For most people, the new year signals a time of change. It’s a fresh set of calendar pages, a blank slate, a chance to start over – or at least improve on what you’ve got. Most people use this time of year to concentrate on their personal goals. But as a small business owner, you’re not most people. For you, January is the time to hit the ground running , and we’ve got the small business marketing tips to help you start 2015 off on the right foot.
1. Resolve to get over the slump.
The Times Square ball has dropped, the celebratory fireworks have (mostly) ended, and many businesses have entered a post-holiday slump that often lasts until spring. However, this downtime doesn’t mean you should resign yourself to three months of sluggish sales and red ink. Instead, adopt a new marketing campaign, have a blowout sale or start developing some new products or services. The post-holiday season may seem stagnant, but your bottom line doesn’t need to follow suit. In fact, depending on your line of business, starting a new initiative in the throes of the doldrums might even help your customers get through the winter months.
2. Find new cohorts.
Use this time to seek out and establish new partnerships that will help you and your small business succeed. Whether you’re a startup landscaping service partnering with an established nursery or an up-and-coming bakery making friends with a longtime chocolatier, there’s success and profit in numbers! Plus, these new friendships might help you secure discounts on supplies or drive new customers to your small business.
3. Make sure your small business marketing is working for you!
It’s fine to replicate what helped your small business succeed last year. But there’s no reason to keep throwing marketing dollars at a strategy that just isn’t working for you.
Take a good, hard look at your ROI this January. If you’re not getting results, it’s time to change it up. Don’t stick with something, such as a boring newsletter or stale website, just because its what you’ve always done. There tons of ways to marketing your small business – resolve to find the ones that work best for your company this year.
It takes time to make a small business successful. We know that as well as anyone. After all, we’ve spent plenty of time helping clients achieve their marketing goals – even during slow times. If you’re looking to make 2015 your superlative year, we’re always happy to help – just drop us a line! Happy New Year!