Author: Hannah

Categories
Gardening & landscaping

10 quick ways to add kerb appeal to your home

Adding kerb appeal to your home need not require a large budget or any major modifications to your house’s façade.  There are a lot of quick and easy ways to add to the kerb appeal of your home without breaking the bank! Keep in mind that you are not attempting to create a public display of your artistic sensibilities and creativity but trying to make your home good-looking and welcoming from the street. When adding said kerb appeal, keep it simple and your home will stay looking like a home. If you would like professional help you will find information on the various types of professionals landscapers in your area online and perhaps by word of mouth. However, many of these solutions can be done yourself.

1.     Change your front door

The front door is a major focal point of the exterior of your home. A door that catches the eye can make for a house that stays in the mind. A new coat of paint or replacing worn and rusty hardware can provide your door with a new lease of life. Try a bright colour that contrasts from the rest of the exterior of the house. This will liven up the houses façade. If your budget is mighty enough, a new door with a design that is different from the old one will give the exterior of your home a substantial makeover. Veranda furniture that compliments your door will add to the overall appeal of the exterior. If you do not want to buy new chairs and tables, how about repainting  what you have to match the door. If you have decided on a  bright door colour, be careful not to overdo the contrast to the rest of the façade with the newly painted furniture.

Landscaped mailbox / Source: Dream Design Scapes

2.     Add window boxes

Window boxes can add life and vitality to the walls of a home. However, overdoing the plants is a common mistake. Keep in mind that you are not creating another garden but attempting to add a touch of life to the walls of your house. Try using flowers and colours that compliment what you already have in your front garden.

3.     Grow flowering vines

If your home is a traditional one, a climbing vine or two out the front can add a touch of romance. It is recommended to keep the vines light and delicate with plants such as a climbing rose, so that they do not become the homes of nesting rodents or provide the means for someone to climb up the walls of your home. Remember that vines need to be trimmed regularly otherwise they will look unplanned.

4.     Build a bench around a tree

Do you have a big tree in your yard? Does the size of it draw the eye upward and distract people from appreciating the rest of the area? If so, why not consider creating a bench around it. This will not only give you convenient sitting space, it will focus attention on the lower part of the tree and to the garden that exists at that level. The bench does not have to be round. Octagonal and pentagonal  benches look striking and impressive. Remember to leave enough space between the bench and the tree to accommodate any growth in the girth of the tree.

Contact local landscapers

5.     Add outdoor lighting

Adding exterior lighting to the your home can go long way in adding kerb appeal. You can buy outdoor lighting kits from most big hardware stores and if you have basic electric skills you can do the installation yourself. Locate the dark areas of your yard and choose the features of your home that you want to highlight and try to concentrate the lighting on those locations. A well-lit walkway can also be attractive. Be careful not to overdo the light effects as outdoor lighting is meant to add a glow to your home after dark and not to give the appearance of it being daytime.

6.     Install a picket fence

Ready to install fencing can be bought at hardware and garden supply stores in various colours and styles. A picket fence could be a great option being traditional fence that never goes out of style.  White is the traditional colour of picket fences and works with whatever the colour your house may be. Be aware of the size of the gap between the pickets. If the gaps are too large it can give the appearance of being a broken and old fence. Conversely, if the pickets are too close together, passer-bys may not be  able to see your garden, defeating the purpose of adding kerb appeal to your house. For an even better effect, install the fence a few metres back from your property boundary and fill the open space with flower beds.

Outdoor lighting & stone work / Source: Style & Structure Landscaping

7.     Add window shutters 

If you live in an older house window shutters can provide extra character. Stick to traditional designs that match the age of the house. Antique stores are an ideal place to find old shutters in designs that are no longer available. Refurbishing and restoring the antique shutters can also be a rewarding  DIY project.

8.     Create a welcoming pathway

A brick or stone path leading up to your front door adds depth to your front yard. If you have a pathway that is looking old and worn out, consider resurfacing it with coloured concrete in order to rejuvenate it. Edging your new path with stone or brick pavers offers extra emphasis to the path. This will make the path stand out more from the surrounding grass. Using lamps that are low to the ground will provide soft lighting that will make the path more apparent at night.

9.     Makeover the letterbox

How about installing a brand new letterbox? An attractive letterbox can become a secondary focal point of the front yard and can highlight the boundary of your property. Try choosing a design that matches the look of your house.

10.  Accessorise

Lanterns, brass knockers, flower pots, and garden ornaments are a quick and cost effective way to add kerb appeal to your home. Be careful not to go overboard with the accessories.  Consider the type of neighbourhood you live in; will a big brass knocker fitted on a door with a big brass handle look overdone? Also remember that these outdoor accessories are going to be exposed to the weather. Purchase those that are rust resistant.

Adding kerb appeal to your home can be easy with these few simple solutions. Using only small budget and a minimal amount of time and effort your home can look attractive and sharp from the kerb!

Categories
News & updates

How to succeed in the small business world

Small businesses often struggle to gain visibility and get ahead of their competition. Many falter and face losses during the first few years of their existence. While it’s difficult to succeed in these times of intense competition, it’s not impossible. You just need to have the right ingredients in place to create the winning recipe.  You need a combination of luck, perseverance, timing, and a good strategy to succeed in any business.

Fact: 80% of all new businesses fail within the first 18 months of their existence. If you don’t want to be a part of that 80% you need to lay a solid foundation for your business. You also need to possess or develop some qualities as a business owner to succeed in this highly competitive world.

