<![CDATA[IPS Business Advisory - Business Tips]]>Mon, 17 Aug 2026 11:28:54 +0800EditMySite<![CDATA[Turning Staff Challenges into Business Success: A Practical Guide to Performance Management]]>Thu, 06 Aug 2026 06:49:18 GMThttps://www.ipsbusinessadvisory.com.au/business-tips/turning-staff-challenges-into-business-success-a-practical-guide-to-performance-managementOne of the biggest challenges facing small business owners isn't finding customers, it's managing staff.
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​Between sick leave, annual leave, workplace obligations, performance concerns, and changing employee expectations, managing people can often feel more difficult than managing the business itself. Many business owners feel overwhelmed by the amount of legislation, paperwork, and processes required. Others feel frustrated when employees are not meeting expectations or when difficult conversations are avoided for too long.
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Another common challenge is that many managers choose not to address performance concerns at all because they are worried about getting it wrong. Fear of complaints, bullying allegations, unfair dismissal claims, or potential legal consequences can cause managers to avoid having the necessary conversations. Unfortunately, avoiding the issue rarely makes it go away. In most cases, it allows small concerns to grow into larger problems that impact team morale, productivity, and overall business performance. 

The good news is that effective performance management doesn't have to be complicated. When done well, it creates accountability, improves productivity, and helps employees reach their full potential. A well managed team should help drive profitability, improve efficiency, and make running your business easier, not more difficult.
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The key is to focus on setting people up for success rather than waiting until problems arise.

Setting Clear Expectations from Day One

Many performance issues stem from unclear expectations rather than poor employee behaviour.
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Employees need to understand exactly what success looks like in their role. This includes clear responsibilities, expected standards of work, workplace behaviours, and performance goals.

When expectations are clearly communicated and documented, employees are far more likely to meet them. It also provides a fair and objective benchmark should performance concerns need to be addressed later.

The Power of Constructive Feedback

One mistake many managers make is only providing feedback when something goes wrong.
Effective performance management is built on regular conversations that recognise achievements while addressing areas for improvement. Feedback should be ongoing rather than reserved for annual performance reviews.

Constructive feedback should be timely, specific, balanced and solution based.
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When delivered effectively, feedback helps employees understand what they're doing well and where they can improve, creating a culture of continuous development.
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Navigating Difficult Conversations with Confidence

Most business owners dread difficult conversations. However, avoiding them often allows small issues to grow into larger problems.

Preparation is essential.

Remember that a difficult conversation isn't about criticism, it's about helping an employee succeed and ensuring the business can operate effectively.
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When handled professionally and respectfully, these conversations often strengthen working relationships rather than damage them.
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Coaching and Mentoring for Long-Term Succes

Performance management should not only focus on correcting poor performance it should also develop employees and build future capability.

Coaching involves asking questions, encouraging problem-solving, and helping team members develop their own solutions. Mentoring involves sharing experience, providing guidance, and supporting professional growth.

By investing in coaching and mentoring, business owners can build a more confident, capable, and engaged workforce. Employees who feel supported and valued are more likely to perform at their best, remain committed to the business, and are often more motivated to contribute to the overall success of the business.
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Final Thoughts

Managing people will always be one of the most challenging aspects of running a business. However, it can also be one of the most rewarding.

By setting clear expectations, providing constructive feedback, addressing issues early, and investing in coaching and mentoring, small business owners can turn performance management from a source of frustration into a powerful tool for business growth.
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Do you have any questions about or need help with staff management, just book a session with one of our business advisors in the Midwest.
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Book a Session with a Business Advisor
]]><![CDATA[Be Grant Ready: Preparation is the Key to Success]]>Thu, 16 Jul 2026 10:32:21 GMThttps://www.ipsbusinessadvisory.com.au/business-tips/be-grant-ready-preparation-is-the-key-to-success
Author: Alison Jenkin
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Grant funding can provide a valuable boost for small businesses, helping to support growth, innovation, and new opportunities.

However, one of the biggest challenges business owners face is that many grant programs have a very short application window.

​By the time a grant is announced, there may only be a few weeks to prepare and apply.

