5 Signs It's Time to Outsource Your Social Media
Amelia Waller
Most business owners don't wake up one day and decide to outsource their social media. It's usually more of a slow build — a few missed weeks here, a nagging feeling there — until eventually something tips it over.
If you're wondering whether now's the time, here are five signs worth paying attention to.
1. Your last post was longer ago than you'd like to admit
Be honest — when did you last post? If you have to scroll to remember, your customers have probably noticed too. Gaps in posting don't just mean missed engagement; they can make a business look like it's gone quiet, or worse, closed.
This is one of the most common reasons businesses come to us. Not because they don't understand social media, but because keeping it consistent alongside actually running the business is a different skill — and a different time commitment — than most people expect.
2. You post when you remember, not on a plan
There's a big difference between posting something and posting with intent. If your content is reactive — "oh, I should probably post something" — rather than planned around what your customers actually want to see, you're likely getting a fraction of the value social media could be giving you.
A proper plan means knowing what you're posting and why, weeks in advance, rather than staring at a blank screen every few days trying to think of something.
3. You know it matters, but it's always the first thing to slip
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Social media rarely feels urgent in the moment — until a quiet month makes you wish you'd kept it up. It's easy for it to become the task that gets pushed to "tomorrow," week after week, simply because nothing else in the business stops for it.
If that sounds familiar, it's not a discipline problem. It's a sign that social media needs to be somebody's actual job, not a leftover task squeezed in between everything else.
4. You're posting, but nothing about it feels strategic
Maybe you are posting regularly, but you couldn't tell someone what it's actually achieving. No sense of what's working, what isn't, or why. That's a common gap — plenty of businesses are active on social media without ever really knowing if it's helping.
Good management isn't just about consistency; it's about looking at what's landing with your audience and using that to shape what comes next.
5. You'd rather pay someone you trust than half-do it yourself
This is often the real deciding factor. Not "can I learn to do this," but "do I actually want to spend my time doing it." Plenty of business owners are perfectly capable of managing their own social media — they just have better things to be doing with their hours.
If you've caught yourself thinking "I know I should be doing more with this, but I just don't have the time," that's usually the clearest sign of all.
What outsourcing actually looks like
Handing social media over doesn't mean losing control of your brand voice or having no say in what goes out. A good management service gets to know your business first, builds a plan around it, and keeps you in the loop — you shouldn't feel like you've lost visibility, just lost the burden of doing it yourself.
Recognise a few of these?
If two or three of these sound like your business right now, it's probably worth at least having a conversation about what management would look like for you — even if you're not sure you're ready to commit.
We manage social media for small businesses across the UK — creating the content, keeping things consistent, and reporting back in plain English rather than jargon.
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If you've started looking into getting your social media managed for you, you've probably noticed something quickly: nobody puts their prices on the website. That makes it hard to know if you're even in the right ballpark before you pick up the phone. So here's a straightforward answer, based on what small businesses in the UK are actually paying in 2026. The short answer For a small or medium business, ongoing social media management typically costs £250–£800 per month , depending on how much is included and how hands-on the agency or freelancer is. At the lower end, you're usually getting basic content creation and scheduling across one or two platforms. At the higher end, you're getting a fuller service — strategy, content creation, community management, reporting, and often some crossover into things like Google Business Profile, reviews, or email marketing. What affects the price How many platforms you're on Managing Instagram and Facebook together costs less than managing Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok, simply because each platform needs its own content style and posting rhythm. How much content is bespoke vs templated Branded graphics and captions written specifically for your business cost more than generic templated posts — but they also tend to perform better, because they don't look like everyone else's feed. Whether it includes strategy, or just posting Some cheaper packages are really just "we'll schedule what you send us." A proper management service should include planning what to post and why, not just publishing it. Reporting and check-ins Regular reporting and a monthly conversation about what's working takes time on the agency's side — and it's usually the difference between a service that just ticks along and one that actually improves month on month. Extras Blogging, SEO, reviews management, website upkeep and email marketing are often offered as add-ons rather than baked into the base price. Worth asking what's included versus optional before comparing two quotes side by side. What you should expect for your money Regardless of exact price, a decent management service should give you: Content that sounds like your business, not a generic template Consistent posting — no three-week gaps because things got busy A real point of contact, not a ticket queue Some form of reporting so you can see what's actually happening Room to adapt when you've got news, offers or something time-sensitive to share If a quote is a lot cheaper than everything else you've seen, it's worth asking exactly what's included — often it's the strategy and reporting side that gets cut first. Is it worth it compared to doing it yourself? That depends entirely on your time. If an hour of your time running the business is worth more than the monthly management fee, outsourcing usually pays for itself — especially once you factor in the learning curve of getting good at social media versus paying someone who already is. The businesses who get the most value out of management tend to be the ones who were either not posting consistently before, or posting but without much of a plan behind it. If that sounds familiar, it's usually a sign management would help more than a training course would. Where we sit At Social Media Academy, our social media management starts from £250 per month , scaling up depending on what's included — content creation, posting, reporting, and optional extras like website management, reviews, and email marketing if you want everything working together. We also offer training if you'd rather learn to do it yourself, or a middle-ground coaching option if you want to work through it alongside us. Not everyone wants the same level of hand-holding, so we shape it around what you actually need.