Qualities that small businesses need to have in order to succeed

If you observe successful small businesses and study how they work, you’ll notice that most of them have similar characteristics. They have that winning formula that allows them to survive the turbulent first few months of business. Here are some qualities successful small businesses have:

  1. Catering to a special or niche market – Small businesses can’t compete with large businesses unless they have something special to offer. For example, a small pizzeria can’t compete against Dominos unless it offers something unique like authentic Italian stone oven pizzas. Successful small businesses find a niche in the market that they fit perfectly and that helps them move past their competition. If you offer the same thing as well-established big brands, you’ll face tougher competition that might hamper your success at the outset.
  2. Personal relationships with their customers – Big brands can’t establish a personal connection with their customers because they’re too large and have too many branches. Smaller businesses have a better chance at establishing a rapport with their customers. Companies that succeed often develop a loyal and supportive customer base that can keep the business afloat even in times of uncertainty. You can use different channels to approach your customers, including the use of social media and smart marketing.
  3. Word of mouth – Successful small businesses rely on word-of-mouth marketing as well. They encourage their customers to offer referrals and even offer them incentives to promote their brand. If your customers are satisfied with your services and like your brand, they won’t hesitate to recommend you to others. Most large companies can’t take advantage of word-of-mouth marketing because they are unable to establish a personal connection with their customers.
  4. Structured for growth – Most business owners fail to consider growth when they create their business structure. They don’t leave any room for expansion and growth, which can limit a company’s potential. Even if you’re on a limited budget, you can ensure your business has room for growth by choosing the right employees and dividing responsibilities. You can also take advantage of modern technology like cloud computing and third-party data banks to ensure your business is scalable without investing too much money upfront. If you don’t focus on growth from the beginning, you’ll have to make big changes down the line that could affect your business and even jeopardise its success.
  5. Stepping out of the comfort zone – Just because you have a niche market doesn’t mean that you can’t push your business to the limit and introduce new products or services. For example, as a pizzeria owner, you can expand your business by introducing new dishes or even add gelato to your menu! You’ll still cater to a niche market but will have more sources of profit that will help you grow. Adding new products or services requires less effort and money than creating a new branch.
  6. Focus on your skills – Your business relies heavily on your skill and the skill of your team. Most small businesses succeed because the owners focus on what they can do instead of trying to do something they’re not familiar with. For example, if you’re not an app designer, you shouldn’t try to establish an app designing company. Even if you hire the right people, you’ll fall behind because your lack of knowledge will have an impact on the day-to-day operations. You should build a company that you can run on your own skill if needed, as that will keep it afloat during hard times.
  7. Delivering value – Does your business fulfil a need? Does it fill a vacuum in the market and provide value to your prospective customers? The answer to these questions will determine whether your business succeeds or fails. Companies that don’t deliver value or fill a gap in the market don’t survive for long.
Successful small business at awards event / Source: J&T Dale Plumbing

Most successful small businesses have these qualities and that helps business owners establish a strong foothold. If your business has a solid foundation at the beginning it is better equipped to handle any difficulties it may face.

Qualities of a successful business owner

Even a great business idea and set-up can fail if the business isn’t run well or run by the right person. These ventures rely heavily on the skill and ability of the business owner. If they don’t know how to handle a company or don’t take the time to learn, their business is likely to fail. Here are some traits business owners should possess in order to succeed in this competitive world:

  1. Leadership – This is the most important quality in a business owner because your team and employees will look to you for direction and guidance. Business owners set the course for the company and influence everything from the branding to daily operations. You set the goals, establish the culture and ethics, make sure the business runs smoothly, pay the bills, and help employees deal with uncertainties. Businesses without good leadership falter in the first few months and eventually fail. You can develop your leadership skills with the help of fellow business owners and mentors.
  2. Perseverance – The world of business isn’t easy and people who’re not willing to give their 100% will not succeed. You should be willing to give up your weekends, burn the midnight oil, neglect your social life, and work tirelessly to establish your business. You should also be willing to keep going even if your business seems to be faltering. All businesses go through ups and downs, especially in the first few months of starting. You need to look beyond your current problems and focus on your goals.
  3. Vision for the company – Your company should have a theme and brand for it to stand out from the crowd. That can only happen if you have a good vision and remain committed to it. For example, if your company is known for dedication to customers, you should build all your services and products around this. A vision also acts as a guide for your employees and gives them purpose. They know what your goals are and will find ways to reach those goals.
  4. Loyalty – The modern work and business environment is very different from the work environment that existed a few years ago. Employees and team members expect ample support from their employers and leaders. They expect you to be loyal to them and protect their interests. Employees and team members are the backbone of your business. If they’re happy and content, your business will thrive. Contrastingly, if they’re troubled and stressed, their productivity levels will drop and your business will falter. You should provide a good working environment to your employees and be loyal to them. They will repay your loyalty with dedication and hard work.
  5. Willingness to learn and accept help – Business owners and entrepreneurs have a tendency to overestimate their abilities and take on too many responsibilities. They also hesitate to take the advice of their team members and rely solely on their own judgement. This can cause the business to falter and ultimately fail. You should be willing to learn from your employees and team members and accept their help. Running a business can be stressful, but when you rely on your team you share the load and get more work done.
Successful small business / Source: Sparc Electrical & Air conditioning

How to succeed in the small business world?

  1. Set clear goals and milestones for your business and celebrate every achievement.
  2. Hire the right people for your start-up team and delegate responsibilities to them.
  3. Make sure you have a clear and distinguishable brand for your company.
  4. Be customer oriented and have a good customer service system in place.
  5. Embrace modern technology to make your job easier and reduce the burden on your employees.
  6. Hire mentors to help you in the first few months of your business.
  7. Manage your money well and ensure you don’t overspend.

If you keep these traits and recommendations in mind, you’ll be able to run a successful business. While luck and circumstances do play a role in the success of your business, a good foundation will increase your chances of succeeding.

Categories
Lighting & electrical

Wall lighting ideas for your living room

Lighting plays an important role in the design of any room, especially a multifunctional space like a living room. Not only is it used to illuminate a space and promote functionality, but it can also create a certain ambiance and elevate the living room décor. Yet, despite such an important role, lighting still remains one of the most neglected design elements. Something as simple as wall lights can completely transform your space and give it a really cool look. If you want to beautify your living room and accentuate its features, using these wall light ideas as design inspiration.

How to choose a living room lighting scheme

  1. Layers: First things first, you need to make sure that your living room has an appropriate, layered lighting scheme. Installing several sources of lights, including wall lights, will provide you with a balanced lighting scheme and a harmonious ambiance that exudes comfort, style and functionality.
  2. Ambient: Your space should have a general source of light that will illuminate the entire space. This type of lighting is also called ambient lighting. For instance, a stylish pendant or a chandelier can not only work as a show stopping feature in the room, but also as general lighting.
  3. Task: Your living room should also have task lighting that will illuminate specific areas and provide you with focused light necessary for performing tasks, such as reading or working.
  4. Accent: Accent lights is the last layer of lighting that your living room should have. These lights are used to create a dramatic effect and illuminate a decorative item or they themselves may work as embellishments. Incorporating all of these types of lighting will fill your living room with a stunning glow, support its different purposes and enable you to enjoy your space to the fullest.
Wall entry lights / Source: Illumina Electrical

How to choose the right wall lights

The purpose of the lighting will determine what kind of wall lights you should get.

