6 Things You Gotta Do If You Don’t Want Your Business to Crash and Burn in 2025

Let’s face it, running a business is tough, but not doing these six things is basically like hitting the self-destruct button. So, if you don’t want your business to go poof in 2025, here’s what you need to be doing yesterday.

1. Google My Business (GMB) Profile – Your Free Ticket to Fame

Look, if your business isn't on Google My Business (GMB), does it even exist? Claim your profile, or Google will slap together some Frankenstein version of your business that’s probably outdated and embarrassing. Imagine someone searching for you and finding out you're closed on Tuesdays (when you're definitely not). The internet doesn’t sleep, and neither does Google. So get that listing locked down and keep it accurate unless you want your competitors to enjoy your traffic.

2. Facebook Business Page – Yes, Even If You Hate Facebook

Okay, we get it. You don’t “do” Facebook. But guess what? Google does care. In fact, Google sees your Facebook followers like popularity points. The more followers, the more your business looks like a big deal. So, even if your cat has more Facebook fans than your business, it’s time to make a Business Page. Plus, it’s free—what’s not to love? And please, for the love of all things digital, sync up your info with the rest of the internet. Don’t confuse Google. It’s cranky when confused.

3. Instagram – Not Just for Influencers

Instagram isn’t just for food bloggers and people who post an embarrassing number of selfies. It’s a visual goldmine if you’re in the right biz. Landscapers, beauticians, restaurants—get on it! Sure, lawyers and accountants may not be ‘gramming their latest spreadsheet, but if your business has any visual element, Instagram’s your jam. Plus, Meta (Facebook’s cooler cousin) owns Insta, so it’s like getting double points for the same effort. Oh, and bonus: millennials and Gen Z still hang out here, so you can charm your next wave of customers while they scroll.

4. A Website – Seriously, You Still Don’t Have One?!

It’s 2024, and if you still don’t have a website, where have you been? The internet is the marketplace now, and your website is your front door. And guess what? Websites are stupid easy to make these days. If you can order coffee from your phone, you can build a site. (Hello, drag-and-drop editors!) No website = no Google love. Don’t let your competitors be the only ones in the game. Get a site. Now.

5. Google Analytics – Spy on Your Visitors (But Not in a Creepy Way)

Okay, Google Analytics sounds super techy, but trust me, it’s easier than figuring out your kids' math homework. With it, you get to peek behind the curtain and see who’s visiting your website, where they’re from, and what they’re up to. It’s like becoming a mind reader for your business. Want to know why you’ve had 1,000 visits from Boise, Idaho? Now you can! Most website hosts have easy ways to integrate it, so no, you don’t have to be a coding genius.

6. Lead Magnet – Because Who Doesn’t Love Free Stuff?

Lead magnets are magic. Basically, you offer something cool for free (an eBook, a discount, maybe a free llama with every purchase—your call) in exchange for someone’s email. This is how you turn window shoppers into paying customers. You’ve already got people on your site; don’t let them leave without giving you something back! Plus, once you have their info, they’re in your sales funnel. Nurture that lead, and voila, you’ve got yourself a future customer.

Bottom line: businesses are made up of complex systems (and sometimes mild chaos), but if you nail these six things, you’ll be scaling your business like a boss. Trust me, the future you will thank you