For businesses
Here’s something every tradie should think about
Right now, while you’re working, driving, quoting or sitting at home having a coffee, people could be looking at your business online and deciding whether they trust you. You’re not there. You’re not talking to them. You’re not explaining why you’re different from the...
You’ve started your NoCowboys registration. What are you waiting for?
Let’s get straight to the point. If you’ve started registering your business on NoCowboys but haven’t finished the job, you’re missing an opportunity to promote your business to potential customers. And the frustrating thing is, you’ve already done some of the work....
Why giving up your choice when hiring a tradie makes no sense
There is something I have never understood about the way some people choose tradies. They hand their job to a website, provide a few details about what they want done, and then wait for someone to be put in front of them. Why? If you are spending $2,000, $10,000 or...
Ten years writing about reviews — and I still forgot to read them
I’ve been writing about online reviews for ten years. You would think, by now, I’d have a pretty good level of smarts when it came to using that knowledge in practice as a consumer. For the most part, I do. The toaster I bought a month ago, for example, was the result...
Words that appear in most top rated reviews
Every trade is different. An electrician may be rewiring a home, a builder constructing an extension, a plumber fixing a burst pipe, or a landscaper transforming a backyard. Yet despite these very different services, the language customers use in outstanding reviews...
The occassional bad review is not a total red flag
Online reviews aren't instructions on who to choose. They're information that helps you make a better decision. We should never take them as 'what to buy' or 'who to choose' - instead we should delve further, look for patterns, go beyond the star rating, and get an...
All of the benefits of responding to your reviews
Taking a few minutes to reply to every review you receive has many benefits that you may not have considered. Setting up a routine to respond to feedback is simple, doesn't take up much time and will be every bit as valuable as the reviews you receive themselves. You...
The difference between collecting reviews and building an online reputation
Authenticated reviews are a fantastic barometer of a tradesperson's work and the best way for a potential customer to get a sense of whether that tradie is one to choose or one to avoid. The star reviews by themselves are merely the starting point and it is very...
Keep your customers for the future and grow your business
Any consumer will rate customer service at the top of their list when they are evaluating a business. Business owners that instil customer service as a byword of their operation create customers who feel valued. listened to, and appreciated. Taking care of customers...
The search revolution you just can’t ignore
AI Search has changed the parameters for both consumers and businesses in the one marketplace where nearly all business is transacted. Traditional reliance on websites and SEO is waning and business owners need to ensure they do not slip through the cracks as end...
When times are tough, an online reputation is everything
For the past few months the dominant global conversation has been about the coronavirus (Covid-19), and while cool, rational, and informed heads should prevail to provide responses and strategies, the absolute opposite is true. Depending on what you read, or watch, we...
Start-up businesses and reviews go hand in hand
Starting up a new business is hard. It takes a lot of work and a great deal of preparation and research. The best ideas in the world, and the most skillful tradespeople, craftsmen, artisans, service providers, and product sellers, still require determination, skill...
Happy customers are your best asset
We all want to move ahead in business, to grow, to be profitable, to create a solid foundation for the future and what is the key to that? Customers, happy satisfied customers who come back, time and time again, and tell their friends and family about their...
Start-up businesses and reviews go hand in hand
Starting up a new business is hard. It takes a lot of work and a great deal of preparation and research. The best ideas in the world, and the most skillful tradespeople, craftsmen, artisans, service providers, and product sellers, still require determination, skill...
Happy customers are your best asset
We all want to move ahead in business, to grow, to be profitable, to create a solid foundation for the future and what is the key to that? Customers, happy satisfied customers who come back, time and time again, and tell their friends and family about their...
How does NoCowboys help your business? Read on . . .
Not so long ago online reviews were something novel, surprising, and enigmatic. Today they are very much an accepted part of the vast majority of consumers' experience and motivation. Even still, a number of business owners have yet to connect the dots and embrace...
Small company with a huge heart grows with help from NoCowboys
Secure Communications Alarms & Security, based in Onehunga, Auckland is a small company with a huge focus on customer satisfaction. I spoke with owner Dave and administration manager, Clare, about the things that matter to them in business and the ways that...
Marathon Record Broken, Bugle With History, and New Stadium A Hit
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. New stadium a big hit Last weekend Christchurch 's brand new stadium hosted the Super Ruby round and it has proven to...
Life Jacket Sells For Titanic Sum, New Dog Shelter, and More Amazing Kiwis
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Generous Kiwis give free haircuts and personal care The other night I was talking with my dad about the people in his...
Huge Pumpkin, Picasso Painting Raffle, and Rarest NZ Bird Making Comeback
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Carriage sized pumpkin When I first read this story I though I must be seeing the world's largest pumpkin. I was...
Epic Swim, Astronauts Go Further, and Tortoise Visits Own Exhibition
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Tortoise visits own exhibition It's a rare occasion indeed when a visitor at a museum gets to see an exhibition about...