Supporting Documentation

​Being grant ready means having your supporting documentation organised and up to date before opportunities arise. Common documents include financial statements, business plans, project plans, budgets, cash flow forecasts, registrations, insurance certificates, and evidence of business activities or achievements including photo’s. Another important document that is often overlooked is a Capability Statement. A well prepared Capability Statement provides a concise overview of your business, outlining your products and services, experience, key personnel, certifications, unique strengths, and past successes. It can be a powerful tool when applying for grants and tenders.
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P​reparation Matters

Having these documents readily available allows you to focus on preparing a strong application rather than rushing to gather information at the last minute. More importantly, when a grant opens, being prepared with your supporting documentation enables you to concentrate your energy on addressing the selection criteria and demonstrating how your project meets the grant objectives. This gives you the opportunity to develop a more compelling and competitive application, rather than spending valuable time searching for paperwork and supporting evidence.

Preparation not only reduces stress but also improves the quality of your submission. Grant assessors look for clear, accurate, and complete applications. Businesses that provide quality supporting evidence and clearly demonstrate their capability are better positioned to submit compelling applications that stand out from the competition.
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​​Be Grant Ready 

Our advice is simple, don't wait for a grant announcement before you start preparing. Create and maintain a grant ready folder containing key business documents, keep your financial records current, and review your Capability Statement regularly to ensure it reflects your latest achievements and capabilities.
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When the right funding opportunity becomes available, you'll be able to act quickly, submit a high-quality application, and maximise your chances of success. Remember, successful grant applications often begin long before the grant opens, preparation today can make all the difference tomorrow.

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We Can Help You

Would you like assistance with the preparation for a grant, just book a session with one of our business advisors in the Midwest.

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Book a meeting with a Business Advisor
]]><![CDATA[Boundaries as a Business Asset]]>Wed, 08 Jul 2026 08:41:36 GMThttps://www.ipsbusinessadvisory.com.au/business-tips/boundaries-as-a-business-assetBusiness and Life Are Closely Connected
My office whiteboard currently has notes about boundaries. The way we manage our time, energy and commitments in business and life are rarely separate and inevitably affect the other. 

The way we manage our time, energy and commitments in one area inevitably affects the other. Those notes serve as a daily reminder not to lose sight of the things that support long-term wellbeing.

​They prompt questions about priorities: What needs my attention right now? What can wait? What deserves space alongside work — family, health, rest, or simply time to think?
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​When Constant Activity Becomes Too Much

Some years ago, I was working, running a small business, taking part in community projects and initiatives, navigating serious family health challenges - as well as studying for a Master of Adult Education. My version of self-care was activity-based: gym sessions, analytical meditation, ashtanga yoga and long walks. Looking back, there was a common thread running through it all — movement. I never stopped.

Until one day (about 3 years later) I couldn’t move anymore. I’d over exhausted my nervous system – in fact most body systems. I was lucky I could walk. Recovery took many months. What began as a challenging experience ultimately became an opportunity for deeper reflection. Alongside support from my GP and complementary health professionals, I learned to slow down and listen more carefully to warning signs coming from my body.
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Learning to Recognise the Warning Signs

Since then, boundaries have taken on a new meaning. These days, when life feels particularly full, I check in with myself. How am I breathing? Am I feeling constantly stretched? Is my mind racing long after the workday is over? Am I finding it difficult to switch off?
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The Power of Small Daily Resets

What I have learned is that doing the small things consistently matters. An early night. A quiet walk during a lunch break. Watching a film. Sharing a meal with family around the dinner table and creating art are two of my favourites. They offer a pause and gentle reset — the space needed to regain perspective before overwhelm begins to take hold.
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A Pattern I See in Business Owners

I share this story because conversations with business owners and entrepreneurs frequently reveal a familiar pattern of not stopping and overwhelm. Passion, capability and commitment to their business or idea are evident. They are driven by opportunities, a vision and endless ideas. There is the motivation to make things work and grow. Boundaries, however, are often more permeable — or not in place at all. The sustainability of one's own health and wellbeing is rarely factored into a business plan. In fact, I’ve not yet spoken with someone who has included this in their business planning.
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Boundaries Create Space for Sustainable Success

Perhaps that's where the real gift of boundaries lies. Not in restriction, but in clarity. Boundaries create space to focus on what matters most. They protect the valuable resource of time, helping us recognise the difference between being busy and being effectively productive. Research into boundaries and entrepreneurs does exist. Better boundaries, including daily recovery practices, are recognised as predictors of positive health and wellbeing. The flow-on effect is greater focus, being present, and a more balanced family life. Boundaries remind us that success is measured by our ability to sustain what is important over the long term — our commitment to our business, our vision for growth, and a steady, sustainable approach that supports both business success and personal wellbeing.
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A Final Thought

​As an entrepreneur or business owner, it’s worth reflecting on boundaries as a gift, not a barrier. If setting boundaries is something you find challenging in your business, book a meeting with me. I’m here to listen and help in any way I can.