  • Ambient light: Go with wall fixtures with translucent glass lamps, as they will illuminate your space with a diffuse glow while also embellishing your living room.
  • Task light: Try a wall sconce as it provides a more focused glow

Number, strength & position

The number of ceiling lights you have will affect how many wall lights you’ll need in your living room. The position of your living room wall lights is yet another factor to have in mind when buying them. Since wall lights are typically placed at eye level, you need to pick the size and style that will work well when set against the background.

Style

When it comes to style, you should go with wall lights that fit in the general design of your living room. For instance, if you have a modern living room, you should go with a simple, sleek design with clear lines that will fit into the minimalist nature of contemporary style. On the other hand, iron fixtures are a much better choice for an industrial living room. The design and style of your wall lights is as important as their purpose because it will enable you to use them as stylish embellishments and create a cohesive look in your living room.

Contact local electricians

Wall lights & atmosphere

Lighting can have a major effect on your living room, its style and overall atmosphere. When installing wall lights, you should consider what you want to achieve. They can be used as both task and accent lights, helping you create completely different effects. Before implementing them to your space, you should consider how they will work with other lights. You should also consider whether you want to use them to enhance the functionality of your living room or create a particular visual effect. These decisions will greatly influence what type of wall lights you should buy and the way you’ll use them in your living room.

Another important factor to have in mind when installing additional lighting fixtures is whether there is a functioning electricity connection in your living room. You may need to install additional lighting switches or solve certain electricity problems before installing new wall lights. This will prevent any electricity-related accident and damage, so it’s an essential step that you shouldn’t skip. Of course, if you’re not experienced in dealing with electrical installations, it’s advisable that you call in an experienced professional.

Creative ideas for installing wall lights

Wall lights are simple details that offer a world of creative ideas that can help you elevate your living room décor and create a stylish, elegant ambience. If you want to create an artsy effect, you can use these fixtures to illuminate your artwork. These wall lights should be subtle yet impactful, with a strong glow that will accentuate your paintings. For a similar effect, you can use them to illuminate a collection of decorative embellishments. Placing them a bit lower and closer to the collection will accentuate details while the position will create an unusual visual appeal.

Creative lighting ideas / Source: Geelong Bathroom Renovations

Stunning wall lights can be used as stylish decorations that can stand out on their own. You can pair up two wall lights and place them right next to each other on an empty wall. This way, you’ll let the style and design of the lights come into focus, creating a strong, dramatic effect. Furthermore, if you like this idea of using multiple identical wall fixtures, you can line them up approximately eight to ten feet from one another for a stunning vibe. If your living room has a dark, empty corner, a wall light will give it a completely different dimension. Placing wall fixtures in opposite living room corners can make the entire room seem wider.

The way you use wall lights with other lighting fixtures can also create an enticing ambiance in your living room. You can match wall lights with pendants and lamps to create a harmonious, cohesive appeal. On the other hand, mismatching them can also create a beautiful effect, fill your space with diversity and give it an authentic character.

Wall lights might seem like simple, barely noticeable elements, but they can actually help you create a real wow effect in your living room.

Categories
Legal

Types of insurance for businesses

The rise of micro businesses in Australia is a testament to the freedom and opportunities that running a small enterprise provides. But as more people are choosing to go out and provide specialised trade services, more are being faced with insurance issues that they haven’t encountered before. If the aim is to build a healthy and robust small business community, it’s crucial that more tradies understand insurance well enough to make informed decisions about their risk management plan.

There has been a huge jump in small businesses, it means more business owners have less resources and limited experience with business insurance. If the trend continues, this issue could become a very real form of exposure within the business community.

With this in mind, let’s have a look at some of the major insurance types that tradies should consider. We’ll also offer some hints on what to consider before you buy, and the kind of information you’ll want to have handy.

Plumbing services require insurance / Source: Clever Plumbing Solutions

Public Liability Insurance

Public Liability (PL) insurance is the number one priority for most small businesses because it covers a huge legal liability – the duty of care we have to keep others and their property safe from injury or damage. Whether a claim is valid or not, PL protects you against the legal and compensation costs involved.

Due to the nature of the claims involved, costs for PL cases can stretch well into the millions of dollars, so the risk for a small business can be incredibly high. Claims can stem from something as seemingly innocuous as tripping on a loose cord, accidentally bumping an expensive piece of equipment, or spilling coffee on a client’s laptop.

Highlighting the importance of PL insurance is the fact that many government and professional organisations require minimum coverage before they’ll licence a practitioner or grant membership admittance.

Professional Indemnity Insurance

Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance is crucial if you provide advice or services, and protects against the legal costs of being accused of any breach of duty. PI protects professionals against a huge legal liability by covering the risk of negligence, and will pay for court costs and compensation claims – regardless of whether a claim is valid or not.

Common business types that require PI include accountants, bookkeepers, masseurs, beauty therapists, consultants, life coaches, personal trainers and psychologists. Claims can arise from something as simple as an accountant missing a tax expense, to something more complex such as an engineering or architectural error leading to faulty building construction.

Small tradesman team / Source: Richard Walker Plumbing

Business Insurance

Business Insurance (BI) can protect your contents and work premises against loss, damage or theft, as well as the financial pain of business interruption. But this is just the tip of the iceberg, as BI is really an umbrella term for a host of cover options, including things like machinery breakdown, glass, theft, portable equipment, employee dishonesty and money.

With BI, you can literally pick and choose the options you want to include, depending on the nature of your business and specific items that you wish to insure. It might be your tools, your dishwasher or the glass in your store. It may even be that you want to protect yourself against the expense involved in a tax audit, or business interruption so that an insured event doesn’t stop the flow of cash to your company.

The point of BI is that it should be tailored to your specific business needs. Be aware of the exclusions in your policy, however. Finding out you’re not covered for a claim after the event is a painful way to learn.

PI, PL, and BI are the primary insurance types that micro-businesses may need, but there are others that warrant consideration, including Management Liability, Personal Accident and Cyber Liability insurance. Personal Accident insurance, in particular, is widely needed as it protects your most valuable real asset – your ability to earn an income. Also, as more business is conducted online, the threat of cyber attacks is turning more business owners to Cyber Liability insurance.

