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The Knee High Agencies Blog

The Latest in Kid's Fashion, Toys and Accessories


Meet the team behind Knee High Agencies

20/5/2022

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Get acquainted with the team behind Knee High and their thoughts about working in the industry.

Renae Gardiner – Proprietor All things Knee High Agencies
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How and why did you start Knee High Agencies? How long have you been in the business for?
 
Knee High Agencies came from the desire for more flexibility in my work life after our son Max was born (man was I wrong, running a small business is working 24/7, but I wouldn't have it any other way!). An opportunity came to purchase an existing agency, Actionare Fashion back in 2015, which led to the birth of Knee High Agencies in July 2015. Although I officially took over Actionare on the 1st of September that year, I had already started representing two brands, which put me well on the path towards my dream job of being self-employed.
 
What is your actual role? What do you do day to day?
 
A lot of those who are not familiar with the industry don't quite understand what I do. As a Wholesale Agent, my job is to represent the many amazing brands I’m lucky to work with and sell them to independent retailers in my territory (WA). Retailers make an appointment to visit my showroom located in Osborne Park to view samples and place orders. 
 
I act as the middle-man (lady) between the brand and the retailers. It’s a win-win for everyone as retailers get to view samples locally in Perth rather than via lookbook or having to travel interstate for trade shows and the brands get the expert knowledge of having someone local who knows and understands the retail business in WA and can provide a more personal service to the stores.
 
My days varies between admin tasks, sales and marketing planning, client appointments and speaking to retailers on the phone if they can’t visit the showroom. Store visits on some occasions. Emails seem like a never-ending task as I like to be super-efficient and reply in a timely manner. In managing my growing team I’m also learning to let go, which is something I need to do more of even though Knee High is my baby and it’s not easy for me! I’m super organised so planning is also really important to me and part of my work routine. 
 
Do you have a physical location or are you purely online?
 
I have a showroom located in Osborne Park where WA retailers can make an appointment to view samples for the brands I represent. This way they get to touch and feel and see the true colours of the products they are purchasing for their retail or online stores.
 
What draws you to kidswear/accessories? Why is this an exciting space to work in?
 
My initial attraction to the industry was the desire to be self-employed and have a work-life balance after the birth of our son. My previous career involved a lot of travel and having a baby and a FIFO husband made me realise it was going to be impossible to continue in the role.
 
I fell into this industry because an opportunity became available but I’m a self-confessed workaholic, with a passion for people, sales, and all things little so I’ve been fortunate enough to combine my enthusiasm, knowledge and skills to turn them into a career that I love! How lucky am I!?
 
What changes/trends have you seen in the industry in the time you’ve been here?
 
There have been a lot of changes to my business in the last 7 years. Sadly we have lost some amazing children’s boutiques in Perth in that time, with not as many opening as those that have closed. When I first took over from Actionare the business was more fashion focused so I made the decision to expand my offering to WA retailers by giving them the whole package or outfit offering including gifts, toys and accessories as well.
 
Trends are the nature of the business, I remember when I first started Monochrome was really popular. Since then we have moved on to more muted tones and vintage-inspired looks. But fun is always the key when it comes to kids.
 
With consumers being concerned about the future of the planet I’ve also noticed a shift in brands sourcing more eco-friendly and recycled materials to create and package their goods. Sustainability is such a hot button issue but the good thing is that I’m seeing that more and more brands are adopting new ways to lessen the burden on the environment. 
 
Minimal packaging, less plastic and more sustainable and sustainably sourced materials is just the start of the innovative solutions these brands have come up with to reduce their impact on the environment. It’s amazing to witness brands and consumers doing their part to respond to environmental challenges and I can see the movement continuing to enact positive changes in this space. 
 
Online is also something that has taken off – who would have thought pre Covid that I would have ever offered or done an online showing? Now it’s just a normal part of the business. Retailers have also made the shift by adding an online store to complement their bricks-and-mortar space so that consumers can shop 24/7. Online was a hugely untapped resource but is now widely accepted as just another channel that accommodates diverse customer needs.
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Alana McMorron
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What is your role?
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Admin & Marketing Assistant for Knee High Agencies in a casual capacity

What do you do day to day?
 
I work remotely from Margaret River, and am responsible for the preparation of EDMs, editing/maintenance of website material as required, editing/proofing of documents as required, assist with social media content as required, and any other things Renae requires help with!
 
What do you love about working in the industry?
 
Being a mother of 3, I love the seeing the innovation and trends that the brands in the children’s fashion industry bring each season - so much cooler than when we were kids (I secretly wish some of them were in adult sizes!).
 
What’s your favourite brand/item?
 
For fashion I love Crywolf – their ethos in relation to being eco-friendly, sustainable, and encouraging kids to get out in nature, while providing lines that are versatile and practical (that don't skimp on trend) makes them a winner in my eyes!
 
