The challenges of running an Allied Health practice
Running an allied health or wellness practice is a labour of love. You’re passionate about helping your clients achieve better health outcomes, whether through Physiotherapy, Psychology, Osteopathy, Chiropractic care, and so on. But with so much focus on client care, the business side of things—especially marketing—often takes a backseat.
Many practice owners find themselves wearing too many hats. One minute you’re treating a client, the next you’re answering emails, and then trying to squeeze in time to post on social media or update your website. Marketing for allied health practices isn’t straight forward, an omni-channel approach is necessary. Marketing isn’t just an add-on; it’s a crucial part of growing and sustaining your practice. And this is where professional marketing support can make all the difference.
The reality of DIY marketing: Is it holding you back?
Marketing isn’t as simple as posting the occasional update on Instagram. Marketing for Allied health practices in Australia requires a tailored approach. The market competition is the highest its ever been, with Allied Health Professionals having the highest comparative industry growth in the health sector, of 67%. (AIHW Australia’s health 2024)
Allied Health marketing is not like other marketing, you need to consider the unique offerings of your brand, your ideal audiences wants and needs, the marketing landscape, the healthcare sector, compliance and what makes your practice unique. Here are some common struggles faced by allied health and wellness practices trying to manage their own marketing:
Time Constraints – With client appointments, admin, recruitment and professional development, marketing often gets pushed to the bottom of the to-do list.
Lack of Strategy – Posting randomly on social media or running a Google ad without a clear strategy can lead to wasted effort and money.
AHPRA Compliance – The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has strict guidelines around advertising health services. Many practitioners unknowingly breach these rules, leading to potential fines.
Inconsistent Branding – Without a clear brand message and visual identity, your practice can struggle to stand out and attract the right clients.
SEO Confusion – Search engine optimisation (SEO) is crucial for helping potential clients find your services online, but it requires expertise to get it right.
Keeping up with the ever evolving landscape – AI and Automation is starting to be used not only in marketing but diagnosis and treatment too..
How professional marketing support can help
78% of Australian adults use the internet to find health-related information.Investing in marketing support tailored to allied health and wellness businesses can:
Increase visibility – More people searching for your services will find you.
Build trust and authority – Consistent, high-quality content and branding helps establish credibility and trust.
Relationship building and referral partnerships – Helping build trust in vital integrated care model relationships. This creates a steady flow of referrals in and out of the practice. Building solid relationships with a multi-disciplinary team is an essential component of allied health marketing. When allied health professionals work side-by-side with GPs and other allied health or specialist providers, there is a seamless flow of information and expertise that benefits the patient.
Save you time and energy – Focus on client care while experts handle the marketing.
Ensure AHPRA compliance – Avoid advertising pitfalls, potential huge fines and maintain ethical standards.
How Versatile Marketing helps Allied Health and Wellness practices with professional marketing support
1. Strategy, planning and training
Running inhouse and online workshops and training sessions to teach DIY
Creating a SMART marketing strategy, which will be incorporated into your practice processes and your outsourcing methods. This will look at things like: tone of voice, online communication methods, the holistic marketing approach e.g. referral partner strategy, networking and partnerships, website maintenance, blogging, statistical analysis and review meetings, competition, unique value propositions, frequency, ideal audience analysis, and how you will exhibit effective communication of your brand through consistent clear, empathetic plain English, and compliance with AHPRA guidelines.
Quarterly content planning sessions
2. SEO and website optimisation
Your website is your digital front door. If it’s not optimised for SEO, potential clients won’t find you. An SEO-optimised website:
Uses the right keywords (e.g., “physiotherapist Sydney” or “psychologist for anxiety Brisbane”). Ensure images are well labelled and sized, ensure your website is technically optimised to rank higher in search engine results.
Loads quickly and is mobile-friendly and user-friendly.
Has clear and non-guilt driven calls-to-action (CTAs) like “Book an Appointment.” and not “don’t miss out”, Followed by an easy to use booking system.
Content to be informative, including details like contact information, availability, your team, services, your WHY (about), and additional educational type content like FAQs, blogs, videos, infographics, downloadable resources, these are an essential ingredient to build rapport and trust. Topics might cover common health concerns, modalities that your team are trained in, the process to book a particular service, or the benefits of seeking support (using evidence-based findings).
Tip: A professional marketing team can audit your website and implement the necessary SEO strategies to boost traffic.
3. Social media management
Social media is a powerful tool for educating, engaging, and attracting clients. However, it requires consistency and strategy.
Content should educate, inspire, and build trust.
Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn work best for different types of content.
Engagement matters—responding to comments and messages builds relationships.
Tip: A social media manager ensures your posts are on-brand, consistently posted, compliant, and reaching the right audience, focusing on the platform they most visit.
4. Content marketing: Blogging, emails & more
Regular content—whether in the form of blogs, emails, or videos—helps establish you as a trusted expert.
Blogging improves SEO and answers common client questions.
Email marketing keeps current and potential clients engaged and referral partners informed.
Tip: A marketing team can plan, write, and distribute your content to maximise engagement.
5. Google Business Profile optimisation
Google Business Profile (GBP) is essential for local search visibility. An optimised profile:
Appears in Google Maps when people search for services nearby.
