2025 Wrapped – A little look back at the year
As 2025 comes to a close, I always enjoy taking a quiet moment to look back at the year. It’s something I do every December, and it’s honestly one of…
Today we’re turning the attention over to our Creative Director, April, as we reflect on and celebrate a pretty special year for Littlebigbox. There have been challenges, of course, and yet so much to be thankful for.
So, to keep up the tradition, we wanted to share some of the biggest moments, lessons and opportunities from the past twelve months through an interview with the heart of LBB, April.
April, it’s been quite a year, hasn’t it? Could you tell us about your biggest learning curve from 2021?
It really has been! So much has changed – all really wonderful things, but it’s definitely been a lot to process and get used to.
I think the biggest change was going limited. Obviously this was such a great move for the business – and something I was incredibly proud of – but I had been a sole trader for over 10 years, and some big adjustments were needed. There was a huge deal to learn and it also brought with it some limitations… Opportunities as well, but you know what it’s like… Change can be challenging!
I also had a few bad habits from 2020 that nudged their way into 2021; one of which being diary management. As work got busier and busier and my diary started to quickly fill up, I needed to find new ways to manage it correctly. Luckily, I had the privilege of working with some wonderful ladies – Kate of Cherry Blossom Management, Steph of Innovate + Thrive co and Amber of The Wild Wordsmith, who helped me get everything in order, alongside a seamless system that helped my business flow far better.
The social media blackouts also provided a surprising lesson… Namely, that I could no longer rely on social media for my marketing. Since then I have spread out my content marketing efforts in a more even way. Infact, if anything, social media is now the thing I focus the least on. And I’m happy about that!
Those sound like really valuable lessons – would you say that they’ve also fed into your biggest achievements?
Absolutely. Going limited in itself was a major achievement, and one that I believe is a testament to a decade of hard work and dedication.
The fact that I’ve decided to focus less on social media has also led to an exciting achievement. I actually took an entire month off of social media and it ended up being my most successful month yet! The majority of my clients during that period came through Google, which is super exciting. I’ve worked hard on my SEO and to boost my Google ranking, and it’s now paying off.
Speaking of which, we now have our own SEO specialist at Littlebigbox! It’s something I’ve wanted for such a long time, and it feels amazing that we now have a dedicated SEO expert to support our clients. It’s been a popular addition to my packages, and one that I look forward to expanding next year.
Ah yes, Graham! Such a brilliant member of the team. So, if we’re looking back at 2021, what would you love to keep hold of and bring with you into 2022?
Well, another successful year! 2021 started on the slower side – but, in hindsight, that was exactly what I needed. It gave me the time and headspace to work ‘on’ the business, and now things feel good, you know? The last quarter has been utterly bonkers, and I’m so grateful that my business is now in tip-top shape to manage that.
Speaking of which, I’m finally comfortable and confident with regards diary management. We’ve got an excellent system going and I definitely want to maintain that.
The final thing would have to be the business friendships and relationships that I’ve made. I’m part of a supportive and compassionate community of business owners – I’m not sure how I’d have made it through the past two years without them! I’ve loved being able to see them more in person these past few months. I’m hoping for lots of Christmas get-togethers!
Yes, they’re much needed! What about the things you want to leave in 2021?
Is it awful if I say Zoom meetings?! Don’t get me wrong, they are SO handy and have been a life saver during ‘you-know-what’, but I seriously missed face-to-face meetings.
You just can’t beat it. Getting together in a quaint coffee shop (there are tons of gorgeous ones near my office) and having a natter about their hopes and dreams for their business over tea and cake. My clients come from all around the UK, so this isn’t always possible but I’m taking advantage of the opportunities when we can meet up in real life.
We’d have to agree with you on that! When you look at the goals you had at the start of 2021, have they changed at all?
Some have, definitely. In particular where I want to channel my marketing efforts, as I mentioned before. I’ve actually found that my clients aren’t finding me through social media – so why put all of my eggs into that basket? I’m now spending far more time on blogs, LinkedIn, networking and SEO. It’s working in terms of lead generation, but also it feels more comfortable and aligned with my business values. So, it’s a win-win!
And if you had to sum up the year in one word?
Good question – it would have to be a toss up between CRAZY and MANIC! Can I have two?
Why not?! Finally, let’s look ahead. What are your plans for 2022?
Ooh, so many! I want to start getting back to face-to-face networking. I’ve still felt a little nervous to do so, but I miss it and so I want to push myself out of my comfort zone.
I’m also looking at a new team member… But that’s top secret, so watch this space!
In the meantime, I want to continue providing a great service to my current and new clients. I’ve invested a lot in my business to make this possible, and I’m looking forward to rolling out plans next year. I would also LOVE to move into a four day week with Fridays off. Check in on me in six months and see how I’m getting on with that one!
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