VistaPrint and Australia’s largest online art gallery, Bluethumb, have partnered to launch Print On Demand, a new service which enables small arts businesses, and independent artists to sell and print high-quality stretch canvases of their art, earn a passive income and capitalise on the growing market of young Australian consumers with a passion for the arts wanting to purchase unique artwork online.

The partnership gives artists the opportunity to expand their reach by selling prints of their work in a premium, easily accessible format. With ultra-fast, high-quality printing from VistaPrint, the Print On Demand service offers four different size options and multiple frame choices.

This adds considerable value to the benefits artists already get through being on the Bluethumb platform, such as its reputation and reach. It boasts over 20,000 active artists and over 20 of Australia’s most remote Indigenous Art Centres, giving customers access to more Australian artists and their art than anywhere else in the world.  

VistaPrint’s CEO Marcus Marchant says the partnership taps into a growing demand for more accessible and affordable ways for consumers to decorate their space. 

“We are thrilled to partner with Bluethumb to bring high-quality art prints to a wider audience. By combining Bluethumb’s extensive collection of artwork with our industry-leading printing expertise, we’re making it easier than ever for people to transform and elevate their homes and workspaces with stunning gallery-quality prints. Here at VistaPrint, we are passionate about supporting small businesses. This partnership will also open new doors for artists, offering them a sustainable path to success through passive income,” says Marchant.  

Hobart artist Greta Hounslow, who was commissioned by Bluethumb to paint a scene at local favourite Farm Gate Market to help mark the launch of Print On Demand, says it’s exciting more collectors will now be able to access her artwork through the print service.

“I’m regularly approached by would-be buyers who have missed out on a painting I’ve sold to another collector. It’s fantastic to be able to give them the option to purchase that painting in a high-quality stretch canvas print form, and it also provides me with another revenue stream. As an independent artist, that is no small thing!” says Hounslow.

Bluethumb’s co-founder and co-CEO George Hartley, added, “Our mission is to make art more accessible to all Australians. Our artworks have been ‘favourited’ more than 3 million times. For those who’ve missed out on their favourite works because they’ve sold or were otherwise out of their budget, our new Print On Demand service gives those customers a new option to bring those artworks into their homes.”

The Print On Demand service provides customers with four size options, allowing home decorators to choose an art print that perfectly fits their space. To celebrate the launch, buyers can shop an exclusive ‘Market Print’ series celebrating Australia’s most iconic local food and flower markets.  

Print On Demand will offer customers a choice of four sizes: 

30x40cm (Small) 

40x60cm (Medium) 

50x70cm (Large) 

60x90cm (Extra Large). 

Pricing will be set by Bluethumb’s artists, but customers can expect to pay between $299 for a small print, up to $650 for an extra-large print. The prices include framing and delivery. 

A clear majority of business owners around Australia feel the government’s industrial relations (IR) reforms have burdened their companies and have made it more difficult for them, new research reveals. From the 2022 minimum wage increase of 5.2 per cent to limiting the use of fixed-term contracts among other changes, Australian businesses of all sizes are grappling with the impact of these changes in an economy that is continuing to face many headwinds.
 
Amid the uncertainty created by at least 20 amendments to the Fair Work Act since December 2022¹. business loan comparison platform Small Business Loans Australia commissioned a survey of an independent, nationally representative panel of 200 business owners and decision-makers to ascertain the impact of the government’s suite of IR reforms.
 
Respondents were presented with a sample of the federal government’s IR changes – including the landmark minimum wage increase after the most recent federal election², encouraging multi-employer bargaining, placing limitations on the use of fixed-term contracts, prohibiting pay secrecy clauses to address the gender pay gap, legislating the right of employees to request flexible working conditions, providing employees with the entitlement to 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave each year and mandating a duty for employers to prevent sexual harassment, sex discrimination, and victimisation in the workplace.  
 
Only one in three respondents (36%) said none of these changes had become a burden on their business, and that at least one of these changes had not created a more difficult operating environment.   