Displays key business info like hours, contact details, and services.
Collects and showcases client reviews (which improve credibility).
Tip: If you’re not ranking in local searches, your GBP likely needs work.
6. Paid advertising (Google & social media ads)
This service is coming soon.
While organic marketing is crucial, paid advertising helps accelerate growth. Allied health businesses can benefit from:
Google Ads targeting people searching for specific services.
Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn ads designed to attract the right audience.
Retargeting ads to reach people who’ve previously visited your website.
Tip: A marketing expert can help set up and manage ads for the best return on investment.
The power of outsourcing: Work smarter, not harder
As an Allied health business owner, your expertise is in patient care—not in marketing algorithms, SEO, or content strategies. By outsourcing your marketing to professionals who understand both the industry and the latest trends, your free up time to focus on your clients while ensuring steady business growth, by boosting client satisfaction.
At Versatile Marketing, we specialise in helping Allied Health and Wellness businesses gain visibility, attract their ideal clients, and stay compliant with AHPRA regulations. Whether you need a complete marketing overhaul or just some strategic support, we’re here to help.
Ready to grow your practice without the marketing headache?
At Versatile Marketing, we provide professional outsourced marketing support for small businesses just like yours. If you’d like to find out more, visit our website or book in a complimentary discovery call. Don’t forget to download your FREE copy of our seasonal, printable content planning calendar. Just sign-up in the form at the bottom of this page.
Why Google Business Profile is a smart move for health and wellness businesses
In today’s digital age, a strong online presence is essential. For Allied Health and Wellness practices in Australia, standing out in a crowded local market can be challenging. This is where Google Business Profile (GBP) comes in. Properly optimised, GBP can boost your local visibility and attract local ideal customers, making it easier for potential clients to find your practice when they need it most.
This blog is relevant to all Allied Health practices: whether you’re a physiotherapist in Perth, an Osteopath in Sydney, a Kinesiologist in Canberra, or a Dentist in Cairns, GBP is a smart marketing move.
When potential clients search for health services like yours, Google Business Profile increases your chances of appearing in local search results. Optimising your GBP with accurate service details, reviews, offers and photos positions you as a trusted and accessible provider in your area. This leads to higher visibility and engagement with the right clients at the right time.
How does my ideal client find my clinic?
Consider how your ideal clients typically find out about your practice.
The four common marketing avenues are:
Digital Search – This includes Google, social media, directories, and email marketing.
Referrals – A vital strategy, but we’ll discuss this more in a future blog.
Physical Signage & Print Media – Brochures and handouts still have value.
Public Speaking – Speaking engagements at schools, conferences, or networking events.
Today, we focus on one aspect of digital search, and perhaps one, if not the most prominent way local customers will find you and your practice! Google Search, and more specifically your Google Business Profile, plays a significant role in helping clients find your clinic through local search.
According to Stat Counter, as of July 2024 Google remains the leading search engine in terms of market share in Australia at 93.95%. Bing follows second at a measly 4.48%.
How to get found on Google
For local clients to find you, focus on these two key digital assets:
An AHPRA-compliant, search engine optimised (SEO) website.
An active, well-optimised Google Business Profile (Local SEO).
Of course, there are other factors for local and general optimisation, like social media, directories, podcasts and basically all other ways you’re connected online. Simply said, the more online presence you have, the easier it is for people to find you. Therefore, hopefully they will also begin to know, like and trust your brand.
Why is it so important to have a digital presence?
According to RedSeach, “Aussies spend 6.8 hours EVERY DAY searching the web”. They use it to shop, research, and look for which provider suits their health concern, and also to locate specific service providers in their local area to help with various physical and mental health concerns. So, if you don’t have a website or GBP… you’re missing a HUGE market of potential clients.
Still not convinced your Aussie Allied Health or wellness business needs a fully optimised GBP listing to attract local ideal customers? No worries…grab a cuppa, and read on, as I share why it’s fab for your practice.
Your Google Business Profile isn’t just a listing—it’s a gateway for Allied Health and wellness businesses to connect with local clients, build trust, and drive meaningful growth. In today’s digital world, visibility starts here. Deborah Ricketts
Why should your practice be on Google Business Profile?
Well, for starters, in this financial climate, we’re all looking for the best return for least investment, and GBP has you covered here – it’s free! And you will have a distinct advantage over more than half of the business population, as 55% of Australian local businesses haven’t claimed their GBP listing. I know right!?
1. Enhanced online visibility
Google Business Profile allows clients to find your practice based on location via Google Maps. It shows essential details like phone number, address, and reviews, making it easier for clients to connect with you.
2. Improved local SEO
Optimising your GBP improves your local SEO, boosting your chances of appearing in search results when potential patients search for relevant services in your area. It looks at factors like relevance (to the search query), distance from the searchers location, and prominence, which is basically how well you’re known online, liked and trusted, which can be determined by scanning the quality and quantity of reviews, content, connections, directory listings, well optimised websites, podcasts, books, webinars etc…
3. Credibility through reviews
GBP allows patients to leave reviews and ratings. Client reviews provide social proof, building trust and credibility. Google favours businesses with positive reviews, which can also influence new clients’ decisions. Managing your reviews effectively can provide great opportunities for social proof. Encourage your clients to leave a review by copying the review link and sharing it via an email or place it on your invoice. It not only boosts your authority but also improves your ranking in local search results.
