News
Why marketing is more important than ever during the shutdown
When business is going well, bookings are up and loyal customers keep returning, marketing your business automatically becomes an afterthought. As we enter a time of uncertainty for so many businesses, it is clear that marketing is more important than ever during this Covid-19 shutdown.
Why should I be marketing if my business is closed?
At first, it may sound strange to be marketing whilst your business is closed but it actually makes perfect sense. Most of your customers will be in the same situation – at home wondering when this shutdown will come to an end.
Regardless of the services you provide, once the shutdown ends, your services will be needed again. If you are not advising your loyal customers that you value their business and look forward to servicing them again, you can be assured that your competitors will be.
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Keep your existing clients informed
Unfortunately, many businesses like yours have had to shut their doors to help control the spread of Covid-19. Clients you have created a relationship with will care about your business – let them know your plans before they start to see your competitor’s plans on their timelines.
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Keep your existing clients engaged with your brand
If you are in the beauty industry, use social media to share some engaging tutorials or tips that your clients can use during the lockdown. Do you sell wine? share a selection of meals for two recipes with a fabulous wine recommendation. Regardless of what service you provide, you can share tips and advice with the help of a good graphic designer.
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Keep your existing clients entertained
With the vast majority of the British public on lockdown, scrolling is going to become the number one activity for a bored nation. YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and, TikTok are going to be the default destinations for many and if you are not promoting your business, how are you going to maintain your relevance? Think about creating an interesting video.
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Keep your existing clients!
Existing clients you have created a relationship with will care about your business for as long as you stay relevant. By continuing or improving your marketing strategy throughout the shutdown, you increase the chances of keeping your existing clients and gaining potential new ones.
What type of marketing should I be focused on?
Good marketing costs money. There is no denying this simple fact but as you will probably have more time on your hands, you will be able to do some of the work yourself.
Focus on social media and digital marketing that enable you to capture data. The ability to capture leads and opportunities for the future is the most important goal.
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Social Media
Using social media platforms for marketing is not new to you. You may have outsourced it or dabbled with it when you had some spare time. After reading this, you should be aiming to become a social media expert in the next 30 days. Experiment and get a good understanding of each platform’s pros and cons.
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Email
Most people hate email marketing because they do not have the time to read it. Guess what most people have now? If you didn’t have a newsletter before, now is the time to start one. Here is the perfect opportunity to share your past and current successes with client testimonials and images of your work. You have a wealth of knowledge and experience so share it with existing and new potential clients.
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Offer discounts vouchers
When the shutdown comes to an end, how are you going to entice your clients back? How are you going to stop competitors from stealing your clients? Offering your clients discount vouchers they can use when the shutdown is lifted is one way to entice your clients back once you open your doors.
Returning for the first time since 2019, this year sees the return of Wycombe Swan’s Summer Youth Project. Running since 1993, numerous participants have gone on to have successful careers both on and off stage. Join us on our next adventure! Build confidence, develop skills, have fun, and make long-lasting friendships.
About Wycombe Swan Summer Youth Project (SYP)
Over the two-week project, Wycombe Swan comes alive to the sights and sounds of 150 young people doing everything they can to put on a full-scale musical in time for curtain up!
Participants have the option of taking to the stage as a performer, or to make magic happen as part of the Technical Team.
All performances take place on our main stage in the 1,000 seated Wycombe Swan Theatre.
Only those wishing to have a principal/speaking role or be a dance captain need to audition.
Big Fish The Show
This year, the show is BIG FISH. Based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton.
AUDITIONS (FOR THOSE WISHING TO HAVE A SPEAKING ROLE): Sunday 22 May
DATES: Mon 15 to Sunday 28 August
AGES: 9-21 (performers). 14-21 (technical team)
PRICE: £190
It is our wish that no young person misses out due to financial constraints. For this reason, we offer bursaries of up to 100% so that anybody can take part.
TO APPLY, AND FOR MORE INFO: Visit https://wycombeswan.co.uk/Online/summerproject
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday 13 May
Wells & Co’s Hertfordshire based pub, The Chequers, is opening its doors after an extensive refurbishment. Completed works include an entirely refreshed bar and dining area, redecorated throughout to create a modern and chic look and feel to the pub located in the civil parish village of Woolmer Green. The cosy interior boasts an intimate lounge area, large dining area and an extensive garden makeover inclusive of heated spaces and high table fire pits, perfect for those late-Summer evenings.
Upstairs has been reconfigured to make room for four en-suite bedrooms for guests to book, as well as a private dining room holding up to 20 people. The new dining room is perfect for all event needs, whether its a private party, private function or even to host a work meeting.
The updated food menu features seasonal and fresh dishes inclusive of much loved pub classics like fish and chips or the ever popular 21-day aged beef burger, where the team will also be donating 25p of every burger sold to local primary school St Michael’s. Aloingside the classics the full dining menu at The Chequers includes more indulgent dishes such as cajun sweet potato, okra, and black-eyed pea gumbo, wild porcini mushroom, truffle and ricotta filled mezzaluna pasta and new daily specials.
There is also a great new range of drinks behind the bar including a range of tasty Brewpoint beers brewed just down the road in Bedford, as well as a full wine and spirits list for guests to enjoy.
Greg Knox, General Manager for the Wells & Co. site said, “The Chequers has, quite simply put, been a transformational refurbishment. The pub is ready, our food is prepped, drinks will be flowing, and our team are on hand to welcome the people of Woolmer Green and beyond, back to their much-loved pub. I can’t wait to personally welcome everyone back.”
To book a room or table at The Chequers visit the website here: https://chequerswoolmergreen.co.uk/
After a two year break, Rock in the Priory 2022 is back and will be at its usual location on the Priory Island on Sunday, 17th July.
Showcase auditions were held at Southern Maltings on the April 10th and helped determine the line-up for the main event. The organisers are grateful to all the musicians who came along to perform.
The high standard of performances made the selection process difficult. The seven bands and three acoustic acts who will be entertaining the crowds on July 17th are listed below.
Quivering Lip
Quivering Lip are a two-piece originals and cover band playing rock and brit pop anthems. Quivering Lip wrote and recorded their first 5 track album Generation Panic in 2018, following it up with a new release “Ashes” in April 2019.
Quivering Lip are a two-piece originals and cover band playing rock and brit pop anthems.
Uptown Punk
Uptown Punk are a high energy, 5-piece pop/punk band, covering fan favourites from 90s to present. Their set is full of well known pop/punk tunes, with a bit of Rock thrown in. Artists covered include; Blink 182, Green Day, The Offspring, Foo Fighters, Sum 41 and many more.
Uptown Punk are a high energy, 5-piece pop/punk band, covering fan favourites from 90s to present.
Grace Whitford
Grace is a singer, pianist and songwriter based in Hertfordshire specialising in acoustic pop, golden oldies, jazz and much more. Take a moment to listen/watch her Thinking Out Loud cover.
Other artists performing at Ware Festival’s Rock in the Priory include Adam Fearn, Mr No Face, Back to the 50s, George Croucher, Junkyard Dolls, Second Bite, The Routine.
Ware Festival and Rock in the Priory
The last Rock in the Priory was held in 2019. This annual event is known for its excellent atmosphere and energy. It takes place in the unique setting of the Island bandstand, nestled within seven acres of picturesque riverside gardens of the 14th century Ware Priory building. Tickets in advance are £5 entry or a family ticket at £15 for two adults and up to four children. Further details about Ware Festival and Rock in the Priory can be found on rockinthepriory.co.uk
