Every year we talk about getting ready for the next year like someone is going to flip a switch and all of a sudden it is going to be a new year, fresh start, clean slate… The reality is, when the first seconds of the day happen on January 1st, the fresh start isn’t a magical reset. It is whatever you make of it.
On December 5th, Canadian Small Business Women had a workshop about planning for 2021. So how do you make the most out of the new year when it comes to your 2021 marketing? Consider these five things:
Resolutions don’t have to happen at the beginning of a year
You should be setting goals throughout the year. Period. If the new year allows you to be more specific with your timelines, then great! But remember that you have the whole year to accomplish what you need to accomplish.
You have to look back to move forward
The successes (and failures) you had throughout the previous year should help to shape your marketing strategy moving forward. If you didn’t have the proper tracking in place throughout the year, perhaps it’s time to think about tracking your 2021 marketing success so you can use what you learn for the following year (I know, it seems crazy to think THAT far ahead, but here we are…).
Your mindset will affect your marketing
How you approach building your strategy will have a profound effect on the outcomes you achieve throughout the year. You have to look past your product or service offering to see the story behind what it is you have to offer.
Think bigger and better
What is the point if you aren’t focused on doing things better next year? If you want to grow your business, then you need to try new things and step out of your comfort zone. If things have worked in the past, that is great, but you should always think about what happens next and how can you freshen up your approach.
Find the efficiencies in your marketing strategy
If you are a small business owner, chances are you are wearing multiple hats. Most entrepreneurs I work with feel overwhelmed by everything that has to get done on a day-to-day basis let alone putting together a full strategy that outlines the big picture of where and how you will get your goals accomplished. What will help is to figure out how all of your marketing tactics fit together so you can find efficiencies. For example, find ways you can repurpose content across multiple channels creatively.
While New Year’s doesn’t have to be the only time you set goals for your business, it is a good reminder that you need to start somewhere. If you aren’t sure how to take your 2021 marketing to the next level, check out the workshop replay in the CSBW Shop!
Candace Huntly is Founding Partner at SongBird Marketing Communications, an award-winning agency working to take organizational and individual brands to the next level. With a passion for all things related to creativity and strategy, she specializes in business intelligence, marketing & branding, content strategy & development, media & influencer relations, and social media. Basically, if you need to put your brand, product, or cause in the public eye, she will find a way to do it, while making the approach unique to you.
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A version of this article was originally posted to the SongBird Marketing Communications blog.