And yes, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. AHPRA compliance in relation to testimonials. As this is a big and relevant topic for all allied health professionals, and to give it the airtime it so rightly deserves. Testimonials and Google Reviews complying with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency will be addressed in its own dedicated blog. This will give you the know-how to confidently use the platform without breaching regulations. Because no one wants that!
Fun fact you may not know … Google Maps is the preferred navigation app for 67% of customers. So not only is Google Search the most popular form of search, but Google Maps is the most popular navigation app. See why you need to be on this platform?
Is it worth the time to keep my profile updated?
Absolutely! Google rewards active profiles. Regular updates, such as adding new services, sharing posts, responding to reviews (where appropriate), and a keyword rich description, signal to Google that your practice is active and engaged. This improves your rankings. Active management of your GBP is a powerful way to stay ahead of competitors who may not be doing the same. And because I love providing you value… here are some post and photo ideas for your profile:
What does keyword rich mean?
A keyword is a word or phrase that people use when searching for something online. For example, if someone is looking for a physiotherapist, they might type “physiotherapist near me” into Google. “Physiotherapist” is the keyword in this case. Keywords help search engines understand what your content is about and show it to the right audience. Using the right keywords in your website, blog, or ad helps people find you, as they’re looking for services like yours.
Here are some popular sites to help you obtain keywords for SEO:
Google Keyword Planner (it’s free – It’s connected to Google Ads, but don’t worry, you don’t need to proceed with the Google Ad Campaign) It’s best for researching paid keywords and understanding search volume.
Moz Keyword Explorer A great all-around free (try for free for 30 days) tool for keyword research, offering insights on keyword difficulty and SERP (search engine results page) analysis
Semrush A comprehensive tool for keyword research, competitor analysis, and tracking rankings
When you’re typing a query in Google, you may type “experienced Chiropractor in Balmain”, but when using a voice search, you are likely to use more of a conversational tone – “Hey Google, who is the most experienced Chiro near me, for back pain?” This example demonstrates the use of slang ‘Chiro’, when spoken, and terms like ‘near me’ and ‘back pain’, that weren’t in the typed search example.
So, when optimising your GBP, use your questions and answers section, and do it wisely. Consider the most frequently asked questions your clients ask you. Then consider how they may ask (or better yet, research it, by asking your ideal and existing clients questions). What language do they use? Take note of key questions you receive about your services, this is valuable information.
Hot Tip: You can add your own questions to the questions and answers section on GBP. You don’t need to wait for a member of the public to ask. You can, and should also, answer all questions (with plain language and keywords).
What if my clinic already gets referrals—do I still need Google Business Profile?
Referrals are crucial, but consider GBP an additional touch point where potential clients verify your reputation. Even those referred to your practice are likely to search for your clinic online, so an optimised GBP reassures them with positive reviews, location accuracy, and updated service offerings. There are changes to the platform all the time, with new features and removed features. For example, if you had a website using this platform, it no longer exists, messaging also gone or going depending on where you’re located.
Can Google Business Profile help increase client bookings?
Yes! An optimised profile allows clients to directly book appointments, call, or visit your website from your listing. With features like the “Book Now” button or integration with scheduling platforms, it simplifies the booking process, reducing friction and turning searchers into clients faster. You can post special offers and events here too!
Organic click-through rate is 39.8% in 2024, and paid searches decreased to 1.6 for the first paid position. If you’re wondering what these stats suggest, I’ll help you out… basically using keywords and SEO methods, rather than paying per click, is a long-game play which WILL pay off! So, my allied health and wellness founder friends, Google Business Profile is something you should add to your marketing efforts.
Why partner with Versatile Marketing?
Optimising and managing your Google Business Profile may seem overwhelming, but that’s where we come in. At Versatile Marketing, we specialise in marketing for Allied Health professionals, including AHPRA compliant social media management and GBP optimisation, ensuring your practice gets noticed by the right clients.
Don’t miss new opportunities. Let us help you enhance your online presence. Book a free discovery consultation with Deb today. Support Leads to Success.
Harnessing the positive impacts of community for VAs, freelancers and business owners: Because together, we’re virtually unstoppable!
The Sydney Virtual Assistant Community (SVAC) was founded in 2019 by Amanda Primrose and myself, Deb Ricketts, to create a space where Sydney based virtual business owners could meet online and in person, socialise, learn, share, collaborate, support, and engage with other virtual assistants and freelancers in Sydney, Australia.
What inspired Amanda and Deb to start a VA community in Sydney?
It all started here… I began my VA journey as Amanda’s subcontractor. Prior to this, I had come from the corporate world and didn’t know what a VA was myself. Neither Amanda nor myself knew other Virtual Assistants locally, although we both received feedback from prospects and clients about some Sydney based VA cowgirls and offshore VAs, creating a not so wonderful reputation for the industry.