Shanae Spanswick
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What is your role? 

Admin and Sales Assistant

What do you do day to day?

My roles change daily, but some tasks I complete are setting up merchandising displays, processing orders, answering emails, unpacking/packing up samples, updating the website, making reels and taking images, creating order forms and general admin.

What do you love about working in the industry?


I love working in the industry as I get to work alongside successful Australian companies. I enjoy getting insight into all the inner workings of the industry and of course the exclusive sneak peek into all the extremely cute baby and kid products on the market.

What’s your favourite brand/item?


I love all the brands we stock so picking my favourite is not easy. Di Lusso’s knitted toys and OB Designs soft toys are some of my favourites in our stock lines. For fashion I am always very excited to see what Crywolf and Wilson and Frenchy have in their collections.
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Wholesale Rain Wear from Crywolf

29/4/2022

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​Crywolf is one of my favourite brands and it’s not hard to see why: big on style and high on quality as well, Crywolf is just plain old fun to wear. And what a lot of fun this season’s new releases are, with limited edition prints and fresh new pieces to keep the kids cozy and dry while they’re out there exploring nature.
 
The brains and creative talent behind Crywolf artist and graphic designer Natalie Meldrum was inspired by her native New Zealand’s stunning landscapes to create the cleverly designed products that we have come to know and love. One thing’s for certain is that they know rain – Crywolf’s signature rainwear covers kids aged 1-14 in a variety of styles from the 100% waterproof Play Jackets and Overalls to Rain Boots and the famous Magic Jacket.
 
The ethos behind the brand is to create sustainable, high-functioning gear to get the kids outdoors and foster their connection to and appreciation of nature. Crywolf’s cult following has grown to over 200 locations around the world and continues to expand. 

Recycled materials featuring in the Winter 2022 collection
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​Sustainability is the name of the game and the highlight this season is the innovative Eco-Puffer Jackets and Reversible Vest which are filled with Repreve® recycled filling made from recycled water bottles. As part of their commitment to safeguarding the future of the planet, Crywolf are sourcing more eco-friendly products where possible and are supporting sustainable production practices. 

​Beyond the Eco-Puffer Jackets, recycled materials are also used to produce Crywolf’s Play Jackets, Explorer Jackets, Rain Overalls and Rain Suits. The super soft beanies are made using Polylana®recycled fibre.

What else is new for Winter 2022? ​

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​The signature Rain-wear Range will include new limited edition prints for the entire collection encompassing trusty favourites like the Play Jackets and Rain Overalls as well as the innovative Magic Jackets and Adult Jackets. 
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​​New to the range is the one-piece Rain Suit and the fleece lined Explorer Jacket to keep the kids warm and dry on their outdoor adventures.
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​Crywolf apparel was made for layering so the introduction of the Cozy-wear range, featuring the snuggly new Sherpa Jacket and the Sunday Sweater in soft brushed cotton fleece are practical and chic additions that will prove to be popular choices for active little explorers.
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​In the footwear department Crywolf’s natural rubber Rain Boots are a standout. These lightweight, flexible and durable essentials are available in this season’s most striking new colours, perfect for mixing and matching with the rest of the AW2022 collection.
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​The Crywolf Bag & Travel Range sees a return of their popular Mini-Backpacks and Knapsacks in exciting new prints and colourways. Rounding out the range, the clever Packable Duffel and hanging Cosmetic Bag are smart additions for globetrotters big and small. 
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​Last but not least, the standout in the Crywolf Accessories range: gorgeously soft beanies made from sustainable fibres. Choose from a range of exquisite colours to stand out from the pack!
 
For function, style and sheer spirit you can’t beat Crywolf. A label for true outdoor aficionados, Crywolf is an amazing choice for kids who love to get out in the biggest playground there is – the great outdoors. So get on board and get the kids outside – stat! Adventure awaits!
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Trending kids clothing and accessories to celebrate Easter in style

16/3/2022

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With Easter just around the corner, here are our top picks for accessories, clothing and more to get you in the mood for celebration!

Pastel footwear by Pretty Brave
trending kids clothing
trending kids clothing
​Your little one will be putting their best foot forward with Pretty Brave’s quality leather baby and toddler shoes! The buttery soft range comes in subtle and chic pastel colourways that will pair perfectly with Easter themed outfits. Designed in New Zealand, lovingly made and beautifully packaged, Pretty Brave shoes are made for adventure. And don’t be fooled by the trendy designs, these shoes are hard-wearing AND supportive of little feet!​

Go all-weather with Cry Wolf
Don’t let wet weather get in the way of your Easter egg hunt! Rain, hail or shine, it pays to be properly prepared, and sustainable brand Cry Wolf is the natural choice for active kids who love to play outdoors! The New Zealand based luxe outerwear label stocks a range of versatile, functional and durable outdoor clothing that doesn’t skimp on style! Kit up with 100% waterproof jackets, overalls and boots and get ready for adventure!