Your video thumbnail is your digital shop front. Learn how to create simple, eye-catching thumbnails that make local customers want to click and watch. Imagine spending two hours decorating a beautiful shop interior, stocking it with incredible products, and brewing fresh coffee for your visitors... but leaving the front door painted pitch black with no sign on it. Nobody would walk through the door, would they? That is exactly what happens when you post a video on YouTube, Facebook, or your website without a proper thumbnail . You’ve taken the time to film a great piece of video content, but because the preview image looks blurry, awkward, or boring, nobody ever clicks play. Let's fix that today. What is a Video Thumbnail? A thumbnail is simply the still picture that people see before they click play on a video. It’s the cover of your book, the sign over your shop door, and your very first impression. When someone searches for a business or scrolls through a feed, they look at two things before deciding to watch: The Thumbnail image (80% of the decision!) The Video title If your thumbnail is just a random frame of you with your eyes half-closed and your mouth open mid-word, people will keep scrolling. The 4 Golden Rules of a Clickable Thumbnail You don't need to be a graphic designer or spend hundreds on Photoshop to make thumbnails that work. You just need to follow four basic rules: 1. Put a Human Face On It Human beings are hardwired to look at other human faces. A thumbnail with a clear picture of your face—especially with an expressive emotion like a smile, a confused look, or a surprised face—will almost always get more clicks than a picture of a logo or a product on a shelf. 2. Use Big, Bold Text (3 to 5 Words MAX) Don't copy and paste your whole video title onto the image! Nobody can read tiny font on a small mobile phone screen. Bad Text: "In this video I am going to show you 5 ways to fix a leaking tap in your kitchen." Good Text: "Fix Leaking Taps Fast!" Keep the text huge, bold, and limited to 3–5 punchy words that highlight the main benefit. 3. High Contrast & Bright Colours Social media apps usually have dark or plain white backgrounds. To make your thumbnail pop out on a tiny phone screen, use bright, contrasting colours. Bright yellow, orange, green, or red text on a dark background stands out instantly. 4. Keep It Uncluttered Less is more. If you cram five photos, three logos, and two paragraphs of text onto a thumb-sized image, it just looks like a messy jumble. Keep it simple: One face, high contrast, big text. How to Create Great Thumbnails in 5 Minutes (For Free!) You don't need complex software. Tools like Canva (which has a completely free version) make creating thumbnails a breeze. Open Canva and search for "YouTube Thumbnail" or "Video Cover" . Pick a clean template you like. Replace the placeholder photo with a clear photo of yourself. Change the text to your short, 3-word title. Download it and upload it as the cover image when you post your video! Pro Tip: Take 30 seconds after you finish filming a video to pose for 2 or 3 thumbnail photos on your phone. Hold up a tool, point to the side, or make a friendly face while you're already in good lighting! The Bottom Line A great video with a terrible thumbnail will get zero views. An average video with a fantastic thumbnail will get hundreds of clicks. Give your videos the best chance of success by taking five extra minutes to create a bright, clear, human thumbnail. It’s one of the easiest small changes you can make to get more eyes on your business. Want to learn how to produce video content that actually brings in local leads? We teach independent business owners how to master social media, video, and AI tools without the tech overwhelm. Let’s jump on a quick, jargon-free call to see how we can help you grow!
