On The Blog
Social Media Content Ideas For April
April already and brighter days, longer evenings, time out from work and school, and, as with all months, plans to make for the month ahead. As always we’ve got a selection of dates that might be useful for themes to use in your social media during the month ahead but...
Social Media Content Ideas For March
Well, March is now underway and with that a mix of weather and quite a few different dates to look forward to with one of our favourite bank holidays coming up soon. March is generally one of those months that easily lends itself to different themes outside of your...
Background Remover App – Canva Tips
Within Canva, we have had the option to remove a background from a photo (or a video) for quite some time, as shared in one of my previous videos which you can view here. More recently though, other options have become available such as the 'Replace Background' app...
Social Media Content Ideas For February
It's time for the first bank holiday weekend of the year already, if you're in Ireland that is... We always share a post on our blog with themes that might be useful during the coming month on our blog and this February is no exception, starting first of all with a...
Training & Events In 2025
Throughout the year we work with a range of different suppliers to provide training in areas such as Canva, Social Media, Marketing, Email, and more. In many cases, these are privately contracted but where there is an option for members of the business community join,...
Design Essentials: Mastering Visuals with Canva – Training Online
Our Canvassador, Debbie Ringwood, has crafted the ultimate Canva course for anyone starting their Canva design journey or looking to elevate their skills with Design Essentials: Mastering Visuals with Canva —our online guide to using Canva effortlessly. This course...
Social Media Content Ideas For January
The new year is here and it’s time to start thinking about your social media content for now and indeed, the year ahead. Whether you're a small business owner, self-employed, or even working in the areas of marketing or social media, you'll find inspiration in our...
Christmas, New Year & What’s Ahead For 2025 At The Marketing Shop
As we wrap up 2024, I want to take a moment to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year! This year has certainly had its challenges, (particularly in the realm of health for me!), but as we look ahead to 2025, I’m looking forward, back to business...
Canva Captions – A Super New Feature
Did you know that where you need captions for your video content, that they can now be created and styled to suit your brand within Canva? Find out how you can do this in our latest video; https://youtu.be/5-Yj6LsvlZc This is one of many new features added to Canva...
Social Media Content Ideas For December
December naturally lends itself to more seasonal themes for content than other times of the year. For those who might not be in full-on sales mode or who perhaps just need a little something extra aside from their own business to share on social, our post covers some...
Canva Dream Lab – Our Latest Canva Tip At The Marketing Shop
One of the recent additions to Canva is the 'Dream Lab' feature and it's fast becoming a favourite here as it offers amazing quality images that are based on literally anything you can dream of! Find out more in our video - https://youtu.be/i9BrfvyvJwY If you'd like...
The Practical Marketing Club – NEW Marketing Membership
At The Marketing Shop we've always been mindful of the importance of support in business, it's essential at every stage of our journey from start-up throughout the stages of growth. And, we know that it's not always easily accessible so we've come up with a solution...
Social Media Content Ideas For November
This time of year is heading quickly towards peak trading time for many, for others, it's heading towards a quiet time when the festive season gets underway, and, for everyone, a new year is on the way. Before we look at our own products or services there are a lot of...
Spooktacular Halloween Marketing Ideas To Boost Your Small Business
As a small business owner, the Halloween season presents a unique opportunity to engage your customers, stand out from the competition, and potentially drive some extra sales. While larger retailers may have the resources to go all-out with elaborate Halloween...
Dublin Business Network – New WordPress Website
We recently worked with Dublin Business Network, a supportive business group based in Sandyford, Dublin 18 to update their website. The new site shares a page for each of the founding members highlighting their experience and introducing their respective businesses,...
Canva Tips – Gradient Backgrounds
Our Canva Tips are back after a little break and to kick off we're looking at how adjusting the background with a gradient can give you a new look whilst retaining your brand colour palette. Find out more in our video below. https://youtu.be/qW2xBEVX_oI If you'd like...
Social Media Content Ideas For October
Autumn is in full swing and that means there are plenty of opportunities for businesses to create engaging content for their social media channels. First up, it's important to note that there are a number of key awareness themes for months and as of this post we'll be...
Content Marketing For Small Business – Essential Strategies
Content marketing has become an essential strategy for businesses to attract and engage their target audience. However, with the ever-evolving landscape, it can be challenging to navigate through the noise and stand out from the competition. That's why we've compiled...
September Social Media Content Ideas
Another month begins and as we head into September, there's a real autumn feel about everything as leaves fall, schools go back and the first of the Halloween decorations make an appearance in shops! In the latest edition of our monthly posts on themes for the month -...
Summer Holidays 2024
It's time for us to take some time out and explore a little of the world, this year it's Spain! The office will be closed until Wednesday 7th August, all emails will be responded to once we re-open.
Canva Tips – Magic Write Brand Voice
If you've been using a Brand Kit within Canva, you may have noticed the option to include your brand voice? And, if you haven't yet got a brand kit we'll be covering this in an upcoming post (which we'll link to here when it's ready!). Back to today, for those with a...
Social Media Content Ideas For August
It's almost August already even if it hasn't felt like summer in Ireland lately and although we might not like it, the countdown to back to school and before we know it Christmas is underway - even if it's still summer holidays for most of us. As always we've got a...
Canva Tips – Edit Photos
We all know what it's like to have the almost-perfect photo but the light isn't quite right, or there's something in the background that's a bit more prominent than you'd like? Well, with Canva you can edit your photos without having to rely on a social media app for...
Canva Apps – A Library Of Integrations You’ll Love
Did you realise that there are a LOT of apps that integrate with Canva? I have referred to this in a previous post on Canva but think it's worth mentioning again as the library continues to grow at an amazing pace yet frequently when I'm training on Canva people...
