Tag: Email Marketing

Our email marketing service is designed to boost interaction, nurture leads, and convert customers. With our eye-catching designs, persuasive copy and smart automations we help your brand stay top-of-mind, ensuring maximum engagement and conversion.

The Truth Bomb No One Wants to Hear About Marketing

Written by Chrissy Symeonakis on 4 February 2026. Posted in Marketing, Small Business Advice.

(But I’m Going to Say It Anyway)

By Chrissy Symeonakis — Marketer, Agency Owner, Professional BS-Caller

Throughout my career, I’ve had the absolute pleasure (and sometimes the absolute headache) of working with a wild mix of businesses.

From iconic hospitality groups to family-run gems to large-scale events, I’ve:

? Built SOPs and systems so clean they practically run themselves
? Created membership and loyalty programs people actually use
? Designed entertainment and assets that turn events into memories
? And worked on more “cool projects” than my camera roll can handle

And honestly? I love it. I love diving in, levelling up a business, and watching them WIN.

The Dream Clients — Yes, They Exist

Some businesses just get it. They see the value in letting me roll out activations, set up automations, and craft campaigns that don’t just look good — they convert. They trust the process, they’re in it for the long game, and they understand that marketing is the engine, not the accessory.

Working with these brands is a dream. It’s creative flow. It’s strategy. It’s results. It’s fun.

And Then… There Are the Others

Let’s be real for a second. For every great business, I’ve encountered a few shockers — the ones who panic at the smallest setback:

? A quiet week?
? A bit of rain?
? Increased costs elsewhere?

And suddenly their big solution is to “cut marketing.”

I’m sorry… what?
You’re struggling, so your big plan is to stop telling people you exist?

Here’s the truth bomb:

Marketing is not the problem. Marketing is the lifeline.

Scaling back marketing when times get tough is like taking the batteries out of your smoke alarm during a fire because the noise is annoying.

So let’s get this straight. Here are…

3 Reasons You Should NOT Scale Back Your Marketing (and Actually Spend More)

1. Because Visibility = Revenue

If business is slow, the last thing you want to do is go quiet.
People can’t buy from a brand they don’t see, don’t remember, or don’t hear from.

Marketing is how you stay top-of-mind.
Marketing is how you show up when people are ready to spend.
Marketing is how you compete when everyone else is retreating.

And guess what happens when your competitors scale back?
You get louder. You take up space. You win.

2. Because Momentum Takes Time — and You Lose It Fast

Great marketing isn’t a tap you turn on and off.
It’s not a “we’ll just pause this for now” strategy.

The campaigns you run today pay off in weeks and months, not minutes.
When you cut your marketing, you’re not just stopping the now — you’re killing your next quarter.

Momentum is priceless in business.
Once it’s gone? It costs way more to rebuild than it ever did to maintain.

3. Because Customers Don’t Stop Spending — They Just Get Pickier

Even in tough times, people still:
? Go out
? Buy food
? Book holidays
? Upgrade things
? Shop for themselves
? Treat themselves “just because”

The spending doesn’t stop — it just moves to the brands that speak louder, show value, and stay connected.

If you disappear…
Guess who they’re choosing instead?
Not you.

The brands who keep marketing stay trusted, stay seen, and stay relevant.

Let’s Wrap This Up

If you want your business to grow, survive, and actually thrive:
Marketing is non-negotiable.

I don’t care if it’s slow, rainy, quiet, or Mercury is in retrograde — cutting your marketing is the fastest way to make a bad situation worse.

Want to actually move forward?
Show up. Stay visible. Invest in the work that gets results.

And if you need someone who’s not afraid to tell you the truth and help you build the strategy to back it?

Hi. I’m Chrissy. You know where to find me.

5 Marketing Predictions for 2026

Written by Chrissy Symeonakis on 23 January 2026. Posted in Marketing, Resources.

What’s Changing & What Your Biz Needs to Know

Every year, the marketing landscape shifts, but 2026 is shaping up to be a whole different beast. Between tech advancements, audience behaviour changes, and the “I’m-over-the-noise” vibe from consumers, businesses need to pivot smarter than ever.

And because I spend most of my days knee-deep in strategy sessions, content planning, email builds, and helping clients stay ahead of the curve, I want to share what I’m seeing, predicting, and preparing for in the year ahead.

Here are my top five predictions for how marketing and social media will evolve in 2026 — and how YOU can lean in.

1. AI Will Stop Being a Buzzword & Start Being Your Back-End Workhorse

AI is no longer the shiny new toy — it’s becoming the backbone of efficient marketing.

