The New Year is a great time to take a step back and look at some big picture components of your business, like marketing. As 2015 winds down, examine your company’s marketing strategy and how you can improve your marketing efforts in 2016.
Is your website mobile-friendly?
Mobile is huge, there is no arguing about this one. As people use mobile devices more and more to find information, the importance of having a mobile-friendly website just keeps growing. If your website isn’t mobile-friendly yet, put this at the top of your to-do list for the New Year.
Are your online listings accurate?
Google, Yelp, Bing, Yahoo, Yellow Pages, Manta…the list of online directories goes on and on. You might not even be aware that your business is in some of the directories. Do an online search of your business, see what directories it is already listed in, and review if any of the listing details are inaccurate. If a directory is missing your business, go ahead and get it listed.
Are you using the right social media channels for your business?
There are many social media channels – Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, etc. – but you don’t necessarily need to be using every single one. Find out which channels your target market is using and then focus your efforts there.
Are you executing an effective email marketing plan?
Email marketing is an excellent marketing tool. Build your contact list (through your website, social media, at events, at point-of-purchase, etc.), create an email template, and send an email blast out at least once a month to stay in front of your contacts and keep them in the loop as to what is going on at your business.
Is your marketing collateral up-to-date and do you have enough in-stock?
Now is the time to review your business cards, brochures, rack cards, etc. to make sure the information is up-to-date and accurate. It’s also a great time to make sure you have enough of these materials in-stock so that you can hit the ground running in 2016.
Do you have consistent branding across all marketing assets?
Branding is really important. You want your brand to stick in people’s minds so that when they see it, they recognize it and know it. Check all of your marketing assets (website, social media profiles, email template, business cards, brochures, rack cards, envelopes, letterhead, etc.) to make sure the brand elements (logo, colors, slogan, font style, etc.) are consistent.
If you feel your business is lagging in any of these areas, now is the time to fix it. What are you waiting for, Christmas?