While we were aware of other groups in Australia and globally, there didn’t appear to be anything for Sydney based VAs. There also didn’t appear to be any association holding the industry to a standard. (We are now well aware that there is actually an association – shout out to the AAVIP).
Seizing the opportunity to give back to our community, we created a space specifically for Sydney VAs to find each other, learn, connect, collaborate, and hold each other accountable to a high standard of professionalism. We figured if we strengthened the reputation of the industry in our local communities and nationally, we were part of the solution. A win-win for businesses, as well as professional and ethical virtual assistants. So that is how this amazing community of incredible virtual assistants was born.
At the heart of the Sydney VA Community are various key activities carefully curated to foster connection, growth, and learning. Over the years, we have continuously sought to create meaningful experiences for our members, both in-person and online.
In person events
One of our core offerings is our celebratory events. These in-person gatherings provide a space for members to come together and recognise their achievements, milestones, and successes. It’s a time for us to celebrate each other’s accomplishments and build a sense of camaraderie within the community.
In person and virtual co-working
In addition to celebratory events, we also provide co-working opportunities. We understand that working as a virtual assistant can sometimes feel isolating, which is why we offer dedicated spaces where members can come together and work side by side. This not only creates a supportive environment, but also allows collaboration and knowledge sharing among peers.
Harnessing continuous learning opportunities
Furthermore, our online laugh and learn sessions are designed to educate our members on specific business topics relevant to their passions and purpose. We bring in experts from both within our community and external businesses to share their insights and expertise. These sessions serve as valuable learning opportunities that empower our members with new skills and knowledge.
The key activities offered by the Sydney VA Community include celebration, collaboration, education, and personal growth. We believe in creating an inclusive environment where virtual assistants can thrive both personally and professionally.
In 2022, Amanda stepped down from the leadership position, and remains an active and valued member within the group.
You guys are my go to whenever I have a question about a particular piece of software or tech. There have been countless times someone in SVAC has helped me fix something or a workshop so that I can bring better service to my clients. I have also loved giving back to those that are new VA’s. It has brought me so much joy to mentor newbies and then see them grow and flourish. #vafamily.
The group has organically grown from under 10 members in 2019 to over 160 Sydney (and surrounds) based VAs to date. It’s incredible to watch over the last few years how our industry is growing, as is the diversity of the members’ services.
With the growth of the industry (especially post COVID), coupled with Versatile Marketing’s business growth, and let’s not forget my personal workload (Mum of 2 girls, a guinea pig, puppy, other voluntary commitments and the list goes on). I recognised that I couldn’t bring about the best opportunities for the members solo. So, in March 2023, active community members with aligned passion, professionalism and ethics submitted an expression of interest to co-lead the group and become the current 2023 SVAC support partners.
What makes the Sydney VA community unique?
We do things here a little differently, all leaders volunteer their precious time to make a positive difference. Members’ contributions also add incredible value to the group. We are founded on support, respect, trust, and good manners. This is a community environment where you can join knowing you have a supportive business community to cheer you on and help you grow.
While this is far from an exhaustive list, members have been known to voluntarily support other businesses with:
branding
website support
Excel spreadsheet challenges
insurance recommendations
nominations for business awards
active listening when a vent is needed or concerns raised.
listed sub-contract opportunities
business collaborations
co-working opportunities
shared learning at each others houses
a drink at the local bar or cafe
we’ve had more experienced VAs offer to mentor newer VAs to the industry
referrals
guidance.
We asked our members to share their experiences in the community. Here are a few:
One thing I love about the SVAC group, it doesn’t matter how silly I think a question is, everyone is supportive. There is always someone willing to provide advice or assistance when I need it, or people who have checked in with me when I have been struggling. Being part of this group over the past few years has been invaluable. Working on your own, while it’s great, can be lonely. I don’t usually attend a lot of networking events, but love it when I can catch up with the SVAC group either in person or online. It’s so nice to talk to other VAs about our businesses, the juggle with families, etc… which makes working from home that little bit less lonely.
SVAC helped me at the start of my VA journey, when I was feeling lost. Through this group I have connected with and met some of the most amazing women. I love that we understand each other’s journey, and we are there to pick each other up and assist each other in our areas of expertise. It’s such a great group to be part of, and I am honoured to be here.
Working in isolation and small business ownership are two large contributors to mental ill-health. As such, I am passionate to provide a holistic approach, providing the community with mindset, mental health, and other personal growth strategies, as well as the more expected business topics. The group provides a safe space for all members to share openly about their successes and challenges.
We encourage our members to ask questions, share wins, tips, share other respected VA community group activities, to ensure we are all connected as an industry.
Connection with the broader Aussie VA industry leaders
We embrace being part of the larger Australian VA community, and will continue to collaborate, partner with and be affiliates for many industry leaders. Sydney VA Community members are also members in various other industry groups and participated in the
We are currently promoting Kate Toon’s Marketing Conference, which allows members to attend at a discounted rate. *Squeal* She is a mentor of mine (even if she doesn’t know it).
Any affiliate tickets purchased through the group contribute towards the community’s activities. A win/win for all involved.
Connection with our local Sydney business community
Local Sydney community leaders have sponsored our events, provided prizes for awards, and promo and gift items for goody bags at events, and shared their knowledge in laugh and learn sessions.