In 2026, the biggest growth will come from businesses using AI to streamline systems, not replace creativity.

Think:

Automated customer journeys
Smarter segmentation
Predictive content planning
Templates that actually save time
AI assistants helping you stay consistent (without the burnout)

The brands that thrive will be the ones that use AI to support, not drown out, their human creativity.

And as someone who loves a good system (and hates wasting spoons on repetitive admin), I’m here for it.

2. Social Media Will Prioritise Searchability Over Virality

People use social platforms the same way they use Google.

2026 = SEO goes social.

You’ll win by:

Writing captions people actually search for
Using real keywords, not cutesy mystery hooks
Creating savable, searchable content
Showing up with value, not fluff

The algorithm isn’t looking for your fairy-dust moment.

It’s looking for clarity, relevance, and ease.

3. Authenticity Will Be the Only Currency That Matters

We’ve officially hit peak “curated content fatigue.”

People want:

Real stories
Real voices
Real faces behind brands
Real experiences, not staged ones

This doesn’t mean oversharing your entire life.

It means showing up with honesty, consistency, and actual personality.

Especially for small businesses — your story is your superpower. Use it.

4. Email Marketing Will Experience the Ultimate Glow-Up

I’ve been yelling this from rooftops for years — and now the world is finally catching up.

Email will become the most stable, profitable, algorithm-proof channel in 2026.

Why?

Because audiences crave personalised, non-chaotic content they can trust — and email delivers every time.

Expect:

More automation
More segmentation
Higher conversion rates
Stronger community building
Better storytelling (bye-bye boring newsletters)

If you haven’t sorted your email strategy yet… this is your push.

5. Short-Form Content Isn’t Going Anywhere — But the Tone Is Changing

Reels, Shorts, TikToks — still king.

But audiences are tired of 0.5-second clips and chaotic editing.

In 2026, winning content will be:

Slower-paced
Clearer
More educational
More conversational
Less “look at me” and more “here’s value you can use”

Quality will outperform speed.

Consistency will outperform cleverness.

And brands that respect their audience’s time will stand out.

So… What Does This Mean for Your Business in 2026?

It means the old “post more, hope for the best” strategy is done.

It means you need clarity, structure, automation, and a brand voice that cuts through the noise.

It means the way you marketed in 2023, 2024, and 2025 won’t sustain you now.

And the good news?

This is EXACTLY the kind of future-proofing I help clients build.

Ready to Get Ahead of the Curve? Book a 2026 Strategy Session With Me

Let’s map out your marketing for the year ahead — with smarter systems, better content, stronger storytelling, and a strategy built for where the world is actually heading.

? Book your strategy session with me and future-proof your business for 2026 and beyond.

Chrissy x

Automations to Help Your Business While You’re on Break

Written by Adele Wright on 3 December 2025. Posted in Email Marketing, Marketing, Social Media.

The Holiday Hustle and the Art of Switching Off

The end of the year is fast approaching, and for most small business owners, that means juggling a million things at once; from client work and Christmas campaigns to family events, parties, and the (hopefully) long-awaited summer break.

But here’s the thing, while you might want to completely switch off, your business doesn’t. The challenge? Staying connected with your customers and keeping that beautiful business momentum rolling, without being glued to your laptop during the holidays.

Enter automations. Your behind-the-scenes digital elves who never take a break, never need caffeine, and work quietly to keep your business humming while you’re sipping something cold by the pool.

What Are Automations & Why They’re Your Best Friend Over the Break

Simply put, automations are systems and tools that take repetitive tasks off your hands. Think: emails that send themselves, social posts that publish at the perfect time, or booking confirmations that go out instantly.

When set up well, automations can:

Save hours of manual work
Keep your customer experience consistent and professional
Increase sales and engagement — even while you’re offline
Reduce human error and help you stay organised
Free you up to focus on the big stuff (or simply enjoy your time off)

And the best part? Automations don’t just help during the holidays. They’re year-round business boosters. From nurturing leads and staying top-of-mind with your audience, to keeping enquiries and sales flowing while you sleep, once they’re in place, they keep delivering.

At Creative Little Soul, we’re big believers in working smarter, not harder. We’re pros at helping businesses create smart, intuitive automations that not only save time but elevate your brand’s entire digital experience.

Smart Automations to Set Up Before the Festive Season

Let’s make sure your business is beach-ready with these key automations:

Email Automations
Set up sequences like:

Welcome emails — greet new subscribers warmly and set expectations.
Post-purchase thank you — keep customers smiling after the sale.
Review requests — automate your feedback collection.
Seasonal promotions — schedule ahead for festive sales or Boxing Day drops.
Season’s greetings or trading hours updates — a friendly reminder that keeps you front of mind.