Contact local property lawyers

Where to begin

The process of purchasing business insurance should be prefaced by a little bit of forethought and a small amount of research.

The forethought is related to risk. Ask yourself what kind of insurable risks your business faces and what the severity of those risks might be. The level of impact is key, because severity is much more important than probability. You want to protect yourself against the events that could do the most damage, not the ones that you could easily handle. You’ll also want to have a think about how you personally feel about risk. Do you have a high tolerance for it, or does the thought of risk keep you awake at night?

The research part is mostly about collecting the basic information you’ll need to have handy when you take action, including:

  • Location
  • ABN
  • Industry
  • Business size
  • Number of employees
  • Turnover

In addition, you should have a fair idea of the amount of cover required. With Public Liability insurance, for example, $10 million is a standard amount, but $5 million or $20 million are sometimes required.

A final word

Australia isn’t really a nation of small businesses, it’s a nation of micro-businesses. This is a wonderful sign for our economy, but the risk is that vast tranches of the business community are trading without first catering to their insurance needs. The key for sole traders and micro business owners is to find out what those needs are, and shop around for a provider that can meet them.

If you’re a small or micro business on Oneflare, insurance is important for you to have to perform jobs safely and without risk. It’s about being protected from any possible situation that could leave you out of pocket. If you haven’t already, upload a copy of any licenses, certificates and proof of insurance that you may have onto your Oneflare profile.

Categories
Resources

The ultimate wedding planning guide

Planning a wedding can be stressful. You need to arrange for the venue, theme, catering, decor, legalities, flowers, transport, attire, etc. Couples want their wedding ceremony to be perfect and spend months sometimes years planning their special day. The process can be both intimidating and exhausting, especially if you don’t have a proper wedding plan in place. There are countless guides and checklists available online to help you plan, and you can even hire a professional wedding planner to handle the task for you if your wallet allows you.

No two weddings are exactly the same. Different couples have specific preferences for their special day. For example, a smaller backyard wedding has its own challenges when compared to large venue weddings. Before you start planning for your wedding ceremony, think about what kind of wedding you want to have. Here’s a guide on how to handle different types of ceremonies:

Wedding themes

Every wedding should have a special theme. A great theme will ensure your special day is more memorable and entertaining. The theme can be traditional and familiar or quirky and unique. For example, a spring or winter-themed wedding is more traditional while a gothic or Harry Potter-themed wedding is quirky and unique. Here are some tips that can help you decide a theme:

  • Decide whether you want a traditional or non-traditional (unique theme) wedding. A non-traditional wedding is just as challenging as a traditional one, and may even require a little more effort. – look to considerations list when looking at options. An idea is great, but delivering all aspects of this dream wedding idea can be hard conceptually and extremely expensive.
  • Browse through wedding magazines, blogs and Pinterest for unique wedding ideas. That might spark your creativity and give you an idea of what you want.
  • Make sure your theme is consistent throughout the event. For example, if you want a winter-themed wedding, you should choose white and pale blue colours, include winter-specific food and drinks, and make sure your wedding stationery has the same theme. Consistency will ensure your wedding is unique and magical.

Rural Wedding / Source: Little Glimpses

Destination weddings

There’s something very magical about having a wedding in an exotic and interesting location. If you have room in your budget, you can even have your wedding ceremony in another country like New Zealand, Thailand or Bali, which are all popular destinations for Australians. However, if you want to stay a little closer to home, there are several amazing places in Australia where you can have a wedding as well. They can be very difficult to plan and arrange but they’re worth the effort.

Tips to plan:

  • Choose a destination that will comfortably fit into your budget. While destination weddings are memorable, they can be a financial burden if you’re not careful.
  • Make sure people you want to be present at the wedding can travel to the destination.
  • Look at the legal requirements of travelling to a different country for a wedding if you intend to have your wedding outside Australia.
  • Arrange for travel and accommodations well in advance to avoid last minute problems and cancellations. Be sure to check the venue’s payment and cancellation policies and don’t hesitate to ask them questions if needed.

Civil ceremony

A civil ceremony is a wedding ceremony performed by an authorised Civil Celebrant who’s registered with the Federal Attorney General’s office. This is a great option for people who want to have a formal marriage ceremony without any kind of religious authority. In civil wedding ceremonies, the things you need to consider.

Tips to plan:

  • To apply for a civil ceremony in Australia, you need to be at least 18 years of age with a photo ID like a driver’s license or a passport. You might also have to make a statutory declaration to support your identity and evidence provided.
  • You need to file The Notice of Intended Marriage form, one month before you’re due to be married. There are exceptions like medical emergencies, errors, legal proceedings, etc, but it’s best to file the form in advance.
  • You’ll be married by the Civil Celebrant and asked to sign three different certificates to confirm your marriage.
  • The celebrant will register your marriage around 14 days after the ceremony is performed
Greek Wedding / Source: Iclickyou Photos

Cruise weddings

Cruise weddings can be a great deal of fun, especially if you love to travel and enjoy the sea. They’re also surprisingly easy to organise. Most cruise ships will offer a wedding package that includes everything from the ceremony and decor to the food and drinks. You won’t have to spend much time or effort to on the planning.

Tips to plan:

  • Find a cruise ship that fits into your budget and follows a route that’s most convenient for you. For example, if you and your loved ones can only spare two days for the wedding, choose a cruise that doesn’t venture far and can bring you back to your city within that time period.
  • Create a short guest list, especially if you intend to finance the entire trip. A lengthy guest list will be expensive and very difficult to manage. Prioritise your list and focus on people you want rather than the ones you feel obligated to call.
  • Arrange for a photographer instead of relying on the one provided by the cruise ship. You’ll want to document the entire trip instead of just the ceremony and a professional photographer can help with that.

Religious ceremony

Many people consider religion to be a vital aspect of their life and want to have a religious ceremony. Different religions have different customs and traditions. In fact, different factions of the same religion have different customs and traditions. For example, a Catholic marriage ceremony would be slightly different from a Protestant marriage ceremony.  Inter-religious marriages can be a challenge to plan as well. Here are some tips that can help.

