Setting goals and making resolutions can help small businesses focus on specific areas for improvement and growth. It can also serve as a motivator and provide a sense of accountability. In a constantly changing marketplace, small businesses need to adapt and stay competitive. Making New Year’s resolutions can help businesses stay on track and achieve their goals in the coming year.
Honesty and transparency matter more now than ever before. Business owners should start their year with a focus on how they instill trust in their communications with consumers. The best method to increase brand loyalty and drive growth is simply operating with integrity. To show your customers your commitment to high ethical standards, business owners can aim to earn and display trust marks, including BBB Accreditation, for use online, in printed communications, and any other marketing collateral.
Your employees are your most valuable asset. They often are the first interaction a shopper will have with your business. Every day, they contribute to the success of your business by supporting its mission and representing the brand in their communications with the public. One of the most important roles that your employees play is in shaping the culture of your firm. Ensuring your leadership team is fostering a positive company culture is critical to your business’s long-term success (Duke University, 2015).
Customer reviews can improve your online reputation which helps businesses build trust with customers, converts searchers into leads, and boosts local search rankings. A recent Bright Local survey shows 82% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses, with 52% of 18 to 54-year-olds saying they ”always” read reviews. When shoppers turn to online resources to find local businesses, company owners have a tremendous opportunity to get in front of potential customers with the right message. Visit BBB’s Customer Review center for more tips and actionable advice for nurturing positive customer relationships and showcasing their experiences in your marketing.
Refining your customer journey map is also extremely important. Having a comprehensive understanding of what shoppers want at each stage of their experience with your business will increase the chances of conversions. Remember, the days of communicating “at” your target audience in hopes that they will buy from you are now a thing of the past. 71% of consumers feel frustrated when a shopping experience is impersonal. Personalizing the steps a shopper takes between “awareness” of your business at the top of your conversion funnel and eventually converting a customer increases your chances of creating more repeat buyers and brand champions.
Take action, make a larger impact and invest in your community. According to a Cone/Porter Novelli study, 66% of consumers are willing to switch from their regular product to a new one from a purpose-driven company. Brands that are purpose-driven build stronger relationships with existing consumers and have an easier time attracting a wider audience. Purpose-first organizations are also able to leverage brand advocates to amplify the company’s reach online as their customers are more willing to share content with their social networks.
By setting specific goals, businesses can measure their progress and success throughout the year. Making resolutions can help your business stay focused and on track to achieve your goals, but it will only if you make an honest commitment to those resolutions and your entire organization rallies around them. These resolution ideas are a great place to start and for more ideas or additional business tips in 2023, follow BBB on social media @BBBGreaterMD and visit the BBB Business News Center. More business resources and information about Accreditation can also be found on BBB.org.