2021 New Year’s Resolutions For Businesses
The year 2020 was a year filled with change and uncertainty. We saw many businesses shut down or downsize due to the effect of the global pandemic. It has been hard for many, but we saw that there was always room for opportunity.
Some trends, methods, and businesses flourished last year and have set the tone for 2021.
What Happened In 2020?
Due to the threat of the coronavirus, many industries slowed down, and some even shut down. Airline travel was almost nonexistent. Prices also lowered for many industries, including retail, causing them to lose profit because demand was also too low.
Businesses that have relied on foot traffic took the biggest hit. Those that could not adapt to an online or safety-focused model were ones that lost the most.
Our clients saw improvement with their SEO as we pivoted for their business. Staying on top of the changes when the pandemic hit.
2 Client Digital Marketing Pivot Examples:
There was light in the midst of the chaos and darkness, though. Ecommerce had one of its best years, with most people turning to online shopping as the budget for travel and events converted.
Computers and home office accessories also jumped in prices due to high demand. Everyone was working from home. Companies also realized that there are ways to function even in unusual conditions.
Resolutions For 2021
We don’t need to put a lot of focus on 2020. The best thing we can do about it is look ahead to decide what we can do for this year. If you’re looking for some resolutions for your business, here are some ideas to help you start moving forward.
Prepare For The Resurgence
People are hungry for a return to a normal state of living. They want to catch up on the time they lost in 2020.
Many analysts believe that people will be more open to using their money for goods and services this year. This is especially true since they haven’t been able to do many things in the past year. With vaccine distribution underway, we may be closer to a virus-free future.
Every recession opens the door for a new boom in all markets and industries. The last major recession occurred from 2007 to 2009, when both the housing and oil industries collapsed. After it ended, economies and various markets returned to their pre-recession form in the span of two to four years.
Keep your customers informed of how you are operating. Pivot for the changes ahead.
The question is if you’ll be ready once this resurgence hits. Here are some ways to prepare for it:
- Create goals and objectives for 2021
- Do competitive SEO research to expand your local or national reach
- Prepare your marketing plan for the year ahead
- Look for beneficial partnerships and build relationships within your community
- Update any outdated content or processes you may have
- Update your website with a clear message of how you are operating
- Create a new web design if you have not done this recently
- Try new things (social media, update logo/brand)
- Nurture your current or previous customers with email marketing
Remain Flexible
New trends will occur as the year progresses. By staying flexible and relevant, you will not only survive this year, but you can flourish in it.
Consider how a focus on safety and health paved the way for safety-focused products to thrive. Even before the pandemic, businesses had to adapt to each new change they face in their respective industries.
For example, the pandemic brought about a more work-from-home environment. Many companies realized that they don’t need to pay expensive upkeep for office space and materials. If you are functioning well with this current setup, why not continue with it for a while?
Stay Positive And Optimistic
Despite what many consider one of the worst years for business, the global economy is still on track. Many business leaders believe that the world will be back on track by the second quarter of this year. If inoculation occurs by the middle to the end of this year, then we only have a few months left before it happens.
If you remain positive and optimistic, you can see areas of action to take advantage of this year. Not only that, but your attitude will also influence and drive other members of your team. Stop focusing on what has happened and see what you can take advantage of this year.
Get Creative with Digital Marketing
It always pays to think outside the box and approach problems with a different perspective. One of the ways to do that is to learn something new. Figure out ways to present your company in the community or increase your online presence with creative digital marketing techniques.
You can take an online course and commit yourself to learn a skill. Not only will it add value to you, but it can also give you a different take on how to approach your business.
The skill doesn’t even have to be directly related. You could be learning a new language or having music lessons and still get something out of it. New experiences allow you to meet new people who can turn out to be new colleagues or customers.
Give Yourself Time To Rest
As business owners, we are always thinking. We are thinking of ways to survive and to thrive. Entrepreneurship can be demanding, and it can take a toll on us. You may not feel it physically, but your mental and emotional state could have suffered a lot the past year.
Take some time to rest and relax. Set your mind on other things for a while. Here are a few things you can do:
- Read an interesting book
- Listen to audiobooks or podcasts
- Start a journal
- Become involved in meditation or yoga
It’s Time To Make Plans And Set Goals
Every step you commit towards a better 2021 is a step that will affect your business from now on. Put your plans on paper and set goals that define what direction you want to fulfill this year.
Don’t forget to relax and enjoy each moment along the way. We’re always looking at the big picture, but looking at the end of the line will not benefit you if you still have many things in front of you.
Take things one step at a time. 2021 will be the start for many business owners to move forward. If you stay true to your New Year’s resolutions, you can enter a very different 2022. This year has promise, and you wouldn’t want to miss out on taking advantage of it just because the previous year didn’t work as well as you wanted to.
