Why your product photos might be costing you sales

Wearing all the hats in marketing. How to prioritise, stay focused, and grow with a small team

In this episode of You’re Not The Only One, Gill is joined by Kevin Walton, Head of Marketing at The Original Baker, to talk honestly about what it’s really like wearing all the hats in marketing.From global growth at Wren Kitchens to leading brand and strategy inside a fast-growing food business, Kevin shares what actually helps when:You’re juggling brand, sales, strategy, and deliveryBudgets are tight and pressure is highYou are rebranding without losing loyal customersYou need to balance B2B and B2C messagingEverything feels urgent at onceThey dig into:Why storytelling beats scatter-gun marketingHow to prioritise when your calendar is chaosThe real challenge of repositioning a premium food brandWhat small businesses can learn from bigger brandsWhy talking to customers still beats dashboardsHow to protect thinking time in fast-moving teamsThe tension between short-term sales pressure and long-term brand buildingIf you’re a marketing manager, founder, or business owner trying to do everything at once, this one is for you.Links:The Original Baker:Website - https://www.theoriginalbaker.co.uk/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbm0zMWluSDNkdjZWUU1DcnBWeGxUdEVsYkZrd3xBQ3Jtc0ttempSaVRORDhJay11YWNSQ19aTFJ1RW0yTEx6cGVDSUJJZG1teHh2TlJKWVdGNE1MX28xa1d0QW5NcnRXZnZNU0JudDVZc0Y3aDNHSGxIaVozcHd6YzdIeU9BeEpVR25Qa0FPZlcza2gtSldTaVNDSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theoriginalbaker.co.uk%2F&v=iFqCuhIXp44]Facebook -   / theoriginalbakeruk   [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWtXSXRpV3BYZjdXemZuSTF3bTZXQXVucG81QXxBQ3Jtc0trbXBwNFFCRkNaMDRHWTJiNWxwXzRzeVJGVjZVcU5VczZzWFpVcm90elpmM3J4VzZhM0c0c0NDaGFDcEcwZGh0LW5EeHJlaTdhYTlvR3VlamFNSU5Wem5nQkpJSVk0VTFkSVl5UUFKTTNzM1RuSFMyZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ftheoriginalbakeruk%2F&v=iFqCuhIXp44]Instagram -   / theoriginalbakeruk   [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbUc2THJvVU5NMTJWYXpHcWQybFNadlR6NDV4QXxBQ3Jtc0tuSkFPU0thS05SaTBXLWJIMmg0X0ZtSEpuN3VoeEhvSW1idXQ3SVJUSThaRDR1cmd4VE9tRHl6dEhKckkxakJ5SE5OUmFLVmhGaEtCQmQ3aTQ4RmtQTHdXQ2E4SWNPY1p6dU8yTTdCc2lhVE00VmNGaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Ftheoriginalbakeruk&v=iFqCuhIXp44]Kevin's LinkedIn -   / kevin-walton-18622a83   [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0hNamRTQnN1Ym9ISDNQejNvMDdFUDIxXzczZ3xBQ3Jtc0tuOXMxVl83Nmd0VTdXRHJzaW9sc0l3ZkJJWC05MzdPNk5sZ1B0UWJSRHFldTVrd1lWRGpDMnNsU1BCZ01MQTV4ZHdoRFdOVG1YaDFfNFYtNHZMT0djRGdxUXpOTFNNNXQ0bnp1MkU1c0xHYWlwUm51bw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fkevin-walton-18622a83%2F&v=iFqCuhIXp44]Gill Bishop, CherryAid Marketing:LinkedIn -   / gill-bishop   [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTkxQWZqeGFYTnNKZTc5NXZoZy1mMHh4Wm9Jd3xBQ3Jtc0ttcW0xM0FXTnJlUXhhS1dyYjRlV2lXMFhpRk1IVXB4R2ZER0Z5VlpfZklLeDVvT00wQ3kzR0NSRWJzMHF5WVp2TkQ1bHhXTWlLUnNFWXhkLWE2b2p3VkpibEJzV3haU1VNREhqRmdhZWZkdklvNlRPSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fgill-bishop%2F&v=iFqCuhIXp44]Subscribe to my newsletter - http://eepurl.com/hSoVQj [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3F0Z3dLa2k3dVBCeXpYbkc2Q1V6QnZrQ2gyQXxBQ3Jtc0trdVNVTEUybEZET2k1aDJWMFVtdGJvdlZwWXI3Q0tmZGEwMk16d0lkRGxPaXFBbmYzTDlhT0s0MkdPTV9uN2tkNEtnb3YtaDlQcENFOTl0MHh6TUUzcGEtR0VOelZqRVUxODU4ZFJJaEc2bUxEclJxTQ&q=http%3A%2F%2Feepurl.com%2FhSoVQj&v=iFqCuhIXp44]Website - https://www.cherryaidmarketing.co.uk/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmxxMGYxRkxUaVZLc1ZMeC1tX0JNNUJNdnJsd3xBQ3Jtc0ttWEN2RnJZSXJwRlRqRFN4MV85SjdDb0NsdUpLVmxtaHdYMHAxdm9LU0N5RzROMHozR0VYWkVJYnFGeDF3TE1Tb3VvcWlManpacU00NXNJQmpYeld4anpxVlZWS3BiUVRtQmVJRVhpM1ktQjNFREhvOA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cherryaidmarketing.co.uk%2F&v=iFqCuhIXp44]About GillGill runs CherryAid Marketing and works with FMCG and product-based businesses who want clarity in their marketing strategy or need help getting their story straight for retail.If this episode helped you:Like the videoSubscribe for weekly marketing and business conversationsTurn on notifications so you don’t miss future episodes

