Institute™ comb the world looking for new color influences. These can include the entertainment industry and films in production, traveling art collections and new artists, fashion, all areas of design, popular travel destinations, as well as new lifestyles, playstyles, and socio-economic conditions. Influences may also stem from new technologies, materials, textures, and effects that impact color, relevant social media platforms and even upcoming sporting events that capture worldwide attention.

For 23 years, Pantone’s Color of the Year has influenced product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries, including fashion, home furnishings, and industrial design, as well as product packaging and graphic design.

COOL PANTONE THINGS.... JUST 'COS!

We'll take 10 of everything.... just for the office.... we need to stock up!

We love it so much! Lanyards & Coffee Mugs for all!

Field Guide Collaboration

madeleine@heymarketing.com.au (Madeleine Riehl) — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 05:20:18 GMT

It was an incredible honour to put together a collaboration of Toowoomba’s finest fashion, beauty and hair in a stunning location!

Take a look at what we produced below - see the print version HERE

Website, do I need one?

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 02:03:25 GMT

In a digital world with so many platforms to choose from, are websites still relevant?

The answer is.... ABSOLUTELY, and here's why.

With social media becoming such a big part of digital strategy, often businesses can forget about the importance of having a website and often think that they are something that is not necessary anymore.

Well... there's no shortage of websites being developed, a whopping 191,967 new websites go live every day! You may have seen on our socials recently that our website books are closed for the rest of the year and that we have recently opened our bookings for February 2022!

Today I want to have a little chat with you about the importance of having a website for your business. So grab a coffee (or beverage of choice depending on the time you’re reading this ��) and let’s chat ( this will take 3 minutes to read ) .

The value that a website can bring to your digital strategy is invaluable. Not only does it provide a place to distribute information about your business but it provides somewhere to drive your potential clients to.

Here are my top 3 reasons your business needs a website:

Showcase your brand

A website is a great place to showcase your brand and your brand's personality to current and potential clients. It provides a space where you can tell the story of your business, who you are, your vision and your mission. By providing this information it often helps clients decide whether they align with your brand and whether they will buy your products/use your services.

2. Increase credibility

Having a website increases the credibility of your business with potential clients. A website can make sure that you put your best foot forward and stand out from your competitors. Without a website, the legitimacy of your business may be put into question. You want a client to know that they can trust in your brand and to be seen as professional

3. Saves time for everyone

Having a website means that there is a central place for all the information about your business, services and products can be found. This saves time for both you and your clients by having all the information in an easy to access place. Having a website also allows you to list frequently asked questions and answers meaning all the info that people need to know is ready and available! Realistically your website needs to do some of the heavy lifting for you and your team - ask yourself - "what is the job description of my website" and then call it in for a performance review...

Here is a little performance review checklist for you to work through with your website:

Check 1. Is the information on your website up to date?

Check 2. Does your website showcase your brands personality accurately, both visually and written?

Check 3. Ar e you showcasing your brand to in the best light online with your website?

Based on those answers you'll have a pretty good idea of what to do next.

Until next time,
- Tay

START A CONVO WITH US ABOUT YOUR WEBSITE.

Goldfish Generation

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 23:26:06 GMT

When it comes to social media content, viewers attention spans are significantly shorter than they were 5 years ago. ... Cue instagram reels, a saving grace for your business.

Did you know that it is theorised that now our attention spans are shorter than that of a Goldfish? Scary to think about really. We as viewers and consumers of media have become accustomed to short content that fills a fix that we have. The science behind it is really quite interesting.

Instagram is one of the biggest social media platforms that most people are aware of. It is a photo and video sharing platform which is owned by Facebook (another powerhouse of the social media).

Today I want to talk to you a little about Instagram, more specifically Instagram Reels and why you should be using them for your business.

It was announced earlier this year by the Head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, that moving forward Instagram wants to put more emphasis on video content. What does this mean for you? Well if you want to keep growing your businesses presence and following on Instagram (which I am positive you do), you need to be creating video content that is short & catchy to match your audiences attention span.

So... Welcome Instagram Reels. A strategic new way of uploading videos, inspired by TikTok but Instagram's version... which is much cooler (well so we think!).

Reels are a simple and effective way for you to post video content. For those who don't know what Reels are... I thought I'd share my top 3 favourite Instagram Reels right now from some of my favourite businesses (and yes, they will change in a few days time because millions of reels are made every day!).

Jean Jail

Florals and Fika

Gucci

Still confused? Well Instagram Reels are:

Short videos (usually 8 - 60 seconds long)
Made up of footage that is either filmed on the spot or pre-filmed (you can edit clips together)
Able to upload Reels to your Instagram story in addition to your Instagram feed and your Reels gallery
Easily shot on a mobile phone

We here at Hey Marketing recently put up some polls about Reels on our Instagram story which delivered some interesting results. A lot of people were not creating Reels because they thought it didn't fit with their business image, this is because they thought Reels are too "goofy" or "silly".

