Is Google Business Still Worth My Time? (And How to Use It Properly)

Is Google Business Still Worth My Time? (And How to Use It Properly)

by | Feb 2, 2026 | Creationz News, Social Media

If you’ve ever Googled a café, a hairdresser, or a solicitor near you, the chances are the first thing you saw wasn’t their website. It was their Google Business Profile.

That little box on the right side of Google, with photos, reviews, opening hours, and a map? That’s it.

The simple answer is YES; in 2026 it’s absolutely still worth your time.

In fact, it’s one of the most powerful free tools for small businesses.

Why? Because it’s often the first impression someone gets of your business. It shows up before your website, social media, or even your name in some cases, especially in local or mobile searches.

Let’s say someone searches “plumber near me” or “best beauty therapist in Nottingham” Google shows a shortlist of local businesses with maps, star ratings, and contact info. If your profile is claimed and optimised, you’ve got a much better chance of being on that list.

But just having a profile isn’t enough anymore. If you haven’t touched yours in a while, or it still has your old hours from 2021, it’s not helping you.

Why Updating It Weekly Matters Now

In 2026, Google is using AI more than ever to decide which businesses to show in search results. That means it’s not just looking at what you say, it’s looking at how active and relevant you are.

Adding a new post, uploading fresh photos, or responding to a review shows Google (and your potential customers) that you’re active, open, and reliable.

Think of your Google Business Profile like a shop window, if it’s dusty and hasn’t changed in months, people (and search engines) will walk right past. But if you’re regularly updating it with fresh content, it signals that your business is alive and thriving.

Even one weekly post or update, something as simple as:

  • A photo of your latest project
  • A short tip or FAQ
  • An update to your hours or services – can help keep you visible in Google’s AI-powered local listings.

Google’s algorithm now pulls from all this activity to decide who appears higher in the map listings, and more importantly, who feels trustworthy to users.

Reviews Still Rule (But So Does Response)

The reviews section remains one of the biggest drivers of trust and ranking. But Google also looks at whether you’re responding to them. A quick “Thanks so much!” or “Glad we could help” shows you care, and it bumps your profile’s engagement.

Bonus tip: AI tools are now summarising business profiles and reviews in Google’s search snippets so a few standout keywords or phrases from your reviews (like “responsive,” “family-run,” or “affordable”) could become part of your first impression.

So, Is It Worth It?

100%. If you put a bit of time into it – 15 minutes per week is all you need. Your Google Business Profile is like having a mini-website, local advert, and review platform all in one and you don’t need to be a tech expert to make it work for you.

✅ 5 Things to Do This Month:

  1. Google your business name – See what comes up. Is your profile up to date and eye-catching?
  2. Update your business info – Check your contact details, website link, business hours, and services.
  3. Add new photos – Upload 3–5 fresh photos of your work, space, or team to keep things current.
  4. Post something every week – A short update, offer, blog link, or client success story will keep your profile active.
  5. Ask for and reply to reviews – Send a quick message to 1–2 happy customers and take 30 seconds to respond to any recent reviews.

Open up the power of Google Business Profile for your business. We are working on our profile in the same way above and already seeing results.

I Was on the Radio! Talking About Creationz Marketing and The Marketing Mentor Hub

I Was on the Radio! Talking About Creationz Marketing and The Marketing Mentor Hub

by | Oct 12, 2025 | Creationz News

I’m so excited to share that I recently had the opportunity to be featured on Erewash Sound Radio! Sally Peacock and I chatted so much that it was split into two episodes to appear on the Erewash Radio Business Show. I loved every minute and Sally really put me at ease.

Over the two shows, I got to talk about my journey with Creationz Marketing, how it all began, and the incredible businesses I’ve had the privilege to support over the years. I also shared something I’m truly passionate about, helping business owners build their confidence in marketing through my our Marketing Mentor Hub.

Talking All Things Creationz Marketing

In the first show, we chatted about how Creationz began over ten years ago and how it’s grown into a trusted partner for so many small and medium-sized businesses across the UK.

