Many small businesses face challenges when it comes to word-of-mouth advertising. It is still very difficult for small business owners to find the correct advertising channels. In order to help you advertise your small business better, I go over some basic ideas that you can try right now.
1. Make Your Google My Business Page More Impressive
Google My Business is an excellent way to give your business a boost in search engine rankings—it's free and targeted to local areas. With Google My Business, your business visibility in Google Maps, Search, and Knowledge Panel can be influenced. Please do not neglect this vital resource while providing your details on Google. By showcasing your company's best qualities, you may win over customers' trust.
2. Raise your position in both local and global searches
Start with search engine marketing if you wish to enhance your company's online visibility. More than simply a claim over Google awaits you as you rise in the ranks for your business terms of interest. A large number of people will visit your site for informative purposes, and some of them will become paying clients.
Both local and worldwide SEO are important. If your business has a brick-and-mortar storefront, you should put some effort into local SEO to attract the customers you want.
You can still get the benefits of local search if your platform is entirely online, but to optimize your site for visitors from all over the world, you need a broader understanding of the implications of global SEO.
Check out our comprehensive guide if you're interested in finding out more about SEO.
3. Use email marketing to your advantage
Email marketing has been a proven method of promotion for a long time. You're not worried about impressions, and you can directly reach your consumers' inboxes. Loyalty programs have their roots in email marketing.
As a small company owner, you have the option to set up automatic emails that welcome customers to your platform or site when they sign up for your newsletter.
In order to increase the number of returning customers to your online or brick-and-mortar store, you may also provide discounts and coupons. Reports indicate that people check their email up to fifteen times a day, which puts you in a favorable position.
4. Promote Your Service on Social Media
We can expect social media to continue to grow in the future. Businesses are losing out on a significant opportunity to increase their bottom line by not taking advantage of social media platforms. I'm not kidding! Social media accounts for more than half of the revenue in fourteen different sectors.
If you're struggling to come up with ideas, consider the platforms where your most loyal customers interact with you. Which social media platform? Instagram? Facebook? You should begin by assembling a strong group of followers or your most promising prospects.
Find out which customers/personas convert to advertising once you have identified a social buying process. Use these results as a springboard to keep trying new things until you have a constant flow of paying consumers.
Email marketing has been a proven method of promotion for a long time. You're not worried about impressions, and you can directly reach your consumers' inboxes. Loyalty programs have their roots in email marketing.
As a small company owner, you have the option to set up automatic emails that welcome customers to your platform or site when they sign up for your newsletter.
In order to increase the number of returning customers to your online or brick-and-mortar store, you may also provide discounts and coupons. Reports indicate that people check their email up to fifteen times a day, which puts you in a favorable position.
4. Promote Your Service on Social Media
We can expect social media to continue to grow in the future. Businesses are losing out on a significant opportunity to increase their bottom line by not taking advantage of social media platforms. I'm not kidding! Social media accounts for more than half of the revenue in fourteen different sectors.
If you're struggling to come up with ideas, consider the platforms where your most loyal customers interact with you. Which social media platform? Instagram? Facebook? You should begin by assembling a strong group of followers or your most promising prospects.
Find out which customers/personas convert to advertising once you have identified a social buying process. Use these results as a springboard to keep trying new things until you have a constant flow of paying consumers.
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Women on work trips around the world can find useful tips on everything, from how to use social media and get the right insurance to booking the right hotel.
There has been a steady increase in the number of female business travelers.
The travel safety risks faced by women are significantly higher than those faced by males. Therefore, it is crucial for firms to make sure that their travel policies are inclusive and safeguard female employees. The majority of female respondents (71%) in a recent poll of business travelers by World Travel Protection expressed the belief that women are less protected than males when traveling for work.
Here are a few pointers for female business travelers to make sure their trip is secure, easy, and rewarding.
Here are 10 essential pieces of advice for women on business trips.
1. Do thorough research.
For women, being well-prepared is essential for business trips. To determine whether your travel insurance and duty of care cover any recommendations specific to the country you're visiting, review your itinerary:
Make preparations to travel in a secure manner. In some areas, taxis might be your only option, but buses, trains, or even walking might serve other destinations better. Another consideration is whether your airport arrival time is in the middle of the night.