Why your product photos might be costing you sales

If your product photos look a bit… meh, this one’s for you.In this episode, Gill chats with Kev Timmons, a professional photographer whose career spans portraits, machinery, and drone videography. Together they unpack why great visuals aren’t just “nice to have” they directly affect your sales, brand credibility, and even recruitment.You’ll learn:- Why “that’ll do” photos can quietly devalue your product- How to use lighting and storytelling to make your brand stand out- When DIY photos are fine and when to call in a pro- Why people shots belong in your marketing (even in technical industries)- The link between strong visuals, brand story, and sales confidence.Kev’s straight-talking advice is gold for small business owners, manufacturers, and product brands who want to look as good as they actually are.Guest: Kev Timmons, photographer & videographerConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevintimmonsphotographer/Website: https://kevintimmonsphotography.co.uk/E-mail: mailto:enquire@kevintimmonsphotography.co.ukHosted by Gill Bishop from CherryAid MarketingGet the CherryAid newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hSoVQj

Why your logo isn’t just a pretty picture | Branding & design tips with Opus Creative Design

You’re not the only one who’s had a brand that doesn’t feel like you.In this episode of You’re Not the Only One, Gill from CherryAid Marketing chats with Dave Bradburn (Opus Creative Design) about why design is so much more than a logo, how brand guidelines keep everything consistent, and where AI fits into the creative process.They cover colour psychology, keeping things simple in logo design, and why a strategy-first approach makes design work harder for your business. Plus, Dave shares his honest take on self-belief, client relationships, and why networking still works.If you’ve ever felt like your brand doesn’t quite match who you are – this one’s for you.00:00 Introduction to the podcast & Gill’s role01:35 Meet Dave Bradburn, Opus Creative Design03:11 Canva and it's uses in graphic design04:56 Brand guidelines: keeping things consistent08:52 Tools for designers11:52 AI in design – tool or threat?15:55 Why strategy makes design easier17:52 Colour psychology and brand perception20:00 Rebranding challenges & real-world examples24:14 The importance of self-belief in creative work27:38 Networking and building relationships30:57 Working in partnership with clients35:50 Where to find Dave online36:25 Wrap-up & subscribeHere's how you can connect with Dave:https://opuscreative.co.uk/Follow him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OpusCreativeDesignLike what you heard today? I send out bite-sized marketing tips, just useful stuff, right here: http://eepurl.com/hSoVQj