Accessorise with Karibou Kids ​
​Add a sweet little accent and match up with your angels, with Karibou Kids’ range of seasonal accessories. The timeless vintage-inspired collection of adorable hair accessories, socks and tights are sure to inspire stylish Mamas and little fashionistas alike. Our top pick is the Charlotte beret with pom pom, a luxurious 100% wool beret in macaroon (a soft and creamy beige), or ecru white. This one-size-fits-all hat is the perfect finishing touch that will make Easter ensembles really pop! Best of all, all of Karibou’s designs are made to stay on for comfortable all-day wear.
 
Slip into Wilson and Frenchy sleepwear
​Little snuggle bunnies everywhere will look especially delicious in Wilson and Frenchy’s soft and whimsical sleepwear. The Melbourne based label has a clothing range to cover your child from their newborn phase up to age 2. These thoughtfully designed unisex pieces made of 100% organic cotton in stunning styles and prints are a practical choice for trans seasonal wear. 

Give your child their own OB Designs snuggly Easter friend to keep
​The Easter bunny won’t be missed much when you have your own little Easter friend to accompany you! O.B Design’s bunnies and chicks are soft, soothing and tactile, and promise to be a loyal and fun companion to your child. Despite their international profile, O.B Design’s core ethos remains present in every item they make. Choose from a wide variety of nursery toys and decor, crafted lovingly with children’s needs in mind by this ethical and sustainable brand.
 
Get crafty with Poppy and Daisy Easter egg activity kits
DIY kit mavens Poppy & Daisy are experts at keeping little hands busy, with creative and clever projects designed to encourage nature play! The eco-conscious brand only uses environmentally sustainable products and packaging, and kits are made locally in Poppy & Daisy’s Sunshine Coast warehouse.

As a way of keeping Easter fun and sustainable, choose from three different activity kits: craft and paint some clay Easter bunnies, engage in some sensory play with Easter playdough or stencil in some Easter bunting. To collect precious Easter eggs consider Poppy & Daisy’s excellent Mini Eco Bags as a greener alternative!

Easter is a special time to reconnect and create precious memories with your kids. By taking the time to plan and prepare for the occasion, you can sit back and relax in the knowledge you’ve helped create moments your children will cherish forever.

Wishing you and your families a very Happy Easter and holiday period!
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Di Lusso Living: Natural, Luxe and Whimsical

22/2/2022

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This season, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Melbourne-based children’s lifestyle brand, Di Lusso Living.  With a strong focus on natural materials (like lambswool, merino and cotton) and adorable colours and prints, Di Lusso produces a large range of premium quality products for babies and toddlers.

A browse through the brand's glorious catalogue reveals the diversity of their collection, while also highlighting some common threads.  Every Di Lusso blanket, piece of clothing, swaddle, accessory or toy has been inspired by everyday life, yet they all have a sense of luxury and joyfulness which makes them irresistible. 

Patterns and prints are rich, tasteful and often whimsical - no primary colours and tacky cartoon characters here!  We love the Australian animal prints, the earthy tones of the blankets and woollen babywear, and the little works of art which are their vibrant, lightweight swaddles.  From knitted treasures which rival Nanna’s finest handmade creations to ingenious hooded travel blankets for toddlers; everything Di Lusso Living makes is destined to spark joy!

So who is the team behind this special Australian brand? 

Meet founder Karen Di Lusso.  A lifelong travel lover, she was inspired by overseas textile trends (as well as her own experience as a Mum) in creating Di Lusso Living.  Karen and lead designer Sahil have drawn on their own lives as parents to create a range of practical baby products which are as durable as they are delightful.  Premium quality materials, flawless construction and a bucket-load of homemade charm makes this range ideal if you’re sourcing ‘gift-worthy’ options for your store.

Think hard wearing padded playmats in gorgeous prints and bold colours, designed to hide life’s little accidents.  Or thick-but-breathable knitted blankets which allow you to easily add layers of warmth to your sleeping bub.  That’s even before we get to their knitted baby clothing line.  Crafted from the finest merino and lambswool, the collection features adorable knit rompers, hats, booties and cardigans in natural hues from bright mustard to a soft Eucalyptus green.  

Practical, luxe AND adorable - what’s not to love?

As a brand which prides itself on transparency, Di Lusso only works with small, family-operated suppliers, visiting them often.  While the pandemic has made this more challenging of late, this has remained a priority for the Di Lusso team.  As llead designer Sahil notes,

“By working closely together with them, we share a strong bond and they understand how significant ethical working and sourcing is for us.”