Tips to plan:

  • Consider the requirements of your religious ceremony carefully. That will help you plan the wedding around the ceremony. You’ll know when you have your reception and what kind of food you can include in your wedding lunch or dinner.
  • Choose a church or temple according to your religious requirements. Most couples prefer to have their wedding at their local Church.
  • Your recessional and processional song options might be limited if you choose a religious wedding ceremony. This depends largely on the religious institution you have your wedding in. Some churches and temples are stricter than others.
  • You might also have to follow a dress code. This depends on how strict the church or temple is but some religious institutions will require that everyone who attends the wedding, follow a specific dress code.
Formal wedding / Source: Just B Photography

Formal wedding

Formal weddings are similar to “black tie” events. They’re luxurious, glamorous, and fashionable. If you love the allure of the red carpet, you’ll love the idea of a formal wedding. This wedding also has a dress code and men are usually required to wear black-tie and women need formal gowns and dresses. Here are some tips to keep in mind if you want a formal wedding.

Tips to plan:

  • Maintain the theme throughout the wedding day so everything from the wedding clothes to the catering is formal and elegant.
  • Make sure your wedding cards have a traditional and formal design. You’ll also need to mention that the wedding is a “black-tie” event to ensure your guests wear the right clothes and are prepared for the event.
  • Keep the music classic and refined. You can choose songs from the Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack era. That will help you maintain the formal wedding theme.
  • The decor should be soft and elegant with an almost monochromatic theme. Candle lights, chandeliers, white and pink roses, white satin decor, etc, will contribute to the formal and traditional theme of the wedding.

Contact local wedding planners

Military wedding

Military weddings have a special charm because people who serve their country deserve every bit of happiness they can find. Military weddings are different from traditional weddings because you need to follow some rules and formalities. Here are some things you should keep in mind.

Tips to plan:

  • Choose a military chapel or academy as your wedding venue. While other locations do work, military chapels or an academy will showcase your history and background. These venues will add a special touch to your wedding day.
  • Your next step is to arrange for an officiant who can formalise your marriage. If you get married in the military chapel, the chaplain will handle the ceremony. If you want to hire a civil chaplain or officiant, you should speak with them well in advance to discuss the ceremony and fees.
  • You need to respect the military rank during the wedding so all your guests should be seated accordingly. The highest ranking officers will be placed at the front and lower ranking offers at the back.
  • You will also need to follow the traditional military dress code. Grooms must wear their full-dress uniform. Brides have the option to choose between their full dress uniform or a wedding gown.

Wedding planning can be quite stressful but if you develop a strategy and know your limits, you can plan a beautiful and memorable day. You can also hire professional wedding planners to take the burden off your shoulders entirely and just enjoy your day. Wedding planners will still discuss the entire process with you to ensure the wedding theme and atmosphere suits your taste and preferences.

Categories
Design & technology

How SEO drives business growth

The 21st century has seen the world turn digital and thus so should your marketing efforts. Traditional print media is slowly becoming a thing of the past. Now, businesses can track the return of every dollar they spend through their marketing efforts through digital marketing.

Through digital marketing, businesses have access to a wide array of avenues to grow their online presence. Traditional-style online directories are a common starting point. However, more complex channels, including social media, pay per click (PPC) advertising and search engine optimisation (SEO) lead the way.

Through these marketing channels, businesses can drive targeted traffic to their websites. Thus, resources are spent as effectively as possible. Alongside PPC advertising, SEO is one of the most effective inbound marketing strategies that businesses utilise. In this article, you will learn what SEO is and how you can grow your business through this digital marketing strategy.

What is SEO?

The purpose of SEO is to be the first organic result on search engines. Thus, SEO is the set of practices that are employed to achieve that first place. Why is this important, though? Here are some facts:

  • Over 90% of all internet traffic starts from search engines – whether people are looking for information or buying a product
  • In terms of looking for products, over 81% of people turn to search engines as a starting point to perform their research
  • After conducting an online search for a local business, 72% of people will go ahead and visit the physical location

These are just some of the facts that outline why focusing on search engines is important. SEO is important, thanks to something known as the click-through rate (CTR). This is the percentage of people who visit your website after seeing your link.

On average, SEO has the highest CTR of any inbound digital marketing channel. Thus, you are driving targeted traffic to your website more efficiently than any other related channel, for example, Google Ads.

Website using SEO / Source: Nucleo Pty Ltd

How does SEO work?

There are three parties to think about when it comes to SEO ~ the user, the search engine and the website. We’ll explain how the relationship works between the three in the shortest way possible:

  1. The user enters a query into the search engine
  2. The search engine generates a list of relevant search results
  3. Websites at the top of those search results inherit traffic

For a site to show up at the top of search results, it must be correctly optimised, so that search engines can determine whether it’s the best fit for the query.

One of the easiest ways to make sure your website is correctly optimised is to engage in a marketing agency that performs SEO services. Otherwise, you can learn about SEO and go it alone.

How does SEO drive business growth?

Each month there could be tens, hundreds, thousands or millions of people searching for a product or information that you offer. For example, there could be 100 people who search for “lawyers in Sydney” on a monthly basis.

If your website is optimised to target the keyword and you’re the first to pop up in the search results, then you’re likely to inherit 30% of the traffic. That’s 30 people who are looking for lawyers coming to your website every month, and that’s just for one keyword.

Though in reality, websites compete for many variations of a keyword and many completely different keywords. Also, as the target visiting your website is targeted, it is much more likely that your visitors will become customers as well.

Contact local SEO & SEM experts

SEO FAQ’s

Those who are new to SEO – particularly if they’re looking to hire someone – often ask two main questions. We’ll cover them here for you.

What’s the difference between SEO and Google Ads?

Search engine optimisation focuses on ranking for organic search results and is thus commonly considered a long-term digital marketing strategy. Due to the nature of SEO, you would almost never run a three-month campaign. This is because things take longer to unfold in the SEO world.

By comparison, Google Ads is all about immediate results. Thus, you pay for clicks. In exchange, Google sends traffic to your website, and you hope to land a sale. With Google Ads, you can run a one-week or one-year (or longer) long campaign. It is both short- and long-term oriented.

There’s no one better strategy either if that’s your next question. If you can only have enough in your budget to engage in one of the two channels, then it’s entirely up to where you’re at as a business. If you have no existing source of income, then Google Ads may be the way to go for you. On the other hand, if your business already generates an income, you might prefer an exclusively long-term focus.

How long does it take to get to the first page?

Every case is different. It depends on your website and how competitive your market is. In general, though, it could take anywhere from six to twelve months to get to the first page of Google for a low- to mid-level competition keyword.

