It’s fair to say there’s been a LOT going on in the news lately, and there’s been no escaping who and what has been grabbing the headlines. So you can be forgiven for not being abreast of every story in the paper or on the web. 

Just when it feels like we’re all up to our necks in doom and gloom, let us at 24 fingers bring you some boooom with a bit of really fantastic news about the Top 50 Adviser Awards.

We’re thrilled to say the annual competition, run in association with Enterprise Nation, Xero, Dell Technologies and Neat, has been launched and what better way to celebrate the UK’s unsung business heroes? 

Hard-working advisers, like our brilliant Emma Goode, are supporting and guiding small businesses up and down the country, helping them ride out and even emerge stronger from the storm.

Businesspeople are invited to nominate their most valued advisers across 10 professional categories in the Top 50 Adviser Awards. There’s also the Above and Beyond award, newly introduced for 2020, recognising those advisers who have pulled out all the stops and then some more to help small business owners navigate these trickiest of times. 

Of course we at 24 fingers would LOVE it if you voted for Emma for the marketing category. You, your friends, fellow entrepreneurs, colleagues or the dog – get everyone you know to nominate us – can vote at www.enterprisenation.com/top50. You’ll need:

The deadline for entries is 26th October, and two days later judges, Emma Jones of Enterprise Nation, Jo Sealy, director of To Market, Daniel Harrison, deputy director of SME policy, BEIS, Ann Francke, CEO of CMI and Stephen Woodford, CEO of the Advertising Association, will review the Top 50 shortlist.

On 4th November the judges’ Top 50 will be announced and the great British public has until 18 November to vote. A glitzy virtual awards ceremony will be held on 25th November – champagne on standby 🙈

Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation and member of the judging panel, said: “We know from more than 300,000 small businesses who have visited our platform in the past six months, just how invaluable the advice of professional experts can be – especially in these difficult times, Now more than ever, it can mean the difference between their business surviving or thriving.

“The aim of the Top 50 Adviser Awards is to showcase and celebrate the vital behind-the-scenes work of these unsung heroes, while also raising awareness of, and encouraging more small businesses to access trusted and affordable professional support.”

If we’ve supported you at all, either at one of the Essex meet-ups (and thanks to everyone who came along this month ), at one of our social media workshops, or through our professional connection, we’d love it if you could nominate Emma here www.enterprisenation.com/top50. Like we’d really love it 🙏🙏

The Covid-19 pandemic has thrown many things into sharp relief, from work-life balance to why more women entrepreneurs are still having to juggle their careers with domestic tasks than men to why more female-led businesses have had to shut up shop during the pandemic.

Facebook’s July 2020 Global State of Small Business Report revealed just 62% of UK women-led small and medium-sized businesses were operational or engaging in revenue-generating activities during COVID-19, compared with 71% of their male-led UK counterparts.

Managing Director Emma Goode will be hosting one of Facebook’s Virtual Conversations series, and will be addressing this issue – as well as several others – in a free-to-attend discussion on Tuesday September 22, 12:00 pm BST. 

Aimed at women entrepreneurs, it will focus on the unique challenges they face in starting, maintaining and growing a business, especially during the pandemic. 

This informal, ‘safe space’ discussion will give every participant a chance to explore what we can do – both individually and collectively – to support more female entrepreneurs of all ages and ethnicities, and lower the barriers preventing women getting into business.

We invite you to join us. Reserve your place here and if you would like to suggest topics for future meet-ups, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch by emailing Emma.

Imagine a world in which the messages you receive on Facebook also appear in WhatsApp, or Instagram. Simultaneously. We’re not fans of jargon at 24 fingers (we prefer to keep it simple and straight) but that’s our kind of synergy – and the boffins at Facebook are working its socks off to make it a reality, after a 2019 promise made by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to unite the three apps. 

It emerged earlier this month that Instagram was quietly testing a system that would allow Messenger communications to appear in users’ Instagram Direct inboxes. The news comes hot on the heels of Facebook Shops, which links businesses’ Facebook and Instagram pages. 

The feature is nowhere near ready for any sort of consumer roll out, judging by Instagram’s tweeted response to Alessandro Paluzzi’s screenshot, shared by Matt Navarra. “As we’ve mentioned before, we’re working on making our messaging services work across our apps. This is an early prototype, which we aren’t testing externally”, the platform replied. 

