January allows most of us the chance to hit the reset button and reflect on changes we want to make in the New Year. Small business owners may take this opportunity to reflect on how their business performed and make changes to be more successful. Here are six areas to consider while you are building New Year’s resolutions for your small business.

 

Fresh New Website

Take a long look at your current website and consider these questions:

  • Is your website responsive? A responsive website adjusts based on an individual user’s device to provide an optimal viewing experience across screens.  

  • Does it pass the Google speed test? (You can test here for free)

  • Are the graphics and colors aesthetically pleasing?

  • Is the copy sharp and does it match your brand's voice?

  • Are your services clearly defined?

  • If you have an E-Commerce site, are your product pages filled with currently in-stock items?

  • Could you update your images?

If you answered yes to any of the questions, contact your web designer to discuss the changes you want to make. Graphic designers and web developers generally have full schedules, so it is better to go ahead and get a quote started and schedule the changes early in the New Year.

 

Stronger Social Media Presence

Why not resolve this year to tackle your social media presence once and for all? Create a calendar that shares three to four posts per week on the social media networks of your choice and takes a few hours out of your weekend to schedule posts in advance. Your efforts will go a long way in not only extending your relationship with your customers, but increasing online visibility for your business, which subsequently increase sales. Just don’t forget to keep an eye out each day for comments on your posts so you can personally respond and interact with the online community.  And don’t forget to promote your new website or website changes through social media!

 

More Networking and Serving Your Community

Joining networking groups like a BNI or your local Chamber of Commerce is a great start, and we recommend doing so, but the most significant relationship you should work on this year is the one with your community.

Serving the community that supports your business should be something you aim to do each year. Something as small as donating to the local baseball league fundraiser or buying Girl Scout cookies makes a difference and shows support for the families that shop with you. Be genuine in your actions, and you will find loyalty in your customer base.

 

Time Out

The most important event you can plan each year as a business owner is a vacation. Most entrepreneurs are so busy working on and in their businesses that they forget to take care of themselves. Recharge your spirit with a reasonable getaway and not only will you reap the many benefits, like a zestier attitude, but your business will also appreciate the reboot.  

 

Revisit Your Business Plan

What is all effort that you are putting into your business worth at the end of the day if you do not serve the original purpose?  Your mission statement represents what your business stands for to the community you serve, so it’s a good idea to revisit your business plan to make sure you are holding to your core values.

During this time of reflection, it’s a good idea to assess any changes or shifts from your plan in the previous year.  Did these changes improve your bottom line? This is also a great time to make sure you're keeping up with industry trends as well as any modern improvements from industry leaders.  

 

Consider your Staffing Needs

Do you have too many employees or not enough? Evaluate your staffing needs at the beginning of the year so that you can plan accordingly for better staffing during peak sales. Compare your notes from previous years and if you need to hire someone, go ahead and begin looking for an employee that would be a good fit.

 

Entering the New Year with a fresh set of eyes on your business goals is good for your small business. Building relationships with your customers is now more important than ever. Give your customers a reason to come into your store and connect online.