Want more people to watch your business videos? Learn how to write simple, punchy video hooks that stop potential customers from scrolling past. We’ve all done it. You’re sitting on the sofa after a long day, flicking through Instagram Reels, TikTok, or Facebook, and your thumb is moving at a mile a minute. You swipe past dozens of videos in seconds. Why? Because within the first two or three seconds, your brain decides whether a video is worth your time or total rubbish. Your prospective customers are doing the exact same thing to your videos. You could have recorded the best piece of advice in the world, but if the start of your video is slow, boring, or waffle-heavy, nobody will ever stick around to hear it. That is why you need a hook. What on Earth is a Video Hook? A hook is simply the very first sentence (or visual moment) of your video. Its only job is to stop that scrolling thumb in its tracks and make the viewer think, "Ooh, hang on, this is for me." Think of it like a newspaper headline or a shop window display. It’s the hook that buys you the next 30 seconds of their attention. The NUMBER 1 Mistake Small Businesses Make Most business owners start their videos like this: "Hello everyone! Welcome back to my page. My name is John, and today I wanted to have a quick chat with you about..." STOP right there! By the time you’ve said "Hello everyone," they’ve already scrolled past to a video of a dog riding a skateboard. People on social media don't care who you are yet—they care about what you can do for them . Ditch the polite intros and get straight to the point. 4 Easy Hook Formulas You Can Use Today You don't need a fancy script or a Hollywood setup. Just pick one of these four straightforward ways to open your next video: 1. The "Stop Doing This" Hook (The Warning) Example for a Plumber: "Stop ignoring that slow-draining sink before it costs you £500!" Why it works: People hate losing money or making mistakes. It triggers instant curiosity. 2. The Direct Question (The Problem Solver) Example for a Fitness Coach: "Struggling to find 20 minutes for a workout when you've got kids running wild?" Why it works: If the viewer fits that exact description, they’ll immediately think, "Yes, that's me!" 3. The "How To" Shortcut (The Quick Win) Example for an Accountant: "Here’s the single easiest way to track your business mileage without drowning in receipts." Why it works: It promises a fast solution to a annoying job. 4. The Bold Statement (The Pattern Interrupt) Example for a Hairdresser: "Most people are washing their hair completely wrong. Here’s why." Why it works: It challenges what they think they know and makes them want to check if they're doing it wrong. Why Hooks Matter for Social Media Algorithms Here’s the insider secret: social media algorithms (like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok) love one thing above all else— watch time . If people watch your video for more than 5 seconds instead of flicking past instantly, the algorithm thinks, "Ah, this is a good video!" and shows it to even more local people. A great hook doesn't just grab viewers—it forces the platform to give you free reach! Your Action Plan for Next Time You Hit Record Write your hook first. Decide the exact sentence you'll say before you start filming. Cut the waffle. No intro, no "How are we all doing today?". Jump straight into the action. Say it with energy. Smile, speak up, and look directly at the camera lens, not at yourself on the screen. Keep it punchy, get straight to the value, and watch your video views take off! Struggling to figure out what to say in your videos? At Social Media Academy, we help local business owners get confident on camera and create simple video strategies that turn views into enquiries. Let’s have a friendly chat about how we can help you build your business!
It's 6am in Chiang Mai. The air is still cool, the coffee is strong, and the UK is fast asleep. I have seven hours of pure, uninterrupted work ahead of me. No emails. No WhatsApp pings. No 'quick questions'. Just me, a laptop, and the best working hours of my life. I've been doing this for twelve years now. Working whilst travelling. And in all that time, the single biggest productivity advantage I've found — bigger than any app, any system, any morning routine — is the time difference. The maths of it When I'm in Southeast Asia, I'm typically six or seven hours ahead of the UK. So when my alarm goes off at 5.30am, it's 10.30pm back home. Nobody is emailing me. Nobody is expecting a reply. The WhatsApp groups have gone quiet. The world, as far as my clients are concerned, is sleeping. By the time someone in Manchester picks up their phone at 8am, I've already done four hours of focused, deep work. I've written content, reviewed proposals, planned campaigns, and had two cups of coffee. I'm ready for the day. They're just starting theirs. What those seven hours actually feel like I want to be honest about this — the first hour can be slow. Especially if I've been out the night before. But once you're in it, those early hours have a quality to them that I've never been able to replicate during a standard UK working day. There's no cognitive load from other people's urgency. Nobody needs something. Nothing has gone wrong yet. It's just you and the work. And when that work is the kind of thinking work that actually moves a business forward — strategy, content, planning — that uninterrupted space is worth more than almost anything else I can think of. The flip side Yes, by early-afternoon local time, the UK is fully awake and expecting things. Client calls, questions, the usual flow of a working day. That's fine. I handle those in what feels like my early afternoon, even though it's breakfast time back home. But by 5pm local time — 10am in the UK — I'm done. And I've done more in that day than I ever managed sitting in an office in Southport wondering what to have for lunch. I've spent twenty years in digital marketing and twelve of them working this way. People sometimes ask me what my secret is. The honest answer? I woke up earlier than everyone else, in a timezone where that meant something.