🤔 https://t.co/5dwjcZYDxZ

— Matt Navarra (@MattNavarra) June 3, 2020

Facebook has kept the development work on this feature on the down-low, possibly with good reason. For it to work, the inbox of every user signing up for the service would have to be replicated within each app, and that’s no small amount of tech heavy lifting, even for Facebook’s engineers. 

Zuckerberg’s grand plan does face a few other hurdles, too, most notably the thorny issue of guaranteeing end-to-end encryption, and US regulator’s concerns about Facebook’s monopoly of a messaging service with more than two billion users.

That said, if they can get it to fly, that seamless interconnection between Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp will be a boon for marketers, making it even easier to manage direct communication with customers. We say watch this space… 

If you’re struggling to grasp the latest social media trends, talk to us at 24 fingers and we’ll give you the word on the street.

“Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change”, quipped Frankenstein author Mary Shelley. As life ever-so-slowly returns to normal after the Covid-19 outbreak, we know exactly what she means.

Lockdown has forced business owners big and small to think fast and on their feet: whether it’s moving from an office-based operation to working from home, or switching to online rather than in-person sales.

One of the many bits of fall-out from all this disruption is a change in the way people pay for goods, most notably the big move away from cash.

A Mastercard survey has revealed half of consumers will use coins and notes less often, even after the pandemic eases, while 70% said they would permanently stick with digital payments.

The survey also said e-commerce made up a record 33% of total UK retail sales in April and May – that’s a little bit of good news worth slapping all over your social media.

“Amidst an incredibly challenging time for individuals, for communities and for businesses, we’re seeing sparks of change brought upon by the growth of digitally-savvy consumers and businesses embracing technology that will enable a swifter, more secure future”, said Jorn Lambert, Mastercard Digital Solutions executive VP.

We at 24 fingers think he’s right on the money.

Businesses offering seamless, easy-to-use digital payments (and there are lots to choose from) can hop on the coattails of this trend by making it a focal point of their social media marketing strategy.

Why not create a poll in your next email newsletter asking customers to rate your digital payments experience, then use that data to either make some changes, or show off your satisfaction levels on social media.

If that sounds a little intimidating, don’t worry. Chat to us at 24 fingers and we’ll help you master marketing your digital payments solutions like a boss.

We all know data is the new gold in this digital age, and many people are – quite rightly – more protective of their personal information than ever. In 2018, EU implemented the General Data Protection Regulation (better known as GDPR), legislation that required businesses to secure users’ permission to collect their data online for marketing purposes – and nothing else.

GDPR demands that: “consent of the data subject means any freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous indication of the data subject’s wishes by which he or she, by a statement or by a clear affirmative action, signifies agreement to the processing of personal data relating to him or her.”

Dontcha just love legalspeak? If that sounds like gobbledygook, fear not – here are our 10 tips to mastering GDPR compliance when marketing.

Unbundled
When requesting consent, it MUST be separate from your other terms and conditions. Businesses or marketers can no longer make it a prerequisite to signing up for a service. Check boxes or sliders work equally as well.

Active
Blank, opt-in boxes or a similar unambiguous method in which the choice is equally prominent must be used, so users actively elect to give consent. Pre-ticked, opt-in boxes are no longer valid under GDPR.

Clear
The request for consent must be phrased or written in a way that’s easy to understand. Confusing or vague demands will not pass muster.

Granular
Additional choices, known as granular options, must be offered when possible, so customers can give their consent to all the separate ways you intend to use their data. You can offer a list of options with check boxes, and ALWAYS include the ability to say no.

Named
The name of your company, as well as any third party whose consent you’re asking on behalf of, must be clearly given, so customers are fully informed about who is accessing their data.

Easy to withdraw
Consent must be easy to withdraw and customers should be made aware of how to do this. Always have the unsubscribe button in plain sight.

Documented
A record of what each person has consented to, what they were told, and when and how they consented must be kept.

Data minimisation
Make auditing and erasing the data you no longer need a part of the day-to-day or month-to-month operations, and keep only what you need for your business to function.

Ongoing compliance
GDPR is not a one-shot deal. As your business evolves and new systems are added, you’ll need to examine what impact they have on customers and ensure your firm remains compliant.

Confidence is key
Despite all the scary talk when it first emerged, GDPR isn’t something for businesses to be frightened of. In fact, it’s actually helped build trust with customers, as 62% are more willing to share their data if GDPR is explained to them, according to Digital Marketing Association.

If you’re still concerned about getting GDPR right, don’t worry – talk to us at 24 fingers and we’ll get you on the right regulatory track tout de suite.

