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Articles by Harry Lowes
The countdown begins: why you need to plan now for the holiday sales period
Preparing for major shopping events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday is crucial for small businesses. Harry Lowes, director of midmarket ANZ, Meta, explains how to create a solid plan, attract unexpected customers, and optimise your overall strategy for success, this sales season. The holiday season is fast approaching, and with it comes one of the biggest shopping moments of the year: Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Putting a face to the brand: How to build a social following around yourself
What do Jane Lu, Janine Allis and Zoe Foster-Blake all have in common? Apart from starting their own business empires, they heavily feature on social media for their respective brands: Showpo, Boost Juice and Go-To. So what can you learn from these founders? asks Harry Lowes.Consumers want to learn more about the people behind their favourite brands.
Will the Payment Times Reporting Amendment end late payers?
The Payment Times Reporting Amendment Bill 2024 has just made its way through the Senate after clearing the House of Representatives. The Bill brings a major overhaul to the Payment Times Reporting Act 2020. It aims to cut out inefficiencies, streamline processes, and encourage big businesses to pay their smaller suppliers on time. So, what’s changing? Big business to be held accountable First up, the reforms introduce consolidated reporting under Australian accounting standards.
4 challenges small business owners face and how to overcome them
According to a recent study we conducted of 700 Australian and New Zealand SMB leaders, the biggest concerns for small businesses are cybercrime, the cost of living, and late payments, writes Chris Dahl, CEO, Pin Payments. As these challenges are navigated, it’s crucial to not only understand them but also to explore effective strategies to overcome them.
3 helpful strategies for solopreneurs juggling a day job
Trying to run your own entrepreneurial business while juggling a full-time job can be stressful. Even if you’re earning more than enough money to make ends meet, you’ll likely find that balancing your time effectively is difficult at the best of times, explains Indiana Lee. However, if you want to fly solo full-time one day, you’ll need to make the balancing act work — at least for a short period.
Economic challenges hamper business growth: MYOB reports
Small and medium-sized businesses are feeling the strain of the current economic climate, with more than two-thirds (68 per cent) reporting that their productivity is being hamstrung. The finding comes from MYOB’s latest Business Monitor, which surveys Australian small business owners to gauge the impact of external economic factors on their businesses.
5 ways to build an online community
Building an online community or a group of dedicated fans is the dream for any budding marketer or small business owner. Harry Lowes Head of Mid Market at Meta shares 5 ways you can tap into your community for business growth. Recent research shows that when people interact within a brand community, like a social media page, they feel more connected to the brand by seeing it as similar to themselves. This connection often leads to more loyalty, higher satisfaction, and positive word-of-mouth.
It's time to celebrate micro business
June 27 marks World Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) Day, a global initiative by the United Nations to recognise and appreciate the vital contributions of small and family-run businesses. Bruce Billson, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, is calling on Australians to celebrate these businesses and acknowledge their importance in our economy and society. “These are great people in plain sight, and we see them everywhere, every day,” says Billson.
5 ways to embrace mistakes
When it comes to pitching or presenting in front of an audience, even the most meticulously planned presentations can veer off course. This unpredictability often triggers nerves and shakes our confidence. However, what if I told you that mistakes could be incredibly powerful? asks Jonathan Pease, small business coach and strategist. Making a mistake during a pitch—a slip of the tongue, a technical glitch, or losing your train of thought—can be seen as a pivotal moment rather than a disaster.
Could you pass your HSC exam again? How to learn from your past to forge your future
If there’s one recurring nightmare we might have, it’s being back at school and under pressure to perform for exams again. We may or may not be wearing our clothes, and our teeth might be falling out as we fall off a cliff. But I digress. For me, 2024 marks twenty years since I did my VCE (HSC) exams and graduated from high school. Looking back, perhaps apart from some fundamentals, so much has changed.
The real Impact of customer reviews
If you’ve been putting off working on gathering up customer reviews, now is the time to stop and start working on it. Adam Stewart, founder of Digital Bond Marketing shares why it’s time you put reviews front and centre in your marketing strategy. Reviews from your customers are now actually more important than you think as they can truly help your business garner trust and achieve credibility.