Sana Turnock
Business Advisor

Book a Session with Sana
]]><![CDATA[Is Your Website Helping You Sell, Or Costing You Sales?]]>Fri, 19 Jun 2026 05:23:20 GMThttps://www.ipsbusinessadvisory.com.au/business-tips/is-your-website-helping-you-sell-or-costing-you-sales

Most small businesses invest significant time and money into their website, yet many still struggle to generate the enquiries, leads and sales they expect.

​The reality is that having a website is no longer enough. To be effective, a website must do more than simply look professional; it needs to actively guide visitors towards becoming customers.

Let’s see how  you can make your website more sales effective?
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​Are you Displaying the Correct Message?

One of the biggest factors influencing sales effectiveness is clear and compelling messaging. Visitors should immediately understand who you are, what you offer, and why they should choose your business. Strong headlines, customer-focused content, and clearly defined value propositions help guide prospects towards taking the next step, whether that's making an enquiry, booking a consultation, or requesting a quote.

When visitors land on your website, is it immediately clear how your products or services can help them, or are they being distracted by too much unrelated information?
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Delivering an Excellent Online Experience

User experience also plays a critical role in converting visitors into customers. Fast page loading times, intuitive navigation, mobile responsiveness, and simple contact options all contribute to a smoother customer journey. The easier it is for visitors to find information and engage with your business, the more likely they are to convert into qualified leads and paying customers.

​Design Delivers Credibility and Creates a Professional Reputation

Website design is equally important when it comes to sales effectiveness. A modern, professional design creates a positive first impression and helps establish credibility from the moment visitors arrive. Consistent branding, effective use of white space, high-quality imagery, and clear visual hierarchy make content easier to consume and key calls-to-action more prominent. Good design isn't just about aesthetics, it's about guiding users through the website in a way that encourages engagement and supports conversion.

​Do you want to learn how to make your website more effective? 

There are many other methods and aspects of your website, that you can improve to increase both the Google and sales effectiveness.

Book a session with Rob to discover how you can improve your website.


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Book a Session with Rob
]]><![CDATA[Email Marketing: Why It’s Still One of the Best Digital Marketing Tools in 2026]]>Tue, 16 Jun 2026 04:14:01 GMThttps://www.ipsbusinessadvisory.com.au/business-tips/email-marketing-why-its-still-one-of-the-best-digital-marketing-tools-in-2026Small business owners are already stretched, so marketing needs to be simple, affordable and worth the effort.

​The Myth That Email Marketing Is Dead

Let's be honest, we've all received those annoying sales emails from businesses we've never heard of. Most of the time, they go straight into the bin without a second thought. So why would anyone want to invest in email marketing?
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The reality is that businesses across almost every industry still use email as a major part of their marketing strategy because it works. When done properly, email marketing can generate leads, build customer relationships and drive sales consistently. The problem isn't email marketing itself, it's bad email marketing.
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​Email Delivers Outstanding ROI

Very few marketing channels can compete with the return on investment that email marketing offers. The costs are relatively low, the results are easy to track, and a well-planned campaign can produce impressive returns.
Whether you're promoting products, nurturing leads or staying connected with existing customers, email marketing often delivers better results than many forms of paid advertising.
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Email Marketing Lets You Measure Every Step of the Customer Journey

​Unlike social media, where you're often relying on algorithms and hoping your post appears in someone's feed, email puts your message directly in front of your audience.

A Facebook post might get thousands of views, but how many people actually paid attention to it or understood the message? With email marketing, you can track every stage of the customer journey. Giving you a much clearer picture of how successful your campaign really is.
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Personalisation Is More Powerful Than Ever

Modern email marketing platforms make it easy to send highly targeted content to different groups of people.
You can segment your audience based on factors like demographics, buying history, website behaviour and engagement levels. This means your subscribers receive content that is more relevant to them, which leads to higher engagement and a better customer experience.