2022 minimum wage hike and fixed-term contract limitations represent biggest business burdens

Of the listed reforms, businesses felt the single most burdensome was the 2022 lift in minimum wages of 5.2%. More than a quarter (28%) of businesses identified this reform as burdensome.  
 
The placing of limitations on the use of fixed-term contracts to ensure workers have the opportunity to become permanent employees has impacted 25 per cent of businesses. From 6 December 2023 employers in Australia have not been able have an employee on a fixed-term contract for more than two years.  
One fifth (21%) have been adversely impacted by multi-employer bargaining. Enacted from 2 December 2022, this law allowed for employers or workers at multiple companies that share a common interest and location to bargain with each other.
 
Other reforms such as employees being granted 10 days of annual family and domestic violence leave, as well as a duty for employers to prevent sexual harassment, sex discrimination and victimisation in the workplace were also considered burdensome by more than one in 10 respondents – 15 per cent and 11 per cent, respectively.  
 
Small Business Loans Australia asked respondents in what ways the IR laws have specifically made it more difficult to run their businesses. One quarter (24%) said the reforms have made it harder for their company to grow, and a similar proportion (23%) felt that the changes have made it harder to remove toxic or underperforming employees.  
 
One in five respondents said the IR changes have made it harder for the business to downsize during difficult times (21%), adapt to change in the marketplace or economy (20%), and to afford employees altogether (20%). Seventeen (17) per cent said the changes make it more difficult to let go of employees when the business can no longer afford them.  
 
Alon Rajic, Founder and Managing Director of Small Business Loans Australia, says the data shows how the pressure of multiple industrial reforms changes are bearing down on Australia’s business landscape – and have the potential to add to the national unemployment rate.  
 
“People are the lifeblood of any business, yet at a broad level these responses show companies are struggling to afford new staff or indeed be able to let go of workers who are hampering productivity and profitability.” 

Large, medium and small businesses all burdened by IR changes

Segmenting the responses across business sizes, Small Business Loans Australia found that a staggering 92 per cent of large businesses – those consisting of more than 200 employees – felt that at least one of the listed IR reforms had been a burden on their business, particularly multiemployer bargaining (chosen by 50%).   

States show different levels of IR burden  

Across the mainland states, results were more mixed. While NSW businesses are most likely (at 69%) to feel burdened by at least one of these reforms, WA businesses are most likely (at 75%) to find it harder to operate due to these reforms.  
 
Business owners in South Australia are twice as likely to say that the changes have made it harder for them to adapt to change in the marketplace (42%, compared with the nationwide average of 20%) and downsize when things get more difficult (42%, compared with the national average of 21%).  
 
Alon says these results should set off alarm bells for the government: “With the next Federal election not far away, our data shows businesses around the country are feeling burdened with the pace and scale of industrial relations reform. No matter who has a seat in the next parliament, we want to see more opportunities for businesses to take stock of the regulatory landscape.”
 
The full industrial relations study can be found here: https://smallbusinessloansaustralia.com/how-are-the-most-recent-changes-to-australias-industrial-relations-laws-impacting-business/ 
 

If you are not using a customer referral program to promote your business, you are missing out on one of the easiest ways to grow your customer base. Whether it’s encouraging customers to like and share content on Instagram or offering a discount for referrals, word-of-mouth marketing is one of the most powerful tools for small businesses.

A customer referral program is a cost-effective way to generate highly qualified leads and boost sales without relying solely on paid advertising. People trust recommendations from friends and family more than any other form of advertising, so tapping into that trust can be a game-changer. Research from Nielsen shows that 88% of consumers trust recommendations from people they know over any other channel, making referrals one of the most credible ways to attract new customers.

Ask for customer referral when customers are happiest

There is no universal rule for when to request a referral, but the key is to time it when a customer is completely satisfied with their experience.