Di Lusso Living’s range is available to browse and order from February 2022.  Get in touch to discuss today!
DI LUSSO LIVING
DI LUSSO LIVING
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My Tips for Buying for Your Wholesale Store

10/1/2022

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If you’re wondering how to make buying for your wholesale store a little easier, more streamlined and even - wait for it - FUN, I have some tips which may help! It won’t surprise you to hear that, as with many aspects of running your own business, being organised is key!  Beyond this, having a firm understanding of your budget and needs - while remaining flexible and open to new ideas - will also contribute to a successful buying experience.

At Knee High, our Summer Fashion selling period begins on the 17th of January. I look forward to seeing many of you during this busy time, and hope these tips help you get the most out of it.    

A Little Bit of Homework…
One of the big differences between buying stock for your store which will fly off the shelves versus stock which will languish on a clearance table, is having a solid understanding of your customer, and the trends which are forecast for the near future in fashion, toys and accessories. Of course, ‘what’s hot’ is something we can discuss in person ( and is something which our brands are very aware of when creating their ranges), but in truth, nobody knows your customers like you do!

So, begin by analysing what has sold well in the past, and what hasn’t.  Know the price points your customers are comfortable paying in each category, and the quantities you can realistically expect to sell.  Speak to your VIP customers, or friends and relatives in the same demographic about what they’d love to see more of in your range.  Explore social media influencers in your space, and gauge what they - and their followers - are loving right now.  The more you know, the more accurate your buying will be!

Get Hands On...
Viewing samples in person is extremely important when buying stock for your store.  It allows you to touch and feel the products in person, see their colours in natural light as they really are, and to ask any questions you may have.  All feedback is vital not just for you, but for myself and the brands, as it assists in making improvements each season - so feel free to discuss your thoughts about collections openly.

Before You Arrive...
Let me know what brands you wish to order before you arrive, to make sure we have allocated enough time.  It’s also very important that you have a budget in mind - please note that you may have to pay upfront for the stock you order when it arrives or even pay a deposit when placing your order.
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On the Day...
Please ensure you arrive at your appointment on time, and be prepared with your top selling sizes, styles, and budget (see above point about homework!) This helps the appointment run smoothly and efficiently.  Appointments do run back to back,  so please advise if you are running late, and ensure you make note of the time allocated for your showing in your appointment confirmation email.
I encourage retailers to place orders on the day, as it saves your time and mine, but if you prefer to place orders before the close date, you will be provided with all of the information to do so. 
 
Indent Ordering vs. Stock ‘In Season’
Please note that all brands have different open and close dates.  It is essential to ensure that indent orders are placed by the cut-off date, as any orders received after this date cannot be guaranteed.
If you do not place an order on the day, and your order requires entry by myself, you must email me your orders 48 hours before the close date to allow me sufficient time to enter them, and for you to review and advise any errors or further changes.
By placing an indent order, your stock is made to order.  Brands require this for minimum order quantities. If these minimums are not met, you may find your favourite choices are cancelled.  It’s worth noting that these days, brands are producing less and less for in-season ordering.  It sometimes may be an option, but it cannot be guaranteed.  

A Few More Things to Note
Something to note with regards to budgeting for Summer fashion buying is that this season has the added option of swimwear.  Ensure your budget allows for this!
In terms of Knee High brands to watch out for, Crywolf are launching a Summer collection this season which is expected to be in high demand.  Alphabet Soup are launching their first Girls Collection for Winter stock, which is arriving in February 2022.  I’d advise allowing room in your budget for both of these exciting new collections if possible.

Be prepared, be confident in your buy, and ensure you purchase enough stock to get you through the season.  I look forward to guiding you through this process soon!


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How to Take a REAL Break This Christmas

8/12/2021

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​How to Take a REAL Break This Christmas
As small business owners, it can be incredibly difficult to ​take a real break from work for any meaningful length of time. By real, I mean one which is…
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  • Longer than 2 days
  • Work email FREE
  • Social media FREE
  • Detached from the day-to-day running of your business
  • Actually "properly" relaxing and recharging!​

​If this sounds like a pipe dream to you, you’re not alone!  As Dynamic Business reports, only 5% of small business owners feel they’re able to ‘truly’ take a holiday, which they define as never checking work emails (or other messages) on vacation.

​Yet, we all know the value of genuinely putting work out of our minds and reconnecting with our families, ourselves and nature for a more extended period of time. So, how can we make it happen?!

