There's no time like the present to reflect on and revamp your online presence.
I don’t make New Year’s resolutions, but starting over at the beginning of a new year does make me welcome the opportunity to put new processes and habits into place. From a digital perspective, something new is happening (or something we’ve adapted to is changing) every day to the apps, software and hardware on which we’ve come to rely. So it’s a good time to reflect and refresh — maybe you can increase efficiency and productivity, become more tech-savvy or just improve your online presence.
Here are five goals to work toward in 2017:
Embrace “Inbox Zero”
If you’ve got thousands of unopened emails in your inbox, now’s the time to clear them out. Move last year’s email hoard to its own folder and set aside time for sorting, filing and deleting appropriately. Move on action items, but delete messages that have been resolved. Decrease inbox clutter by unsubscribing from newsletters and store promos you never actually read — your wallet may thank you.
Be More (or Less) Social
Review your friends and followers on social media and say so long to anyone you don’t actually interact with or whose posts disturb or distract. Are there businesses, brands or individuals with whom you’d genuinely like to connect? As in real life, to make a friend you must first be one. Don’t just slide into their DMs; seek them out and share their content from time to time.
Go Live or Go Home
Whether you go Live on Facebook or Instagram, video is being heavily promoted on multiple social media platforms. Try using the free tools to create user-friendly content your audience can benefit from by sharing your expertise in a tutorial, hosting a Q&A session or offering a behind-the-scenes peek at your business or brand.
Shape up
Audit your website and social media accounts. Correct any outdated information, update staff photos if necessary, review your site’s security protocols and give thought to the content you plan to share. Review your analytics for clues on what content your audience wants from your website (and what they don’t). If you’re not working with a content calendar, make it a goal to organize your posting schedule for the quarter. Refine your posting around the times that appear most popular among your followers. Is this your year to redesign your website or branch out into ecommerce? We can help with that.
To Infinity and Beyond
With an ever-changing landscape, there’s always some new process, tool or technique to learn. Make continuing education a goal, whether you to learn how to launch a podcast, figure out flat lays on Instagram or stretch your skill set in some other tangible way. Make it a priority to take advantage of opportunities to learn more via local conferences, meetups and even Infomedia’s (free!) Lunch & Learn series which starts again in March.
As with any change, it’s best to start with “SMART” goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-based. If all of these are too much too strive for, then choose one or two and start there. It shouldn’t be a total grind; build in some rewards and moments to celebrate your growth along the way. The important thing is to make the most of this year by setting goals that help your business or brand meet or exceed your expectations and provide a return on your investment in them — and have fun doing it.
