Our first three resolutions provided great advice to improve your business. Our final three business resolutions for 2010 will further help you position your business to compete to win new opportunities and satisfy more customers:
In case you missed 2010 resolutions 1-3, click here.
#4 Refresh Your Website - Many small businesses are guilty of having static websites. (FYI a static website is one that you put up a while ago, let's say more than a year ago and you have not added one new update or change) Your search engine optimization is dependent on your website having FRESH and RELEVANT content. Work with your webmaster to post new information to your site. Or you purchase software like Adobe Contribute CS4 - Fullthat will allow you to update the website on your own with ease.
#5 Differentiate with Superior Customer Service - Great customer service is the BEST PR and MARKETING you can do for your business. Even if you think your customer service is stellar, do something to add to it. Make sure you train employees to provide the best customer service possible. If you are in a service oriented business, have your representatives call your customers long after your work is done to make sure they are satisfied. If you have a retail business, do something extra for your customers when they visit your location. I can't talk enough about my dry cleaner who brings my clothes to my car for me each time. His customer service is why I drive out of town to patronize his business.
#6 Advertise Online - You might hear people talking about search engine marketing or SEM. SEM can tremendously increase the visibility of your website in search engines. You can invest whatever amount of money in SEM that your business can afford. For instance, Yahoo! Sponsored Search lists your business on top sites like Yahoo!, AltaVista and CNN. Sign up and get a $25 credit.
Search engines such as Yahoo! and Google provide step-by-step instructions to begin your SEM program. If you want more people to find your website, definitely start a search engine marketing campaign. Don't use budgetary issues as an excuse. Remember you have to spend money to make money.
Good Luck in 2010 and remember to check out Your Best Business Now Vol. 1 for more tips for your business. For a list of vendors to help you execute your 2010 resolutions click here.