- Discover the best hotels by examining the safest and most convenient areas.
- If the country's currency is different from yours, withdraw your money before leaving.
- You should be familiar with the local emergency numbers.
- Before you leave, catch up on the local news concerning your destination. Be mindful of any political upheaval, weather reports, or dangers that may affect your trip.
- Make an effort to learn the basics of the language and local customs before visiting a foreign nation where you do not speak it.
Remember, posting in real-time on social media puts your personal safety at risk. While it's tempting to post appetizing photos of local cuisine, attractions, and selfies, be cautious because anyone can easily trace your live position and perhaps harm you if you do so frequently. Make smart use of social media by:
- Staying away from location tags
- Sharing media in real time.
- You can upload pictures of your airline tickets or hotel room.
No matter the purpose of your trip, having insurance is a must. You can lose time, energy, and tranquility if calamities, accidents, medical problems, or travel delays derail your plans. Invest in business travel insurance to safeguard yourself from any stressful travel situations. If you are planning your own trip, we suggest consulting your travel manager or firm for advice on the best insurance policies to cover it.
4. Make sure you use travel safety products.
- The proliferation of items designed to lessen the dangers associated with female solo travel in recent years is directly attributable to this trend. For your added peace of mind while traveling, consider the following travel-friendly safety products:
- Wearing a tiny security gadget around your wrist allows you to transmit messages with a single click in the event that you want assistance.
- In case of an emergency, carry an extra portable battery to charge your phone, just in case you find yourself stranded without any means of communication.
- You can carry these small, lightweight alarm systems with you, as they can emit a loud enough signal to wake up anyone within a specified range.
- Some places permit the use of pepper spray, an aerosol that can irritate the eyes and lungs and serve as a debilitating weapon. Do your homework on the local regulations for this before you leave.
- Software for business trips includes location services that, when communicated with your travel manager, can enhance your security by tracking your whereabouts.
Most business travelers prefer to extend their trips by a few days so they can fully enjoy their vacation after taking care of all necessary business. However, people should only venture out during the day if they are not familiar with the area, particularly women traveling alone. Ask the hotel staff for advice on how to stay safe while traveling in the area and always use a licensed cab.
The Metropolitan Police have launched a major crackdown on organised phone theft, leading to the recovery of 1,000 stolen devices and the arrest of 230 individuals. The operation, which took place across key areas of London, is part of a wider effort to tackle the rising wave of mobile phone-related crimes in the capital. (BBC News | Sky News)
A Growing Crime Wave
Phone theft has become a massive issue in London, with organised gangs targeting pedestrians, commuters, and tourists in broad daylight. Criminals use methods such as moped snatches, distraction tactics, and even violent confrontations to steal devices. According to police reports, many stolen phones are quickly sold on the black market or shipped abroad to avoid detection. (Metropolitan Police)
How the Crackdown Happened
The operation involved plainclothes officers, surveillance teams, and rapid response units working together to identify and apprehend suspects. Several hotspots, including busy transport hubs and shopping districts, were targeted. Officers were also able to track stolen phones in real-time using advanced digital tracing techniques, leading to significant breakthroughs in recovering stolen property.
A spokesperson for the Met Police stated, "This operation sends a clear message that phone theft will not be tolerated. We are committed to protecting Londoners and ensuring criminals face justice." The police also urged the public to take precautions, such as enabling phone tracking features and staying vigilant in crowded areas. (Crime Prevention Advice)
The Grenfell Tower fire was one of the most tragic events in modern British history, a disaster that exposed deep failings in safety regulations, accountability, and social inequality. Now, years after the fire that claimed 72 lives, plans have been announced to demolish the remains of the tower—a decision that has sparked an emotional and heated debate among campaigners, survivors, and the local community. (BBC News)
For many, Grenfell stands as a powerful symbol of injustice. Its charred frame is a stark reminder of the lives lost and the systemic failures that led to the tragedy. Campaigners argue that demolishing the tower risks erasing the memory of those who perished and the ongoing fight for justice. They see it as an attempt to move on from an issue that has yet to be fully resolved, with many survivors still waiting for real accountability.