Customers are most likely to feel positive and willing to refer one to three days after making a purchase. This is because dopamine, often referred to as the “happy hormone,” is released from the moment they anticipate making a purchase through to when they receive it. Asking for a referral while they are still feeling positive increases the likelihood of them following through.

A positive review is a strong indication that a customer is already an advocate for the brand. If a customer takes the time to leave a glowing review, it is the perfect opportunity to ask them to refer a friend while their positive experience is fresh in their mind. Australians are highly engaged in online reviews, with 98 per cent of consumers reading reviews before making a purchase, making this a powerful moment to request a referral.

Mapping the customer journey reveals the best referral timing

Every business is unique, so the key to a strong referral strategy is understanding how customers interact with the brand.

Creating a customer journey map can help pinpoint the most effective time to ask for a referral. This involves documenting key touchpoints, from how customers first discover the business through to their post-purchase experience. By analysing these interactions, businesses can identify patterns and find the best moments to ask for referrals while avoiding times when customers may be uncertain or dissatisfied.

A strategic referral request boosts success

Once the most engaged customers have been identified, the next step is to determine the best way to reach out.

Automated emails are one of the most effective ways to request referrals, with businesses using CRM software to send personalised referral requests at optimal moments. This ensures businesses never miss an opportunity and reduces the manual effort involved.

A personal phone call can add a human touch and make the referral request feel more authentic. Having a simple script can make the conversation more natural and comfortable. If the customer is right in front of you and visibly happy with their experience, taking the opportunity to ask in person can be highly effective. Australians respond well to personalised service, with 79 per cent of consumers of Australian consumers report that personalised experiences increase their loyalty to brands.

Making the referral process easy for customers increases the likelihood of participation. Providing a simple referral link, discount code, or flyer with clear instructions ensures the customer can pass on the business details effortlessly.

A successful referral program should be tailored to your business and customers

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to referral programs, so it’s important to tailor yours to your business.

Some businesses succeed simply by asking for referrals with no incentive, while others find that offering a reward increases participation. Offering mutual rewards, such as a discount for both the referrer and the new customer, is a common and effective strategy. Providing loyalty-based incentives, where the reward increases for each referral, encourages customers to continue referring new business. Some companies find success in offering exclusive perks, such as early access, special offers, or bonus gifts.

Tracking referrals is crucial for measuring success and improving your program

A referral program is only as effective as the tracking system behind it. Without proper tracking, it is difficult to know what is working and where improvements can be made.

Asking new customers how they found the business and recording responses is one way to track referrals, but it can be time-consuming and inaccurate. Generating unique referral codes allows businesses to track where referrals are coming from, linking new sales to specific customers. Some businesses choose to automate the process entirely using referral software that integrates into their e-commerce or booking system.

Another effective tracking method is using UTM parameters, which add tracking tags to referral links and allow businesses to measure referral traffic through platforms like Google Analytics.

A simple and scalable referral program is the best approach

Keeping the referral program simple makes it easier to implement and scale over time.

Businesses can start with a simple email campaign, a verbal request, or a small discount for referrals. If customers are already leaving great reviews or telling you how much they love your business, asking them to spread the word is a natural next step.

Every successful referral program starts small and evolves based on what works best for the business and its customers. The key is to test, learn and refine the approach. With the right strategy, happy customers can become the most powerful marketing tool – at a fraction of the cost of traditional advertising.

Contributed by Elise Balsillie, Head of Thryv, Australia and New Zealand

As AI continues to reshape the way we work, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush to adopt the latest tech. But for small businesses, the real competitive edge lies not just in automation but in the uniquely human capabilities that technology can’t replicate: soft skills.

In fact, in an increasingly AI-driven business landscape, soft skills are becoming the superpower of small teams. When you can’t rely on large departments or endless resources, strong communication, empathy, and adaptability can be the glue that holds your business together. Here are the top five soft skills every small business should encourage within their teams.