5 ways to build an online community
Building an online community or a group of dedicated fans is the dream for any budding marketer or small business owner. Harry Lowes Head of Mid Market at Meta shares 5 ways you can tap into your community for business growth. Recent research shows that when people interact within a brand community, like a social media page, they feel more connected to the brand by seeing it as similar to themselves. This connection often leads to more loyalty, higher satisfaction, and positive word-of-mouth.
Three easy ways to grow your online audience and improve sales
While there isn’t a perfect recipe for boosting your audience and sales online, there are three key ‘ingredients’ that businesses should keep in mind to make this happen: catching customers’ attention, following trends, and incorporating customers’ voices, explains Harry Lowes, Director of Mid-Market ANZ, Meta. Keep in mind that this isn’t just about you or your business—it’s about your ideal customer. What are their interests? What grabs their attention? How can you stand out from the crowd?
Working smarter not harder: Four ways AI can support your business
There is no doubt that you’ve seen AI appear in the news and come up in conversation. But how can AI help the average entrepreneur? asks Harry Lowes, Director of Mid-Market ANZ, Meta. Small and medium-sized businesses are constantly looking for ways to work smarter, not harder. In fact, over 90 per cent of SMBs using AI in their day-to-day operations report experiencing increased business success. While there are plenty of AI tools out there, they can be borderline overwhelming.
Creativity is King: 5 ways to win customer attention on social
Winning customers’ attention is key for any business looking to drive growth. Today, with the help of social media, it’s possible for businesses to attract positive attention with creative and compelling content that won’t break the bank, explains Harry Lowes, Director of Mid-Market ANZ, Meta.
5 social trends to step up your online selling game
Social media is changing the nature of online shopping as we know it – is your business keeping up? More than 56 per cent of shoppers between 18 and 40 say their mobile phone is the single most important shopping tool. As a brand, social media is a golden ticket opportunity for you to entice new customers and connect with existing ones – building a dedicated community around your unique product or service, explains Harry Lowes, Director of Mid-Market ANZ, Meta.
4 ways to attract international customers to your business using social
There are many great benefits to expanding your business internationally. Not only is it a great option to reach more customers but it’s also a fantastic way to deal with seasonality limits for your business. For business owners, the key to unlocking this growth may be reaching international markets through social and digital media strategies, explains Harry Lowes, director of mid-market ANZ at Meta.
6 ways sole traders can gain time back in 2024
2023 was challenging for small businesses and sole traders. If you want to get 2024 off to a good start, Selda Kaplan CEO and co-founder of TaxLeopard suggests trying these tips to claw back some time. Rising interest rates and a volatile financial environment impacted businesses’ bottom lines. So much so that in February 2023, business confidence in Australia slumped by 10.6 points.
How to successfully create multiple revenue streams
Most jobs limit the amount of money that can be earned. Unless your compensation package has some type of commission or bonus, the money provided by a job is either based upon the time you put in or it is capped by a set salary. Whatever amount of money that your job currently provides, is it enough for you? Or are you someone who always desires more? If you are anything like me, you always desire more, writes business mentor Gary Douglas.
Creatives: The obstacle is the way...
If you’re a graphic designer, copywriter, or creative type (as non-creatives like to call us) I’ll bet good money you had a conversation this year that went like this: “Have you seen ChatGPT/Midjourney/Generative AI platform? It does what you do in like, five seconds!”, explains copywriter Tom Valcanis. Gritting our teeth and smiling politely, we nod and reply, “I have! That’s so interesting.” The curses reserved for them; you hide beneath your tongue.
How to ace your social selling
It’s no secret that social media is an essential tool to help promote small-medium sized businesses. But as brands look to drive revenue growth and gain a competitive edge, many are now turning to social media as an end-to-end business driver through social selling.