Here are some suggestions to help you peel yourself away from your ‘business baby’ this festive season and enjoy some well-earned rest…
how to take a real break
Schedule, Schedule, Schedule 
You may already schedule social media posts, newsletters, payments and other business processes from time to time, but ahead of holidays, you need to get serious about it. Ensure you have enough of the following (as required) scheduled to cover you for the entire time you’re away.  Ditch any non-essential requirements from your list and pare back to only those tasks which you MUST do during that time.  Great tasks to schedule in advance include;
  • Social Media Posts (using Facebook Creator Studio, Business Suite or a 3rd Party Tool)
  • Newsletters (using Klaviyo, Mailchimp or whichever program you prefer)
  • Payments to suppliers and subcontractors.  If you’re waiting on invoices, request them early to set up before you head off or instruct your payee that you’ll be out of the office and will pay promptly on return.
  • Sales / Promotions Online.  This is especially easy for Shopify websites, with many native tools and clever apps to control discounting, pop-ups etc.​

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Delegate and Automate 
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Look carefully at your typical weekly tasks during the time period you plan to be away.  What can you delegate to a team member, or outsource to?

There are businesses (usually described as Virtual Assistants, Content Managers or Social Media Managers) who, for a fee, will manage your topline customer service during the period you’re away.  Typically, you provide them with a thorough list of FAQ’s (and their matching answers), and a set of standard responses to provide potential customers who enquire via email or messenger.  This kind of resource can also create and post blogs and social content for you, though you may need to approve content before you go away if the service is relatively new to your brand.

Look also for apps which automate processes you normally handle manually.  Examples include invoicing apps which send automated payment reminders; ‘flow’ email managers which are set up to send sequential emails to customers based on certain behaviours; and chatbots which are pre-stocked with answers and solutions on your website or social platform.

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Tell EVERYONE!
​In the first few days of Sydney’s recent 107-day lockdown, I received an email from the small business owner who manages our website content and SEO.  It explained in a frank but friendly fashion that as she’d be homeschooling her two kids while working her normal full-time load for the foreseeable future, her usual level of service should not be expected.  She asked that any non-urgent projects be delayed, and preempted complaints about response times by stating that she’d be working odd hours and would reply when able.

Her point was (and it’s my point here as well) that small business owners are people too! We are not superhuman robots. Other people (yes, even our customers for the most part) believe we deserve a break.  And as long as they’re aware of it in advance and can work your absence into their own plans, they are generally happy for you!

So, tell everyone you’re going away! Tell them you really need to cut the umbilical cord with your phone, and that anything non-urgent should wait until you’re back.  Set up an out-of-office which supports this (a bit of humour never goes astray!) and power down that laptop!​​

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Consider Creating a ‘Work O’Clock’ 
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We all know Wine O’Clock.  Well, when you’re away, if you find it genuinely impossible to completely sever contact with your business for more than a few days, consider instigating a ‘Work O’Clock’!  

What this means is that you turn all notifications off from your work email and various messaging services.  Then, every day (or even on alternate days), you spend 30-60 minutes checking and speedily replying to anything urgent, while ignoring anything non urgent.  It might seem counter-intuitive, but knowing you have this short period of time in which to check in on your business can make it easier to leave your phone in the holiday house the rest of the day, while you enjoy yourself!

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Accept There Will Be a ‘Gap’ 
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There is likely never a ‘perfect’ time to be away from your business, especially if you don’t have a big team to run things smoothly in your absence.  It is likely you may miss an opportunity or two, or potentially have an unhappy client when you return (who doesn’t agree that small business owners need breaks too!).  But you won’t ‘break’ your business.  You deserve - and need - a holiday, and not one where you’re lying poolside frantically responding to Google Reviews or creating Reels on the sly while bushwalking with your kids.


Get organised, take a deep breath, and detach...

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Social Media Tips for Small Businesses

19/10/2021

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By Lauren Hamilton, Guest Blogger
​Founder and Digital Marketer / Digital Narrative

When it comes to social media tips for small businesses, there’s a world of misinformation out there, encouraging business owners to waste time and money focusing on the wrong aspects of their social game.  Then, there are the kind of actionable and evidence-based tips which can genuinely make a difference: the kind that allow you - in just a few hours each week - to grow your business, without requiring a degree in Digital Marketing!  
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I hope these tips allow you to develop a more effective social media strategy which pays you back for the time and effort you put into it.  I’ve divided it into the main different platforms and content types, but please know this doesn't mean you need to be active on all channels.  Find what works for you, what reaches your target audience, and what is manageable within the time you have spare.
social media tips for small businesses facebook
Facebook
Visibility – how many followers are shown your posts in their feed, and how often they see them – has been gradually declining in the past few years across Facebook and Instagram. The latest updates do not reverse this trend, with an average of only 2-10% of your followers seeing your organic (free) posts.  
However, Facebook has recently clarified the ways in which you can ‘earn’ more visibility with your free posts.  Here’s a brief rundown;
  • Encourage Engagement. Think about what your followers want and what ‘floats their boats’, and go from there.  Content that is interesting, laugh-out-loud funny, newsy, share-worthy, inspiring or helpful will get more engagement and FB will reward you.
  • Produce Quality Content. NO blurry photos, no 20 second videos (unless on Stories). Keep links to other sites to a minimum – Facebook wants you to keep people there, not send them away!
  • Time Your Posts. Wholesale brands should post between 9am-2pm on Tues, Wed and Thurs, retail brands stick to around noon on Mon, Tues and Wed.
  • Be Timely in Responding. Reply rapidly to people who message you via your page and always respond to comments people make on your posts asap.
  • Use Ads. Facebook prefers accounts which gain new followers, comments and likes constantly.  Ads allow you to keep doing this, without a lot of effort.
  • Use Hashtags. It’s never been much of a ‘thing’ on Facebook, but they continue to push it, so add a few to each post.