Categories
Design & technology

How to use WordPress for website design

WordPress is a popular CMS platform that is carefully designed to cater to all users. No matter if you’re designing your first website or your hundredth, the design of WordPress aims to offer a suitable platform for you.

A big part of why WordPress works so well for so many different skill levels is the availability of so many various features. For instance, according to CodeinWP, WordPress offers more than 11,000 different pre-made themes to users.

These themes offer a variety of different benefits:

  • They’re easy to use
  • They provide a quick route to designing a WordPress website for you or your company
  • Both individual developers and WordPress development services can use these themes during the development process

Benefits of WordPress themes

Pre-made themes are ready to go

One of the most significant advantages of using pre-made WordPress themes is that they’ve already set up and ready to use. With a few quick clicks, developers can use these to set the basis for their site design. This saves a lot of time compared to a developer or WordPress design agency, taking the time to build a custom base theme for the website.

Themes are user friendly

Not having to code a custom theme not only saves time for advanced developers, but it also makes WordPress very accessible to new website designers. After all, users don’t need to possess any programming skills to choose a theme and apply it to their site. However, working with a more experienced service can give even a website using a pre-made theme a unique edge.

Website Design / Source: Sombrilla Digital

Themes come with tech support

Another advantage of themes is something that WordPress does well – tech support. This is mostly thanks to the huge community that WordPress boasts. Since many users are using a similar theme, other users have experienced the issues you might run into. As such, it’s much easier and quicker to find answers than to try and go through and find problems that might come up when creating a completely custom website design.

Contact local web designers

Themes often feature demos

In the same vein as depending on reliable tech support, if you run into a problem, WordPress themes guide you through the process from the beginning and get you started right away. To ensure that developers understand their purpose, many have demos that they can watch to get an idea of how the theme runs and supports a website. These are also handy in determining if a theme fits the design that a developer has in mind for the site they’re building.

Easy to update themes

Much like developing a custom theme, updating a custom theme design is often a complicated process because developers have to build the updates themselves. WordPress themes, on the other hand, typically entail periodic update releases. From here, all individual website developers or services need to do is ensure that they periodically update their website.

These updates also often target important features about the site as well, such as added security and functionality. They may also generally improve upon flaws that existed in the previous version of the theme.

WordPress themes are handy and help developers create a quality website with less hassle and in a shorter time frame. Themes allow developers to get the groundwork for a website set up immediately without having to commit to any coding and even update them later in only minutes. If you’ve given it a go and you can’t seem to get your website right, speak to a professional web designer to find out how much their design and developing services can cost you.

Categories
Design & technology

How to maximize brand exposure for your start-up

Branding is a vital marketing strategy for any business. Branding can elevate you in a crowded market and help your company differentiate itself from your competitors and other brands as well. That’s why branding should be considered as early as possible, more precisely, during the startup stage of a company.

However, branding during the startup stage can often be a real challenge. The main reason is that startups usually lack the resources to commit to branding fully. Still, developing a brand is a long process, and you don’t have to do everything in one day.

Therefore, do what you can with the resources that you have and develop your brand further alongside your startup business. Once you begin the branding process, you can work towards maximizing your exposure and awareness one step at the time. With that in mind, here are a few simple tricks to help maximize brand exposure for your startup.

1. Get creative with your content

If anything can help with your brand exposure, it’s content marketing. Content is, indeed, the most effective form of marketing today. The main reason is that it provides true value to consumers.

  • Educate, inform and entertain your audience

Create content that is well-made and highly relevant to your audience.  No matter if you run a fashion blog, a cooking studio, a pastry shop, or a doggy daycare, you should know by now that your content can make or break your digital presence. To leave it all to chance would be the biggest mistake you could make for your reputation. Instead, take the reins and create a content strategy that will help you stand out in your local market, and if you run an international business, include your global image, too.

  • Consider various types of content

Stunning images and videos work well for audience engagement. Podcasts and presentations can bring your content closer to a broader audience. When you do your best to diversify through posting videos to your social media feeds, as well as YouTube channel, helpful tutorials, smart infographics, and not just stick to blogs and articles, you’ll have a much better chance to attract more attention and get more people to engage.

  • Location

Consider the best way to publish content that will boost your brand exposure as much as possible. For instance, social media contests and giveaways are an excellent way to promote your brand, your content and drive customer engagement with free samples of your products or services.

Consistent branding through web design / Source: Vibes Design

2. Utilize SEO

Whether your website is the core of your brand or merely its extension, your digital presence can completely transform your brand’s reputation and visibility alike. Depending on how well you approach your SEO needs, you’ll be able to get in front of the right people at the right time and establish yourself as a significant figure in your industry.

Some new business owners, however, might not have the skills or the resources to devote so much time and effort to crafting their SEO strategy. This may be the time that they turn to a white label SEO company, which enables them to focus on their core tasks while experts handle their digital presence. From continuously researching keywords, technical SEO, all the way to link-building, this is one of the essential parts of your strategy for better positions in the SERPs, and consequently more visibility in front of the right audience.

Contact local web designers

3. Leverage social media

Your first step towards establishing a strong online presence and brand exposure should be social media platforms. Social media is essential for brand awareness because you’re in direct contact with your target audience on various networks.

As you may already know, brands now have a more personal relationship with their customers, and social media can help you build such a relationship. However, to do so, you’ll have to be very social. Here are a few examples of what you should do to boost brand exposure on social media.

  • Identify your target audience and learn as much as you can about them
  • Determine the most relevant social media networks to build your presence
  • Consider your audience’s demographics to tailor your messages better
  • Incorporate your brand values, brand promise and a unique tone of voice into your messaging
  • Create a unique approach for every social channel you’re present on
  • Create top-quality and highly relevant content for your audience.
  • Engage with your audience frequently
  • Always remain consistent

Social media is a dynamic and unique environment. If you want to leverage its full potential, you’ll have to develop specific strategies and monitor your results. If things aren’t looking too good, you can always redesign your approach.

Device compatible web design / Source: VMA Web Design

4. Engage in word-of-mouth promotions

It’s no secret that startup businesses don’t have it easy when it comes to competing against well-established competitors in the market. However, you shouldn’t be discouraged just because you lack the resources to outrun someone.

Good brand exposure can work wonders when it comes to gaining a competitive advantage, and the key is word-of-mouth marketing. However, for your word-of-mouth to be successful, you must meet customer expectations, needs and demands. Here are a few ways you can do that.