Harry Lowes
Harry Lowes, Director of Mid-Market ANZ, Meta. Harry is a business leader focused on enabling businesses to make the most of the transition of consumers into the online world. Harry’s career started in Business development at McCann-Erickson World Group, moved in the world of wine, running a winery in the Hunter Valley, then Banking with the Commonwealth Bank and Telecommunications with Telstra.
3 tips to ace your social selling game in 2024
It’s no secret that social media is an essential tool to help promote small-medium sized businesses. But as brands look to drive revenue growth and gain a competitive edge, many are now turning to social media as an end-to-end business driver through social selling.
Social media tips to win more customers this holiday season
The holiday season can provide huge growth opportunities for small businesses yet it can also equally feel like an uphill battle to compete with more mature businesses. Digital innovation can provide the answer to driving success and scaling your business during this lucrative time of year. But what are the ‘back to basics’ benefits of using digital channels, and how can business owners implement these changes today?
How to leverage generative AI for creativity, productivity, and elevating customer service
In recent months, few things have ignited as much fascination amongst consumers and business owners alike as progress in Artificial Intelligence (AI).
How to unlock the potential of short-form video
The growth of short-form video content (SFV) has been explosive and has transformed the way Australians interact with their family, friends and businesses. Small businesses are increasingly leveraging SFV to tap into trends, show a different side to themselves and connect with customers, writes Harry Lowes, Director Mid-Market at Meta ANZ. SFV offers a strategic opportunity for businesses to build traction and connections with consumers in a world where escapism and fun are in high demand.
How to use AI to boost your marketing impact during sales season
As the end of the year approaches, business owners must prepare to face a unique set of obstacles. In contrast to last Christmas, when consumers were eager to splurge, the current economic landscape presents a challenging road ahead. With an elevated cash rate not seen in a decade and the highest inflation experienced in 30 years, many Australians are experiencing a decline in purchasing power, so how can you make sure your marketing hits the mark?
Talking with: Why messaging could be your new customer magnet
The world feels like it’s moving quicker than ever, and new technology continues to shape how people and businesses interact. And yet, there’s comfort in knowing that one thing remains sure: The importance of connection, writes Harry Lowes, Director of Mid-Market ANZ, Meta. While we’ve moved beyond face-to-face interactions as the primary mode of engagement and more towards mobile-and digital-first, consumers still expect brands to show up and meet them where they are.
artificial intelligence
Tech 6 AI tools that make doing business better Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising how businesses operate, allowing companies of all sizes to automate tasks, increase efficiency and grow revenue. When people think AI, they often associate that with ChatGPT but actually there are tons of great AI tools that can help with specific tasks, writes Nick Brogden. AI-powered tools are particularly useful… Read more »
How to use AI to increase sales and drive growth
Many of the businesses I speak with have asked what they can do with AI and what are the possibilities. But in reality, they already interact with AI. If you use any social media app, artificial intelligence already underpins much of what you see online, explains Harry Lowes, Director of Mid-Market ANZ, Meta. AI is the reason users see content from different businesses and creators online.
How to identify your audience and target your ads
As a small business owner, finding effective ways to reach new customers is a constant challenge. Using personalised ads can help businesses to grow online and find new customers, or even connect with more of the people who are most likely to love your business, explains Harry Lowes, Director of Mid-Market ANZ, Meta. To help you get started, here are some tips on how to target your ads effectively and build personalised and meaningful connections with new customers.
How to maximise your small business’ potential in the digital commerce landscape
With billions of users online, it may seem daunting, but digital commerce offers a massive opportunity to connect with potential customers and increase brand awareness, writes Harry Lowes, Director of Mid-Market ANZ, Meta. Take Kulani Kinis for example. The Australian swimwear brand saw a massive 7X growth in sales after increasing their digital marketing efforts in 2020. The brand now operates in multiple countries across four continents, using a combination of wholesale and direct sales.
How your business can build a loyal Gen Z customer base
Gen Z consumers are redefining how people like to shop, which makes them an important audience for small businesses to pay attention to and consider engaging with, writes Harry Lowes, Director of Mid-Market ANZ, Meta. Gen Z are highly skilled with technology, value both online and in-person shopping, and want the businesses they engage with to be diverse and trustworthy. So, how can your business connect with Gen Z and motivate them to consider your products and services?
