We can all agree that some things need to stay in 2020. Out with the old and in with the new. It’s 2021 people, and it’s time for your small business to have a breath of fresh air. Let’s give our small businesses more than one major Spring Cleaning a year. Why not do it twice a year or even more. There’s always ways to improve your business. I’m sure you’ve caught onto that by now. Raise your hands and say “I” if you think it’s time to put on the latex gloves and clorox your small business. Now let’s get down and dirty.
Dust Off Your Website
It’s really easy to let your website check-list fall through the cracks especially if you have consistent business. But allowing the updates and edits to get dusty can outdate your website easier than you think as website capabilities are constantly evolving. Next thing you know, your website will be the 90’s version of your competitors and be damaging to your brand. If you don’t have much knowledge in website design, hire someone for a few hundred dollars to get it done. In the grand scheme of things, it’s a small price to pay for the outcome of having an updated and aesthetically pleasing website.
Update Your Marketing Strategies
Like website software, marketing strategies are constantly evolving. New marketing trends are popping up every week and although some of them may be out of touch with your brand, it’s smart to stay up to date as it can help you brainstorm for more on brand materials. On that note, invest in your social media! I know it seems menial for a small business but instagram is the first place clients look these days. If knowledge is what’s stopping you from social media, take some classes with General Assembly. Their courses are extremely informative and even fun, plus they offer a ton of different courses from anywhere from digital display to data analysis. They are in person and virtual classes available. It’s also a great reason to get your employees brainstorming and learning together.
Declutter EvErYtHiNg
Bye bye terrifying desktop and disorganized inbox!! It may seem like a pain that isn’t necessarily ugent, but cleaning out your inbox will help your communication methods seem much more manageable. You may also come across passed follow ups that can strike up a conversation and lead to something bigger. If it’s too dreadful, hire someone else with over the top organization skills. You’ll be surprised with the methods people come up with these days. If you don’t already have a master contact list, now is the time to start. Maybe start with cleaning your office first to get into the declutter zone. Once you start it’s hard to stop. The outcome is too satisfying! I bet the back of your printer has not been dusted in years!!
I know we all dread chores. It’s human nature. But these simple time consuming clean out methods can help refresh your small business which after the year we had, your business needs it. Take it one step at a time. Dedicate one week or even a whole month to a task. This will also help your morale as a small business owner. Complacency can affect you and your employees more than you think or want it to. Reach for the goals!