1. Emotional intelligence (EQ)

AI can analyse data and predict trends, pick up on tone, context and underlying concerns. However, it is not as adaptable in reading the nuances of a changing situation and can easily misinterpret, if its logic model is flawed. In other words, it can’t read the room. Emotional intelligence (the ability to understand and manage your own emotions while empathising with others) is crucial for building strong relationships with clients and colleagues.

Why it matters: In a small team, tensions can rise quickly when workloads increase or priorities shift. Leaders and employees with high EQ can navigate these moments with empathy, ensuring that challenges don’t turn into conflicts.

How to build it: Regular check-ins, open communication, and even simple practices like active listening can help your team develop emotional intelligence.

2. Adaptability

AI is transforming industries at lightning speed. For small businesses, being able to pivot quickly is essential.

Why it matters: Small teams often wear multiple hats. The more adaptable your team is, the easier it becomes to embrace change rather than resist it.

How to build it: Encourage a growth mindset by celebrating problem-solving efforts, even when they don’t lead to immediate success. Flexibility training and scenario-based workshops can also sharpen this critical skill.

3. Communication

Good communication ensures that everyone stays aligned. It’s a non-negotiable for small businesses where miscommunication can derail projects.

Why it matters: AI can draft emails, but it can’t pick up on tone, context, or underlying concerns. Clear, concise, and empathetic communication ensures smooth collaboration and stronger client relationships.

How to build it: Consider short, focused training sessions on active listening, non-verbal communication, and getting better at building feedback loops into your daily operations.

4. Collaboration and teamwork

AI might streamline workflows, but it can’t build trust. Effective teamwork means understanding each other’s strengths, respecting differences, and working toward shared goals.

Why it matters: In a small business, teamwork is the foundation of daily operations. The stronger your team’s collaboration, the more resilient your business becomes.

How to build it: Regular team-building activities, clear role definitions, and project debriefs can strengthen collaborative bonds.

5. Critical thinking and problem-solving

While AI can suggest solutions based on patterns, it can’t navigate the nuances of real-world challenges, especially those that involve people.

Why it matters: Small businesses often face resource constraints, making creative problem-solving an essential skill for overcoming obstacles and seizing opportunities.

How to build it: Encourage brainstorming sessions, ‘what if’ scenarios, and constructive debates to flex your team’s critical thinking muscles.

In short, don’t let the distractions of AI derail you from investing in your people. The businesses that will thrive in the AI era aren’t just the most tech-savvy: they’re the ones that know how to balance technology with humanity.

Contributed by Karlie Cremin, co-founder and managing director of DLPA

New research from AMP Bank reveals just how much Australia’s 2.4 million ‘small’ small business owners – our solopreneurs, side hustlers and those with less than four employees – struggle to keep up with their financial admin.

It’s one of the most time-consuming admin tasks Aussie small business owners have on their to-do list, with 1 in 3 saying financial admin is their most difficult admin task, followed by marketing and sales (22%), and thirdly, legal and compliance (20.3%).

More than 1 in 3 (35%) Australian small business owners also feel they could be working more efficiently.

Close to 90 per cent– or approximately 2.4 million – of Australian businesses are either self-employed or employ 1-4 people, while the majority of businesses in Australia have an annual turnover of less than $200k. A quarter of all businesses in Australia – approximately 640,000 – have an annual turnover of less than $50k^[1].

Integration with Xero to simplify financial admin:

AMP’s new digital bank – designed specifically for small business – has integrated with Xero, the global small business platform, to make financial admin easier.

Through just a couple of clicks, customers can securely connect their AMP Bank accounts with their existing Xero account. If not a customer of Xero, they’ll be invited to follow a step-by-step guide to create a Xero account and link it to their AMP Bank accounts.

The integration means that when a small business owner makes a payment through the AMP Bank app, for example to a supplier, a record of the payment will automatically sync in real time with Xero’s accounting software, removing the need for manual data entry.

AMP Bank customers can categorise payments in the same way they are categorised within Xero including for past, present and future transactions. 

This seamless integration simplifies the process of reconciling accounts, tracking income and expenses, and maintaining accurate financial records. It provides business owners with greater visibility and control over their business, while making tax reporting more straightforward. 