With more than 24 years’ experience in marketing, I’ve seen the industry evolve so much and the one thing that’s never changed is the need for joined-up, practical marketing that really makes a difference.

From social media and email marketing to content, design, and strategy, I’ve always believed marketing should be simple, effective, and accessible. Whether it’s consultancy, a project, or ongoing monthly support, Creationz has always been about helping businesses get the results they deserve — without the jargon or overwhelm.

You can listen back to that first interview here:

Erewash Sound - About Creationz Marketing

Introducing The Marketing Mentor Hub

In the second interview, I shared more about a new chapter that’s really close to my heart — the Marketing Mentor Hub.

Over the years, I’ve met so many amazing business owners who are passionate about their work but often struggle to know where to start with marketing or how to keep it consistent. The Mentor Hub was created to change that.

It’s a mentoring service designed to give business owners the space, support, and structure they need to take control of their marketing with confidence. It’s not about doing it all for you, it’s about guiding you, keeping you accountable, and helping you make smart marketing decisions that work for your business.

Through one-to-one mentoring sessions, I help you identify what’s working, where to focus your efforts, and how to create a plan that actually fits your goals and your time. It’s honest, practical, and totally tailored to you.

You can listen to the second interview here:

Erewash Sound - About The Marketing Mentor Hub

Why This Matters

Being on the radio was such a proud moment, not just for me personally, but for Creationz as a business. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come, how many amazing clients we’ve supported, and how much passion still goes into everything we do.

Marketing can feel overwhelming at times, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether through Creationz Marketing or the Marketing Mentor Hub, my goal is the same: to help businesses grow, thrive, and feel confident in their marketing choices.

If you’d like to find out more about the Marketing Mentor Hub or how Creationz Marketing can support your business, I’d love to have a chat.

Get In Touch Today
The Invisible Cost of “I Don’t Know What to Post on Social Media”

The Invisible Cost of “I Don’t Know What to Post on Social Media”

by | Aug 26, 2025 | Creative Marketing, Social Media

Every week, we hear the same thing from business owners:

“I sit down to post… and my mind just goes blank.”
“I don’t know what to say… so I don’t post anything.”
“I know I need to show up online, but it just feels overwhelming.”

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
The truth is, social media isn’t hard because you’re not good at it, it’s hard because no one showed you how to make it work with your business, not against it.

That’s why we created something different.

At Creationz Marketing, we believe marketing should feel like momentum, not a minefield. We built the 3-Month Social Media Content Plan because too many brilliant businesses stay invisible simply because they don’t have a system.

Not a one-size-fits-all content calendar.
Not a vague list of “funny quotes and memes.”
But a structured, strategic, easy-to-implement content roadmap – built for your business, in your tone of voice, and aligned with your goals.

Because visibility without clarity is noise. And clarity is what converts.

What You’ll Actually Get:

Let’s cut the fluff. Here’s exactly what this gives you:

✅ 75 tailored post ideas (25 per month) – so you’re never stuck staring at the blinking cursor.
✅ Awareness days aligned with your niche – no more random hashtags, just relevant conversations.
✅ Organised Trello board – swipe, tweak, post.
✅ Optional branded graphics & scheduling support – if you need hands-on help, we’re here.

We’ve done the thinking. You do the posting (or we can do it for you). The businesses winning right now aren’t necessarily better, they’re just more visible and more consistent. This plan helps you get there without the mental load, the guesswork, or the guilt.

Marketing isn’t about shouting the loudest. It’s about saying the right thing, to the right people, at the right time. This plan helps you do exactly that.

But Here’s The Thing…

We’ve only got 3 spots left for September.

This isn’t a tactic. It’s just the truth. To maintain quality and strategy, we cap our onboarding each month. So if you’ve been telling yourself, “I’ll sort my socials next month,” ask yourself this:What’s that silence costing your business right now?

Ready to finally post with confidence?

Choose your package here

Need fully managed support instead?
Let’s talk. We offer hands-on scheduling, graphics, and monthly strategy too – Social Media Management

Your business deserves to be seen. Let’s make that happen – the stress-free way

Can I Really Outsource My Social Media Marketing?