Social Media Scheduling
Plan and schedule your content so it posts automatically. Whether you use Meta, Later, or Canva’s Content Planner, automation ensures your socials stay alive even while you’re offline.

Website & Enquiry Automations
Make sure your contact forms trigger auto-responses; a friendly “Thanks for reaching out, we’ll be back soon” message goes a long way during the holiday break. You can also integrate chatbots or enquiry systems that guide people to the info they need.

Sales & Booking Systems
If you sell online or run appointments, set up automated confirmations, payment reminders, and follow-up messages. Tools like Square, Calendly, or Shopify Flow can handle the heavy lifting while you’re soaking up the sun.

Content Automations
Pre-schedule blogs, LinkedIn posts, and newsletters to roll out across the break. Staying visible doesn’t have to mean staying online.

How Creative Little Soul Can Help

This is where we shine.

Our team can:

Audit your current automations to see what’s working (and what’s not)
Set up new systems that seamlessly connect your website, social media, and CRM
Write your email sequences, create your content calendar, and design your automations around your brand voice and business goals

We also offer Digital Concierge services over the festive season, your peace-of-mind package for when you want your business to keep ticking without you lifting a finger. (If you’ve seen our Black Friday offer, this is your cue to jump in early!)

The holidays are for rest, connection, and reflection — not for stressing about your inbox. With the right automations in place, you can step away confidently, knowing your business is still running beautifully in the background.

If you’d like to learn more about how we can set up or manage your automations this festive season, check out our available services and packages or get in touch — we’ll help you take a real break (without breaking your momentum).

Is Your Email List a Little… Dusty? Let’s Talk List Hygiene!

Written by Chrissy Symeonakis on 11 July 2025. Posted in Email Marketing, Resources.

Let’s be honest, we all love a good spring clean, right? That feeling of decluttering, tossing out what no longer serves us, and making space for fresh, vibrant energy. But when was the last time you gave your email list that same loving, decluttering attention?

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent hours, days, even weeks nurturing your beautiful community, crafting those perfectly worded emails, and dreaming of sky-high open rates. But sometimes, despite all that effort, those numbers just aren’t budging. And you know what often quietly sabotages our efforts? A dusty, cluttered email list.

Think of your email list as your beautiful garden. You wouldn’t just keep watering weeds, would you? You want to nurture those vibrant, flourishing blooms! The same goes for your subscribers. Holding onto email addresses that are no longer engaged, or worse, are invalid, isn’t just a waste of your precious time and resources – it’s actually hurting your deliverability and the overall health of your email marketing.

The Magic of Decluttering: Why a Clean List is a Happy List

So, why is regularly cleaning up your email list such a game-changer? Let’s dive in!

1. Hello, Higher Open Rates! (And Clicks Too!)

This is probably the most obvious, but also the most exciting benefit! When you remove unengaged subscribers, your open rates (and click-through rates!) naturally climb. Why? Because you’re no longer sending emails to people who aren’t opening them. It’s like only counting the votes of people who actually voted. Your percentages will instantly look healthier, giving you a much more accurate picture of how your content is truly resonating.

2. Improved Deliverability: Landing in the Inbox, Not the Spam Folder

Internet service providers (ISPs) like Gmail and Outlook are always watching. They pay close attention to your sender reputation, and a big part of that is how many of your emails are actually opened and interacted with. If you’re consistently sending to people who aren’t opening your emails, or if you’re hitting a lot of invalid addresses, it signals to ISPs that your emails might not be valuable. This can lead to your precious messages landing in the dreaded spam folder – or worse, not being delivered at all! A clean list tells ISPs you’re a reputable sender, helping your emails land exactly where you want them: in the inbox.

3. Saving Your Precious Pennies (and Time!)

Most email marketing platforms charge you based on the number of subscribers you have. Why pay for subscribers who aren’t even opening your emails? Cleaning your list means you’re only paying for the engaged audience who are genuinely interested in what you have to offer. This frees up your budget for other amazing things in your business! Plus, less time spent troubleshooting delivery issues means more time for creating incredible content.

The Power of Segmentation: Nurturing Your Niche!

Beyond just removing the inactive, a clean-up is the perfect opportunity to embrace the power of segmentation. This is where your email marketing truly sparkles!

Segmentation means dividing your email list into smaller, more specific groups based on shared characteristics or interests. Think about it: someone who just downloaded your free printable might have different needs than someone who’s been a loyal customer for years.

How does segmentation help?