Building a meaningful relationship – from that initial sizzle of attraction to forging a deep and lasting connection – takes time and effort, we all know that. Any business owner understands it’s worth all the blood, sweat and (sometimes buckets of) tears to have loyal clients return again and again. 

Luckily, in this digital age, you don’t need to say it with flowers to build up your customer database. Instead, let email marketing and its juicy ROI of £35:£1 do the talking. So, where IS the best place to drop in an email sign up on your site? Read on… 

Welcome gates

They say: Full-screen calls to action that open before any other content on your site. Aren’t these 21st-century pop-ups?

We say: Absolutely not – though as with all things relationshippy, timing IS everything. Welcome gates are one of the highest converting list-building techniques and, if well-placed, can significantly boost your sign-ups. 

Floating Bars

They say: A campaign pinned to the top or bottom of the web page that remains visible as your visitors scroll. 

We say: Another bit of tech that’s moved on from the customer experience-crushing bad old days, floating bars can boost email sign ups by adding a sense of urgency, or offer a way to promote a seasonal offer or upgrade. They’re also great for enticing less loyal customers over to your social media, offering another opportunity for you to build a relationship. 

At checkout

They say: An email sign-up invitation at the point of purchase attracts customers when they are at their most engaged with your business.

We say: Supermarkets display sweets at the till knowing parents will be “persuaded” by their bored children to buy some while queuing. Popping in an email sign-up at checkout works in a similar way but without the tantrums. Don’t miss out on the ideal chance to offer customers in the process of buying your products a way to stay in touch. 

Blog page

They say: Use your website’s blog section as a lead generation tool. 

We say: Blog posts are a fantastic way to engage customers and quality content will always find an appreciative audience. What better way to maximise that appetite than popping an email sign-up form on the blog page? 

Overlays

They say: A content box that appears on a web page, obscuring the background. What, MORE pop-ups?

We say: Okay, okay, a pop-up of sorts but as we said before, they’ve moved on from the bad old days. Overlays can be a powerful tool in your marketing kit bag, especially if used as a response to customer behaviour – welcoming a first-time visitor, for example.  There are lots of software options out there for you to try, too. 

Resources

They say: Optimise the traffic on a website’s resource page by placing an email sign-up call to action. 

We say: A resources section contains the most helpful and in-depth content about your company, products or services, as well as FAQs, customer case studies – the list is endless. Naturally, they attract a LOT of customer attention, so placing an email sign-up here could give your business a nifty boost. 

Still unsure about wooing customers with a well-placed email sign-up? Book a discovery call with us at 24 fingers and we’ll happily play Cupid. 

If lockdown has revealed anything, it’s that staying connected is far more important than we ever imagined. In a world where 91% of us check emails daily (or even hourly, ahem…), it’s a powerful communication tool and a fantastic way to inform customers about your business or products. Read on for six ways you can get more email subscribers from your website…

Create great content

They say: Why should we hand out our email address?

We say: Good point. Businesses need to create a really tempting, compelling reason for people to sign up. Amazing, entertaining or memorable content will not only leave subscribers wanting more, yours will be an email they actually look forward to opening. 

Simplify the sign up

They say: Pack your sign up form with lots of information. 

We say: DON’T. Keep it as easy to fill in as possible and don’t forget to put a sign up link front and centre on EVERY page of your website. There’s an ongoing debate about whether to include a customer’s first name in the form. Some see it as an unnecessary extra step, while others argue it’s a great way to personalise future content. Test, test, test, we say. 

Say thank you

They say: Don’t bother responding to a new subscriber; you’ve got them now.

We say: We’re not suggesting you dash out and buy them a bunch of flowers but a thank you not only recognises a new addition, it’s also a way to further engage them with a sprinkling of discounts or the offer of a sneaky peek at future temptations. It can also be showcasing positive reviews, or even a springboard to bonus content.  

One size does not fit all

They say: Email content should be the same for all customers.

We say: Emails are like jeans: taking a one-size-fits-all approach will leave some customers struggling to find a good fit. Instead try tailoring your email sign ups by offering lighter versions for those who might have less time on their hands. It’s better to retain a customer who may receive less of your content than someone who gets it all and reads none of it. 

Pop-ups are back

They say: Using flashy technology like pop-ups to persuade people to sign up risks irritating them. 

We say: Anyone who remembers the early days of the internet will rightly hiss at the notion of pop-ups flooding their screens. But fear not: they’ve evolved into quite the smart little marketing tool and convert a mind-boggling 1,375% more than a standard sign up form. There are loads to choose from, including HubSpot and PopUp Domination, so dig around and see what works best for you (Ed’s note: then test).

