Little Acorn Marketing

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Little Acorn Marketing

Providing cost effective marketing solutions to small businesses in the Thames Valley

We aim to be approachable and offer our clients practical and affordable solutions which include:
- Strategy and Planning
- PR and Social Media
- Lead Generation
- Marketing Research
- Design, copywriting and print
- Web Design and SEO
- Email Marketing
- Event support

19/08/2026

Last week I shared a post about why giving testimonials matters, both to the person receiving them and to other business owners who might be considering working with them.

So, today I thought I would share one that I’ve recently received.

This lovely testimonial came from Rob Melhuish, whom I have worked with at Accountwise.

“I worked with Karen at Little Acorn Marketing for a number of years and she became a valued extension of our team. From managing our monthly client newsletters and social media to supporting our website, blogs and overseeing our brand refresh, Karen always delivered a professional, organised and reliable service.

She is incredibly thorough, highly organised and always has a clear plan with actions to keep projects moving forward.

Karen is also a pleasure to work with. She's approachable, flexible and always happy to offer ideas and guidance. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Karen to any business looking for practical, reliable marketing support.”

It’s always lovely to receive feedback like this, but what particularly made me smile was “a valued extension of our team.”

That’s exactly how I want to work with my clients. Not just someone who turns up, tells you what you should be doing and disappears again.

Someone who understands your business, gets alongside you, brings ideas and experience to the table, and helps make your marketing feel clearer, more manageable and achievable.

Thank you, Rob, for taking the time to write such a thoughtful testimonial. It’s very much appreciated.

17/08/2026

I’m back at work today, after a lovely break in the South of France. It was incredibly hot, but also very relaxing, and I definitely feel like I’ve recharged my batteries.

While I was away, I was determined to catch up on some reading and listening. I had a few books waiting patiently on my Kindle, and a list of podcasts I’d been meaning to get around to.

I managed to finish one book and start another - yeah! And I made great headway through my Summer Podcast list. Here’s what I’ve been listening to:

1. The Midlife Business Show by Suzanne Mountain - Online Business Coach. Last updated in 2022, but still incredibly relevant.
2. JFDI by The Two Lauras
3. The Social In 10 Podcast hosted by the Giraffe Social team
4. The Freelancer’s Teabreak from Emma Cossey (The Freelance Lifestyle)

I can highly recommend all four if you’re looking for something interesting and useful to listen to while walking, driving, working or simply relaxing.

So, now I’m looking for some new recommendations! Are you listening to any good podcasts at the moment?

10/08/2026

I'm curious - when was the last time you gave a testimonial without being asked?

You just simply thought: "They did a brilliant job. I want to tell my network.”

Testimonials are pure gold for us small businesses owners.

- They build trust.
- They help potential customers make decisions.
- And they can make our day.

You don't need to write an essayl, just keep it simple.

Try this:

1. Set the scene - who are you and what service did you use?

2. What was the challenge? What problem were you trying to solve?

3. What was the solution? What did the person or business do to help you?

4. What were the benefits? What changed for you or your business?

A few honest, specific sentences are much more powerful than: “Great service. Would recommend!”

So here's your challenge this week: Who could you give a testimonial to?

Think of one small business owner who has helped you recently.

28/07/2026

People buy from people... but so many business owners are still hiding behind their logo.

One of the biggest things I see when I start working with clients is that their marketing is all about what they do, but very little about who they are.

They're happy to talk about their products or services, but when it comes to putting themselves or their team on social media, they shy away from it.

The reality is that people want to know who's behind the business. They want to see the faces, the personalities, the values and the everyday moments that make a business unique.

I've been managing the social media for one of my accountancy clients for several years. Early on, we made a conscious decision to move away from simply posting tax deadlines and compliance updates. Instead, we started sharing the people behind the business - the team, networking events, charity initiatives, achievements, office life and behind-the-scenes moments.

The result? Their social media has become so successful that they've been showcased at more than one Xero accounting event as an example of best practice.

It just goes to show that even in industries that some people might describe as "less exciting", personality wins.

So, here's my question: Is your marketing showing what you do or who you are?

If you're not sure where to start, that's exactly what we can work through in one of my Marketing Power Hours. Together we'll identify what's missing, come up with ideas that feel natural to you, and create a marketing plan that reflects the real person behind your business.

Sometimes a few small changes can make a big difference.

Send me a DM for more information

23/07/2026

Sometimes you don't need all the answers... you just need someone to bounce ideas around with.

That's exactly why I offer my Marketing Mentoring Power Hours.

For one hour, you have my undivided attention. We can talk through whatever is on your mind, whether that's refining your marketing strategy, getting clearer on your messaging, identifying your ideal customers, planning your next steps or simply working out where to focus your time.

Sometimes you need practical advice. Sometimes you need a fresh perspective.

