The future of Aussie Gardener is at stake

Comments

Margaret - May 22, 2025

The problem with meta is payment is based on display and not much use for anything other than the awareness component of the customer journey. You’ve had an earlier comment on this from another business person. It can work if potential customers have no idea what the product or service is about. Meta sponsored ads are very poorly targeted and largely irrelevant. People go to the site for a quick look and bounce off. Google ads do have some merit where a customer knows exactly what they are after e.g. a new fridge or bed. Google and meta are just marketing companies. They tell you spending more leads to more. 80% of a marketing budget should be spent on repeat customers and those who refer. 20% on lead generation. These companies try to convince you to swap that well known Pareto Principle the opposite way around. I had to bite the bullet and largely drop these two methods in favour of a few old school ways in all my companies. I think you’ve been given a few other suggestions in the comments to cut through the marketing noise already. You may also be better off investing in getting an advisory board to assist you get to the next level. There are plenty of specialist advisors who do this kind of work. The Advisory Board Centre provide help around this and have their headquarters in Brisbane.

Glenys Beer - May 22, 2025

This is so sad to see. Like you’ve said Brian, it all looks rosey on the other side of the camera. This is not what I expected from this video, as I’ve seen many of your very helpful, informative, and happy videos. I’m so sorry you’re all going through this. It seems to be the sign of the times with so many of us trying to save a buck. We cruise through videos and websites etc, trying to find the ideas and best deals that we can afford. I know that you’re all about giving genuine advise and products, and I’m sure you’ve come up with the idea of stopping your adds on Facebook, and just purely run from your base without that you of advertising…is that something you’ve thought of? I know everything is digital media these days, and visuals are so important. But videos on your own website made by your family could still work. It is a chain reaction, and your suppliers may be feeling the pinch too. So after all my rambling here, I’ll be looking to see what I can purchase to help you guys get your debts paid. I wish you all luck that you can continue to provide great products and advice to all of us aussie gardeners.

Lyn Mason - May 22, 2025

My recommendation is to stop spending on Facebook advertising. I have used them to advertise our events with 0 additional business. I suggest that you investigate using TV ads on SBS and country TV for your advertising budget.
I’ll be looking at your site with a view to making purchases soon.
Good luck with the business as it would be a shame to let it go.

Rita - May 22, 2025

Watched your video with tears in my eyes. I’m amazed with your courage in telling all of us immensely happy customers how tough it is right now for your family business. I’ve purchased great items for myself and also as gifts for my friends. I love your great service, the items that I’ve got and is happy to look at how you do things in your garden. It inspires me! I wish you the very best and to keep on going being the best Aussie Gardener.

Helen - May 22, 2025

My heart goes out to you. For many years I was a partner in a small, apparently successful small business, but in the end rising costs-staff, equipment, vehicles etc-made it unviable. We are between houses at the moment as we plan a new build-we have yet to use the potato bags that were my last purchase!-but I will try to order something that we will want for our new home. Good luck, with best wishes for success in whatever the future brings, and the hope that it continues to be Aussie Gardener.

David - May 22, 2025

I am so frustrated. I do not want your store to close. I trust you all and you do have great products, the pest covers I use attest to this. Wish I could purchase more. I will get the hose I have been eying. I do not like google and never use it as it is a truly rotten company. Social media I don’t use as well so many trolls. I use a paid search engine that brought me to your store. Wish I could order more but like your wonderful store I am also struggling. Best wishes for your team.

Denise - May 22, 2025

So sorry to hear about your struggles.
I don’t understand why there isn’t more support from wholesome, quality in every way, local businesses who provide an awesome product and service.
Hopefully with the support of like minded people and your customers your business will continue to grow and thrive.
I will be making another purchase and more in the future.
Hang in there🤗

Carol Cromarty - May 22, 2025

Thanks for making a video , it’s humbling to see a family really sticking together and giving it a go…
I’m looking forward to using my new dream hose…
I hope all goes well… keep up the good work..
Australia needs small business people….

Julie - May 22, 2025

Hello, I’ve just placed an order. I’ve been really happy with my previous purchases. It’s obvious that you all love what you do and I sincerely hope you can work your way to a more sustainable business model!

Sally - May 22, 2025

So brave of you to make such a vulnerable and heartfelt plea. I think many people are struggling currently, and it’s a sad state of affairs when a fantastic Aussie business like yourselves who is dedicated to making quality products available to the market is looking down the barrel.

I will endeavour to make a purchase (we are very tight financially ourselves) but I’ll also share this with a few people I know who may also be able to assist with making a purchase. I’d also like to reiterate considering what someone else mentioned above, which would be approaching some other Aussie businesses who do a fantastic job providing a quality service to Aussie gardeners, and seeing if you can join forces to increase both of your reach. The Healthy Patch Formula, the Weedy Garden, and Self Sufficient Me spring to mind. Not sure if that would be a help, but reaching more people without putting so much of your profits into the pockets of the big tech conglomerates would have to help.

You will be in my prayers 💕