On the other side of the debate, authorities and some members of the community believe that the tower’s presence is too painful, a haunting spectre looming over those who lost loved ones. They argue that keeping it standing prolongs the trauma for residents who have to see it every day, a constant reminder of loss and devastation. The government has cited safety concerns as a key reason for demolition, stating that the structure is unstable and could pose a danger if left standing. (Grenfell Tower Inquiry | UK Government Statement)
But campaigners remain sceptical. Many have accused the government of trying to erase the legacy of Grenfell without fully addressing the systemic failures that led to the fire. There is still widespread frustration over the slow pace of justice—cladding companies, landlords, and policymakers have yet to be held fully accountable. Survivors and bereaved families have long demanded criminal prosecutions for those responsible, yet progress remains frustratingly slow.
Valentine's Day is around the corner, and before everywhere turns red, the price of flowers skyrockets, restaurants run out of bookings, and taxi prices get even higher, we'll be bombarded with gift ideas for him and her. Then, there are those who are feeling down because they don’t have a partner and others preparing for first dates. But before we get caught up in all of this, let’s take a moment to discuss something else—a feeling, or perhaps a moment in life, that I'm not sure many can relate to. This might resonate more with those who have come of age, the older generation, or those who have experienced life in different ways.
Maybe they just needed a little patience. Maybe they needed a little confidence, or maybe they just needed time. You saw them and knew, but the point in your life where you were at didn't allow you a chance with them. And so, you buried them—yet, they keep rising to the surface of your heart.
It's not hard; it just is. You're not sad, but you don’t quite know how to feel about it. You don't regret where you are in life now, but you know it could have taken a different turn that would have also been good or maybe. Words can’t quite explain how. The memories are sweet, though you never had them. Things didn’t fall apart; no moves were made. Maybe it was fear—your fear, their fear—or maybe it was just time that didn’t allow things to happen. Perhaps you lost contact after that first meeting, or after however many times you crossed paths.
But you know, in your heart, there was something real or felt like real or without a definition but kept lingering. A love so deep, even the earth would have been jealous of it. Some of you still see them; some of you haven’t in years. And for some, they've passed away. And then comes the silence—the silence that has never been broken, because you’ve never spoken of it to anyone. But your heart carries it, tucked gently in a quiet corner. You can’t suppress it. You simply learn to ignore it, because that’s just how it is now.
If you've ever worn a wig, you know they're not the most comfortable. Afro-style wigs might be a bit better, but generally, they’re not the most comfortable. Wearing a wig in the summer? It’s even worse. The sweat on your scalp builds up because your hair is trapped underneath, and adding another layer on top makes it unbearable. This is not just my personal experience. I mostly wear wigs for pictures to switch up my look, but not for long periods or as part of my everyday style. I’d never trade my freedom and comfort just to look a certain way.
Now, I’m not here to condemn those who can wear wigs for hours. If you can endure it, good for you, but for me, it’s uncomfortable. Over time, they cause itching—especially the ones glued on for too long—and they can even make your hair smell. Wearing wigs for extended periods doesn’t keep you comfortable and can even make you look tacky. That’s why I’m writing this article. I love switching up my look, but I’ve noticed that many women have become obsessed with wigs to the point where they’ll spend loads of money on them without ever investing in themselves. Shows like Young, Famous & African on Netflix or other reality shows featuring Black women rarely show anyone wearing their natural hair or sporting a culturally significant hairstyle. And that’s not to say wigs are bad, but it’s concerning how many Black women are promoting looks that don’t represent who we truly are. We need to teach younger generations that they don’t have to wear wigs to fit in.
I’ve had someone ask me why I didn’t “dress up” for an event simply because I wasn’t wearing a wig. Meanwhile, I looked just as beautiful in a lovely, decent dress—probably even better than her. But for some reason, not wearing a wig made me less “dressed up” in her eyes. I think the wig industry has taken away a lot of Black women’s confidence. Many women are willing to go to extreme lengths to wear a piece of someone else’s hair, and that’s what bothers me. I can meet ten beautiful Black women, and all of them will be wearing frontal wigs, with the lace visible and sometimes even the glue showing. No matter how skilled the installer is, I can still tell it’s not your hair, and honestly, it doesn’t look nice. Some are really pretty until you come closer, and then the lace is visible, or the glue starts to show, making it look less natural.