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Instagram
The key thing to know about Instagram in 2021 is that best practise doesn’t mean a perfectly curated grid, all colour-coded and clever.  These look pretty, sure, but they’re only seen by a tiny percentage of people who interact with you on Instagram.  It's more important to spend time mastering ALL of the options available to us (Reels, Stories, IGTV, Shopping) and using them diligently, than agonising over a visually perfect grid.

Instagram is very keen for accounts to use Reels frequently, to combat the Tik Tok effect. There are many accounts doing this badly, so make time to create a plan for quality Reel content before you begin.  Some great ideas to try include;
  • Demonstrate how a product works or create a ‘How To’ video
  • Give your top 3 tips or suggestions for a typical problem customers come to you with
  • Answer some FAQs on your business
  • Show behind the scenes at your business

The main thing with video content is to try to rid yourself of your nerves and reluctance to be seen on screen. Get really familiar with the in-built Reels editing software and tools, and keep it light and fun. And remember if it ends in disaster, you can always hit delete!

Another quick note on Instagram - as with Facebook, engagement is key. Always reply to comments on posts, respond to DM’s quickly and spend time daily commenting, liking, following and reacting to other people’s posts and accounts.
What About Ads?
Listen up, because this is one of the most important social media tips for small businesses.  Boosting posts is an option presented to us frequently via our Facebook pages, but it is NOT the way to spend your money, if you’d like to effectively reach more people on FB and IG.
Within the Facebook Ads Manager software system where Digital Advertising technicians build high quality, effective Facebook and Instagram ad campaigns, there are 11 different objectives you can choose between.. Selecting the Boost Post objective tells Facebook you just want as many people as possible to see your post, regardless of how likely they are to take action after seeing it. This method of advertising was invented to take dollars from page owners lacking sophisticated knowledge of how the platform ‘works’. Simply showing your post to as many people as possible – even within the parameters you set to refine your target audience – is the equivalent of using a blunt axe in a world of shiny scalpels.
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If you have a budget to spend on social media ads - and really, any business with a page should be doing this - hire an expert or do a course to equip yourself with the skills to tackle the full suite of advertising options with confidence and strategy.  This will not only consistently expose your brand to new potential shoppers, but it will show FB and IG that you’re an exciting, growing account worthy of having your content shared!

Written by Guest Blogger, Lauren Hamilton of Digital Narrative.  Lauren has worked with small businesses on their social media, websites, SEO and all other digital marketing requirements for almost a decade, and prides herself on demystifying jargon and myths to take the stress out of having a great online presence
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It’s Never Too Early to Think About Christmas Gifts!

26/9/2021

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It may sound crazy, but the time has come - yes, already - to begin ordering lines of Christmas gifts for your store.  With only 3 months til Christmas and delays anticipated worldwide due to supply chain and postal service disruptions, there is no time like the present to get started!

You may not anticipate a huge rush before December, but as an early-bird Christmas shopper myself, I know that the shopping season kicks off sooner than you’d think. In fact statistics show that around 40% Australians have started their Christmas shopping by the end of October.
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So, I’m here to help you get inspired and secure your stock early to ensure you present a brilliant, enticing selection to your customers when they hit the streets (or the internet) in just a few weeks time.  Make purchasing Christmas gifts a cinch for your customers, with these unique and thoughtful gifts from some of my favourite brands here at Knee High Agencies!
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Christmas Party Outfits & Clothing Gift Ideas