We welcome expressions of interest for guest speakers to present to the group, sponsorships, grants, affiliates, co-working spaces or any other support you could provide to support 160+ small business owners working remotely and needing community connection.
Introducing the gorgeous SVAC 2023 partners
Beth Newman
This group has helped me with information and tips for my business, but has also provided the friendship and support you miss from solo remote working. There is still somewhere to go to ask a question or run something by, or simply a lift when you feel deflated or defeated. I love the opportunities it brings if you simply give things a go when offered.
I felt supported, particularly through the early stages of my business I always enjoyed the lunch and learn events. They are good to connect and to learn something, as the name suggests.
Christine shares the value and benefits she found from the group, which was
Growth and confidence. I was so new at all of this when I first engaged with SVAC group, and I really do feel like a completely different person almost four years later. Now I get to be that support to other people, and it still enriches me. My favourite activities have been the Christmas gatherings. They’ve all been held at different locations and there are always new faces, and of course older faces like me. It offers such a relaxed time together and there is so much laughter, especially around the Kris Kringle gifts.
I really enjoy meeting all the incredible people in the SVAC group and learning about their stories. Their reasons for becoming a VA, how they got there and started, what keeps them going. I really love being part of a community where I can help and support people on their journey in the VA world. I too always really enjoy the Christmas parties at the end of the year, it’s a great time to get together, relax and laugh. Great games and fun.”
SVAC provides professional support, but more than that, I find the group helps decrease the isolation we VAs are prone to as self-employed freelancers who work from home and for whom most professional contact is via phone, zoom or email. I think we sometimes get too tied up with responsibilities and unplanned life stuff that happens to take time to smell the roses. SVAC’s approach is unique in that it is NFP, led by volunteers, and focused on professional AND personal well-being as well as connecting VAs across wider Sydney and their local communities.
If you’re a business owner who wants to collaborate, provide a complimentary laugh and learn session, sponsor an event, provide co-working space provisions or support the Sydney Virtual Assistant Community, your contribution will help maintain a space to call home for women (and currently one man, Chiya Clayton), feel connected, inspired, motivated, learn new skills, feel nurtured, and most importantly build lifelong relationships like you would in a corporate setting.
The best part is it’s mutually beneficial, as we can introduce you to over 160 small business owners who may utilise your products or services.
The spread of the CORONAVIRUS has forced thousands of working parents to work from home WITH KIDS. My best friend mentioned she was unsure how she would manage it. This is a relevant issue affecting so many of us. Managing working from home with children who need to be homeschooled can be overwhelming Kids, especially younger kids, demand around the clock attention.
As a virtual service business owner providing outsourced marketing support to small businesses, I’m somewhat experienced in this space. Have I mastered it? Not exactly. Did I have to home school as well? NO! But the philosophy remains the same. There are most definitely strategies you can put in place to minimise the fallout – and even thrive. I’m implementing them, and fine-tuning them, and so can you. We can do this, not alone but together! So, if you’re struggling to navigate your new life outside of the office, These strategies from a home working Mum may help you survive these challenging times with your sanity mostly intact.
1. Mindset is key
Be kind to yourself
You’re going to have wobbles during this experience. After all, humans are not built to be in close confines without the ability to socialise! Add in working from home while homeschooling the children. ahhhh! Expect extra emotion and acting up, (from the kids too.) This is not normal, this is an unknown, scary and huge change. They will miss their friends as much as you will.
With routines disrupted and families thrown into close quarters, cabin fever is a real danger.
Adding to this, fear is in the air. Working Mums have shared their fears of running out of work, money, Losing family and friends. The physical and mental strain of needing to add even more hats to your existing workday. Fear of letting your children down by not teaching them in the way a teacher could. Fear of the impact isolation may have on mental health. Or being pulled in directions, so you’re not giving them the love and gentle care they need, especially at a time like this. Even the fear of not being able to wipe yourself after going to the toilet. Know you’re not alone.
Aim to eradicate your fear!
Step 1: Acknowledge your fears. They’re valid.
Step 2: Understand its purpose is to keep you safe. Be kind to yourself.
Step 3: Breathe deeply 3 times, inhale, exhale!
Step 4 – Choose a new more helpful focus. Redirect yourself to ACT. Our thoughts are POWERFUL and can stop our actions towards positive outcomes. I was stopped from positive action all last week. I’ve refocused. I took some vital ME TIME – A virtual 1:1 yoga session from a gorgeous friend. I washed my bedsheets and sent the family for a fun camping venture in the backyard so I could enjoy the simple pleasure of quiet night, in a freshly made bed. #Restorative. What can you put in place to improve your mindset?
Step 5 – If you feel yourself slipping back into an unhelpful headspace. Shift it again. Sing and dance with your kids, or take up a hobby, or do a family meditation, using deep breathing. I use the calm app. as do my kids. They have bedtime stories, focus on anxiety, or lack of sleep, meditations and much more. Even Matthew Mcconaughey shares a story. Switch the channel. STOP what you’re doing, get up and refocus.
Versatile Marketing has been liaising and collaborating with Everymind over the last 6 months. They have a program called Ahead For Business. It’s a great small business resource to use. Take the mental health checkup. Use their toolkit to equip yourself with further support and ideas.