John Arnott, Director Small Business and Personal Banking, AMP Bank said:

“We want small business owners – those that don’t necessarily have the luxury of bookkeepers and accounting support – to rest assured knowing their finances are in good order and that tax time will be simpler.

“The ability to automatically import bank transactions into Xero’s accounting software using our new fully mobile AMP Bank app will help achieve this.

“This is the first of a range of new features and tech we’ll be adding to the mobile app over the coming months as AMP Bank redefines the banking experience for Australia’s small business owners.”

Ian Boyd, General Manager of Partnerships, Xero said:

“Small business owners juggle multiple responsibilities, especially those running solo or with a smaller team. We know that managing the books often brings added stress and time spent away from building the business.

“We’re happy to have a new integration with AMP Bank, particularly given their focus to support some of the country’s smallest operators to better manage their business.”  

Other innovative features of the new AMP Bank app include:

• The very latest in fraud and identify theft protection, including Australia’s first numberless-facing debit cards for small business and selfie-style video identity verification by two customer service reps for added security
• Seamless connectivity – yet clear distinction – between personal and business banking, making it a one-stop-shop to manage both through a single banking app
• Market-leading UK banking tech ‘Spaces’, allowing for the creation of virtual ‘sub-accounts’ and making it easier to manage tax payments, payroll and other financial obligations
• Customers can hide and reveal their on-screen account balance at the touch of a button, providing instant privacy while on the go
• 24/7 human contact centre support via both phone and live chat, recognising that many Australians and small business owners often work outside the 9 to 5 working day
• Smart self-serve features which provide insights and give customers control, like spending breakdowns across merchants and suppliers

Customers pay no monthly account keeping or international currency conversion fees across both business and personal accounts.

The new AMP Bank app is available to both business banking and personal retail customers and can be downloaded from the Apple App or Google Play stores, with a simple and fully mobile onboarding process designed to maximise customer security.  

Visit AMP’s website to learn more.

Epson has further reinforced its commitment to sustainable business solutions with the launch of its new WorkForce Pro EM-C8100 and EM-C8101 multi-function printers at its recent New Beginnings for a Brighter Future event held at the company’s new head office in North Sydney. Both new devices are powered by its innovative, ultra-efficient PrecisionCore^® Heat-Free Technology.

The versatile 25 ppm WorkForce Pro EM-C8100 A3 multi-function printer is ideal as either the main print device for smaller businesses or as a workgroup device for larger operations. The EM-C8101 is best suited where a higher volume of scanning is required.

As more employees return to the office in 2025 the EM-C8100 and EM-C8101 are designed to meet the growing demands of small and medium businesses who do not need finishing options but who value productivity, and maximum uptime while generating as little waste as possible.

Equipped with Epson’s PrecisionCore Heat-Free printhead technology, which is standard across all Epson business inkjet devices, they deliver Epson’s renowned, industry-leading print quality at fast speeds. With high ink yields and fewer maintenance requirements, these devices require less upkeep and intervention compared to toner-based devices.

Epson business inkjet products have placed emphasis on energy efficient solutions. As such these two new products provide more sustainable, economical print solutions for organisations that are becoming increasingly aware of their carbon footprint, while at the same time seeking ways to reduce operating expenses.

The WorkForce Pro EM-C8100 and EM-C8101 also provide industry-leading high ink yields delivering up to 86,000 pages in black and up to 50,000 pages in colour. This means minimal staff disruptions to change inks. Combining these ink yields with fast print out times and zero warm up make a very compelling, efficient and low cost of ownership proposition.

The WorkForce Pro EM-C8100 and the EM-C8101 are scheduled to begin shipping in Australia and New Zealand from May 2025.

A business credit expert is urging businesses to get ahead of any tax debt – and know their options – to ensure they don’t fall foul of the Australian Taxation Office.