As a business owner, you’re often expected to wear all the hats. You’re the visionary, the manager, the salesperson, and the person who makes sure the bills are paid. But the truth is, most of us naturally fall into one of three categories: Starters , Maintainers , and Finishers . In the AI Academy , we’re big believers that order leads to growth . Knowing your type is the first step in building a business that doesn't just survive but thrives. Here’s a quick breakdown of what each one looks like. 1. The Starter (The Visionary) Starters are the ones who are good at going from zero to one . You’re an "idea guy," a visionary who loves the thrill of something new. The Strength: You can see the big picture and aren't afraid to take that first step. The Challenge: You might struggle with the day-to-day "admin" once the initial excitement wears off. This is where "time-leaks" often start. 2. The Maintainer Maintainers are the backbone of any successful business. You’re the one who keeps the wheels turning and ensures that the systems are working as they should. The Strength: You’re great at consistency and making sure that the quality remains high over the long term. The Challenge: You might find it hard to pivot or come up with new, groundbreaking ideas. 3. The Finisher Finishers are the ones who get things across the finish line. You’re detail-oriented and focused on the end goal. The Strength: You ensure that projects are completed and that nothing is left half-done. The Challenge: You might be so focused on the end result that you miss some of the creative opportunities along the way. Why It Matters for Your Legacy Whatever type you are, the goal is to build a business that can eventually run without you—a "turnkey" legacy for the future. If you're a Starter , you need systems and automation to handle the maintenance. If you're a Maintainer , you need a visionary partner or tool to help you stay ahead of the curve. If you're a Finisher , you need a solid foundation to work from. Want to learn more about how to leverage your strengths and automate the rest? Join us for an AI Foundations Workshop at The Arch in Southport . We’ll show you how to use AI to fill the gaps in your business and keep you focused on what you do best.
Your Social Media Checklist: Let's Get This Done! This list is all about building strong habits quickly. Forget the technical jargon—we're focusing on actions that get results. Just be consistent, and you'll see the difference! Facebook Every Day (Quick Hit) Post Time: Get your main post out early (around 7 am ) or later (around 7 pm ). Pick one that suits your audience. Share to Stories: Pop your new post onto your Stories too. More eyes, simple. Check Ins: Clear all notifications and messages . Respond straight away—enquiries can't wait! Watch Stories: Have a quick flick through stories from other businesses and friends. Like a few to show you’re around. Quick Win: Wish happy birthday to anyone popping up on your profile. It's a nice touch. Once a Week (Deep Dive) Be a Social Butterfly: Visit your chosen main groups . Find six posts that interest you and jump into the conversation. A genuine comment or share keeps your name visible. Numbers Check: Check your analytics . Find out which post got the most attention and stick the numbers in your tracking sheet. Learn what works! Twitter Every Day (Quick Hit) Post Time: Get your thought or link out early or late. Check Ins: Clear notifications and messages . Quick replies only! Grow the List: Follow 10 new people you'd genuinely like as customers or contacts. Add the best ones straight to your special lists. Engage the Network: Quickly check your lists. Like a few posts or Retweet with a quick comment to make sure they know you're listening. Once a Week (Deep Dive) Find Leads: Use the search bar to look up your own business keywords (e.g., "needs a plumber"). You might find someone looking for help right now! Network: Spend time connecting (or 'schmoozing') with members of your lists. A quick, friendly comment goes a long way. Numbers Check: Check your analytics . See what time your posts flew and add the figures to your sheet. Instagram Every Day (Quick Hit) Post Time: Get your beautiful visual content out there. Story Loop: Share your new post to your Stories . If it’s something really good, save it as a Highlight on your profile so it doesn’t disappear. Check Ins: Clear notifications and messages . Be Seen: Scroll your main