Ghandi summarised the importance of mastering mindset with this quote:
Your beliefs become your thoughts. Your throughts become your words. Your words become your actions. Your actions become your habits. Your habits become your values. Your values become your destiny.
2. Dedicate an office area
You need a designated place for your home office, so all family members are aware it’s your office. Even If it is on the kitchen table. At specific designated times, they have to respect this is your workspace and not disturb you while you’re sat at it. unless it’s an emergency or urgent.
Avoid OH&S issues, keep it as ergonomic as possible. Create a makeshift foot stool. Or use a box to get the height of the computer correct. Ensure Wi-fi is fast enough. The lighting needs to be sufficient. A headset and a printer/scanner is a nice to have also.
Create a schedule/routine but be flexible.
Plan ahead
Set a time block routine from the outset. Aim to keep your wake-up times the same as they were, consistency and routine is key. You’ll all cope better, when you know what and when you are doing each day. Even if it’s as simple as wake time, eat time, play time, learning time, exercise time.
In saying that, ensure it’s flexible and adaptive. For example, if you need to get up an hour earlier than everyone else, for self-care or to smash out some urgent work, do it. Equally, if one morning you all want to stay in bed until 10am…do it!
Work smart not hard
Work out the best time to make phone calls or be on teleconferences with the least distractions.
Set specific times for activities to break up the day. Feel free to use our Daily Routine 2020. Provide a print-out of the routine for your kids. Prepare any materials /supplies they may need.
Set alarms/Bells. Use Google Home or other devices to help your kids remember what to do next. (Automate it as much as possible). Above all, be realistic and flexible, expect to be interrupted.
It isn’t easy to work from home with kids. Use our resource sheet which lists brilliant, free aged-based school resources for your children. Utilise these as a supplement to the school’s online learning or alternative learning plans.
Consider working late at night when kids are in bed. However, please ensure you’re getting enough sleep. Easy to say, with so much to juggle, often hard to achieve, however we all need to stay healthy!
Allocate your most critical work during a time when your kids can sit for a good 2 hours straight. If they’re really young, capitalise on their nap times. In our household this occurs during electronics time. Because when they’re absorbed in a movie, playing Minecraft, reading eggs or Mathletics, I smash out work!
Food
Pre-prepare the day’s food as you would for school and show the kids their lunch bags. This is what they get to eat between 9-3pm. This will minimise the ‘Muuum I’m hungry’ distractions, and ration the food stores as well. They seem to eat twice as much at home than at school otherwise. Align break times to school or daycare timetables. Crunch and sip in the morning, then recess, followed by lunch.
Plan to enjoy a minimum of one meal with them. You need a lunch break. It’s nice to connect, re-set and recharge the batteries too. So why not enjoy it together. Be sure everyone has water, and drinks regularly.– 2 litres of water a day is optimal. Give someone a job of being a water monitor – kids love power! 😉
Exercise
Set time for you and kids to exercise together, it’s important to stay healthy, and active. There are so many activities, from zumba, aerobics on tv at home, to jumping on trampoline, go for a scoot, bike ride or walk around the block. My favourite online kids workouts where its fun for mum too are Cosmic Kids Yoga, and a visual pleaser P.E with Joe . Similarly, this re-connects you and the kids, they’ll feel recharged to go off for some more solo activities. Vitamin D, sunshine and fresh air are vital for mental health and for defeating/preventing viruses including COVID-19.
Connect
Plan activities together! Now more than ever your kids need some extra parent time. Squeeze it into your plan. Bake bread, make play doh, play scrabble, kick a ball in the backyard. Stay connected with friends and family. It’s so important for maintaining mental health and social engagement.
Allocate some quiet time for you all throughout the day. If possible, create spaces in your house for zones. A games zone, learning space (with some activities set out). A chill out corner with pillows and headphones. If it’s too small for this, then stick with the boredom box (see below) and bedrooms when people need alone time.
4. This is not normal homeschooling and you’re not a school teacher!
Go easy on yourself. Be flexible and adaptable. Utilise the school curriculum provided. If your kids don’t complete all the tasks one day. It doesn’t matter. This is far from a normal situation and any learning is good learning.
I interviewed a fellow Virtual business owner, with a Diploma of Education, Sandy Pisch. Sandy is a homeschooling single Mum, with 2 boys with disabilities. (Autism, ADHD & Tourette Syndrome).
From a Mum who certainly understands the juggle of working from home. Sandy shares with us her 3 top tips for our temporary home schooling/ home working gig:
You don’t have to do every subject every day.
Have shorter blocks of work, nothing more than 30mins, with numerous “brain breaks” (5-10mins). Even though, at school, they’re in the classroom for an hour or more in between starting/recess/lunch/home. They actually fit in numerous short blocks of work. There’s lots of ‘teacher talk’ and moving around between the floor and desks. A fantastic website for “brain breaks” is GoNoodle.
It’s super important to connect what they’re learning with real life. Talk about things. Let the kids ask questions. Tell them stories and experiences. Play with them, go outside and let them explore the natural world. ALL of this actually ticks off SO much of the curriculum, without even realising it.