Personalised Content: You can tailor your messages to resonate deeply with each specific group. This makes your emails feel less like a mass broadcast and more like a personal conversation, which in turn boosts engagement.
Stronger Relationships: By sending relevant content, you build stronger connections with your audience, fostering trust and loyalty.
Higher Conversions: When your messages speak directly to a segment’s needs, they’re much more likely to take the action you desire, whether that’s making a purchase, signing up for a workshop, or simply engaging with your content.

Ready to Roll Up Your Sleeves?

So, how do you go about this magical email list cleanse? Most email service providers (like MailerLite, ConvertKit, ActiveCampaign – you name it!) have built-in tools to help you identify unengaged subscribers.

A few tips to get you started:

Define “Unengaged”: Decide what constitutes an unengaged subscriber for your business. Is it someone who hasn’t opened an email in 3 months? 6 months? A year?
Send a Re-engagement Campaign: Before you hit that delete button, consider sending a “we miss you!” or “are you still interested?” email campaign. Give those sleepy subscribers one last chance to re-engage.
Regular Schedule: Make email list hygiene a regular part of your business routine. Whether it’s quarterly or bi-annually, schedule it in your calendar!

Cleaning up your email list might feel a little daunting at first, but trust me, the benefits are immense. You’ll have a healthier, happier, and more engaged audience who genuinely wants to hear from you. And that, my dear creative souls, is pure magic!

All sound like its way too hard to tackle alone? Get in touch now, and let us streamline the process and we’ll have you on your way to sending the best emails ever!

Not Sure Where to Start with Marketing? Here’s What I’d Do First (and Why You Should Call Us)

Written by Adele Wright on 2 July 2025. Posted in Articles, Marketing, Small Business Advice.

Marketing can feel daunting, especially when you’re already juggling the day-to-day demands of running a business. You’re not alone if you’re unsure where to start or how to make the most of your marketing budget. Many business owners find themselves in this exact spot, where a bit of strategic direction can make all the difference. So, let’s break it down into five essential steps to set you on the right path.

Step 1: Clarify Your Brand’s Core Identity

Before you dive into ads, posts, or promotions, it’s crucial to nail down who you are as a brand. This isn’t just about your logo or colour palette—it’s about understanding your brand’s voice, values, and the message you want to send to the world. Ask yourself:

What sets my business apart?

Who is my ideal customer?

What problems do I solve for my audience?

Once you’re clear on these foundational elements, you’ll have a guiding light for every piece of marketing you create. Consistency is key, and having a strong brand identity keeps your messaging cohesive and memorable.

Step 2: Understand Your Audience (Really, Really Well)

Next, take the time to get to know your audience on a deeper level. It’s not just about age and location—it’s about understanding their pain points, aspirations, and the tone and language they use. Dive into your customer data, read through reviews, and even have conversations with your clients. This insight is gold for crafting content that resonates and drives action.

Step 3: Conduct an Online Audit

Before investing time and money in new campaigns, take a moment to evaluate your current online presence. This means checking your website, social media profiles, Google Business page, and other digital touchpoints. Are your contact details up to date? Is your branding consistent across all platforms? Are you effectively communicating your unique selling points? An audit will help you identify gaps and opportunities to polish your digital footprint before scaling up.

Step 4: Build a Plan and Start Small

Once you have a clear brand identity and a deep understanding of your target audience, it’s time to develop a comprehensive marketing plan. But don’t overwhelm yourself—start small. Select one or two channels where your audience is most active and concentrate your efforts there. Whether it’s Instagram, email marketing, or in-person events, commit to showing up consistently.

Step 5: Track and Adjust

Marketing isn’t a one-and-done task. It’s an ongoing process of testing, learning, and refining. Use analytics tools to track your progress and make adjustments as needed. Whether it’s tweaking your ad copy, refining your social media strategy, or experimenting with different content formats, staying agile is the key to long-term success.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re ready to level up your marketing, why not start with a free discovery call? At Creative Little Soul, we specialise in helping businesses find their voice, connect with their ideal clients, and build a marketing strategy that works. Click here to book your call, and let’s get your marketing off the ground!

Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once—just take the first step. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

From Crickets to Booked Out: How We Helped a Local Brand Blow Up Online

Written by Adele Wright on 22 June 2025. Posted in Case Studies.

What happens when a passionate small business teams up with a marketing firm that’s just as invested in their success as they are?

Spoiler alert: magic.

This is the story of Niche Fruits, a boutique local business with a big heart and an even bigger vision. When they first came to us, they were doing all the right things — growing beautiful produce, hand-packing every order with love, and pouring their soul into every drop they sent out into the world. But online? It was… quiet. Like, crickets quiet.