Can I Really Outsource My Social Media Marketing?

by | Jun 30, 2025 | Social Media

Let’s be honest. Keeping up with social media can feel like a full-time job. For many business owners, it’s not the job they signed up for.

You’re spinning multiple plates. Between operations, sales, customer service, and everything else on your agenda, finding time for engaging posts, trending content, and consistent scheduling often becomes a low priority.

So, can you actually outsource your social media marketing effectively?

This blog will help you explore the pros, cons, and key considerations, so you can make the right decision for your business.

The Benefits of Outsourcing Your Social Media

More Time to Focus on What Matters

Time is the number one reason clients come to us. Creating quality content takes hours. Outsourcing means you can get back to running your business while your social media presence is managed professionally behind the scenes.

Yes, we know tools like ChatGPT can help generate content – but does it sound like you? Is it written in your voice, with your tone, and does it feel authentic to your brand? That human touch matters, and your audience can tell the difference.

Access to Up-to-Date Expertise

Social platforms are always changing. Algorithms, features, formats – they shift constantly. A social media partner stays on top of these updates, so you can benefit from current strategies rather than relying on trial and error.

Take Instagram’s recent grid change, for example – from 1:1 (1080×1080) to 4:5 (1080×1350). We’re on top of it. From exploring platforms like Threads or Bluesky to keeping your content aligned with the latest trends, we make sure your business stays relevant and visible.

Consistent, Professional Content

Many business owners post inconsistently. Outsourcing provides a steady, reliable flow of content that builds your brand presence, keeps you front of mind, and helps you grow over time.

Strategic, Goal-Driven Marketing

Posting just for the sake of it rarely delivers results. Professional teams ensure that every piece of content supports a wider marketing strategy. Whether you want to generate leads, build awareness, or strengthen customer relationships, your social media becomes a strategic tool, not a guessing game.

 

The Common Concerns

“Will they understand my brand?”

With the right agency, absolutely. At Creationz Marketing, we know that no two businesses sound the same and they shouldn’t. A small family-run business or a solo entrepreneur won’t have the same tone of voice as a large corporate brand. And a legal firm will communicate very differently to a quirky coffee shop.

That’s why we start every partnership with a deep-dive discovery session. We get to know your tone, audience, goals, and what makes your business unique. The result? Content that genuinely sounds like you and resonates with the people you want to reach.

“What if I don’t get results?”

Marketing should be measurable. That’s why we build in regular reporting, data tracking, and review calls. We also tailor packages to your goals and budget, so you know exactly what to expect and how your investment is performing.

Plus, we give you access to a built-in analytics dashboard, so you can check your performance 24/7 – no guesswork, just clear data.

“I don’t know what I need yet”

That’s very common. Many clients know they need help, but they’re unsure where to start. That’s why we developed a free Digital Marketing Quiz. It gives you a personalised report in minutes, helping you understand what’s working and where there are gaps.

Things to Consider Honestly

  • Your input still matters. While we take social media off your hands, we still need some input from you. Your vision, voice, and direction are important, and we work in partnership to keep everything aligned.
  • One-size-fits-all rarely works. Your business is unique, so your content should be too. Our services are always bespoke, not pulled from a standard template.
  • Results take time. Organic social media builds brand trust and community over time. It is powerful but not instant. We focus on meaningful, sustainable growth.

Is Outsourcing Right for You?

Ask yourself these questions:

  • Do you struggle to post consistently?
  • Are you unsure what’s working on your social channels?
  • Do you find it difficult to keep up with the latest platforms and trends?
  • Would you prefer to focus on your core business activities?

If you said yes to any of these, outsourcing could be a smart move.

Book a free, no-obligation call with the Creationz Team – in just 30 minutes, we’ll help you understand what’s right for your business.

What Should You Do Next?

Start by understanding your current digital strengths and weaknesses. Our free Digital Marketing Scorecard gives you instant clarity and suggestions for improvement.