When people feel like you're speaking directly to their needs, they're far more likely to stay connected with your business. This can differ per business, for example a café could be emailing weekly specials, a tradie could following up past quotes automatically, or a service-based business could send helpful tips to stay front of mind.
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​There’s Less Competition in the Inbox

When someone searches for a product or service on Google, they're usually comparing your business against dozens of competitors.
But if you've already built a relationship with that person through email, you're landing directly in their inbox, a space where there are often far fewer competitors fighting for attention. 
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​Why Email Marketing Still Works for Businesses

The reason many people dislike email marketing is simple: too many businesses send irrelevant content or bombard subscribers with constant sales messages.
The key to successful email marketing is providing value. Your emails should contain information that your audience actually wants to receive. Focus on helping them solve a problem, answering their questions or meeting a need rather than constantly trying to sell.
When you consistently provide useful content, people are much more likely to open your emails, engage with your business and eventually become customers.


Do you want to know more about Email Marketing?

Want to learn how to use email marketing in your own business? Book a one-to-one session with Jerry, either in person, or over Teams.​
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Book a Session with Jerry
]]><![CDATA[Why your website is Useless, without a Google Analytics account]]>Thu, 28 May 2026 06:42:10 GMThttps://www.ipsbusinessadvisory.com.au/business-tips/why-your-website-is-useless-without-a-google-analytics-account
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What is Google Analytics and How Easy Is It to Set Up?

Google Analytics is a free tool from Google that shows what people do on your website. It helps business owners understand how visitors find their site, what pages they look at, how long they stay, and whether they book, buy, or leave without taking action.
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For most small businesses, setting up Google Analytics is surprisingly easy. All you need is a Google account and access to your website. Google provides a small piece of tracking code that is added to the website, and from that moment on, Analytics starts collecting information automatically.

What Does Google Analytics Show


One of the biggest advantages of Google Analytics is the amount of useful information it provides about website visitors. It can show:

  • How people found the website.
  • Whether they arrived from Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Google Search, newsletters, or direct links.
  • Which pages they visit most often.
  • How long they stay on each page.
  • Which pages they leave from..
  • Whether they complete important actions such as bookings, purchases, or contact forms.

This information becomes extremely valuable when trying to understand why people are not converting into customers. For example, if many visitors arrive on a product page but quickly leave without buying, this may indicate a problem. The page may load too slowly, the pricing may be unclear, the booking form may be difficult to use, or important information may be missing.
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Analytics helps identify these weak points by showing exactly where visitors drop off during the process. Instead of guessing why sales are low, businesses can make decisions based on real data.
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Why Use Google Analytics


Many small businesses spend time and money on social media marketing without knowing which platforms produce results. Google Analytics helps solve this problem by measuring conversions from different marketing channels.
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For example, if your business uses Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, then Analytics will show you for each platform:

  • How much time visitors spend on the site
  • Which pages they visited
  • But most importantly, how many conversions were made (bookings or sales)
 
This allows businesses to stop wasting money on ineffective marketing and focus on the channels that work.
A business may discover that Facebook generates a lot of visitors, but Instagram visitors are far more likely to make a booking. Another business may find that newsletter subscribers convert at a much higher rate than social media visitors. Without Analytics, these insights remain invisible.

Google Analytics also helps track long-term trends. Businesses can compare monthly performance, measure the success of advertising campaigns, and understand seasonal changes in customer behaviour.
In a world where marketing is becoming increasingly data-driven, this information is becoming more important every year.
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Example of a Problem That Showed Up in Analytics

A good example of the value of Google Analytics comes from a small business running Facebook advertisements for an online booking service.

The ads were performing well and bringing a large number of visitors to the website. At first glance, everything appeared successful. However, the site generated very few bookings. When we checked Google Analytics, we noticed that most users were leaving the website on the booking page itself.

Further research showed that the booking form was not working properly on mobile phones. Since most Facebook users were visiting from mobile devices, customers simply could not complete the process. After repairing the issue on the mobile site, more bookings started to come in.

Without Analytics, the business may have assumed the advertisements were failing or that customers were not interested in the service. Instead, the real issue was a technical problem that could be fixed quickly.
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This is one of the biggest strengths of Google Analytics: it helps businesses identify hidden problems before they become expensive mistakes.
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Final Thought

Google Analytics gives businesses the ability to understand what is really happening on their website. Instead of relying on assumptions, owners can make informed decisions based on real visitor behaviour.

For a free tool, it provides an enormous amount of value. Whether you are running social media campaigns, improving your website, or trying to increase bookings and sales, Analytics can help identify what works, what does not, and where improvements are needed.

For small businesses especially, understanding customer behaviour online is no longer optional. It is becoming an essential part of successful marketing.
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Support with installing Analytics

If you would like some help with the installation of your Analytics and how to read the data it gathers, then simply book a free session with Jerry, or join the Analytics Workshop on Monday the 15th of June.