They weren’t alone. So many small business owners are experts at their craft — whether it’s growing fruit, baking cakes, or running events — but marketing? That’s a whole different fruit bowl.

That’s where we came in.

The Power of Consistency (and a Little Coaching)

Our first step with Niche Fruits wasn’t flashy. It was foundational. We sat down, got real, and created a plan that was realistic, achievable, and—most importantly—aligned with their brand voice.

We helped them:

Build a consistent email marketing strategy, with warm, authentic messaging that feels like a friend popping into your inbox.
Shot some new social media content that told their story and showed the heart behind the business—not just what they sell.
Set goals, stay accountable, and actually hit those goals (game changer).

Each month, we didn’t just send out a campaign and cross our fingers. We tracked what worked, celebrated the wins, tweaked what didn’t, and kept showing up.

The result? Every time Niche Fruits launches something new on their website—they get swamped. Orders flood in. Regulars stock up. New customers discover them. And best of all? The business is growing in a way that’s sustainable, joyful, and true to them.

More Than Marketing — It’s a Partnership

This isn’t just about fancy graphics or a clever caption. It’s about what happens when someone’s in your corner. When you have a team who not only gets what you’re trying to build, but knows how to amplify it. When you’re no longer guessing, spinning your wheels, or stuck in overwhelm.

We helped Niche Fruits go from wondering if anyone was out there… to wondering how they’re going to keep up with demand.

That’s the power of marketing that works with you, not just for you.

Feeling the Crickets?

If you’re reading this and thinking, “That’s where I’m at,”—we’ve got you. Whether you need strategy, content, emails, or just someone to bounce ideas off every month, we’re here to help you show up online like the pro you are.

Because your business deserves more than silence.
It deserves a standing ovation.

Why You Should Ramp Up Your Marketing This Winter — Not Slow Down

Written by Chrissy Symeonakis on 3 June 2025. Posted in Articles.

As the cooler months roll in and the summer buzz settles, it’s tempting for businesses—especially in hospitality, retail, and service-based industries—to scale back their marketing efforts. Foot traffic might dip, events quieten, and customers naturally retreat indoors.

But here’s the truth: winter is not the time to go quiet. It’s the time to get clever.

Why Slowing Down is a Mistake

Many businesses fall into the trap of thinking, “It’s our slow season, so let’s just wait it out.” But doing nothing means losing valuable ground—visibility, momentum, and connection with your audience. Your competitors who do show up during the quieter months? They stay top of mind, build loyalty, and come out stronger when things pick up again.

Winter is your opportunity to nurture relationships, test ideas, and get smart with your data.

3 Ways to Warm Up Your Winter Marketing Strategy

1. Use the Data You Captured During Peak Season

You’ve just come out of a busy stretch (hello, summer events, peak sales, school holidays…). Chances are, you’ve collected valuable customer data—emails, phone numbers, buying behaviours, location info. Now’s the time to use it.

Segment your lists:

Locals vs out-of-towners
Past customers vs leads
High spenders vs browsers

And speak directly to them with tailored offers and relevant content.

2. Engage With SMS Marketing (Yes, Really!)

Don’t underestimate the power of a well-timed text. SMS has an open rate of over 90%, and when paired with the right offer, it gets results.

Ideas for SMS campaigns:

Flash winter deals (“$10 off your next coffee – this week only!”)
Last-minute appointment availability
VIP early access to an event or product drop
Local-only promos to bring in the neighbourhood crowd

Keep it short and sharp and include a call to action—think “Book now,” “Show this text,” or “Tap here to claim.”

3. Create Irresistible Winter Offers

Now’s the time to launch cosy, creative, and local-friendly promos. Think:

Winter warm-up bundles (pairings, packages, or limited-edition seasonal items)
Mid-week madness or slow-day savers
Referral rewards for bringing in friends
“Locals only” incentives to build loyalty in your own backyard

Make people feel like they’re getting something special and exclusive by showing up during the quieter months.

The Takeaway?

You don’t need to hibernate through winter. You need to shift your strategy. Use the quieter pace to reconnect, remarket, and re-engage the people who already love what you do. When done well, winter can be the season that builds loyalty, drives repeat business and sets you up for a red-hot spring and summer.

Need help getting started? Let’s chat about a custom winter campaign that speaks directly to your audience — even better, let’s turn your summer data into cold-weather gold ???

5 Reasons You Should Never Stop Learning (Our Take-aways from the Mailchimp Fwd: Sydney Conference)

Written by Olivia Modellino on 14 April 2025. Posted in Articles, CLS News, Email Marketing.