  • Provide exceptional customer service and support
  • Ask for feedback and improve upon it
  • Keep your promises
  • Respond to negative feedback well and on time
  • Focus on customer value
  • Provide top-quality products and services

Once you gain the favour of your customers, you can ask for referrals and even reward customers for their recommendations. In addition, ensuring customer satisfaction will encourage them to become loyal. Loyal customers often become brand ambassadors, and they’ll further promote your brand to their friends and family.

5. Work with influencers

Influencer marketing might not be so new anymore as a concept, but it’s becoming more relevant than ever, especially for brands that have yet to establish themselves in their market. So, when you’re looking to increase brand awareness, finding an influencer that shares your values and has access to your target market can boost your visibility immeasurably.

Okay, yes, it’s measurable, and it’s amazing what you can do when you track the success of your social campaigns, but the point is that a single bond can make all the difference for your business.

Building brand exposure and maximizing it in the startup stage can be a real challenge. The main reason is that most of your efforts and time are focused on developing and growing your business. However, if you allocate enough resources to your branding strategy, you can start reaping the benefits early on.

Categories
Heating & cooling

How to clean an air conditioner

The air conditioner is one of the most important appliances in the home, it’s responsible for maintaining a comfortable climate all year round. Over time, the internal parts can accumulate a significant amount of dirt and grime. As a homeowner, it’s important to know how to clean split system air conditioner, window air conditioners or any air conditioning appliances to ensure they continue to operate well throughout the seasons.

What is the difference between air conditioning units?

  • Ducted A/C – Ducted air conditioners cause air to be sent through ducts, allowing each room in the house to be cooled at the same time.
  • Split system A/C – This type of air conditioner uses different components from both an outdoor and an indoor air conditioner. The indoor air conditioner has filter and distribution components, it’s usually mounted high on a wall and controlled with a remote. The outdoor unit houses the condenser fan and compressor parts.
  • Window A/C – A window air conditioner features everything needed to cool the room in one main unit. It’s mounted in a window cavity and cools or heats that particular room. 
  • Portable A/C – Portable air conditioners are designed to cool a single room and sit on the floor. This type of AC is compact in size, which makes it easy to move to different rooms of the house. 
Outside air conditioner unit/Condenser fan / Source: Hobart Heating And Refrigeration

Materials and tools

  • Screwdriver – Remove the exterior parts with a screwdriver
  • Stiff brush or duster – A stiff brush will make it easier to clean some of the parts and remove excess dirt
  • Vacuum – A vacuum is necessary for suctioning dirt and grime in the hard-to-reach places
  • Antibacterial solution – This product will disinfect the internal components of the AC, including the inside fins to ensure the air is clean and healthy to breathe
  • Coil cleaner – This product is a spray that works well for stripping dirt and grime from the coils
  • Fin comb – A fin comb is necessary for straightening the evaporator and condenser fins 

How to clean an indoor air conditioner

  1. Turn off the power – Turning off the power ensures it’s safe to clean all the different parts of the air conditioner. Shut off the breaker or unplug the air conditioner from the outlet, depending on what type of unit you own.
  2. Check your manufacturer’s instructions – If you want to learn how to clean an air conditioner, read the owner’s manual to determine what the manufacturer recommends to avoid mistakes or causing damage to the parts. There may be certain types of cleaning products or tools that you should use depending on the specific model you own.
  3. Clean your filter panels – Clean the filter panels by removing the front panel. Remove the filter and use a soapy water solution to clean and rinse it thoroughly. It should completely dry before installing it back onto the unit.
  4. Vacuum the AC filter – If you want to learn how to clean air conditioner filter, you’ll need to gently vacuum it with a hose that has a soft bristle attachment. Disposable filters aren’t designed to be cleaned and reused.
    1. Soak the AC Filter – Soak the AC filter in soapy water to remove the build-up of dirt and grime.
    2. Spray the AC Filter – Spray the AC filter with clean water to remove all the soap.
    3. Dry the AC Filter – Allow the AC filter to dry for several hours before you reinstall it onto the unit.
  5. Clean your air conditioner’s louvres – Wipe down the louvers with a cloth. If you can remove them, soak the louvres in detergent before rinsing the soap off and allowing it to dry before reinstalling. 
  6. Clean the exterior unit – Clean the exterior of the air conditioner by using a damp cloth. This will remove excess debris that has accumulated. If you want to learn how to clean air conditioner vents, start by unscrewing the vents. Use a scrub brush and vacuum cleaner to remove the dirt.
Ducted air conditioning / Source: Eco Air Services

How to clean an outside air conditioner unit

  1. Disconnect from power – Disconnect the air conditioner unit by shutting turning off the main power switch. This will allow you to safely handle the parts without the risk of electrocuting yourself.
  2. Remove AC grill & clean – Gently unscrew the AC grill and hose it off. Direct the spray at different angles to remove more of the dirt that is hiding in the small crevices.
  3. Clean the AC coils and fins – If you want to learn how to clean air conditioner coils, you can do this by hosing off the unit. Spray from the top of the unit and work your way down. Use a fin comb to straighten the fins and loosen any debris, cobwebs, etc. 

Contact local air conditioning technicians

How often should you clean your air conditioner?

  • Weekly – Run the ‘dry out’ program if your air conditioner has it for added convenience.
  • Quarterly- Dust the filter screens and wiping down any ducts or vents with a soft damp cloth.
  • Annually – Clean the outdoor unit and remove any vegetation or obstructions that are present, which can affect the operation of the unit. Spider webs that are present also need to be removed. Hire a professional technician to service the air conditioner to ensure they can inspect all the parts and determine if any potential issues are present. An air conditioning technician will also know how to clean air conditioner if you want to leave the work to an expert.

How do you hire an air conditioner technician?

 If you want to hire someone who knows how to clean ducted air conditioner filter, it’s important to find someone that has several years of experience in the industry to ensure they’re qualified to perform the work. They should have the proper qualifications and certifications to ensure they can get the job done correctly the first time. 

Ask the technician for at least three references to ensure you can contact their customers. It’s also necessary to look up their license to verify they’re qualified to provide you with AC services.

Categories
News & updates

A guide to submitting your business tax return

We’ve talked to our best accountants to bring you this business tax guide for FY2021/22

This year, changes in the economy and places of employment provided the opportunity for many to start their own business and work from the comfort of their home. One of the tasks that might be confusing for a new business owner might be how and when to file your taxes. Filing taxes is something that most do not enjoy, and you want to get it finished so that you can get back to doing what you love most, running your business. Here are a few of the basics that you need to know about filing your tax return in Australia. 