And sometimes you just need someone who can give you honest feedback.

After more than 30 years in marketing and 16 years running my own business, I know that one conversation can often give you the clarity and confidence to move forward.

I like to keep things simple, so no lengthy programmes and no ongoing commitment. It is just a focused hour that's all about you and your business.

So, if your marketing feels a little overwhelming, or you'd simply like someone to help you make sense of it all, send me a message and let's arrange a Power Hour.

Little Acorn Marketing
Clear Marketing | Real Results | Less overwhelm

21/07/2026

I absolutely love taking photographs. In fact, I probably drive my family mad whenever we're out because I'm always stopping to capture something!

Most of the time it's nature rather than people that catches my eye.

This morning, at a networking event, I was talking about how business owners often hide behind their logo when their marketing really needs more of the human side.

But it also got me thinking about photography from a different perspective...

When we're out taking photos, it's easy to forget that the people in the background may not want, or be able to have, their photo shared online.

There are lots of reasons why:
- A child may need their location protected.
- Someone could be escaping domestic abuse.
- There may be legal reasons why a person's identity needs to remain private.

It might sound unlikely, but once a photo is posted online it can be shared incredibly quickly, often far beyond the audience we intended.

As we're all out enjoying the summer holidays, taking photos with family and friends, it's worth taking a quick look before you post.

Could you crop the image?
Could you change the angle?
Could you simply choose a different photo?

A few extra seconds could help protect someone else's privacy.

Have you ever stopped to check who's in the background of your photos before sharing them?

16/07/2026

Yesterday I subbed at the WIBN Thames Valley & National Reading Group for the second time, and it was lovely to catch up with everyone again.

One of the highlights of the meeting was our business discussion on "Master Your Minute." It got us thinking about something that comes up time and time again in marketing... niching.

Many business owners struggle with defining their niche because they worry that focusing on a specific audience means missing out on opportunities.

But actually, the opposite is often true.

When you become clearer about who you help and the problems you solve, your marketing becomes much easier. Your message is more relatable, people understand how you can help them, and you become more memorable when someone is looking for your expertise.

I spend a lot of time helping business owners get clarity around their messaging, and this is one of those areas where a little bit of focus can make a huge difference.

We also enjoyed a fascinating member interview with Lauren Clark, an immigration lawyer, who gave us a brilliant insight into her working life and the incredible support she provides to her clients.

It was also lovely to catch up with an old networking friend, Charlotte Haye of Vivid Copy.

As always, it was inspiring to spend time with a group of women who genuinely want to support each other, share ideas and continue learning as they grow their businesses.

09/07/2026

Great marketing in unexpected places!

Last week in Devon I came across this fantastic vintage VW campervan, decorated in bright 60s-inspired colours to promote a local gardening business. I absolutely loved it (I've always had a soft spot for classic VW campers!).

I must say it really made me smile, but it also reminded me that that in a world where we're all competing for attention, sometimes it's not about shouting the loudest. Sometimes it's about finding a simple way to reflect your brand and give people a reason to remember you.

No, I'm not suggesting everyone buys a colourful campervan! But it is worth thinking about what makes your business memorable.

What's the best piece of branding or marketing you've spotted recently? Let me know in the comments! 👇

07/07/2026

Before you head off on your summer holiday... ☀

Can I encourage you to do one thing for your business?

Take a step back and review your marketing.

We're already halfway through the year, so now is the perfect time to ask yourself:

✔️ Where are your enquiries coming from?
✔️ Is your website converting visitors into leads?
✔️ Have you been consistent on social media?
✔️ Are you staying in touch with your email list?
✔️ Is your marketing helping you achieve your business goals?

If something isn't working, there's little point in spending the next six months doing more of the same.

A simple review now can help you make better decisions, focus your time where it matters, and hit the ground running in September.

If you'd like some support, my 90-Day Marketing Planning Sessions are designed to give you clarity, confidence and a practical plan for the months ahead.

Comment 90DAYS below, and I'll send you the details.

26/06/2026

Just over a year ago, we became pet parents to our toy cockerpoo, Chester… and I honestly can’t believe how much joy he has brought to our family.

Over the last 12 months, I’ve learnt:
- Cuddles are one of the best stress relievers
- Coming home is SO much more fun
- Waking up covered in kisses is something I never knew I needed!

They’re incredibly intelligent (and slightly manipulative 😂), so you definitely need to stay a few steps ahead… although Chester still manages to throw us the occasional curve ball.

Don’t get me wrong, there are challenges too, for example less freedom, training struggles, and sometimes it can feel like having a toddler in the house again! But overall, this little chap has changed our lives for the better ❤️

Happy Bring Your Dog to Work Day from Little Acorn Marketing

I'd love to see a pic of your doggies - so please feel free to share in the comments.

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+447988676219

Website

http://www.littleacornmarketing.co.uk/

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