At Creative Little Soul, we’re all about continuous learning. Why? Because we believe that learning should never stop – whether you’re levelling up as a person or building a business that thrives it’s all equally as important. We recently attended the Mailchimp Fwd: Sydney conference, and it was a seriously eye-opening experience that reminded us of just how important it is to keep growing, evolving, and staying curious.

So, if you’re wondering why you should always keep learning (and how it can benefit you), here are our top five reasons, sprinkled with some of our key takeaways from the event!

1. Embrace Change Like a Pro

Change is constant – especially in marketing, tech, and business. And if there’s one thing we learned at Fwd: Sydney, it’s that we’ve got to roll with the punches! The conference gave us insights on everything from next-level email marketing tactics to automation tricks. These tools are changing fast, and staying up-to-date ensures you’re never caught off guard.

Whether you’re a business owner or an individual, staying curious and open to learning means you can adapt to new challenges and opportunities, keeping you relevant and ahead of the curve.

2. Unleash Your Inner Creative Genius

Learning isn’t just about gaining knowledge—it’s about getting those creative juices flowing! One of the coolest things we took away from Fwd:Sydney was how blending creativity with tech can result in some seriously mind-blowing campaigns. Personalisation, automation, and data can all come together in the most creative ways, and it’s exciting to see what’s possible.

For business owners, learning new skills in design, data analysis, or creative strategy can open up a whole new world of possibilities. Or for our clients, building a solid and continuously evolving strategy to stay up to date with emerging trends and technologies makes the world of difference! The more you learn, the more creative you can get, and the more impactful your marketing will be!

3. Stay Ahead of the Competition

There’s always someone learning and innovating in your industry – and so should you! One of the biggest takeaways from Fwd:Sydney was the growing importance of automation in marketing. Mailchimp shared some amazing tips on how to make the most of it, and let’s just say we’re all about getting smarter, and maximising your business’ potential.

When you make a habit of continuous learning, you’re not only keeping up—you’re leading the pack. Whether you’re picking up new marketing tricks or discovering fresh ways to reach your audience, learning helps you stay competitive and stand out in the crowd.

4. Boost Your Confidence (Yes, Really!)

The more you know, the more confident you become. And when you’re confident, you make better decisions. At Fwd:Sydney, we felt like we were on top of the world after soaking up so much knowledge! Whether it was confirming we’re on the ball with our use of data and campaign creation, or learning new and powerful insights from industry experts, every bit of learning boosted our confidence—and it felt great!

For business owners, having that solid foundation of knowledge means you can trust your instincts and make decisions with confidence. It also helps you lead your team with trust and clarity, which always translates to success.

5. Create Growth That Lasts

Learning isn’t just about keeping up with trends; it’s about building a foundation for long-term growth. At Fwd:Sydney, the focus wasn’t just on short-term wins, but on how to create strategies that will keep working for you as your business evolves. When you keep learning, you’re setting yourself up for success that’s sustainable.

For individuals, this could mean growing in your career. For business owners, it’s about creating a future-proof brand that keeps evolving with the times. Learning today leads to bigger, better, and more exciting opportunities down the road!

How Can You Keep Learning?

If you’re ready to start or keep learning (and we know you are), here’s how to get started:

Hit up conferences and events – Like we did with Mailchimp Fwd:sydney! It’s a great way to hear from the pros, stay on top of trends and emerging technologies, and even give you a confidence boost that you’re heading in the right direction.
Read and stay curious – Subscribe to blogs, newsletters, or books that inspire you and help you learn more about your industry.
Take online courses or workshops – There’s an endless amount of knowledge out there, and you can learn at your own pace.
Connect with your network – Chat with fellow business owners, marketers, or creatives. You’d be surprised what you can learn just by sharing ideas!

Learning is at the heart of everything we do. It fuels our creativity, keeps us motivated, and ensures we’re always ready to tackle new challenges. But here’s the best part—it’s not just about us; it’s about sharing that knowledge to help you grow, too! If you’re ready to level up your skills and strategy, book a call with Chrissy today. Whether you’re looking for business and personal growth or want to brainstorm ideas on how we can help your business thrive, we’ve got your back. Reach out to Chrissy at chrissy@creativelittlesoul.com.au and let’s get started!

Pinterest Predicts 2025: The Trends Shaping Your Marketing Strategy

Written by Olivia Modellino on 8 April 2025. Posted in Articles, Resources.

Have you ever thought about how Pinterest could be a game-changer for your marketing strategy? We recently tuned into the 2025 Pinterest Predicts webinar to get the inside scoop on trends set to shape social media this year. Some of them are surprising, but they’re all backed by data—and they offer a huge opportunity to connect with your audience in fresh, creative ways. Keep reading to find out how you can use Pinterest Predicts 2025 to elevate your brand and stay ahead of the competition.