Small business lessons from The Wide Welly Co: selling online & building visibility

In this episode of You’re Not the Only One, host Gill Bishop (CherryAid Marketing) chats with Verity Smith, founder of The Wide Welly Company, about what it really takes to grow an e-commerce brand.From listening to customers and developing products that meet real needs, to tackling the ups and downs of online selling, Verity shares the honest highs and lows of her entrepreneurial journey. We talk mindset, networking, and why marketing isn’t optional if you want your brand to be seen.Whether you’re running a small business, selling online, or exploring your next product idea, this conversation is packed with practical insights and relatable stories.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to the podcast and guest00:53 Navigating e-commerce and online selling challenges04:40 The journey of The Wide Welly Company09:44 Product development and customer feedback14:31 Branding and market positioning19:21 Challenges in marketing and business strategy24:12 Work-life balance and customer service29:09 Networking and building relationships31:06 Navigating trade shows and their impact33:30 The challenge of digital marketing partnerships39:14 Understanding product lead times and logistics42:10 Becoming the face of your brand47:31 Overcoming self-doubt and embracing change52:55 The importance of vision and planningWant to see Verity’s wellies in the wild? 🌧️https://thewidewellycompany.co.uk/Visit @widewellyco on InstagramOr if you’re in Hoylake, pop into the Welly Shed (yes, that’s really what it’s called): Unit 6, Carr Lane Business Park, Hoylake, CH64 4AX.Like what you heard today? I send out bite-sized marketing tips, just useful stuff, right here: http://eepurl.com/hSoVQjAnd if you want more conversations that make you nod along and think “oh thank goodness, it’s not just me” — hit subscribe on this channel: @You’re Not the Only One Who.Key takeawaysOnline selling is essential but can be uncomfortable.Building a brand requires understanding customer needs.Product development is an ongoing journey.Embracing marketing is crucial for visibility.Customer service is key to business survival.Networking can provide valuable insights and support.Mindset plays a significant role in business success.Self-talk can influence your approach to challenges.Having a clear vision helps direct business actions.It's important to ask questions and seek partnerships.

You're not the only one who’s spent hours on your website (and still not seen sales)

Building a product-based business? Your website copy matters more than you think.If your website looks good but isn’t converting, this episode is for you.We’re talking all things website copywriting, digital marketing strategy, SEO, and how to stop overthinking your About page.Gill Bishop chats to copywriter and website strategist Zoe Barnett about:- Why pretty design isn’t enough anymore- What really converts visitors into buyers- Real examples of what works (and what doesn’t)- How to use AI tools like ChatGPT without losing your brand voice- The biggest mistakes product business owners make with their websitesWhether you’re a maker, manufacturer or ecommerce brand owner, if your site feels like a digital shrug… this honest conversation will help.Timestamps:• 00:00 – Intro: What this podcast is all about• 01:50 – Introduction to Zoe, her journey and what is website strategy?• 03:30 – Where does your website fit into your marketing strategy, and how can you make sure the words will convert?• 05:50 – Consumer behaviour and website expectations• 06:15 – Where SEO fits in now• 11:40 – Real stories from working with clients• 15:13 – More doesn’t mean better when it comes to content• 19:00 – Tools, AI tips, and staying human when writing your own copy• 26:30 – Social media overwhelm vs website stability• 31:30 – Final advice and where to connectLinks from this episodeZoe Barnett – Website Copy & StrategyCopy templates: https://zoconnected.com/copywriting-templatesWebsite: https://zoconnected.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zo_connected/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-barnett/Gill Bishop – Retail & Marketing Strategy for Product BrandsWeekly tips & insights: http://eepurl.com/hSoVQjWebsite: https://www.cherryaidmarketing.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherryaidmarketing/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gill-bishop/