Many neighborhoods are getting on board the ‘bearhunt’. Search on Facebook for your local area. People are putting teddy bears in their windows. Go for a fun walk and see how many you can spot…turn it into a maths exercise and add a teddy bear to your window too!
5. Create age-appropriate boredom boxes
Dedicate a weekend to gather boxes you have lying around the house. Label them, 1 box per child. Let your kids be involved in this, and for creative time or free time, this box can come out for inspiration.
For kids without reading ability print images of the activities. Search around the house for the initial box contents. Some of their favourite books, stickers and pencils, with paper. A sewing kit. Then place on your to-do list to order more craft etc. (planning ahead is vital refer to tip 2).
6. Use screen time and virtual support networks
Sometimes the kids are going to go a bit cray cray… so enlist the support of Netflix and put on a movie. Or Zoom call your Mum, or an elderly neighbour or childfree friends and ask them to spend some virtual teaching time – they could teach piano, or read a story, or tell a story of their past – include some modern history. Or family history. Win-win-win.
7. Fill your bucket and invest time filling up their buckets too
It’s important to acknowledge when you need time off, to be proactive about your mental and physical health! Each person will need time alone in a sacred space that they can retreat to.
Remember to appreciate the forced time together. Be present to the amazing opportunities to really re-connect with your family. Spend some extra quality time together. Smell the roses, soak up the sun on a walk together, have a picnic in the backyard while weather permits. If cold camp out in the house, have a dance party, do the biggest puzzles together, make music together, bake and have movie nights.
It is absolutely possible to work from home with kids. You just need to be realistic about the quantity you can get through as do your employers. Find the balance that works for your family, utilising your circumstances and resources. And remember, kindness is key. We need to support all those around us too, so if there is one thing today that you can do for yourself or someone else, amongst your crazy busy day. Do it!
Don’t forget to support your local small businesses. They’re the backbone and heart of your community. Support leads to success. Versatile Marketing are sending everyone strength of spirit, structure, focus, love and calm in all this crazy time.
Need help with your digital marketing?
At Versatile Marketing, we provide professional outsourced marketing support for small Aussie businesses. If you’d like to find out more, check out our services, or book in a complimentary discovery call. Don’t forget to download your free kids resource list and a copy of our daily routine. And, if you suddenly have some spare time to look at your content marketing, to become more visible in business. You’re invited to download a free copy of our seasonal, printable content calendar.
1. Setting your vision and strategies to get things done
As a small business owner, having a clear vision of where you want to go is so powerful! It sets the scene for all that’s to come. To grow your business, you need to transform your vision into a plan.
When you execute your vision and plan, share it across your digital marketing platforms. By doing this, you create an amazing opportunity for your audience to connect. When engagement occurs, visibility and growth are inevitable.
Invest in these 4 simple business strategies, so you can reap the benefits for this year and beyond.
1. Reflection and vision
The best place to start, when you want to move forward and grow, is to understand where you have been. Ask yourself: What worked well last year? Why did it succeed? Are any tweaks required to remain current and relevant moving forward?
2. What didn’t work?
Assess how and why it didn’t work. Is it still aligned with your vision? Perhaps it requires a new approach or discarding?
3. Were strategies set for the last year which you were unable to meet for whatever reason?
If they’re still relevant and current, plan them into your strategy for this year and beyond where necessary.
4. When did you last review your business plan?
Remember that thing you wrote (with hope) when you first started your business? With the day-to-day running of your business, has it been neglected?
I recently reviewed mine, written in 2018. My business has consciously changed course somewhat. And it drifted a couple of degrees off course all by itself. It’s important to re-chart the course to its new desired destination.
Review and assess your:
Mission and vision and values
Ideal clients and their needs
Branding, has it changed?
SWAT and risks? Ask yourself is it still current and accurate? If not revise it with the next 2-5 years in mind, not only the next year! Time flies, so it’s advisable for your business strategy to have short and long-range plans and milestones.
The best way to ensure you reach your business goal is to go through an important annual planning process. Assess lessons learned and changes in circumstances, like:
New technology
Digital marketing and communication platform changes
Turnover
New products or services
Market changes
Environmental changes and impacts.
These all may lead to re-assessing your long-range plan.
Take the time annually, to measure your progress. Assess what you need to do in the coming year to remain relevant and on track. So set a date now in your calendar towards the end of the year, or end of the financial year, to take stock and assess.
2. Plan ahead
You might be familiar with this Benjamin Franklin quote:
If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!
After all of the reflecting, re-assessing and re-aligning. The next step is to create a realistic and achievable plan. There are so many ways to plan. And an abundance of approaches and tools to assist you to stay focused and on track.
Here are some suggestions:
Annual planning
Set yourself an annual Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG), (taken from Jim Collin’s book ‘Built to last’)
What strengths do you need to achieve this BHAG? List 3-5 key strengths.
What are your annual priorities?
List 3-5 priorities you will focus on this year to either leverage your current strengths and activities. Or develop new ones that align with and lead you towards your BHAG.