Wigs have become more about putting people into categories than having fun with their look. People are spending big money on wigs but haven’t made any realistic investments in themselves. Take reality shows, for example—most of the Black women on these shows aren’t wearing their natural hair, braids, or anything culturally representative of who they are. Instead, they’re wearing wigs made from someone else’s hair or mass-produced in factories. There’s this narrative that, in order to succeed or meet certain people, wearing a good wig is part of the package. I’m speaking from experience here.
An important micronutrient that helps keep your body healthy is vitamin C, which is also known as ascorbic acid. We'll talk about some facts and myths about this important vitamin below.
What does vitamin C do in the body?
Vitamin C is a necessary vitamin that supports a variety of bodily activities. Vitamin C is important for the production of collagen, a protein required for the health of the skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels, as well as the healing of wounds and the formation of scar tissue. The vitamin also contributes to strong bones, cartilage, and teeth. Additionally, it increases the body's ability to absorb iron from plant-based diets.
Vitamin C helps to boost the immune system. Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant, neutralizes free radicals, which are unstable chemicals that can damage cells and lead to aging, cancer, and heart disease. The vitamin also has a role in the production of neurotransmitters, which allow nerve cells to communicate.
How much of C do you really need?
Since our bodies can't make vitamin C, we need to get it from our food or pills.Getting them from organic food is always a healthier and better source.
How much vitamin C you need every day varies by age, gender, and stage of life.
It depends on your health or how you live your life if you need more or less vitamin C.
Recommended Daily Allowances (RDAs) for Vitamin C:
- Men (19+ years): 90 mg
- Women (19+ years): 75 mg
- Pregnant Women: 85 mg
- Breastfeeding Women: 120 mg
- Smokers: Require an additional 35 mg daily compared to non-smokers.
Source: National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements
Must read: 12 vegetables you must eat every day.Too much vitamin C can be bad for you.
Vitamin C is safe for most people. As a result, taking more than 2,000 milligrams (mg) per day can lead to unpleasant side effects because the body can't take that much. Problems that happen a lot include diarrhea, feeling sick, and stomach cramps.
High amounts of vitamin C may sometimes cause kidney stones, especially in people who already have problems with their kidneys. Too much vitamin C supplementation during pregnancy can change how much vitamin C a baby has after birth. People who already have certain health problems, like iron overload disorder or inherited hemochromatosis, should also be careful about getting too much vitamin C.
Can vitamin C keep you from getting colds or make them last less time?
In the 1970s, a lot of people believed that vitamin C could keep you from getting colds. However, most studies have since disproved this idea. Regularly taking vitamin C doesn't seem to lower the risk of getting a cold, but there is some evidence that it might shorten the length of the cold or make its symptoms less severe.
Most people don't need to take high-dose supplements to keep their immune systems healthy. They can just eat a balanced meal that includes enough vitamin C.
Yeah, it brings back all the memories as it marks two years since my sister left us to rest. It has been a mix of emotions. Some days are lighter than others, and some days are heavier. I know everyone hurts sometimes, but this one seems like it’s lingering—it’s not going away. She was what love stands for; she was my second mother. She was always so happy with me, but now she’s nowhere. I love her, I know, but why she stopped fighting, I didn’t know. Still, I am sure her reasons are good enough for me to accept, but her absence is not okay. No, I am not okay, as the 10th of January marked two years since she left us. I have been short of words, but tonight I got my words together.
Some days I cry, some days I smile, but how do I let go of her absence and the memories? I don’t even know how to feel sometimes—it’s all a mix of everything. If only she could speak and say, “Oh, I’m fine,” maybe I’d feel better about her absence. I miss her. We don’t talk anymore like we used to. When I call her name, I get no reply. Her voice is nowhere to be found. I don’t know how to fix this; I don’t know what to do. The tears just don’t stop.