feed and interact with six posts . A like and a quick comment makes sure you stay in people’s minds. Grow the Following: Follow 10 new accounts that fit your ideal customer profile. Once a Week (Deep Dive) Numbers Check: Check your analytics . Which photo or Reel got the most love? Note down the key figures. LinkedIn Every Day (Quick Hit) Post Time: Share something professional or insightful about your industry. Check Ins: Clear notifications and messages . Quick Win: Wish happy birthday to anyone in your network. It's a professional way to keep contact. Once a Week (Deep Dive) Join the Chat: Visit your chosen industry groups . Don't just lurk—leave a thoughtful comment or share your expertise in a conversation. Getting noticed here can lead to great business connections. Numbers Check: Check your analytics . See who’s viewing your profile or posts and log the details. Google Business Profile Every Day (Quick Check) Review Check: Quickly check for new reviews . 3 Times a Week (Post/Update) Do Updates: Share a new update on your profile. This is great for local searches and could be a special offer, a new photo of your work, or a link to your latest blog post. Once a Week (Admin) Respond to Reviews: Respond to ALL reviews you received that week. Thank the positive ones and professionally address any negative ones. Check Details: Double-check your opening hours and details are totally correct, especially for things like upcoming bank holidays.
Get Ready, Merseyside! Google 'Ask Maps' is Coming to Change How Customers Find You
If you're running a small business, you already know the feeling. You know you should be posting. You've got things to say. But by the time you've dealt with everything else in the day, sitting down to write a Facebook post feels like the last thing you've got energy for. So you either rush something out that doesn't really represent you — or you don't post at all. And then you feel guilty about it for the rest of the week. I've heard this from almost every client I've worked with over the past 17 years. And the good news is, AI has genuinely changed this. AI won't replace your voice — it'll help you use it more This is the thing I always say first, because people worry about it. AI doesn't write your content for you in a robotic, copy-paste way. Used properly, it helps you get your ideas out of your head and into posts — in your voice, for your audience, consistently. Think of it like having a very patient assistant who never gets tired of helping you write captions, come up with ideas, or turn a one-line thought into a proper post. What AI can actually do for your social media Here's what my clients use it for every week: 📝 Writing captions from bullet points you've scribbled down 💡 Generating 10 post ideas from a single topic 🔄 Turning one piece of content into posts for different platforms 📅 Planning a month's worth of content in one sitting ✏️ Rewriting a post that felt flat into something you'd actually want to share None of this requires any technical knowledge. It just requires knowing how to ask. Which AI tool should you use? I teach two tools, and which one I'd point you to depends on where you're at. If you're already using Google for your business — Gmail, Google Docs, Drive — then Gemini is the natural starting point. It's built into the tools you use every day, it's easy to get going with, and it's brilliant for quick content tasks. If you want to go further — building a consistent content strategy, setting up templates that work every time, getting AI that really understands your business — then Claude is the next step. It's what I use for the heavier work, and it's what I teach to clients who want AI genuinely embedded in how they run things. Most people start with one and naturally move to both. What about the time it takes to learn? This is where I come in. You could watch YouTube videos for weeks and still not know what's right for your specific business, your audience, or your area. What I do is cut straight to what's relevant for you — and show you how to use it in a way that fits around your day, not takes it over. Whether that's a workshop, a one-to-one programme, or having me set everything up for you — there's an option that suits how you work. Ready to stop dreading the posting? Start with a free discovery call. We'll talk about where you're at, what's getting in the way, and exactly what would help. No jargon. No commitment. Just a conversation.
