Clear, Practical Marketing for Scottish Businesses and Charities

Woodland Experiences, Balfron Station

I’m Paul Saunders, a marketing consultant based in Scotland, working with businesses, charities and community organisations who want to communicate more clearly and be easier to find.

At its heart, what I do is quite simple. I help organisations explain what they do, where they are, and who they’re for, in a way that feels natural and confident. That might be through a website, photography, video, PR, or a wider marketing plan, but the goal is always the same: clarity, trust, and visibility with the right audience.

I’m based in Drymen, near Loch Lomond, and I work across Scotland, particularly with tourism businesses, food and drink producers, accommodation providers, rural enterprises and charities. This blog post explains how I work, why local understanding still matters, and how thoughtful, well-joined-up marketing helps organisations grow sustainably.

A Joined-Up Approach to Marketing, Not Isolated Tactics

If you’ve spent any time on my website, you’ll probably have noticed that my work covers a broad mix of marketing, websites, photography, video, PR and strategy. On the surface, that can look like I do a bit of everything. In reality, it’s very focused.

All of those elements are there to support one thing: helping Scottish organisations look professional, communicate clearly, and get found by the people who matter to them, without unnecessary complexity or marketing noise.

I’ve been running my own business since 2010 and have worked with hundreds of organisations across Scotland, from sole traders and start-ups to national charities, destination bodies and global companies operating here. Over time, that experience has shaped how I work and what I prioritise.

LCS Scotland

Starting With Understanding, Not Marketing Outputs

Every project starts the same way: with listening.

Before I design a website, pick up a camera, or suggest a campaign, I take time to properly understand what’s going on. What you actually do day to day. Who are you trying to reach? Where confusion exists right now. And what success would genuinely look like for you.

For some organisations, that’s more enquiries or bookings. For others, it’s better fundraising, clearer messaging, or simply feeling confident about how they present themselves. Clients often tell me this stage is where the real value begins, because clarity comes before tactics.

Clear, Practical Websites for Scottish Businesses and Charities

A large part of my work involves building Squarespace websites for Scottish businesses and charities. I focus on websites that explain things clearly, are easy to navigate, and are straightforward for clients to update themselves.

Many people come to me with websites that technically work but don’t really do much. The issue is rarely the platform. It’s usually unclear structure, vague language, or a mismatch between what the organisation offers and what the website actually communicates.

I help fix that by bringing everything together, copy, structure, layout, photography and sometimes video, so the site works as a single, coherent whole rather than a collection of disconnected pages.

Grow your business with video

Purpose-Led Photography and Video That Build Trust

Alongside websites, I do a lot of photography and video work, but I don’t treat visuals as decoration. They’re there to do a job.

Good photography and video help build trust, show real people and real places, and make it easier for customers or supporters to feel confident. I regularly work with tourism and hospitality businesses, food and drink producers, charities, community organisations, professional services, and trades.

Because I understand how the content will be used, on websites, Google listings, social media, press coverage and funding applications, I shoot with purpose. That’s why clients often tell me the images and videos continue to pay off long after a project finishes.

Practical Marketing Support and Consultancy in Scotland

Alongside creative work, I also provide practical marketing support and consultancy. That might be a marketing review, help with positioning and messaging, campaign planning, PR support, or advice on improving visibility on Google and in AI tools like ChatGPT.

I work extensively with Business Gateway and directly with organisations that don’t have in-house marketing teams. My approach is grounded and realistic. I don’t push tactics for the sake of it. I focus on what will genuinely make a difference within the time, budget and resources available.

Cameron House Resort, Loch Lomond

Why Local Knowledge Still Matters in Marketing

Being based in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs isn’t incidental to my work. It’s a real advantage.

I understand rural and tourism-driven economies, seasonality, and how small businesses, charities and communities operate outside major cities. That local knowledge feeds directly into better decisions, from when to shoot photography, to how to frame messaging, to which stories are worth telling.

It’s also why I’m trusted with long-term destination, heritage and community projects, including work connected to Loch Katrine, the West Highland Way, and initiatives across Central Scotland.

Long-Term Client Relationships and Ongoing Support

Many of my clients have worked with me for years. That includes family businesses, charities, accommodation providers and organisations that value having someone they trust, someone who understands their story and can respond quickly when opportunities come up.

The consistency of five-star Google reviews reflects that way of working: being responsive, clear, reliable and focused on results rather than buzzwords.

Neighbour Food, Scotland

Helping Businesses Get Found on Google and AI Tools

Marketing is changing, particularly as more people search in natural language and use AI tools to find recommendations. What hasn’t changed is the importance of clarity.

Search engines and AI systems favour organisations that clearly explain what they do, are consistent across their website and online profiles, answer real questions in plain language, and demonstrate real experience and trust.

A growing part of my work now involves helping clients align their websites, content and online presence so they’re easier for both people and AI systems to understand and recommend.

Who I am a Good Fit For

I tend to work best with organisations that value clear, honest marketing, prefer quality over gimmicks, and want someone hands-on who can think strategically and deliver practically.

Whether it’s a small, focused project or longer-term support, the aim is always the same: better communication and confident, sustainable growth.

Activ Scotland

What to Do If You’re Not Sure Where to Start

If your website feels unclear, your marketing feels fragmented, or you’re unsure how people are finding you online, I can help. Sometimes that starts with a conversation. Sometimes with a small piece of work. Sometimes with something bigger.

Either way, the goal is clarity, consistency and results. If you’d like to talk about how I could support your business, charity or organisation in Scotland, get in touch.