Can someone knock on heaven's doors and tell them, Please, I miss her.
Can someone tell her that my heart is broken and I now know what a broken heart feels like? Tell her it's empty, filled with so much pain. I can't control my feelings, and I hate how I feel. When I heard her last goodbye, I died inside. I had no tears. All I want is for her to tap me on the shoulder and say, "Hey, it's fine." But will I ever get that?
Heaven, please, I have a question. All I need is an explanation. I just want to know if she’s missing me. I can’t reconcile that she’s gone in my head. When I lost energy, she was like fuel—she gave herself completely. I know I’m not asking for much, Lord—just a whisper. If her voice is gone, then a touch. But if not, then tell her that I asked for her, that I love her, and that I’m always thinking about her.
Heaven, please, I feel so all alone. She wanted life more than ever before. Heaven, please, please. Heaven, please, if I could only just have one minute to tell her how I feel. Heaven, please, I just need a moment from this lifetime to have her by my side. Heaven, please.
I was walking on the street, and it was like I saw her. But when I looked closely, it was another person. How do I shake this off? I can’t. I feel empty. How do I tell her story when she is no more? When we don’t talk anymore? She is gone forever. I will forever miss her.
Heaven, please, I have a question. All I need is an explanation. I just want to know if she’s missing me. I can’t reconcile that she’s gone in my head. When I lost energy, she was like fuel—she gave herself completely. I know I’m not asking for much, Lord—just a whisper. If her voice is gone, then a touch. But if not, then tell her that I asked for her, that I love her, and that I’m always thinking about her.
Heaven, please, I feel so all alone. She wanted life more than ever before. Heaven, please, please. Heaven, please, if I could only just have one minute to tell her how I feel. Heaven, please, I just need a moment from this lifetime to have her by my side. Heaven, please.
I was walking on the street, and it was like I saw her. But when I looked closely, it was another person. How do I shake this off? I can’t. I feel empty. How do I tell her story when she is no more? When we don’t talk anymore? She is gone forever. I will forever miss her.
Photo by Brett Sayles
These days, I only take photos and review outfits I genuinely love. Comfort is always my priority, but denim has a special place in my wardrobe. Living in the UK, where the weather can be unpredictable, denim has always served me well—and it still does.
I’m not just talking about jeans. I love exploring denim in different forms—like dresses or waistcoats—and this outfit is no exception. I recently got this Blue Loose Casual Pocket Button-Up Round Neck Sleeveless Waisted Vest and Wide-Leg Pants Denim Two-Piece Set from Know Fashion Style.
I’m not just talking about jeans. I love exploring denim in different forms—like dresses or waistcoats—and this outfit is no exception. I recently got this Blue Loose Casual Pocket Button-Up Round Neck Sleeveless Waisted Vest and Wide-Leg Pants Denim Two-Piece Set from Know Fashion Style.
What I immediately loved about this two-piece denim waistcoat and flare trousers is how effortlessly it transformed with heels. I added a pair of heels, and voilà ! The look instantly upgraded from office casual to polished and formal—perfect for a professional meeting. You know what I mean, right?
The material feels lovely on the skin—soft, breathable, and just the right weight for denim. However, I did notice a strong chemical odor when I first unpacked it. It could be from anti-pest treatments, dyes, or even formaldehyde (which some manufacturers use to prevent shrinkage). I’m not a fabric expert, but whatever it was, the smell was quite strong.
Pro tip: Always wash new clothes before wearing them, no matter where you buy them—even if they’re sealed in a package. Some chemicals are odorless, so it’s just better for your skin and health.
That being said, I genuinely loved everything else about the outfit. The design is thoughtful, and I think I styled it pretty well if I do say so myself!
- The Color: The blue is vibrant and pairs beautifully with neutrals or pops of color.
- The Fit: It felt like it was made for me. The waist fit perfectly—not too tight, just right—and the overall look was so comfortable.
- The Buttons: The button pattern added symmetry and elegance, giving the outfit a feminine touch.
- The Flare: The wide-leg pants added drama to the look while keeping it office-appropriate.
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