Whether it’s for Santa photos, school Christmas concerts or festive parties - every little person needs a stylish outfit for the holiday season.  Below, you’ll find suggestions which are so singular and sweet that they’re sure to fly off your shelves, from some of Kneehigh’s beloved children’s clothing brands…
  • Karibou Christmas outfits
Forget garish bright red, piles of sequins and Christmassy cartoon characters.  The Christmas outfits from Karibou are beyond beautiful; chic, tasteful and exquisite in dark shades of cherry red and forest green.  From babies to kids, boys and girls - this collection will be on every Mama’s ‘must buy’ list this Christmas, so get in early!
  • Indigo and Lellow 
Christmas in the southern hemisphere means little party-goers are most comfortable in light-weight, natural fabrics.  Browse Indigo and Lellow’s range of organic cotton rompers and sweet, light-as-air tutu skirts for the kind of easy, breezy and adorable clothes that parents are seeking for summer days.
Stocking Stuffers that Stick Around
Stocking stuffers have a bad reputation as being landfill-in-waiting.  More and more parents are looking to avoid this problem and fill their little one’s stockings with sustainable, useful  toys and gifts which are destined to stick around beyond next Christmas…
  • Wild Eyed Press Books.  Christmas isn't Christmas if you don’t receive a book, right?  Parents love to encourage their children’s love of reading, and a bright, colourful Australian picture book is just the ticket.
  • Little Woods Twirly Straws.  Plastic straws are becoming a thing of the past, thankfully - but kids still love to sip their juice and milkshakes out of twirly straws!  These ones are made from 100% non-toxic silicone and come in a range of pretty colours.
  • Glitter Girl Make-Up & Accessories.  This kid-powered business brings us a bounty of glittery yet planet-safe products year round, but they really come into their own when parents are shopping for stocking-fillers for their sparkle-lovin’ little Miss or Master.
christmas gifts for children
christmas gifts for children
​All Wrapped Up: General Christmas Gifts
Last but not least, are the ideal mid-price-range gifts that parents seek as something extra for their own children, or a gift for a cherished little friend or cousin.  I’ve also included some gorgeous ideas for grown-ups, because let’s face it; after all this Christmas organising, we deserve a beautiful something pretty damn special too!
The following brands have smart ideas which hit the sweet spot for wider gifting, retailing for between $15 and $50.
  • Poppy and Daisy Mini Kits.  Sweet, unique, sustainable and fun, these DIY kits that are designed to encourage creativity with natural materials!  The starter pack is a fantastic option for Christmas ordering, with a selected quantity of top sellers across the range, that come with a free wooden mini stand for display. 
  • Truly Amor Journals.  A great gift to stock which enables parents to help older children to start a mindful habit in the New Year with a pretty journal created just for kids.
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SEO Tips for Your Business

6/8/2021

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By Lauren Hamilton, Guest Blogger
Digital Narrative Founder & SEO Expert


SEO - aka Search Engine Optimisation - gets a bad rap, even among us digital marketers.  In my 7 years working with SEO for small businesses, I've come to realise most people see it as a confusing, time-zapping and expensive thing to improve.  Most people assume you need a very high level of 'techiness' to even attempt it, which enables unethical consultants to charge insane prices and gives them an incentive to keep quiet about what exactly they’re doing back there...

That's why 'demystifying' SEO is one of my favourite things to do.  Simply gaining an understanding of how search engines - mainly Google in Australia - find and display your website is a great place to start.  Knowing what floats Google's boat, and how you can give it more of what it loves (and less of what it hates) is the next step.  Wrap your head around these and commit a few hours a month to your website, and you're on your way to great rankings!

Get started below, with my favourite ways you can begin to make a difference to your website's level of optimisation yourself.  Once you've tackled these, if you're still not appearing as a search result when your main keywords are Googled, only then is it time to call in an SEO specialist.

Page Speed Upgrade
Google h-a-t-e-s a slow website.  Head to Google Page Speed Insights and check how quickly your site is loading.  If it’s performing poorly, look at the list of suggestions there to improve the loading time.  Some may be too complex to address alone.  Some - like reducing photo size - are simple fixes you can get onto immediately.  There are many photo resizing tools online OR WordPress and Shopify site owners can install a simple plugin to compress images without losing quality.  

Magical Metadata
Metadata is another one of those words which makes people cover their ears when I start talking, but I promise, it’s not scary.  All metadata means is information (data) which tells search engine ‘bots’ what your actual data (your images, videos, pages, files) are ‘about’.  What's in them. This metadata allows search engine bots to rapidly discover what info your site contains, which it loves.
The most important metadata is your meta description on each page; this is the sentence or two which appears on search results under the heading.  If you can ensure every page of your website has a thoughtful, well written meta description, that's a great start.  If you can get the main keyword for that page in there, even better.
Otherwise, the simplest metadata you can adjust yourself is probably photo data; the name or title and the ‘alt text’ of each image should reflect the page topic and the keywords you’re keen to show up for.

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Backlinks for Daysss
People get worked up about backlinks, but they're actually very straight forward. They’re simply links from another website, back to your site.  An example is your Instagram profile - it probably has a link to your website in the bio, which counts as one backlink.  Other simple places to score backlinks include other social media profiles, directory listings and networking sites you’re a member of.  Once you’ve knocked off all these obvious places, it’s time to put your thinking cap on.  My favourite ways to score backlinks from other websites are;
  1. Reach out to collaborators or online publishers for your industry and offer to write a guest post for their blog, on the proviso your ‘by-line’ is linked to your website.
  2. Write a testimonial or review for a supplier or collaborator.  Ensure the review goes on their website, and that your name is again hyperlinked to your website.
  3. If you’re a major client of a goods or service provider and they showcase their clients on their website, make sure you’re listed (hopefully with your logo shown!) and that the listing is linked to your site.
  4. Check out your local Chamber of Commerce and other local business network opportunities.
  5. Look for paid guest posting opportunities.  Some websites charge a fee (between $5 and $120) to show off your content on their websites.  You may wish to consider these when all other natural ‘free’ backlink opportunities have been exhausted.