Musketeer’s Grave, Cake Picnics, and Whales Support Birth
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Cake picnics take off This is a really great story about connection, community, a wonderful idea, and people bringing...
Dads Run For Community, Breeding Kārearea Discovered, and Playing Possum
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Breeding kārearea pair discovered Any story about native birds found breeding successfully is a great one and this one...
Huge Snapper Wins Prize, Kākāpō Livestream, and Fish of the Year
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Huge snapper wins top prize An angler from the Far North caught a massive snapper and in the process won new Zealand's...
Naming Storms, Amazing Philanthropy, and Finders Keepers, Sort Of
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Brits propose names for storms For the past ten years, people in the United Kingdom have been able to suggest names...
Setting up and optimising your NoCowboys profile
Setting Up and Optimising Your NoCowboys Profile Your NoCowboys profile is a powerful marketing platform that promotes your products and services alongside customer reviews. It is quick to complete and fully editable, allowing you to update and refine your profile at...
Voucher Error, First All Black Honoured, and Largest Coral Colony Found
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. First All Black honoured After nearly 100 years our very first All Black - number one, by the record books - is...
Bug Of The Year, Top Kiwi Olympian, and Speedgolfing Champion
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Endangered moth crowned bug of the year In case you missed it, a rare moth found only in certain places in the West...
Law Named After Loyal Dog, Volunteer Hut Cleaners, and Honest Citizens
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Volunteers clean hiking huts This is a really nice story that sheds light on the fantastic things achieved when...
Heroic 13 Year Old, Fastest Man Alive, and Kiwi Teen Runner Breaks Record
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Teen runner blitzes record Ever since Roger Bannister broke the for minute mile in 1954, athletes all over the world...
Record Breaking Toddler, Death Defying Climber, and Sailor On Cusp of Historic Feat
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Toddler sinks Guinness records Snooker is a difficult game, made easier by a tonne of practice but one wee fella in...
Smart Cow, Finding Da Vinci’s DNA, and Oldest Cave Art
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Oldest cave art discovered Beating the oldest example of human hand painting by 1,100 years, a recent discovery in a...
Wandering Sheep, New Christchurch Supermarket, and First Superman Comic Auctioned
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. New supermarket takes off Offering lower prices and giving consumers a choice over the supermarket duopoly in New...
Adventurous Kākā, Street Signs Amuse, and Ancient Artefacts Discovered
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Street signs lift the spirits Just before Christmas, six signs in inner city Christchurch caused a bit of confusion...
Christmas Rules, Inspirational Kiwi Comedian, Strong Economic Signs
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Strong signals of brighter economic future Every day at NoCowboys we talk to tradies and business owners up and down...
Cyclist Blitzes Record, Best Amongst Worst, and School Band Amazes
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. The best amongst the worst This week's horrific attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney illustrates the pointless violence...
Stolen Egg Passed, Iconic Car Restored, and Amazing Generosity
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Stolen egg passed in custody What are the odds? Last week we ran a story about a Faberge egg that was looking to reach...
Surprise Visitor, World’s Costliest Egg, and Team Smash Charity Record
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Seal visits pub Last weekend a pub in Richmond at the top of the South Island had a rather surprising visitor. Sprig +...
Charitable Athletes, Cross Returned, and Amazing Wrestler
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Cross from burned church returned 44 years later In 1981 a fire destroyed 87-year-old St Patrick’s Catholic Church in...
Amazing Discovery, Titanic Watch For Auction and Work Performed After 300 Years
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Amazing discovery on Otago beach The most incredible and rare things can be found on beaches and one New Zealander has...
Ratings
Ratings Ratings are the driving force of your NoCowboys profile and it is important to build up your feedback with thoughtful and regular review strategies. Always remember that any legitimate customer that you did work for over the past two years, no matter where...
Michelin Visits NZ, Fedora Man Revealed and Kiwi Legend Recognised
Michelin stars on horizon for Kiwi diners For the first time in Oceania, Michelin inspectors are dining anonymously throughout the country and possible stars may be awarded to Kiwi eateries for a guide to be released next year. When I read this story, it surprised me...
Well Travelled Surfboard and All Black and Fan’s Friendship
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. World Cup medal connects player and fan This is a rather special story concerning a Rugby World Cup final, an All...
Nonu Breaking Records and MPs In Car-alition
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Four MPs in a car-alition The fighting, name calling, and turmoil that often dominates our parliament is very often...
Bystander Saves Boy and Strangers On A Plane
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Hero bystander Being a part of a society sometimes requires us to do difficult things and oftentimes the danger of...
Father and Son Moment and Fantastic Singer of National Anthem
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Father surprises son at All Blacks test Before last week's test kicked off between the All Blacks and Australia at...
Incredibly Generous Builder and Stupendous Toy Collection
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Builder saves couple's dream After losing nearly $100,000 in deposits to a building company that entered into...
Time Capsule Unearthed and KiwI Runner Wins Gold
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Huge win for Kiwi runner New Zealand runner George Beamish achieved an incredible win this week at the World...