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]]><![CDATA[Will your Facebook account slowly disappear because of AI?]]>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 08:09:47 GMThttps://www.ipsbusinessadvisory.com.au/business-tips/will-your-facebook-account-slowly-disappear-because-of-ai

Facebook is becoming a Discovery Engine

Facebook’s AI has already changed its algorithm, from showing your business page posts to followers, to showing them to non-followers who are interested in the content. 

​Over 40% of your customers’ feeds now shows AI recommended content about what they like, instead of your posts! People want to see interesting content, and do not care about who made it.

By the end of 2026 Facebook intends to be an AI first, discovery based engine that prioritises original content and interest based engagement.

If your Followers are not engaging with you, you will miss out!
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​At this moment, reels and engaging content already get up to 3 times as much reach, then static posts like just selling to people. And this will only increase over the next months. Because people watch many reels in one session, you must have very attractive content in them to be remembered.
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This means that an average account with say 300 followers, can seriously outperform an account with thousands of followers by creating interesting, engagement boosting reels and other content. 
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What is in it for Facebook?

Facebook’s AI optimises for one thing: engagement and time spent. It knows exactly what people look at and for how long. The longer people spend reading and interacting with your posts, the more people Facebook will show them to.

​And that is logical. You can use Facebook for free, because Facebook’s main source of income is advertising. Thus, the more time people spend reading your posts, the more ads they see, increasing Facebook’s advertising revenue in the process. In return Facebook will show your post to more people to further boost the process.

Posting your Products and Services

For this reason, the algorithm will give a lower priority to posts just showing your products and services. It will prioritise content that ads value for your client, like helpful tips, news and information. It will also prioritise meaningful interactions, like comments, shares, and conversations, over passive content. 

Facebook is rolling out AI Tools

Meta is doubling down on AI for small businesses, rolling out AI tools that allow small businesses to create content,  manage customer queries 24/7, and use automated advertising. It is becoming an AI driven marketing and content platform.

But this means more small businesses will generate content and on a larger scale. With this generated content small businesses will now be able to reach more non-followers without having to rely on ads, but there will also be so much more content on Facebook, that you as a business will have to compete with to be seen. 

What does this mean for Businesses that only use Facebook?

If these businesses do not adapt, their visibility will continue to decline. Not just in Facebook itself, but also in searches done on other other AI platforms. It is critical to have citations on many platforms, if you want your business to be found by any AI. 

Concluding

Facebook pages are no longer a reliable standalone growth channel, because AI is shifting power away from “having a page” to “creating content people care about”. Businesses that just post products or services will fade into the background, while businesses that behave like creators will win.
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More Information

​Would you like to discuss this with one of our business advisors? You can find them and book a session through the button below.

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Find a Business Advisor
]]><![CDATA[Google's April Update: Is Your Website Losing Clients?]]>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 07:36:09 GMThttps://www.ipsbusinessadvisory.com.au/business-tips/googles-april-update-is-your-website-losing-clients
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Google has quietly flipped the rules of search, and many businesses won’t realise it until their website traffic drops. Over the past two weeks, Google rolled out a major update to its search algorithm. The result: Rankings are shifting fast, and what worked before may no longer work today.
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So, what has changed, and what should you do about it?

Google is raising the bar

Google is now aggressively prioritising “people-first” content; content that is genuinely helpful, written with real expertise, and created for humans (not search engines).
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At the same time, it is quietly filtering out:
  • Thin, low-value pages
  • Mass-produced AI content with no real insight
  • Automated websites built just to rank

If your content falls into these categories, it may simply stop appearing in search.

AI content is not Dead, but it is Different

AI can still be used, but only if it’s done properly. What works now:
  • AI-assisted content that is heavily edited by humans
  • Articles that include real experience, examples, and expertise

This means all your pages must show authority and be unique, based on your experience and expertise.
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What no longer works:
  • Generic, automated content
  • Pages created purely to rank, not to help

In short: AI is a tool, not a shortcut!
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Linkbuilding has changed too

Link building is the SEO tactic, of placing a link to your website on another website, as part of an article or other content. Correct link building seriously increases Google ranking.

Buying or creating large numbers of low-quality links on unrelated websites, as done by many sEO agencies? That strategy is losing its impact.

Instead, Google now values:
  • Links from relevant, trustworthy websites
  • Content that demonstrates real authority and credibility
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What if the Traffic on my Website drops?

