Over the last couple of weeks, I had the pleasure of delivering marketing workshops as part of the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber High Street Roadshows.

With sessions hosted in both Warwick and Nuneaton, these events brought together many passionate local business owners who were all eager to learn, share, and grow 💪.

These free, in-person workshops were open to all businesses with premises on the high street. The two hour training was designed to help local business owners boost visibility, drive footfall, and grow sustainably.

A glimpse into the topics covered:
- Effective marketing strategies for local businesses
- Maximising kerb appeal to attract passing trade
- Practical ways to enhance online presence
- Making the most of email marketing and review platforms
- Using social media confidently and consistently
…plus plenty of real-life examples, discussions, and Q&A.

Business owners shared their experiences learning not just from the workshop, but from each other.

Thank you to everyone who came along and helped make the workshops so successful!

With shoppers ready to spend, it's important to make sure your brand stands out this festive season. Here’s how to hit the ground running:

1. Plan
Many customers start browsing for Xmas presents in October and November. Consider special promotions, social media posts, email campaigns, and hosting special events e.g. festive previews.

2. Get festive
Seasonal branding isn’t just tinsel and snowflakes... though a little sparkle never hurts. You could update your website banners, social media, and email templates with festive colours and imagery. Depending on your business, themed packaging or limited-edition products could be a good investment.

3. Embrace social media
Showcase festive offers, behind-the-scenes content, and gift guides. Engaging content, such as countdowns, polls, or “12 Days of Christmas” promotions, encourages interaction and will keep your audience coming back.

4. Don’t underestimate email marketing
One of the most effective ways to reach customers. Personalised emails with gift suggestions, exclusive discounts, or festive bundles can drive online and in-store traffic. You can even split your contacts to target loyal customers with VIP offers and new customers with introductory deals.

5. Collaborate with other businesses
Partnering with nearby shops, cafes, or artisans can expand your reach and create a loyal community. Whether it's a shared social media campaign, festive pop-up, gift bundle or competition, collaborating can introduce you to new audience members.

6. Open for e-commerce
Many customers will do part or all of their Christmas shopping online. Try to ensure your e-commerce site is easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and is optimised. Highlight festive delivery options and gift-wrapping services to up sell.

7. Re-targeting
Not everyone buys on their first visit, but re-targeting adverts can remind shoppers of products they viewed. This can boost conversion rates and increase sales.

By planning ahead, leaning into the festive spirit, and using both online and offline strategies, your business can thrive this Christmas.

Join me at the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber High Street Roadshows.

I’m delighted to be delivering the workshop “The Power of Marketing” as part of the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s High Street Roadshow series. These in-person events are designed to help local business owners boost visibility, drive footfall, and grow sustainably.

​Seats are limited, so secure your seat via Eventbrite now...

What you’ll get out of it:
- A hands on workshop exploring how marketing works across both online and offline channels.
- Strategies to turn visibility into visits, whether through search engines, social media, or your shopfront.
- Insights tailored especially for high street and small businesses, but applicable to any business owner.
- Networking with fellow local entrepreneurs.
- A warm welcome with tea, coffee, and pastries.

In a world dominated by social media trends and rapidly developing algorithms, there’s one 'old-school' marketing method that continues to quietly outperform the rest... email marketing!

​​Whether you're a shop trying to drive footfall, or a service-based business trying to build relationships and grow sales, email marketing remains one of the most powerful and cost-effective tools you can use.

Why is email marketing effective?

​​It gives you a direct, personalised and cost effective line of communication with those who have already shown interest in your business.

Still unsure?
​These aren’t random followers or passive scrollers. They’re warm leads — subscribers who’ve actively chosen to hear from you.

Need a hand getting started?
Whether you’re stuck on topics, need help writing your posts, or want to make blogging part of your wider marketing strategy — I’d love to help. Let’s get your blog working hard for your business.