I’ve been running my own networking events in Liverpool for over seven years now. If there is one thing I’ve learned in all that time, it’s that business isn't just about algorithms and automation—it’s about people. A lot of folk get "time blindness" when it comes to networking. They think if they don't walk out with a signed contract in twenty minutes, it’s been a waste of a morning. But that’s a massive "time-leak" in your thinking. Here’s my no-nonsense take on how to do networking right so it actually grows your business and your legacy. 1. Play the Long Game (Perseverance) Networking is like building a web—you don't just throw one string and hope it catches a fly. You’ve got to persevere. The Advice: Don't just go once and give up. Go to as many events as you can. The Goal: You’re looking for a group where you feel comfortable. Once you find it, keep showing up. Reliability is the foundation of trust. 2. Ditch the "Sales Pitch" The biggest mistake people make? Walking into a room with the sole intention of selling. It’s like trying to bake a cake in five seconds—you’ll just end up with a mess. The Shift: Go there with the intention of meeting people , not hitting targets. The Reality: Unless you’re incredibly lucky, nobody is standing there waiting to buy your services the exact second you walk in. If you push too hard, you’ll just push people away. 3. Focus on Relationships, Not Records In the AI Academy , we love systems, but you can't automate a handshake. The real value of networking comes from building genuine relationships with other business owners. Referral Power: When you know, like, and trust someone, you naturally want to refer people to them. The "Turnkey" Effect: Eventually, those referrals start coming back your way. It becomes a self-sustaining system of growth that doesn't require you to be "on" 24/7.~ The Bottom Line: Order in Your Connections Networking shouldn't be a distraction; it should be a pillar of your growth. It’s about building a community that supports your vision and your family’s future. Want to chat more about how to balance the "human" side of marketing with the latest AI tools? Come and grab a brew with us at The Arch in Southport . We’re helping business owners bridge the gap between traditional networking and modern automation every single day.
We’ve all been there. You want to start making videos for your business, but you look at the price of cameras and suddenly "time blindness" kicks in. You tell yourself you’ll do it next month when you have more cash, and before you know it, another quarter has slipped by. At the AI Academy , we’re big believers that order leads to growth . You don't need a Hollywood budget to look like an expert. In fact, you can set up a "turnkey" studio for under £100 using the phone that's already in your pocket. Here is the simple, no-jargon breakdown to get you recording today. 1. StabiliSation: Stop the "Shaky Cam" If your video is wobbly, people will switch off faster than you can say "SEO." A simple tripod is your best friend here. The Fix: Grab a basic 62-inch tripod . It’s like a solid pair of shoes for your phone—it keeps everything steady and professional. Pro Tip: Set the phone at eye level . Shooting from too high or too low feels "off" to the viewer. Eye level builds trust and keeps things relatable. 2. Lighting: The Secret Sauce You could have the most expensive camera in the world, but with bad lighting, you’ll still look like you’re filming in a basement. The Key Light: Place one LED panel (or even a bright lamp) just to the side of your camera, slightly above eye level. This is your "Main Event." The Hair Light: If you have a second light, put it behind you on the opposite side. This creates depth . Without it, you look "flat" against the background. Think of it like adding a 3D effect to your video. The "Natural" Look: Set your lights to a "neutral" or "white" setting. It’s the most flattering for skin tones and keeps you looking sharp. 3. Audio: Don't Let Bad Sound Ruin Your Vibe People will forgive a slightly fuzzy video, but they will not tolerate bad sound. If you sound like you’re underwater, your message is lost. The Wireless Mic: A small clip-on wireless mic (like the Hollyland Lark ) is a game-changer. It plugs straight into your phone. Consistency is Key: Whether you’re leaning in or standing back, your voice stays at the same volume. No more "time-leaks" spent trying to fix quiet audio in editing! 4. The "Pro" Hack: Use the Back Camera Your phone’s "selfie" camera is okay, but the ones on the back are usually much higher quality. The Struggle: It’s hard to see if you’re in the frame when the screen is facing away from you. The Fix: If you have a smartwatch, you can often use it as a remote viewfinder. If not, just use the selfie camera for now—it's better to just press record than to faff around and never start. Why This Matters for Your Business When you have a set-up that’s easy to use, you eliminate the "manual admin" of setting up and tearing down a complex studio. You can just walk in, clip on your mic, and start sharing your expertise. Order. Growth. Legacy. That’s what we’re building. If you want to see how we use these types of setups to automate our marketing at the AI Academy , pop into Suite G at The Arch in Southport . We’ll show you the ropes—no tech-speak, just results.