No matter what happens, keep a close eye on your Analytics, as these changes can lead to a significant decline in traffic. If the drop is minor, there’s no need to worry. It will likely stabilise over time. Recovering from a larger drop will in most cases require a long-term approach, focused on rebuilding authority.

A drop in ranking doesn’t mean your website is broken. In this case it is more likely that competitors are now delivering more value.
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Zero-Click Searches in Google

Another reason why your site might get less visitors is the new AI Overview of Google. This has been around for a while, but this is going to take a more prominent role from now on as well.

Increasingly, searches done in Google will lead to a zero-click result. Meaning, that the person searching will find the answer to their search in the Overview and they will leave Google without the need to click on any website.

However, websites with strong authority are more likely to be referenced within these AI-generated summaries and thus more likely to be clicked, if people need more information.
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How to respond to this Google update?

For your website to be found in searches on Google, but also on AI, you must act now:

  • Focus on depth, not volume of content
  • Share real expertise and insights
  • Create content that really helps your audience
  • Build visibility beyond Google (social media, platforms, partnerships)
  • Keep an eye on your data using tools like Google Analytics.
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The New Search Reality

Search is no longer just about ranking on Google. With AI-driven results becoming more prominent, businesses need to build authority across the entire internet, not just one platform.

That means:
  • Publishing unique, high-quality content on all platforms, also social media.
  • Showing real expertise everywhere.
  • Becoming a trusted voice wherever your audience spends time.
  • Create local citations on many reputable platforms.
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The Bottom Line

Google hasn’t made Search easier; it’s made it smarter. The businesses that win from now on, will be the ones that focus on real value. If your strategy is still based on volume, automation, or quick SEO wins… it’s time to rethink it.
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More Information

Join the New Google & AI Search workshop in Mandurah, on the 5th of May, to learn how Google and AI Search has changed and how to adapt your website to these changes.

​Click on the button to Register.
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Workshop: Can Your Website Still Be Found?
]]><![CDATA[The importance of a Google Business Profile, and what can go wrong]]>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 04:07:15 GMThttps://www.ipsbusinessadvisory.com.au/business-tips/the-importance-of-a-google-business-profile-and-what-can-go-wrong
​When people search for your business, or even a service you offer, your Google Business Profile is usually the very first thing they see.
​It’s your digital shopfront. They can click through to your website, call you, or get directions to your office or store. 
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Details That Make the Difference

​Be aware that it is important what you present in your business profile, and how you present it:
  • Photos: Choose your photos carefully. What image will make people call or visit you?  Make sure you have clear, high-quality images that genuinely reflect the professional level of your business. Poor photos can turn people off before they even read your reviews.
  • Products feature: Always use the “Products” feature, as it adds more images and attractive titles to your profile. It does not matter if you only deliver services, you can add those to the Products feature as well.
  • Posts: Regular updates keep your profile fresh and active, signalling to Google (and customers) that your business is alive and well. Relevant post titles will be found separately from your Business Profile in Google as well.
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Reviews

Reviews remain crucial, but not in the way most people think. Google doesn’t just count stars; it reads the context. Ten brief “great service” comments won’t help as much as a few longer, heartfelt reviews that describe what made the customer happy. Genuine, detailed feedback builds trust with both Google’s algorithm and potential clients. So, encourage your customers to share stories, not slogans.

Google Rewards Engagement

Interestingly, being top of the list isn’t about who has the most 5 star reviews. It’s about which business gets the most meaningful interaction. The more users interact with your profile: click “call,” request directions, or visit your website, the higher you tend to appear in Google’s local search results.  

The Risk of Trying Too Hard

In recent times, more businesses have had their profiles suspended or blocked. When that happens, Google may inform you that you broke a certain rule but it won’t tell you exactly what or where the violation happened in your profile. Reinstating a suspended profile can be frustrating and can take months. Google will block your account, if it thinks you are either trying to sell yourself in a fraudulent way, or it might think you are actually a competitor or scammer trying to set up a fake account.

Sometimes the reason is a simple one. Google does not only look at the text you enter into your business profile, it will try to find other sites where your business appears, and it will check if the information is consistent everywhere.
A while ago I had a client who moved office and forgot to change the post code in their ABN. The moment they changed their address in their Business Profile Google blocked it, as there was a discrepancy between their profile and ABN. It took quite a while to find out that this was the issue, before the profile could be unblocked.
 
Thus, when you set up your Business Profile, or are making changes to it, be very careful what information you add. 

Need some help?

Good luck optimising your profile, and if you need help making yours work harder, feel free to book a session with one of our advisors.
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