Important Dates

Your tax return due date primarily depends on your lodgement history and whether you are registered with a Tax Agent. There are some important dates to remember when it comes to lodging your income tax return.

May – June – Contact a Tax Agent prior to financial year end to ensure you understand what tax concessions and business deductions you could claim. According to Dexterous Group, it is crucial for businesses to be proactive and not reactive at tax time specifically when it comes to paying superannuation, writing off bad debts and claiming any instant asset write-offs.

30th June – financial year end and the cut-off date for claiming business deductions, or any instant asset write-offs.

31st October – the due date for lodging your income tax returns (if you’re not registered with a Tax Agent)

15th May* – the general due date granted to Tax Agents to complete your income tax return on your behalf. Please note this may vary depending on a number of factors so please contact a Tax Agent for confirmation of your due date *following year

“Be proactive, not reactive when it comes to tax time.”

– Nick Urry from Dexterous Group

Handy apps to have at tax time

  • ATO: The Australian Taxation Office has its own smartphone app which is free to download and use,  here you can access relevant tax and super information for small businesses
  • E-sign apps for digital signatures e.g. Docusign, HelloSign – the ability to sign remotely is very helpful in the tax return process according to Dexterous Group
  • Oneflare: an app that connects you with the best accountants in your local area by providing personalised quotes from businesses
  • Etax: an app with third-party tax service providers
The Dexterous Group, bringing you the best business tax advice / Source: Dexterous Group

What information do I need to provide in my business tax return?

What you need for your large or small business tax return depends on the structure of your business.

Sole trader: As a sole trader, your business income counts as your individual income. You may claim deductions for any eligable expenses and must include all income you have made in the financial year in your tax return. As a sole trader, you are required to lodge the following:

  • The business and professional items schedule for individuals
  • A tax return for individuals, including the supplementary section

Partnership: As a partnership, you are required to submit a partnership tax return to report net income. You may deduct any allowable expenses, which then leaves the assessable income. 

As well as this, any individual partner must also file an individual tax return to report:

  • Your share of any partnership net income or loss
  • Any other assessable income you have earned, such as wages and salary, dividends and rental income

Note: With a partnership, each partner must pay tax on their individual share of the partnerships net income.

Trusts: In a trust business structure, the trustee lodges a trust tax return to provide the following:

  • The trust’s net income or loss for the financial period

Note: an individual tax return must also be lodged by each beneficiary of the trust

Companies: If your business operated under a company structure, you are required to lodge a company tax return to provide the following: 

  • Taxable income
  • Tax offsets and credits
  • PAYG instalments
  • Tax payable amounts or refund receivable amounts

Note: if you are a company director, you are still required to lodge an individual tax return. 

Contact local accountants

What can my business claim as tax deductions?

As a business, there are many expenses and deductions that you can claim. This list is a few suggestions of things that your business may be eligible for but it depends on what type of business you operate and your specific circumstances, for example as a tradie you are eligible for deductions like transport costs. If you are in doubt, you should contact your tax professional or the ATO to answer questions about whether your business is eligible. Here are a few things that you may be able to claim on your business:

  • Advertising costs
  • Interest paid on business loans
  • Travel expenses for business
  • Renting or leasing your place of business
  • Electricity related to business operations
  • Internet and phone expenses
  • Cost of starting and operating a website
  • Wages to employees
  • Super contributions for employees
  • Vehicle Expenses
  • Office costs, such as computer, printer supplies

Note: If you have been working from home during the financial year, your tax return may be different to previous years, you may be eligible for additional deductions. Consult your tax professional to get information for your circumstances.

What are the business tax rates?

The best place to find tax rates for filing your ATO business tax return is on the ATO tax table. As a sole trader, you submit an individual tax return and do not have to pay tax on the first $18,200 that you earn, (see table below for individual income tax rates). Different business structures will have different tax rates. This is just a guideline, and you should consult a professional for advice tailored to your business.

Methods for lodging

  • Online through the myTax portal: You can file your small business tax return online if you meet certain requirements. This is only allowed for simple returns. 
  • With a registered tax agent: Any person or business can file with a registered tax agent. The cost of hiring a tax accountant can be between $75-220, but there are many advantages of doing so. It saves you time, ensures all the right deductions are made, and extends the time you have to file. The biggest mistakes that are made by businesses, according to Dexterous Group is incorrectly claiming deductions. Some businesses aren’t fully aware of all the deductions they are eligible for based on their industry, business type and related deduction thresholds, which can lead to; mistakes, an increased tax bill or even penalties.
  • As a hard copy:  You can fill out the tax return yourself and send it through the mail. You might have extended processing time if you choose this method. 
  • Using SBR enabled software: Certain third-party applications are available that allow you to file online yourself. One of the most important things to consider if you use this method is to verify the registration of the software with the ATO.
Hard copy tax return / Source: Shutterstock

Other important documents to consider at tax time

It is good to have the following documents available when you lodge your tax return, regardless of whether you plan to do it yourself or by a professional. It is better to have the record and not need it than to need it and not have it. Nicholas recommends storing digital copies of receipts, by simply taking a photo and storing them in a folder on your phone or computer.

  • Copies of any payments received
  • Invoices for any business expenses
  • A list of debtors
  • A list of creditors
  • Bank records
  • Employee and contractor details
  • Any capital gains events (e.g. buying or selling business assets)
Invoice documents / Source: Business Finance Townsville

How to hire an accountant

The Australian tax code can be complicated, especially if you are a new business. The last thing that you would want to do is to make a costly mistake. Fees and fines can be pretty steep if you make an error or miss a deadline. Hiring an accountant takes the worry off you and is often cheaper than the time it takes to do the research and file the return yourself. 

The cost of a small business tax return usually depends on the type of business you have and how complex the return is to file. You should compare rates and service reviews, but the most important thing is that you make sure they are a legitimate accountant and registered agent.

Licencing and qualifications

An accountant must be a Registered Tax Agent, BAS agent, or Tax Adviser. Agents must be registered to specialise in individual or company taxes. You need to make sure that the professional you hire knows how to handle the type of taxes you need to file. It is also a good idea to find someone who has many years of experience.