ARTICLES
My tried and tested advice on how to generate more leads and more clients online.
How to get more engagement with your freebies
How to get more engagement with your freebies Freebies, opt-in incentives, content upgrades, we create them so that people are more likely to join our mailing lists. Bottom line, you offer something of value for free in exchange for their contact details. But are you...
My story. How I made real changes to get the business and life I wanted.
My story. How I made real changes to get the business and life I wanted.When my daughter was born in 2016, everything changed, but not in the way you'd expect. I set up my company Claire Creative in 2012 when my son was on his way so that I could have more...
Growing your business online? Avoid digital overwhelm with this simple strategy.
Growing your business online? Avoid digital overwhelm with this simple strategy. When you're growing your business online you're often on high alert to all the things that you could be doing to attract leads and enroll clients on the web. This can often lead to a mix...
Is your website generating leads or repelling them?
Is your website generating leads or repelling them? The 3 pillars of an effective website. When you have a small business or you're a company of one, you're probably doing a lot of the work yourself. When it comes to your website it's very easy to get caught up and...
The most important aspect of choosing your domain name
The most important aspect of choosing your domain name When you're stuck on what domain name to chose your entire website project gets put on hold. You can't launch your website without a domain name. If you have a domain name and you're not happy with it you can lose...
GDPR for small business. What you need to do before May 2018.
GDPR for small business General Data Protection Regulation changes What you need to know before May 2018 If you have a mailing list or website that collects even simple personal data you need to know about GDPR. But don't worry, it's not as scary as it sounds. I've...
Case study: Artist website created with Claire Creative
Artist website created with Claire Creative Case study: EIBHILIN CROSSAN Eibhilin Crosson creates beautiful contemporary artworks inspired by nature. But her site wasn't showing off her work properly. When we first met, Eibhilin explained that the site had been...
Getting started with WordPress (video guide)
Getting started with WordPress A friendly video guide to help you set it up If you've decided to create your own site, you'll have a lot of questions. What platform to choose, how to use it, how to make the site rank well in Google and a million others. In this...
Keep your project moving with an activity trap escape plan
When we work alone especially when taking on a promotion or website project, it can be easy to get caught up in the details or stuck on technical issues. Here are a few things to look out for to be sure you keep moving in the right direction, not scurrying ’round in circles.
Planning time off when you have your own business
Planning time off when you have your own business 5 tips for stress-free time off Summer holidays are rapidly approaching! Are you planning for your time off? The idea of going on holidays when you're working so hard building your business can actually feel more...
3 Mistakes you’re making with your Facebook ads
3 Mistakes you're making with your Facebook ads Guest post from Colm Baker of Whabang.ie In the social media world, it’s easy to become downbeat and disheartened because we are constantly bombarded with the highlights of people’s lives. Typically, it’s only the best...
This simple mistake could be costing you new customers
So you’ve got the website, you’re doing all the social sharing. Maybe you’re running ads. But the enquiries aren’t coming. What’s going on? There is one obvious mistake that I come across ALL.THE.TIME! It’s so obvious in fact, that it’s easily overlooked but it may be costing you customers!
Hiring a Virtual Assistant and Working Remotely
Hiring a virtual assistant and working remotely Guest post from Claire Ann Digital Hiring a virtual assistant can save you a lot of time. You can delegate tricky or time-consuming tasks and admin allowing you to focus on the bigger picture. But how does it work? I've...
Getting started with video
There’s no doubt that video is the medium to use to get yourself out there. Whether you’re promoting a brand, product or personal service, video is where it’s at! Just look at your Facebook feed, there’s so much video being shared. In fact, all the social platforms now have some option to do a live feed or video sharing.
Starting a business is like having a baby
Yes, I am that idiot who tried to do both at the same time! Claire Creative was (officially) born a few months before my first baby. ‘Start your own business’ they said. ‘You’ll have more free time’ they said.
Is this bad habit stunting your business growth?
Is ‘As soon as’ syndrome holding you back? What is ‘as soon as’ syndrome? It’s a bad habit. It’s a form of procrastination. And it can cause your project to stall before it gathers any momentum.
How an end of year review can help move your business forward
Why bother with an annual review? If you wrap up your year with a review, you’ll have the drive to get you moving forward in the right direction from your first day back.
7 Ways to Boost Productivity and Save Your Sanity (no apps required)
Do you find that there’s a great emphasis these days on being “busy”? Especially as a freelancer or small business. But being busy and being productive aren’t necessarily the same thing!
Website must-haves: 10 essentials for a successful DIY site
With so many ready-to-use platforms available you can get online in a matter of hours. But what really makes a successful website? Here are my top 10 essentials for your website. Let’s get stuck in.
3 quick tips to improve your Facebook business page in less than an hour
Do you want your Facebook page to lead fans to your website or mailing list? Here are a few quick tips (that will take you less than an hour) to take control of your Facebook presence.
Growing your social media following (+Free cheatsheet)
Who has the time to tweet, post and pin several times a day while building their business? NOBODY, that’s who! And yet people do it and do it well. Here’s how to get started!
“So, what do you do?” 5 steps to your perfect elevator pitch
An elevator pitch is a 30 to 60 second summary of what you do. It’s like a verbal business card and you can use it on your website and social profiles as well as in person. Here’s how.
Editing images for your site and social shares, without Photoshop
Here we’ll have a peek at some great free sites where you can modify images to suit your site, your style and crop them to fit perfectly in social posts.
Website strategy: Why you need one and how to write one
Making your own website and tearing your hair out? There are so many things to think about. Don’t get overwhelmed. Write a website strategy. Here’s how. (+ Free Worksheets).
Free images: Where to find them, and how to use them
A good image on your site can grab attention, encourage sharing, communicate concepts…. so you wanna’ get it right.So where to start? (+ Free downloads).