Quarterly planning
Break down each of the above priorities into quarterly SMART objectives (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant & time-bound). Plan your digital marketing content quarterly. To assist you here is a free seasonal content planner to help you do just this. Maintain clarity around your overarching vision. Be conscious of your business plan and break down the quarterly plan for each area of your business.
Think: sales, marketing, networking, financial, systems integrations,and the actual implementation of efficient work practices.
It’s important to keep current with the latest technology, algorithms and systems. Remember that change is the only constant.
Using your seasonal content planner. Once your annual and quarterly themes are in place. Break it down to monthly, weekly and daily.
3. Be visible in a digital world
Digital platforms are the way of the future. But what does this mean for your company? Sure, more and more business is performed digitally annually.
To be visible in your business, you need to have a consistent presence, spanning over numerous platforms.
People need to know about your brand, your product or service and your unique value proposition so they can choose to buy from you.
There are many other reasons to be visible.
The more your prospective customers see, hear, and read about you in various places. For example, web sites, Facebook posts, LinkedIn articles, podcasts, blog posts, etc. The more you’ll be seen as a subject matter expert.
When you become more visible, potential clients or customers become curious and are likely to visit your website to find out more. If you have a well-placed opt-in, you’re likely to increase the visibility further, once they sign up to your list. Then you can stay in touch via newsletters and emails. Visibility allows you to stay in front of mind. When your customers ready to purchase the odds will be in your favour.
Be genuinely you! If you’re an entrepreneur or small business owner, become the face of your business and allow people to get to know you. This might be via YouTube videos, Facebook lives, or simply posts on social media, but don’t forget the ‘YOU’ in your business.
As you can see, there’s a strong argument for why visibility is a vital component in your marketing strategy. Choose the activities you wish to do on a regular basis. Work out where your customers are and select one or two platforms and share content consistently. Only once they’re embedded, add more. These might include:
Article marketing
Social media (Facebook, WeChat, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Google My Business etc.)
Blogging & guest blogging
Guest podcasts or run your own podcast
Webinars
E-books
Online courses
Attending events
Newsletters
Vlogs
This list could go on. Remember to re-purpose and cross-promote. With content marketing, allocate enough time to plan and implement a consistent strategy. It can be quite time-consuming but there are tools and systems available to assist.
Owning your own business has numerous perks, you can do what you love, with flexibility. You can be a decision-maker and see the tangible difference you make to your clients or customers, delivering your service or product. Following your passions can only ever be brilliant, right? Well… yes, so long as you get the right balance.
On the flip side, there are numerous stressors. As a business owner, the buck stops with you. You’re likely wearing multiple hats while putting in long hours, many unpaid. There is the worry of cashflow or feeling isolated or the uncertainty of which step to take next. There simply is never enough time to do it all.
Take YOU time
It’s important to acknowledge when you need a day off, to be proactive about your mental and physical health. Maybe it’s a quick yoga session, a night out, a cup of tea or a trip to the beach. Whatever it is, find something that recharges your batteries.
What is your time worth?
Another way to value ‘you time’ is to recognise how much you charge per hour. Let’s assume you earn $150 p/hr. If you’re spending time on recurring work, which isn’t essential for you to do, then consider outsourcing it to someone who earns less than your hourly rate. In this scenario, $50 or $140 p/hour is still a brilliant investment. If you utilise this additional time on your core business activities and relationship building, your business is sure to grow. So remember to value your time, it’s a smart business strategy. Do you know over 1/3 of small business outsource a portion of their work, and that statistic is growing!
Work time is valuable, but so is your downtime because the productivity of your work time is directly correlated to how much downtime you get and how much sleep you have. So remember to practice self-care.
Another clever way to take time for you is… when you plan your year, plan a holiday or two each year. Get it in the calendar, it gives you something to work towards and plan around.
By following these simple four steps, you’re set for a well-planned, visible year. With a crystal-clear vision of where you are and where you want to be. You can take valuable ‘you time’, outsource where needed, and watch your business grow.
Need help with your digital marketing?
At Versatile Marketing, we provide professional outsourced marketing support for small businesses just like yours. If you’d like to find out more, visit our website or book in a complimentary discovery call. Don’t forget to download your FREE copy of our seasonal, printable content calendar. Just sign-up at the bottom of this page.
Why is it so important to have a digital presence?
Well, for starters, in this financial climate, we’re all looking for the best return for least investment, and GBP has you covered here – it’s free! And you will have a distinct advantage over more than half of the business population, as 55% of Australian local businesses haven’t claimed their GBP listing. I know right!?
Here are some popular sites to help you obtain keywords for SEO:
It all started here… I began my VA journey as Amanda’s subcontractor. Prior to this, I had come from the corporate world and didn’t know what a VA was myself. Neither Amanda nor myself knew other Virtual Assistants locally, although we both received feedback from prospects and clients about some Sydney based VA cowgirls and offshore VAs, creating a not so wonderful reputation for the industry.
Harnessing continuous learning opportunities
Your beliefs become your thoughts.
Set a time block routine from the outset. Aim to keep your wake-up times the same as they were, consistency and routine is key. You’ll all cope better, when you know what and when you are doing each day. Even if it’s as simple as wake time, eat time, play time, learning time, exercise time.
Allocate some quiet time
5. Create age-appropriate boredom boxes