The secret to great creator partnerships for your business
Businesses of all sizes are engaging creators’ services to accelerate their brands’ growth. This makes perfect sense, as creators are typically the first to notice trends and jump on them, helping to identify what type of messaging would work best for a brand. However, as creative becomes a differentiator for performance on Meta platforms, it can be a competitive advantage, writes Harry Lowes, Director of Mid-Market ANZ, Meta.
Getting back to business: How to set yourself up for success as the new year begins
Owning and operating a business is hard work. Given rising operation costs and broader economic headwinds, these are some of the toughest conditions we’ve ever faced. For business owners, so much can demand your attention – that’s why it’s so important to plan ahead writes Harry Lowes, Director, GBG Mid-Market, Meta ANZ. One area that can be easy to plan ahead is marketing.
How to drive your sales this silly season
The holiday season is finally upon us, and while many see the season as a time for rest and relaxation, most business owners have other plans, writes Harry Lowes, Director, GBG Mid-Market, Meta ANZ. The festive season is a crucial time for many small businesses. According to Meta’s most recent Global State of Small Business Report, 25 per cent of small businesses globally reported that they expect to make more than half of their annual revenue between October 1st and December 31st 2022.
The state of small business: recovery slowing, but economic optimism remains
Meta’s latest Global State of Small Business Report reveals the current challenges Australian small and medium-sized businesses are facing in a post-pandemic world. Harry Lowes, Director, GBG Mid-Market, Meta ANZ, shares how Aussie small businesses are faring. The COVID-19 pandemic affected businesses globally for more than two years and small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) were hit particularly hard due to their vulnerability to economic shocks.
3 ways to use short-form video to grow your business
The explosion of e-commerce during the pandemic has made social media more competitive, says Harry Lowes, Director GBG Mid-Market at Meta ANZ. He shares three ways to make your short-form video content more engaging to keep people excited about your brand. With the large amount of information constantly competing for people’s attention, not only is it harder to keep people engaged, but it’s now also harder to keep their loyalty.
TTYL: Why every business needs to be conversational online
Messaging has changed the way we interact in our personal lives, and now it’s changing how we do business, writes Harry Lowes, Director of GBG Scaled, Meta ANZ. To keep up with customer preference, it’s time to get conversational online. We have recently seen a shift in the ways people prefer to interact with each other, moving from a phone call to simple messaging via Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp.
Social, online, immersive, and conversational: Latest trends reveal how Australia likes to shop
Meta have released their latest Holiday and Mega Sale Days insights report, and Harry Lowes, Director of GBG Scaled, Meta ANZ is here to explain the latest consumer trends and tips for Australian online businesses. From Black Friday to Cyber Monday to Christmas, everybody loves an online Mega Sale Day (MSD) and holiday.
2022 Global State of Small Business Report: How do Australian businesses stack up? Original
Meta have released their 2022 Global State of Small Business Report, which surveyed nearly 24,000 small and medium-sized business leaders across 30 countries and territories in January. Harry Lowes, Head of ANZ Scaled, Global Business Group outlines the outlook for Australian businesses and how we’re comparing to the rest of the world. Small businesses all over the world have struggled throughout the pandemic. But when Meta surveyed thousands last year, there were signs that recovery was underway.
This is how your business can use Facebook to help you crack the US eCommerce market
Last month I wrote about the benefits of tapping into international markets to help a business grow and what to consider before taking the leap. This month, we look into the USA and some customer insights into the market that could help a business tap into the world’s largest economy, writes Harry Lowes, Head of Independent Agencies, Facebook ANZ.
Expanding to new markets online? Consider these three things
Facebook’s Harry Lowes, Head of Independent Agencies ANZ outlines the benefits of expanding your online presence for new customers, whether they’re from other parts of Australia or around the world. After multiple and unexpected lockdowns, the principles of regular business conditions are changing. The market has become fast-moving and dynamic.
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