The Power of Pinterest

In today’s fast-moving digital world, keeping up with trends isn’t just smart—it’s essential. Pinterest Predicts 2025 gives businesses a powerful advantage by highlighting emerging consumer interests before they explode into the mainstream. Using billions of data points and visual search technology, Pinterest identifies trends with remarkable accuracy. And unlike fleeting social media fads, Pinterest trends have serious staying power—eight out of ten trends predicted for 2024 continued growing in searches, saves, and shopping throughout the year. That means brands can confidently integrate these trends into their marketing strategies, knowing they’re investing in ideas with real influence.

By tapping into Pinterest Predicts 2025, your business can create content, products, and branding that align with what people are actively searching for—giving you a head start on what’s next.

The Trends

Here are the 2025 trends to watch—and how you can incorporate them into your marketing and brand activations:

Cherry Coded – Dark, sweet, and bold—cherry-inspired aesthetics will be everywhere in beauty, fashion, and food. Think cherry-infused cocktails, deep red colour palettes, and rich, moody branding.

Castle Core – Medieval grandeur is back in a big way, from gothic fashion to castle-inspired home decor. Think Victorian silhouettes, lace fabrics, gothic designs, and history-themed activations.

Terra Futerra – Sustainability meets style as Gen Z and Boomers embrace eco-conscious living. Think upcycled collections, sustainable fashion, green-thumb gardening aesthetics, and immersive outdoor experiences.

Sea Witchery – Moody, mystical, and mermaid-inspired aesthetics are making waves. Think siren-inspired beauty and fashion, beachside retreats, and enchanting, otherworldly visual campaigns.

Mix & Maximalist – More is more in 2025! Layering bold patterns, textures, and colours takes center stage. Think eclectic interior styling, vibrant table settings, and energetic, playful aesthetics tailored to your brand.

Fisherman Aesthetic – A relaxed, maritime vibe is influencing fashion, home decor, and lifestyle choices. Think nautical stripes, oceanic motifs, and seafaring-inspired designs.

Rococo Revival – Opulence and elegance return with Rococo-inspired aesthetics in fashion, beauty, and dining. Think soft, feminine tones, extravagant event styling, and period-inspired immersive experiences.

Nesting Parties – The modern baby shower is evolving into a celebration of new parents. Think practical gifting (like gift cards and registries), relatable parenthood content, and community-driven events.

Peak Travel – Adventure seekers are heading for the mountains instead of the cities. Think winter getaways, high-altitude escapes, adventure-focused travel incentives, and outdoor brand experiences.

How to Activate Pinterest Trends for Your Business

Pinterest trends aren’t just about inspiration—they’re about action. Here’s how you can integrate them into your marketing strategy:

Choose the Right Trends: Not every trend will fit your brand, so focus on the ones that align with your audience and products.
Put Your Own Spin on It: Adapt a trend to your brand’s unique voice and offerings.
Target Smartly: Use Pinterest’s ad tools to connect with the right consumers at the right time.
Bring Trends into the Real World: Incorporate trending aesthetics into your packaging, physical spaces, and events.
Align Product Launches with Trends: Use trends as inspiration for new product drops and seasonal campaigns.
Own a Trend: Brands can become official trend sponsors, unlocking exclusive marketing perks and Pinterest-backed co-marketing opportunities.

If you’re serious about taking your marketing to the next level, Pinterest Predicts 2025 is full of opportunities waiting to be tapped. Whether you’re a fashion brand embracing Rococo Revival, a restaurant experimenting with maximalist menus, or a travel company promoting off-the-grid adventures, getting ahead of these trends can set you up for long-term success.

Let’s Make Pinterest Work for You

Want to make the most of Pinterest trends? Whether you’re looking to refine your Pinterest strategy or start fresh on the platform, our team at CLS is here to help. Book a chat with Chrissy today at chrissy@creativelittlesoul.com.au and let’s get started!

3 Email Design Trends to Elevate Your Email Marketing in 2025

Written by Chrissy Symeonakis on 25 March 2025. Posted in Email Marketing.

Email marketing continues to be one of the most powerful tools for brands to engage their audience, drive sales, and nurture relationships. But as inboxes get more crowded, standing out requires more than just a compelling subject line—it demands innovative email design. In 2025, we’re seeing exciting new trends that blend creativity with functionality to maximise engagement. Let’s dive into three of the biggest email design trends shaping the future of email marketing.