1:1 Canva Training Special Offer – Summer 2024
Is there something you've always wanted to know about Canva? Or are you overwhelmed with getting started on your journey? As we know summer is a quieter period for many, we've allocated a limited number of 1-hour sessions to help you on your way. These one-hour...
Social Media Content Ideas For July
It might not be quite the weather we're all hoping for (yet) but schools are out, days are brighter and we're all out and making the most of what's generally a little more relaxed time of year. Over the summer many industries go through a slightly quieter period, at...
The Power Of Content Marketing: How to Boost Your Brand’s Online Presence
In today's digital landscape, standing out from the competition is more crucial than ever. As a small business owner, solopreneur, or startup, you're likely facing the challenge of building brand awareness, attracting new customers, and driving meaningful engagement...
Mastering Content Marketing
At The Marketing Shop we share a lot on our blog, our social media and in our email on Content Marketing yet we know it's an area that remains something of a mystery to lots of businesses, particularly those without a dedicated marketing resource in-house. With that...
ISME Skillnet Introduction To Canva Training September 2024
Following on from our Canva Training in June 2024, I’m delighted to once again work with ISME Skillnet on an upcoming, Introduction To Canva which takes place over Zoom on Tuesday, 17th September 2024 from 9.30am - 1pm. During this three and a half hour hour session...
Assembling the Pieces: Building a Successful Marketing Strategy Like a Puzzle
Crafting an effective marketing strategy can sometimes feel like putting together a complex puzzle. There are numerous pieces that need to fit together seamlessly in order to create a cohesive and impactful plan. Just like a puzzle, a successful marketing strategy...
Social Media Content Ideas For June
Almost at the halfway point of the year with brighter days and at times even a glimpse of sunshine (not something we take for granted in Ireland even in summer if you’re reading this from overseas! For those of us in Ireland of course, a lovely long bank holiday...
Unlock The Power Of Consistent Content Marketing With Canva Training
As a small business owner, solopreneur, or member of a marketing team, you know the importance of standing out in today's crowded digital landscape. One of the most effective ways to do this is through consistent content marketing. By creating and sharing...
Social Media Content Ideas For May
A new month, brighter days, and for lots of us there are holidays on the horizon or time out from routine too. In today's world though that time out will see most of us still connected to social media at some point, even if it's just to share a snap from some...
Introduction To Canva Training With ISME Skillnet June 2024
I'm delighted to work with ISME Skillnet on an upcoming, Introduction To Canva Training which takes place over Zoom on Wednesday 12th June 2024. In the course of this three-hour session we will cover; Canva templates Brand kits Working with stock content Working with...
The Evolution Of WordPress Web Design Trends Over The Past Decade
In the ever-changing world of web design, WordPress has been a frontrunner for creating stunning and functional websites, powering more than 43% of all websites in 2024. Over the past ten years, we have witnessed significant shifts in design trends, driven by...
The Power of a Well-Crafted Marketing Strategy for Small Business Owners
In an increasingly competitive business landscape, small business owners need every advantage they can get to succeed. One crucial aspect that can make a significant difference is having a well-crafted marketing strategy. In this post, we're looking at some of the...
Marketing Ideas For St Brigids Day In Ireland
St Brigid's Day Bank Holiday Weekend is just around the corner, and it's the perfect opportunity for businesses located here in Ireland or indeed, selling to those of us based in Ireland to create unique marketing plans to celebrate this new holiday. This bank...
Canva Training For Beginners – Introduction To Canva
Well, we're back to business and it looks like 2024 is going to be very busy!A lot is happening this month and I know everybody is really busy these first few days so I just wanted to mention an upcoming course that may come in useful for your business.I'm a Canva...
Boost Your Business with the Trading Online Voucher in Ireland
Having a strong online presence is essential in the success of any business. Small business owners in Ireland now have an incredible opportunity to enhance their online trading capabilities through the Trading Online Voucher (TOV) scheme. This government-funded...
Merry Christmas from The Marketing Shop
As we come to the close of 2023, it is with great joy and gratitude that I reflect on the incredible year we have had. This past year has been filled with a multitude of amazing projects, each one bringing its own unique and thrilling experiences. As we prepare to...
10 Essential Marketing Resolutions For Your Small Business For The New Year
As we embark on a new year, small businesses must reassess their marketing strategies and set resolutions to achieve greater success. In this post, we're looking at ten essential marketing resolutions that every small business should consider for 2024. These...
Last-Minute Christmas Marketing Tips To Boost Sales
The festive season is in full swing, and as a small business owner, you're looking for ways to maximize sales in the final days leading up to Christmas. With the right marketing strategies, you can attract last-minute shoppers and boost your revenue during this...
LinkedIn – The Next Level, January 2024 LinkedIn Training
Delighted to announce that our LinkedIn - The Next Level programme will take place on 10th January 2024 over Zoom and tickets are now on sale for only €99! This programme takes place over 3 hours and will be led by Debbie Ringwood of The Marketing Shop and Hanna...
A Beginner’s Guide To Marketing Strategy For Small Business Owners
In today's competitive business landscape, having a solid marketing strategy is crucial for small businesses to thrive. However, for many small business owners, the vast array of marketing options and the perceived need for a large budget can be overwhelming. This...
One Year Of CHAT GPT: Revolutionising Business Communications
Over the past year, the world has witnessed a significant leap in the capabilities of AI-powered chatbots. With the introduction of Chat GPT, businesses have found a revolutionary solution to streamline their communication processes. In this post, we're looking at...