With last week (February 28) marking the deadline for FY23-24 company tax returns to be lodged, Grow Capital CEO Gus Gilkeson says businesses who believe they will have a tax debt need to be proactive.

“Simply delaying lodging your return is not a strategy. You risk being fined, accruing interest and the ATO definitely won’t ignore it.”

“Unfortunately, there are likely some businesses that know they will owe the ATO money this financial year and will put off lodging their return to avoid dealing with a difficult situation.”

“But sticking your head in the sand is not the answer.”

Mr Gilkeson says while not ideal, a business owing the ATO isn’t always a sign of something untoward going on behind the scenes.

“Perhaps your company has recently purchased or acquired another business and taken on its previous debts. It might be that you’re having cash flow issues as a result of unpaid invoices, or the business experiences a period of rapid growth that surpasses previous forecasts and projections.”

“Regardless of the reason, if you’re aware you’re going to have a tax debt, it’s always best to be proactive and get on the front foot. Speak with your accountant and other financial services providers immediately, or if you don’t have these in place, consider seeking professional advice.”

Mr Gilkeson says it’s important for businesses to understand there are options available;

Tax Debt Options

• Payment Plan: Can you enter into a payment plan with the ATO? Depending on the size of the debt, and the reasons why you can’t pay by the due date, you may be able to present a plan to repay over time. However, Mr Gilkeson says the ATO will require further details, including expenses and any assets the business might have.
• Financing Debt: Depending on your circumstances, Mr Gilkeson says securing finance to pay the tax debt in full might be a better option for some businesses, and could potentially avoid paying higher interest and/or penalties.
• Deductions: Know what deductions you’re able to claim, including prepaying interest, restructuring loans and writing down bad debts. However, Mr Gilkeson notes the Federal Government is looking to remove income tax deductions for ATO interest charges for overdue debts and says seeking professional advice is always best to ensure information is current and accurate.
• Proactive Communication: Simply ignoring ATO deadlines and hoping to deal with the matter at a later date is not an option, says Mr Gilkeson. “Proactive communication is always key. Keep the ATO and your financial services professionals well informed and let them know what to expect. Again, depending on your circumstances you may be able to come to an agreement, if you’re open and transparent about what’s happening within the business and what your intentions are going forward.”

Mr Gilkeson says it’s important for businesses to consider their individual circumstances, as there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

However, he emphasises that whatever the final decision, it’s best to take action to avoid the potential of fines, garnishee notices, directors’ penalties and being reported to credit agencies, all of which can impact future business and finance prospects.

“We know the ATO is actively looking to recoup owed monies, and if your business is one of them, it’s a matter of when, not if. Don’t put off those difficult conversations, it’s simply not worth the stress or the risk.”

Contributed by Gus Gilkeson is the CEO of Grow Capital.

Microsoft has announced two new sales AI agents that support a core function of all businesses and further break down silos across legacy systems of record.   

Sales Agent can work autonomously to turn contacts into qualified leads, set up meetings, reach out to customers and more, freeing reps to focus on closing high-margin deals. It draws on the organisation’s CRM, company data like price sheets, emails and meetings to personalise responses.  

Sales Chat helps accelerate the sales cycle, giving sales reps actionable takeaways from CRM data, pitch decks, meetings, emails, and the web so they can spend less time digging and more time selling. All it takes is a simple natural language prompt like “give me a list of deals that are at risk of falling through.”  

Microsoft also announced the Microsoft AI Accelerator for Sales, which gives participating organisations access to AI experts at Microsoft to help them migrate from legacy CRM systems and aid with seller adoption, plus fine tuning to personalise agents that meet unique business needs.  

   For product details and a look at recent customer success stories with Microsoft Copilot and Copilot Studio agents, visit the Dynamics 365 blog, Microsoft WorkLab, and Microsoft Source.   

VistaPrint’s 2024 Hobby to Hustle Report reveals a significant skills gap that currently exists in small business owners, with over half (55%) describing themselves as “not skilled at all” or only “slightly skilled” in branding, marketing, and design. To compound the issue, over a fifth (22%) of business owners and side hustlers don’t know where to look if they need design and marketing support. This is creating a significant barrier to starting and growing a business.  