1. Dark Mode Optimisation

Dark mode has been around for a while, but in 2025, it’s a must-have for email marketers. With more users preferring dark mode on their devices, emails that aren’t optimised can appear distorted, making them difficult to read or visually unappealing.

How to Optimise for Dark Mode:

Use transparent images instead of ones with white backgrounds to ensure they blend seamlessly.
Opt for high-contrast colours that work well in both light and dark modes.
Test your emails in different email clients to ensure readability and consistency and devices.

By designing with dark mode in mind, you’re creating an improved experience for users, increasing readability, and making your emails feel modern and up-to-date.

2. Interactive & Gamified Elements

People love interactive content, and email is no exception. Adding gamification and interactive elements increases engagement and encourages recipients to spend more time with your content.

Ideas for Interactive Emails:

Spin-to-win discounts or scratch-off promotions for special deals. Think Temu when they want you to engage and who doesn’t love spinning that wheel. Instant dopamine hit, hello!
Polls or quizzes that allow users to interact directly within the email.
Accordion menus or clickable tabs to reduce email length and keep content organized.

These elements create a mini user experience within the email itself, making it more engaging and fun while also driving conversions.

3. Minimalist, Visual-First Designs

In 2025, less is more when it comes to email design. With inboxes flooded with promotional content, clean and visually appealing emails grab attention faster and improve readability.

Key Aspects of Minimalist Email Design:

Short, impactful copy with a clear and concise message.
High-quality images or GIFs that convey the message without too much text.
Whitespace and clean layouts to improve scannability and avoid clutter.

This trend ensures emails are easy to digest, visually appealing, and optimized for mobile devices, where users tend to skim rather than read lengthy content.

Final Thoughts

Email marketing in 2025 is all about enhancing user experience, making emails more engaging, accessible, and visually captivating. By embracing dark mode optimization, interactive elements, and minimalist designs, brands can stay ahead of the curve and create emails that truly stand out in the inbox.

Ready to level up your email marketing strategy? Start implementing these trends today and watch your engagement soar!

Need help crafting high-performing emails? Get in touch with us!

The Best New Year Email Subject Lines to Boost Open Rates

Written by Chrissy Symeonakis on 15 January 2025. Posted in Email Marketing.

The New Year is the perfect opportunity to engage with your audience! People are often their most motivated and excited for a fresh start at the beginning of the year. Crafting New Year-themed email subject lines will pique the interest of your clients and boost open rates. Let’s explore some options that we can implement into your subsequent email marketing campaigns!

Starting with some subject lines that create a sense of urgency or scarcity and will inspire your clients to take quick action –

“Last Chance for New Year Savings!”
“Start the Year Right – 50% Off Ends Tonight!”
“New Year, New Deals! ? Don’t Miss Out!”
“Final Countdown to New Year Discounts – Shop Now!”
“Kick Off 2024 with 24-Hour Flash Sales! ?”

These lines will likely encourage your clients to embrace the New Year spirit of a fresh start and self-improvement.

“Your Resolution Starter Kit is Here ?”
“New Year, New You – Discover Our Top Picks for 2024!”
“2024 Goals? We’ve Got You Covered!”
“Make 2024 Your Best Year Yet with These Must-Haves!”
“Start Fresh with These Exclusive New Year Offers!”

You can also use excitement and optimism to entice your clients.

“Happy New Year! Time to Treat Yourself!”
“Happy 2024! Here’s a Gift to Kick Off the Year!”
“Celebrate the New Year with Something Special!”
“Cheers to New Beginnings – And Special Offers!”
“Hello, 2024! Exclusive Deals Just for You ?”

Emojis are an easy way to make your subject lines more visually engaging and stand out in an inbox.

“2024 Is Here – Let’s Celebrate Together! ?”
“? Ring in the New Year with a Bang! ?”
“Time to Shine in 2024 ? – Special Offers Inside!”
“New Year, New Savings ?”
“? Ready for a Fresh Start? Here’s a New Year Gift for You! ?”

Finally, utilise the post-holiday excitement with either sales or content that feels fresh and relevant.

“Didn’t Get What You Wanted? Here’s a New Year Treat!”
“Recover from the Holidays with These Deals!”
“Time to Refresh Your Routine – New Year Essentials!”
“Holiday Clearance – New Year Bargains Just for You!”
“Post-Holiday Savings You’ll Love! ?”

Incorporating these New Year-themed subject lines will help increase engagement, open rates, and click-through rates. Reach out to us and let us know if you’d like to incorporate one of these lines into your next campaign. It isn’t too early to start planning your New Year’s campaigns and sales; if you’re feeling lost, let us help you!