You’re probably wondering, Really? I have to start thinking about the New Year NOW, even during the holidays?
Every year, it seems that the holiday celebrations start earlier and earlier, so preparing for the New Year also happens in advance. For our team here at Hashtagitude, we used to start thinking about New Year’s goals between Christmas and New Year’s Day; however, we decided to get a head start on some things we’d like to see change for our business in 2018.
With that in mind (and our 2018 predictions from our #MarketingMonday segment), here are some tips for you to make sure your business’s online presence is in tip-top shape for the New Year:
Make Your Website Mobile Responsive
Google started favorably ranking websites for mobile responsiveness in early 2015, so businesses have had time to update their websites these last several years. Not sure if your website is mobile responsive? Use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test and see if your website passes the test.
With most people using smartphones and mobile devices to search the web these days, it is of the utmost importance for your business’s website to be mobile responsive. If you are not sure how to convert your website to responsive design, our friends at Facet Creative Design and Whiskey & Red can help you get your website updated with the latest standards (and responsive design!).
Add Paid Social Advertising To Your Budget
You may have been hearing about “pay-to-play” on Facebook for the last couple of years, but it has quickly become the norm: according to Social Media Today, organic reach for Facebook Page Posts have fallen more than 20% between January to August of 2017. With all the other major social media networks switching to algorithms (vs. reverse-chronological order), adding in paid social advertising to your 2018 marketing budget will help your social media posts be seen in the New Year.
Also, the term ‘paid social advertising’ is a bit of a misnomer: just because you’ll be advertising more doesn’t mean you’ll be broadcasting sales/promotions all the time. You can boost posts/advertise your latest video and blog content to garner more brand awareness across your social media networks.
Focus on Quality Over Quantity
With the proliferation of live streaming capabilities, and more content being produced than consumed these days, it may seem challenging to be heard above all the noise.
What we recommend (and what we’re definitely doing in 2018): cut back on feeling like you must publish content/social media posts/etc. so frequently. Focus on providing quality content from different angles rather than following the crowd. This principle is one of the reasons we plan to cut back on our #MarketingMonday broadcasts from weekly to twice a month, with one session being pre-recorded.
Instead of focusing on building up a huge following on social media, interact with your current followers on a regular basis (i.e., throughout the week). Slow down and focus on building up the relationships you currently have.
And a final note on quality over quantity: you DO NOT have to be on every social media network. Focus your efforts on 2-3 networks that you’ve found some success on with your current content strategy AND where you are more likely to find your target market (i.e., people or businesses who will use your products and services).
Want to plan out your first 90 days in 2018? Join us for our first Caffeine & Conversation for the New Year on Friday, January 12th, at Rosebud Cafe from 8 – 9:30am. Register now!
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