➡️ Take the Quiz
➡️ Book a Free Call

At Creationz Marketing, we’ve helped businesses across legal services, coaching, education, manufacturing, and more to manage their marketing with clarity and confidence.

✅ Rolling Monthly Contracts: No long-term tie-ins.

✅ Graphics-Only Packages: Great if you’ve got the words but need the visuals.

✅ Monthly Trello Boards: Giving you visibility and space to post your own updates.

Whether you need one-off support, a full strategy, or monthly management, our team is ready to help you get your social media working for you – not the other way around.

What is Truth Social? A Marketer’s Take on the Platform Everyone’s Talking About

What is Truth Social? A Marketer’s Take on the Platform Everyone’s Talking About

by | May 9, 2025 | Trending

Social media platforms come and go – but every so often, one emerges that captures headlines and public imagination for reasons beyond filters and dance challenges. Enter Truth Social – a name you may have heard in political debates, social media discourse, or curious Google searches. But what is Truth Social, and as a business, should you care?

At Creationz Marketing, we stay plugged into marketing trends so you don’t have to. And while Truth Social may not be topping the charts for UK-based small businesses just yet, it’s worth unpacking what this platform is, how it positions itself, and what we can learn from it as marketers.

What is Truth Social?

Truth Social launched in early 2022 under the Trump Media & Technology Group. The idea was simple: create an alternative to mainstream platforms like Twitter and Facebook, with a focus on “free speech” and open expression.

Its interface feels familiar – news feeds, posts (called “Truths”), replies, and reposts (called “ReTruths”). Visually and functionally, it mirrors Twitter/X more than any other platform.

In essence, it’s a space built for an audience that felt other social media platforms had become too controlled or censored. Whether you agree or not isn’t the point here – the fact is, it built a digital community around a strong, clear message.

Who Uses It?

The platform is predominantly US-based, with a user base that leans heavily conservative in its political and cultural views. It’s not a mass-market tool in the way that Facebook or Instagram is, and it hasn’t gained much traction in the UK market.

Its reach is niche. While exact user numbers vary, it doesn’t boast the active daily usage that competitors like Twitter/X or TikTok do. For most UK SMEs, your audience probably isn’t hanging out here.

Is There Any Marketing Potential?

Let’s be honest: unless your brand specifically aligns with the platform’s ideological stance, Truth Social is unlikely to be part of your marketing strategy. But as a case study in marketing, it’s fascinating.

  • It identified a gap (or perceived one) in the social media landscape.
  • It crafted a bold, values-led message and built a platform around it.
  • It created immediate community buy-in, leveraging a loyal base who were looking for an alternative.

It’s not unlike how brands build niche communities – think of how Patagonia speaks to environmentalists, or how Gymshark speaks to fitness enthusiasts. The core principle is the same: find your tribe and speak directly to them.

Should UK SMEs Bother With It?

In short: probably not. The platform doesn’t yet offer significant reach, advertising options, or targeting capabilities for SMEs here in the UK. But knowing about it is still valuable – especially if a client ever asks, “Should we be on Truth Social?”

Your answer? “It depends on your brand, your audience, and your values. For most businesses, there are better places to build visibility.”

So What Can We Learn From Truth Social?

Even if your business won’t ever post a “Truth,” you can take a few lessons from the platform’s emergence:

  • Clear positioning wins attention. You don’t need to please everyone – just speak clearly to the people you want to reach.
  • Community is everything. People want to feel like they belong somewhere. Whether it’s a fitness brand, a skincare line, or a membership portal – you’re building more than a product, you’re building a community.
  • New platforms can pop up fast. Don’t get too comfortable. Social media evolves rapidly, and being nimble is key.

Final Thoughts

At Creationz Marketing, we help small businesses navigate the noisy world of digital marketing with clarity. Whether you’re wondering about Truth Social, Threads, or the next new thing – our job is to help you focus on what works for your business.

Want help crafting a smart, scalable social media strategy that fits your audience and goals? That’s what we’re here for.

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