3 Action Items to Prepare Your Business for 2020
We’re less than 60 days away from a new year and a new decade, as it's going to be 2020! This is a good time of year to sit down, set strategic intentions, and reflect on business goals and long-term success. To help you think about how you want to take your business to the next level, we’ve brainstormed a few ways to kickstart the growth process! Plus, be sure to read all the way to the end to learn about our current promotion for 2020 projects.
Action Item #1: Take Stock of Your Website with an Audit
When was the last time you gave your website a thorough review? Chances are, not recently. It’s easy to overlook this crucial step, especially if you a) have a website and/or b) get uncomfortable every time you think of taking on a website update, but SEO experts say that most business owners don’t update their websites often enough.
Here’s the thing, though: a website isn’t meant to be a static entity. They are tools that are meant to evolve and flex; Google hates websites that are evergreen and never-changing. A website audit can help you assess trouble spots that might hinder your website's current performance or dampen your user experience. They give you valuable insight into your website's traffic ranking, bounce rates, and UX. Sometimes, a small tweak can make a big impact. Your report can also help you create new online marketing strategies that drive more traffic to your site and convert more leads.
Your website has more value than you might think. What if we said it could be worth more than 2-3 times your annual net profit? There is massive potential for growth, and your website can either help or hamper that trajectory. The value of your website can and should add to the value of your business, so that you increase not only site traffic, but email subscribers, and yes, your social media presence.
When you plan your website audit, take the time to look at every page, image, and word on your website. It’s crucial that websites are written properly and that all links and buttons work to improve your user’s experience. Don’t think you can hide behind an outdated site, either; things like old copyright dates, outdated blog posts, and vague content can be a dead giveaway that a site is covered in cobwebs. If your website hasn’t been updated in months or—dare we say—years, your audience might assume you’re no longer in business. The good news is that there are simple changes you can make to not only update your website but increase your SEO results so your customers can easily find you.
Audits don’t have to be scary, but if you’d like some help, we’re happy to review your website and offer suggestions for improvement.
Action Item #2: Grow Your Audience and Generate More Leads with a Lead Magnet
If your website doesn’t have a lead magnet, make this a top priority for your 2020 to-do list. Over the past two decades, social media has seized the online advertising space; daily, Americans spend an average of 6 hours and 31 minutes on the internet. Phew! With that fact in mind, let’s all take a break to get some fresh air outside (after you read this article)!
In order to cut through the noise online, your brand must have something drive traffic to your site and then capture their attention once your visitors arrive.
These marketing tools are often referred to as lead magnets, opt-ins, freebies, or content upgrades. A lead magnet can help you build brand awareness, generate more leads, and establish trust with your customer audience.
Suggested Ideas for a Lead Magnet
PDF Tipsheets
Coupons
Templates
Ebook
Informational Videos and Trainings
Worksheets
Tutorials
There are so many lead magnet options, but whatever you create, make sure it’s specifically designed with your target customer audience in mind. Need help determining your customer audience? Review this blog post that dives into the subject.
Remember, a lead magnet is for generating leads—so you’ll have to develop a streamlined system that allows you to stay in touch and nurture this new relationship with your prospective customer.
Action Item #3: Freshen Your Brand’s Look & Feel with a Rebrand
As you review your brand, where do you see it heading next year, or 5 years down the road? Have you recently added a new offering, or are you preparing to celebrate your tenth year of being in business? Unfortunately, brands can go out of style, just like plaid and polka dots fade in and out. This doesn’t mean you need to do a complete brand overhaul, but you might consider updating pieces of your brand from time-to-time.
Two components of rebranding that make a big impact: updating your logo and brand assets, and refreshing your tagline and messaging. These are essential steps to take to get your company more recognition both online and offline.
A few questions to think about before taking this step:
Does your logo still represent who you are?
Is your copy directed towards the audience you are trying to reach?
What are you trying to accomplish with your business?
Not sure how to take your brand to the next level? Our branding experts are here to help.
With these suggested action items, you can feel more prepared for positive change in your business, whether it’s a simple website update or a full brand refresh—and you can start out strong in 2020! If you’re reading this and your to-do list seems to be growing too quickly, reach out, we’d be happy to take a pesky project off your plate. As you head into the holidays, we’ll make sure you can rest easy knowing your brand will be in tip-top shape for the new year.
What’s your key takeaway from this post? What will you implement for this coming year?
Share in the comments!
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Don’t delay your branding projects—with every month and year that goes by, your branding and messaging can get more and more outdated and irrelevant.
Starting is a step in the right direction.