Google Gold
Do you have a Google My Business listing?  How about Google Search Console or Google Analytics?  These free tools are all must-haves to help you rank better in searches and also monitor and manage your SEO.  There are oodles of tutorials on YouTube which can teach you how to set these accounts up and manage them (hot tip; use the same account when you’re setting them all up to avoid future frustration!)

Google Search Console allows you to check that your site is being indexed properly, see where your traffic is coming from, and get suggestions to improve your SEO.  Google Analytics helps you track website activity such as session duration, pages per session, bounce rate etc, all of which is helpful to know.  And Google My Business is a) another free backlink b) another chance to appear in search results and c) another thing that floats Google's boat!

There are many, many more aspects to SEO than I’ve listed above - this is really just the “101” on the topic, but if you conquer these tasks and feel you’re ready for more, consider enrolling in an SEO training course online to take it to the next level. 

Happy optimising,
Lauren
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​Great Gifts for a Second Time Mum

16/7/2021

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​Shopping for gifts for a second time Mum is a little bit different than shopping for a brand new Mama-to-be.  If your lovely pregnant friend has already been through the parenting portal, chances are good they own everything they could ever need to care for a little person, and a whole bunch they don’t need too.
 
So when trying to think of suitable gifts for a second time Mum, you’re going to need to dig deeper, be more creative, and do your research.  What’s brand new that they couldn't possibly have purchased last time round?  What products don’t last the distance and will be completely knackered by the time Baby #2 is ready to wear, cuddle, chew or ride them?  And on the topic of chewing - which items are just downright unhygienic or unsafe to hand down?
 
Having shopped for many a second-time-round mummy friend myself, I’ve noticed which presents truly surprise and delight – and are actually used - in this situation.  So, I’ve done the legwork for you and assembled a list of my favourite gifts for a second time Mum, from the inspiring and high quality brands I represent here at Knee High.  From timeless must-haves, to fresh new trends, I’m confident you’ll find the perfect gift idea in the list below!
​(Not) Goin’ the Distance…
 
There are several items of clothing which are too delicate - or cop too much hard wearing - to make it past one infant.  Bibs and singlets are usually completely washed and bleached out after a year, while leggings, tracksuit pants or rompers worn during the crawling months tend to be worn through in the knees.
I represent a number of beautiful, Australian-designed baby brands who produce high quality, lovely baby collections, including these essential items.  Marquise bibs and undergarments are timeless and sweet in design, while Spanish cult brand Condor produces gorgeous tights and socks to replace those tired hand-me-downs.  I love brands like Huxbaby, Milky and Fox & Finch for leggings and pants in fresh new season colours and prints: stock up on sizes 00-1 to cover the crawling months!
​That New Shoe Feeling...
 
As anyone with an ancient yet supremely comfy pair of slippers can attest, our shoes mould to our feet over time.  The same applies for toddler footwear.  From the moment their pint-sized owners are vertical and moving, toddler tootsies are imprinting their footwear into their little shoes.  Combined with wear and tear (especially to soles and fasteners), this effect means that shoes can’t usually be passed on to little brothers and sisters.
So, footwear; in particular toddler shoes which are more essential and expensive, should be purchased new for each child.
We recommend Knee High brands Bobux and Pretty Brave for quality, podiatrist approved footwear.  A larger size which can be put away until baby is a little older is a thoughtful and gorgeous gift for new little ones and their parents.
The Latest Must-Haves…
 
These products will be especially well-received if your expecting friend or rellie had their last bub a few years ago - yes, these are the latest and greatest products to make parents' lives easier!
 
Roger Armstrong is Australia’s pre-eminent distributor of baby goods, and they do a fabulous line in up-to-the-minute nursery furniture and gadgets.  Many of the clever innovations they stock weren’t readily available when I had my son, such as the side-sleeper cot, the high tech baby monitors with crystal clear video display, and the electronic ‘shusher’, which is rightfully subtitled ‘The Sleep Miracle’.
 
There have also been innovations in sleeping sacks and swaddles, from the once ubiquitous BabyGro to a whole world of pouches and systems such as those created by Knee High brand, The Baby Studio.
​I hope these ideas have helped make thoughtful gifting a cinch next time you’re shopping for a special mama-to-be who already has one or more little treasures at home.  It often seems to be the case that subsequent pregnancies are celebrated less than the first time round, but each is equally as special and presents a great opportunity to spoil a very deserving recipient.
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