Mar 19, 20242 min read

The benefits of Google My Business

Google My Business (GMB) is a free business tool that helps businesses of all sizes to create and maintain a listing on Google. GMB helps businesses appear in people’s searches and on Google Maps, meaning your business can attract new customers and share information.

Within your Google listing, you can link to your social media profiles and your website and display any Google reviews your business has. You cannot disable Google reviews, which many see as a negative, but reviews show customers that your business is legitimate and can give them an insight into what you do. People trust what people say about a business more than what that business says about itself - a good review could influence whether a potential client parts with their money or not.

If you want to get the most out of your GMB listing, you need to make sure that you’ve given Google as many details about your business as you can. With more information, Google can better match your business to potential customers’ searches. To draw people’s eyes to your listing, you can even also images; these could be of staff serving customers within your business, infographics, menus, pictures of your office and more. According to Google, businesses that include photos within their GMB listing receive 42% more clicks for directions and 35% more clicks to their website.

One great feature of GMB is that you can include recent post updates and any special offers your business may currently be running. Promoting offers is a great way to increase your website traffic and sales.

The category your business falls under determines whether you’re eligible for GMB’s additional features, which are as follows:

Businesses that are heavily service-oriented can include a service menu and booking button
Restaurants and bars can upload their menus and add links for customers to place online orders and reservations
Small to medium-sized businesses can add a product catalogue
If you are a hotel, you can display your ‘star’ rating and list amenities available

If, after you’ve created your profile, you think you qualify for these additional features but you cannot see them as an option, you may have accidentally chosen the wrong category for your business; it’s worth double-checking your choices.

Maybe you offer free Wi-Fi or wheelchair access and want potential customers to know - you can include this, too. You may wish to mention that your business is led by women, for example.

Google My Business has a lot to offer, and it’s worth creating. Follow the link to start creating your free listing: https://www.google.com/intl/en_uk/business/

Setting Realistic New Year’s Resolutions for 2025

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2 January 2025

Paul Francis

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As the clock strikes midnight and we welcome a new year, many of us are filled with enthusiasm for change. New Year’s resolutions have become a ritual, representing our desire to improve ourselves and our lives. However, studies show that only a fraction of people actually stick to their resolutions. Why? Because often, our goals are overly ambitious or lack a clear plan. For 2025, let’s focus on setting realistic resolutions that you can actually achieve.

No-smoking, no-junk-food, and no-phone signs on a dark, weathered wall. Signs have red circles with crossed lines, creating a strict mood.

Why Resolutions Fail

Before diving into how to set successful resolutions, it’s important to understand why so many fall by the wayside. Common reasons include:

Setting vague goals: "I want to be healthier" sounds good but lacks actionable steps.
Being overly ambitious: Committing to run a marathon when you’ve never jogged before can feel overwhelming.
Lack of tracking: Without measuring progress, it’s easy to lose motivation.
All-or-nothing mindset: Missing one gym session or breaking a diet can lead to giving up entirely.

By addressing these pitfalls, you can approach your 2025 goals with a more practical mindset.

How to Set Realistic Resolutions

Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting resolutions that are achievable and meaningful:

Be Specific: Instead of saying, “I’ll save money,” set a goal like, “I’ll save £100 a month by cutting back on dining out.” Clear goals provide direction and make it easier to track progress.
Make It Measurable: Use metrics to evaluate success. For example, if you aim to read more, decide on a specific number of books to complete by the end of the year.
Break It Down: Large goals can feel daunting. Break them into smaller, manageable steps. If your goal is to run a 5K, start with walking, then jogging short distances, gradually increasing your stamina.
Stay Realistic: Consider your current lifestyle, time, and resources. A resolution that fits seamlessly into your routine is more likely to succeed.
Set a Time Frame: Give yourself deadlines. For instance, aim to finish the first chapter of a book by January 31 or attend three yoga classes by February.
Celebrate Milestones: Rewarding yourself for hitting smaller goals can keep you motivated. Treat yourself to something meaningful when you achieve a milestone.

Examples of Achievable Resolutions

Health: "I will exercise for 30 minutes three times a week."
Finances: "I will reduce my takeaway spending to £50 a month and save the difference."
Personal Growth: "I will dedicate 15 minutes daily to learning a new language."
Relationships: "I will schedule a catch-up with a friend or family member once a month."

Tips for Staying on Track

Track Your Progress: Use a journal, app, or calendar to record achievements and setbacks.
Find an Accountability Partner: Share your goals with someone who can encourage you and keep you on track.
Adjust When Needed: Life happens, and it’s okay to modify your resolution if circumstances change. Flexibility can prevent frustration.
Focus on Habits, Not Outcomes: Building habits like going to bed earlier is more sustainable than chasing a specific outcome like losing 10 pounds.

The Bigger Picture

Resolutions aren’t about perfection—they’re about progress. Even if you slip up, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Every small step brings you closer to your goal, and 2025 is a fresh opportunity to grow and thrive.

So this year, let’s set resolutions that inspire us, challenge us, and are realistic enough to achieve. Here’s to a successful 2025!