Prove it works

They say: People can already see how successful the business is.

We say: Everyone loves evidence of growth and success, and social proof is a great way to show customers your reach and even your brand values. Listing subscriber numbers or icons of companies you’ve collaborated with can help persuade people to follow suit and sign up. 

They’re our six top tips but do you want to know more? Talk to us at 24 fingers about how to get more email sign ups for your business.

Winston Churchill once said “If we are together, nothing is impossible. If we are divided, all will fail.” Seems highly appropriate right now, doesn’t it…  As a team of 24 80 fingers and 10 tentacles across two continents, we’re highly aware that teamwork is the only way of making this dream work and as such, we’re relying on collaboration tools more than ever before. Some of you may be using already, some may be new, but we thought it might be helpful to show you how we use these collaboration tools to keep connected, to keep productive and quite frankly, to keep sane. Enjoy…

Capsule

They say: Simple yet powerful CRM. Join over 10,000 global businesses and discover an easier way to manage contacts, sales and grow lasting relationships.

We say: Our first choice if you’re thinking of introducing a customer relationship management tool in your business. Easy to use, visually appealing, provides an at-a-glance overview of our sales pipeline, oh and great value too.

Teamwork

They say: Teamwork is a work and project management tool that helps teams improve collaboration, visibility, accountability and ultimately results.

We say: It was Teamwork wot done it. First bit of software we bought and we’ve never looked back. It integrates with Office365, Gmail and all major programmes available at an IT desk near you.Their proactive support is second to none too. Booooom.

Zoom

They say: Founded in 2011, Zoom helps businesses and organizations bring their teams together in a frictionless environment to get more done

We say: Move over, Skype. You’ll hear ‘Shall we jump on a Zoom?’ pretty much every hour in our world. Rarely drops out and you get to look into someone’s eyes while you talk. Win win. PS: Now home to our social media training courses.

WhatsApp

They say: More than 2 billion people in over 180 countries use WhatsApp¹ to stay in touch with friends and family, anytime and anywhere. WhatsApp is free² and offers simple, secure, reliable messaging and calling, available on phones all over the world.

We say: Did you know you can use WhatsApp on your desktop? Transformational. Let us show how.

Calendly

They say: Find the perfect meeting time with super easy online appointment scheduling software from Calendly, and say goodbye to phone and email tag.

We say: Let customers book in a Discovery Call with you directly from Facebook using Calendly software. Book in a call with us and we’ll show you how to set it up.

Canva

They say: Use Canva’s drag-and-drop feature and professional layouts to design consistently stunning graphics.

We say: An easy-to-use design tool that’s invaluable when it comes to creating social media graphics. The team functionality also means we can share designs across the oceans. Hands touching hands, reaching out, touching me, touching you (Ed’s note: that’s enough for now, Caroline, sweetie).

Be.Live

They say: Be.Live is a super easy web software for live streaming.

We say: Now we’re a believer. With 80% of all social media content due to be video based by the end of the year,  the Be Live platform is a non-scary way of recording webinars, remote interviews and Facebook Lives. Just remember us when you win your first Bafta.

Nuvi

They say: Listen, Plan, Publish, Engage, Analyze,Locate, Review, and Capture to create better experiences for your audience.

We say: You know that software you wanted that told you what was trending on social media and it showed you the movers and shakers in your industry and what platform they’re on, and when they post, and what day, and what hashtags they use and all that? Yeah, that. Speak to Dan Haslam and tell him we sent you.

Boomerang

They say: Thoughtful productivity software that helps you focus on what matters.

We say: Let us park that non-productive spammy spam spam that we just received in our inbox until we’re ready to deal. Thanks to Boomerang, we can deal with the important stuff at the right time through its clever Gmail filter. We can totally deal with that.

Hootsuite

They say: From finding prospects to serving customers, Hootsuite helps you do more with your social media.

We say: After Teamwork, there was Hootsuite. It allows us to approve and plan content, uncover influencers, keep an eye on mentions and so much more. In a disposable world, this one’s indispensable.

So there we have it. Our pick of the best collaboration tools known to woman, man and squid. Hope that helped and as ever, if you need a helping hand, social media or otherwise, we’ve got you covered. Apart from toilet roll. Just don’t ask us for toilet roll.

Stay safe people x

1 They tell us it’s a pun on ‘What’s Up?’
2 They also tell us data charges may apply.