The last year may have seen you progress your business and move it forward. It can be an exciting time for any business owner or entrepreneur. As they begin to see their vision brought to life and become successful. A lot of work, a lot of dedication, the worry, pressure, and sense of achievement.
Starting a business was never going to be easy, but taking that leap of faith to create yours took courage, which is no doubt why you probably feel such pride right now. But you can’t stop. What’s next for your business?
No matter whether you are still a small business, or taken steps to move your business forward, it is always important to know what is next. The big decisions you have to make will be different for everyone, here are some of them to help you get started. Maybe this next year us going to see big change for you, and it is one roller coaster ride to enjoy.
Is it time to expand your product or service range?
One of the first areas you can consider when it comes to big decisions is whether or not your business is ready to expand. This could be with your products and service range. It may be time to look at what you can add to your current range. It can be the obvious direction forward for your business, and it can create potential for major big profits in the future.
The decision to make is exactly what would add to your already existing range. Is is it a case of bringing out a new collection? Otr just thinking about products or services that work alongside your current ones?
Are you making the most out of your marketing campaigns?
The next thing to think about would be your current marketing campaigns. Are you doing all that you can to promote your business? Is there more that you can do to make this a success? Social media can often be one of the best ways to market your business, and can be gratifying by giving you instant results.
It is just a case of having the right balance between organic content and also sales pitches, to ensure that you can stay engaged with your following. Utilizing other tools like instagram stories can be a great way to add some personality to your marketing campaign.
You could also look at using the platforms and investing in there advertising, enabling you to reach more people for a reasonable price. It is worth approaching your marketing this year, and making more of it in as many ways as possible.
Investing in business locations locally and globally
Maybe now is the time to start thinking about investment in a different way. Perhaps you need more than one business location, or perhaps you are looking at taking your business globally and thinking of investing in property options abroad. Things like HDB options online and looking at ways that you can use the investment for your business gain is always going to be a big decision, but it could prove very lucrative and profitable in the future.
Online store versus physical retail premises
There can be difficult decisions regarding your business in terms of whether you decide to keep things just online, or whether you choose to look at getting some sort of retail physical premises. The truth is, there will be benefits and negatives for both options.
Many businesses start from home, and they start just by being online. Having a retail premises could be a great way to broaden your horizons in terms of customers. However, there have also been so many successful businesses that are specifically just online. It would depend on your area, and whether or not you have a thriving high street or town to justify the move.
Getting the basics right
Of course, there will be issues and decisions you need to make in terms of the basics, and so you may want to ensure that you get these right. A big one will be your website. Most people look online these days for websites and information, and perhaps to even make an order. If your website isn’t up to scratch, then you could be missing a trick here. The best advice would be to invest in your website.
Ensure the content is great and works in terms of search engine optimization and gaining exposure. You will. Also want to ensure that the website is speedy, so take not of how large images are. If in doubt, outsource this to experts who can also manage it for you.
Working on your customer service
Your customer service is a very important element of your business, and so you will want to ensure that you get this just right. It can be simple things such as making sure you keep the customers informed of purchases and delivery options.
It could be that you want to ensure that you do all that you can to keep those customers coming back. This could mean offering referral deals or discounts for repeat purchases. It could be that you want these customers to shout about your business, which does mean that customer service is going to be paramount to you to ensure that they have something good to say. It’s basic stuff, but it can make such a difference to how well your business runs. Maybe this new year means you may take a different approach to it?
Thinking outside of the box to get more custom
It is also important to think differently when it comes to gaining more customers. After all, today there is so much competition out there that you have no choice but to try and be a little out there with your marketing and advertising. A great thing to focus on would be the local community. The chances are you may be the only business doing what you do, whereas online you will have competition. Sponsor events, get involved, advertise locally. It could make a big difference to your numbers.
What are the next steps for your business?
The big decisions for new year may actually be focused around what the next step is for your business. You may be doing great as you are right now, bu could you be doing better? There is always a step to take. It could be expansion in terms of a business location or shop, adding to the products or service range, or even delving into a new niche or industry linked with your business. It could be that you want to look at ways to make some big changes. Perhaps franchising your business model and looking at an alternative route to expand.
Have you got a business blog?
A great extension of your business website would be to add a blog element. This can be very informative and a great way to connect with your customers on a more informal basis. It can be full of information, help gain more traffic to your main website, and be used for all kinds of factors, including customer loyalty options and service.
Hiring, outsourcing or both?
Finally, the big decision could be about the people you have working with you or for you to help move the business forward. You may be faced with the option of hiring someone specifically, or outsourcing it elsewhere. It can be tricky to decide which option would be best for you. Outsourcing means that you can have it as and when you need it, but hiring means you have someone permanently on your team. A bit of research into what would be best for you and your business will be important here.
Let’s hope highlighting some of these things help you get off to a profitable start this new year.
