Cristy Houghton Cristy Houghton

Why upskilling your in-house marketing person might be the smartest move you make this year

So, you’ve got someone doing your marketing part-time.

Maybe it’s your admin assistant.
Maybe it’s your office manager.
Maybe it’s your niece who’s “good on Instagram.”

They’re doing their best with what they’ve got—but you can tell something’s not quite landing. The socials look okay. The emails are going out. But the strategy? The results? The confidence? Kinda… wobbly.

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Cristy Houghton Cristy Houghton

Why your social media isn’t working (and what to do instead)

You’re posting. You’ve got the Canva graphics. Maybe even a reel or two. So why do your likes, followers, and leads still feel… underwhelming?

If you’ve ever felt like yelling “IS ANYONE OUT THERE?!” into the social media void, you’re not alone.

Let’s break down why your social media isn’t working—and what to do differently starting today.

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Cristy Houghton Cristy Houghton

Marketing trends everyone’s talking about (that are actually worth your time)

Every week there’s a new “must-do” trend in marketing.
AI-generated everything. BeReal for brands. Voice search! Threads!
It’s a lot—and frankly, most of it is shiny noise.

But some trends? Some are actually worth your time. Because they’re not just hype—they’re shifting how people discover, trust, and buy from businesses.

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Cristy Houghton Cristy Houghton

Steal this: our exact social media caption formula that gets engagement

Ever stared at a blinking cursor trying to write a caption that doesn’t sound like "Just another Tuesday at HQ 🙃"?

We’ve all been there. Writing captions that actually spark engagement (likes, comments, saves, shares, and clicks) is part art, part science—and thankfully, we’ve cracked a simple formula that works over and over again.

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Cristy Houghton Cristy Houghton

The only marketing checklist you’ll ever need (print this!)

Feeling like you’re constantly doing something for your marketing, but not sure if it’s the right thing? You’re not alone.

Marketing can feel like spinning plates—email, socials, SEO, content, ads, branding… breathe.

So we made it easy.

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Cristy Houghton Cristy Houghton

How to write a marketing plan in one hour (even if you hate planning)

Let’s be honest: the idea of “writing a marketing plan” sounds about as fun as doing your taxes while stuck in a group chat.

But here’s the good news:
You don’t need a 40-page document to get results.

You just need a clear, simple plan that helps you focus, stay consistent, and stop winging it.

And yes—you can do it in one hour. Even if you hate planning. Let’s go.

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Cristy Houghton Cristy Houghton

Stop talking about you: why great marketing isn’t about your business

Let’s cut to the chase:
No one cares about your business.
They care about what your business can do for them.

It might sound harsh, but it’s the truth that separates okay marketing from great marketing. And it’s the mindset shift that can completely transform your content, your conversions, and your entire brand presence.

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Cristy Houghton Cristy Houghton

SEO Case Study: The Forrest Centre

When it comes to aged care, decisions are rarely made lightly—or quickly. Families often spend weeks or months researching providers, comparing services, and reading reviews. Many of these users are adult children of ageing parents, searching on behalf of loved ones, often during emotionally charged times.

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Cristy Houghton Cristy Houghton

How do I get more reviews on Google or Facebook?

Let’s be real — reviews are powerful.

Before most people buy from you, book with you, or walk through your door, they’re checking what other people have to say. Your Google and Facebook reviews are often the first impression your business makes — even before someone lands on your website.

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Cristy Houghton Cristy Houghton

What’s the difference between boosting a Facebook post and running a proper ad?

If you’ve ever clicked “Boost Post” on Facebook and watched your dollars disappear without much to show for it — you’re not alone.

It’s one of the most common frustrations I hear from small business owners: “I boosted a post… but I didn’t get any sales.”

Let’s break down what boosting actually does, how it differs from running a proper ad, and when to use each.

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Cristy Houghton Cristy Houghton

Should my business be on TikTok — Or is it just for kids?

It’s a question I hear a lot — usually with a slightly raised eyebrow and a hint of curiosity: “Should I be on TikTok, or is that just for kids?”

Spoiler alert: TikTok isn’t just dance challenges and lip-syncs anymore. And if your competitors are showing up there while you're still unsure… it might be time to take a closer look.

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Cristy Houghton Cristy Houghton

Should I sponsor local events or community groups?

In a regional city like Wagga, community is everything. And as a small business, you’re probably asked regularly to support local events, sports teams, school fundraisers, or charity galas.

But here’s the million-dollar question:
Is sponsoring local events actually worth it? Or is it just a goodwill gesture with no real return?

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Cristy Houghton Cristy Houghton

How often should I send an EDM or newsletter?

One of the most common questions small business owners ask me is: “How often should I send a newsletter? I don’t want to annoy people.”

Fair concern. No one wants to be that business clogging up inboxes. But you also don’t want to be forgotten — or only pop up when you’re running a sale and need something from your customers.

So how do you find the right balance?

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Cristy Houghton Cristy Houghton

Top 10 marketing tips for Wagga small businesses that actually work

Whether you're a florist in Fitzmaurice Street or a tradie in Turvey Park, marketing doesn't have to be confusing or expensive. You don’t need a full agency retainer or to dance on TikTok every week to get noticed. What you need is a local, practical, and consistent marketing approach.

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