If you’re anything like us, your resolution to hit the gym three times a week is going to fizzle out by mid-February. But when it comes to your business, there are a few resolutions you should work hard to keep.
1 | Take a fresh look at your brand.
What are the values and experiences that define your brand, and are they still relevant to the actual values and experiences you’re hoping to embody? Just as importantly, are they still relevant to what consumers want from a company in your space? If your most recent brand update happened a few years ago — or in reaction to a market trend that might no longer be current — the new year is the perfect time to make a fresh start.
2 | Find new ways to drive traffic to your website.
Like it or not, the virtual world is the face of your company for just about everyone, so if people aren’t visiting your website, your business will struggle. If you have low web traffic in general, look into ways to improve your SEO. (Depending on who built your site, free resources may be available to help with this.) If you don’t get a lot of repeat visitors, consider finding new and better reasons for people to check out your site — such as special sales and offers or a blog with regularly updated content that’s relevant to your industry.
3 | Check your email strategy.
Email marketing is one of the most effective items in your branding toolbox, so you want to make sure it’s working for you. Just a few things to consider: segmenting your email lists (for example by age) to ensure everyone on your list gets the most relevant information; checking your email design to ensure it displays properly on mobile; and adjusting your schedule to hit people when they’re most likely to be scrolling through personal emails, such as just before business hours.
4 | Scan your website for necessary updates.
Is the mission statement on your website up to date? Do staff bios and photos need to be added or removed? Do all the hyperlinks work? The start of the year is a great time to go over your website with a fine-tooth comb. If you’re worried you’ll miss things, ask a trusted friend with business acumen to look the site over for you and offer feedback.
5 | Capitalize on other people’s New Year’s resolutions.
Yes, we’ve come full circle with this one. Consider the most common New Year’s resolutions people make: get healthy. Plan ahead. Save money. Be more creative. Learn new things. Whatever product or service you sell, it’s bound to be relevant to at least one of those! So when you plan your next email campaign, make sure to capitalize on that fact.
Want to reach more people and build your business? You’ll need a solid digital and print communication strategy. Luckily, Today Media Custom Communications can help! Email newbusiness@todaymediacustom.com to start the conversation.