This perception that Reels can only be used for goofy content simply isn't correct. In fact Reels can be a great tool to deliver information or a behind the scenes look.

When creating a Reel for your business here are some important things to remember:

Create A Hook: Create a hook within the first 3 seconds to catch the viewers attention and hold it.
Use Trending Music/Sounds: When editing your Reel or Filming it, it is a great idea to use trending music/sounds as it helps with the discoverability of your Reel gaining more viewers and growing your audience.
On Screen Text: Once again when editing, you should take advantage of being able to use onscreen text. Use short words that you want the viewer to remember.
Short Captions: You don't want to overload your audience with too much information, this may scare them away from your content. Keep your Reel captions, short and to the point. The video should do the talking.

The most important thing to remember is the catchier the better, you want to catch the audiences attention even though we all have such short attention spans now. Once you hook the viewer in make sure you are holding their attention, when you've got the gold fish don't loose him!

That's me signing off!

Happy Creating!

- Taylor

Tell Me Without Telling Me...

madeleine@heymarketing.com.au (Madeleine Riehl) — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 02:00:02 GMT

There’s a meme on TikTok: Tell me without telling me.

It started on Twitter but then, as most things do, it ended up on TikTok and of course, Instagram Reels (TikTok’s nemesis) and YouTube (*cough cough* subtle reference to multi channel marketing strategies!).

Here’s some of the best put into one handy YouTube video (embedded below for your convenience)...

I hope you found that as humourous as I did...

This ‘Tell Me Without Telling Me’ social media challenge is probably some of the best writing advice disguised in a meme (if you still read that as me-me that’s ok – just FYI a ‘meme’ is an image, video, piece of text, typically humorous in nature, that is copied and spread rapidly by internet users, often with slight variations.).

Tell Me Without Telling Me is genius. It gives your messaging a faster way to communicate, far beyond words but with SENSES (visual and audio… because social media hasn’t quite covered off on smell, taste and touch).

It’s the best way to paint a picture in the mind of the reader and to connect with them on a whole ‘nother level.

It gets us away from being boring and just stating the things we see but it puts us into the mind of the audience: What’s it like? How does it feel?

I often see business owners get trapped into writing too much, too literally that it actually causes their clients to disconnect.

It can be hard to write like this when you’re too close to the product or service offering, that’s why marketing agencies like Hey Marketing exist. We provide a fresh perspective and aim to connect with your audience on another level, using the Tell Me Without Telling Me thinking.

With all this in mind, go audit your messaging, is it too obvious? Is it telling the reader too much and boring them to death with words?

Let's Chat About Single Channel Marketing

madeleine@heymarketing.com.au (Madeleine Riehl) — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 04:41:41 GMT

Don't say it.....

It breaks my marketing heart when I hear people say their content is only distributed on a printed newsletter, or only on social media, etc, you get the point.

One word: REPURPOSE.

Repurpose the content (in the appropriate format) for MORE channels. You’ll get more bang for your buck and more people will see the fabulous content you spent time, energy and money creating!

Transforming your single channeled marketing approach into a multi-channel marketing strategy will take it to the next level! ��

Unsure how to do this? What other channels to use? We've unpacked it for you below!

Webinar content can be repurposed x1000 times!

A webinar typically contains a lot of content, such as slides that show customer results, product details, industry problems, and educational "how to" info. There's usually enough material in a webinar to give you a few months of repurposed content.

But let's get specific: You can turn a webinar into a blog post series, a SlideShare presentation, a press release, social media posts, an article for a magazine, an email newsletter, a brochure, or a speech. And those are just the content types I could list off the top of my head!

Transcribe the audio from any video you create and post it as a BLOG

There are transcription services or apps that will transcribe audio for you in 24-48 hours, depending on length. I've used Rev myself, and I would definitely recommend it.

Transcriptions are rarely perfect, so you'll need to go through it and polish up the text. But that shouldn't take long—a day at most. Make sure the text flows, words are spelled correctly, and everything makes sense.

Extract the audio from your videos and create a podcast

Take your social media video and make it into a blog or part of your email newsletter

Repurpose that editorial you just wrote into a blog article for your website.

Format your blog posts into an email newsletter

Sending each of your blog posts out as a separate email newsletter will help to put it in front of a wider audience. Some people on your mailing list won't read your company blog; and, of course, the blog posts will reach people who are not on your list.

Make your media release a blog or social media post

Have we motivated you to create a content repurposing plan? ( gosh we hope so !)

To make your plan outline how you're going to turn every new piece of content into other pieces of content. Even better, start repurposing what you've already created. It's a terrific way to get more mileage from your content and get it in front of more people.

Hey World

madeleine@heymarketing.com.au (Madeleine Riehl) — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 04:41:39 GMT

Not to be too goofy but we wanted to start a digital diary (aka blog) where we could share our creative tips around digital marketing.

Stay tuned for more content!