Blog

An inspiring day at Hello Social’s Marketing Mixer in Chesterfield gave me plenty to think about. Here are my key takeaways on brand personality, consistent marketing and LinkedIn video, and how I’ll use them to support small businesses through Crafty Penguin.

What does the future of SEO, AI search and digital marketing mean for small businesses? After attending brightonSEO 2026, I came away with plenty of ideas about how businesses can improve their online visibility, build brand authority and create more effective content. Here, I share seven key takeaways from the event and practical ways small businesses can use them to strengthen their marketing strategy.

Last weekend, I visited the The Photography Show 2026 at the NEC Birmingham, and it was a brilliant reminder of how closely photography and marketing are connected.

Recently, I picked up a book that’s had a big impact on how I think about branding and connection, How Your Story Sets You Free by Heather Box and Julian Mocine-McQueen. As someone working across marketing and design, it struck a real chord with me. What stood out most was this: storytelling isn’t just about sharing what you do, it’s about sharing who you are.

Podcasts are booming, with more people tuning in than ever before. Despite this, only a small fraction of marketers are using podcasts to grow their brands. This presents a huge opportunity for businesses to stand out by embracing this increasingly popular medium. The webinar highlighted that podcasts offer something unique: a way to connect with audiences on a deeper level. Whether it’s sharing expertise, telling your brand’s story, or simply offering value-packed content,