Technologies and tools which democratise key marketing skills like design, creativity and critical thinking can help close that gap, as can learning and development programs. Vital to that is opening those tools and techniques to SMBs which make up 98% of businesses in Australia. By doing so,  they can tap into the skills and tools and generate growth for their business and reach more customers in an impactful way. 

Here are four ways we can address the SMB marketing skills gap in 2025:

Invest in upskilling 

According to Deloitte Access Economics’ latest Ready, Set, Upskill report for RMIT Online, Australian businesses were expected to spend approximately $8 billion on learning and development in 2024. Four of the top five skills surveyed employers said they lacked were digital, with one-in-eight Aussie businesses planning on spending less on learning and development. This would mean missing out on skills valued at approximately $2 billion over the course of a year or $5.6 million per day. Furthermore, think tank CEDA has revealed Australia’s falling ranking in its digital competitiveness, ranking a lowly 40th out of 63 nations in digital and technological skills. 

Marketing, like most sectors, is becoming increasingly digitised, which will only accentuate as generative AI proliferates. As such, investing in upskilling and ensuring that your skillset is on the pulse of emerging technologies, particularly for SMBs where this can be a battleground for winning and losing, will be critical. This could be via short courses, certificates, and micro-credentials that leading universities and organisations now offer online; personal development through reading books and materials, or networking and collaborating with other small businesses owners or peers who are adept in the area and seek their advice.    

Utilise democratisation tools 

According to Gartner, Australian businesses are set to increase their IT expenditure to A$146.85 billion in 2025, marking an 8.7 per cent increase from 2024.  For small businesses, immediate value is key, with a recent Tech Research Asia report showing they favour quick time-to-value from IT more than traditional ROI. 

Small business owners wear enough hats without needing to get their head around complex, expensive technology, and do not have the resources to wait for it to impact their bottom line. This is where platforms that democratise key areas of your business such as marketing and branding come into play. Now, small businesses can get true value from tools that do everything from create logos, provide expert design advice, craft leading edge packaging, and create websites and domain hosting with inbuilt ecommerce capability.

Democratisation, both with regards to cost and usability, help bridge the skills gap – ensuring SMBs don’t need complex coding skills or knowhow, or particularly deep pockets, to access tools that can help their business grow. 

Don’t forget the power of traditional formats

While the digital world provides immense opportunity to small businesses, there’s beauty in the simplicity of stripping things back to more familiar physical, material forms which still pack a punch when building a brand and influencing consumers. 

So, while upskilling your digital skills and adopting IT are important, businesses must not lose the essence of branding and marketing in its physical form, whether that’s via creative and dynamic business cards that bring you and your business’s personality to life; ensuring your packaging is branded, sustainable and practical; utilising signage to proper effect; or focusing on providing quality merchandise. 

For some businesses, this is front and centre. Take Aussie hair scrunchy brand, Made by Taylah Rose. From her business’s inception in 2014, Taylah used design and marketing partner Vista to build a brand through physical market stalls, which complimented her social media and website efforts. Taylah created a full suite of branded materials including bow cards, business cards and banners. She still regularly participates in markets and says her branded materials are key to increasing her visibility and showcasing her products.

Making it stick in 2025

 SMBs live in a world of more opportunity than ever. 

There are more ways to reach customers than ever before, more ways to reach mass audiences, and more tools at our disposal than we could possibly wish for.  

A skills gap does, however, exist, and SMBs must be creative to ensure that gap can be closed. This can be through learning and development initiatives; utilising tools and technologies which democratise marketing skills like design, creativity, and critical thinking; and staying true to traditional forms of marketing that we and our customers are accustomed to and thrive off. 

I am confident 2025 will be the year this happens.

Contributed by Linda McDonald, Senior Director of Marketing, Sales and CX at Vista Australia: