As we all welcome the New Year 2022, keep this in mind for a successful venture: “Run the business you want, even if you’re not quite there yet”. But before jumping straight in, though, you must first get a plan of action.  Think big when growing your business – from the language you use for your marketing materials to the way you interact with customers or clients.

Running a successful business is hard work, but following an ideal blueprint will make things easier and profitable. We all want a successful marketing campaign or product launch in 2016. With marketing constantly evolving, here are five strategies you can do in order to begin the New Year with a bang:

1. Get a Plan of Action

Gather your team together and iron out a plan. If you run the business solo, then know you will have to wear different hats.  The main point here is develop a plan and stick to it.  For instance, you can use a simple calendar for your online marketing campaign. It is one of the best tools to lay out your project plans for all the blogs, ebooks, emails and other marketing materials for the entire calendar year.

Be sure to include due dates for each action, when the rough drafts are needed, when they should be approved and when they should be scheduled for distribution. Delegate each of the task to members of your team.  Hold each other accountable for their contribution to the process.

2. Improve Mobile Accessibility and Optimization

According to eMarketer, in 2016, mobile marketing is predicted to surpass $100 billion in spending and account for more than 50% of all digital spending for the first time,. In fact, there are some predictions being made saying that mobile will completely overtake desktop next year.

More shoppers are now using their smartphones and tablets to make a purchase, look for a product, compare deals, or find a retail outlet. As people become more attached to their mobile devices, you can do things to make your website more mobile friendly turning visitors into lifetime customers.

3. Do a Little Bit of Research & Refine Social Media Presence

A little bit of research can go a long way. Figure out what topics your buyers will find interesting. Ask them questions – what blogs and online resources they turn to? What are some of the topics they are sharing in their social media accounts? Talk to the individuals in your company that deal directly with your customers or conduct a survey directly on them. What concerns do they have?

Be proactive in promoting your content.  Send email notifications out to your database letting them know about the newly published. Notify your social media audiences.  Reach out to peers in your industry and let them know about the content you’ve created and why they might want to take a look.  Don’t be shy.  If you are not the top expert in your field (most of us are not), that is okay.  For every 1 person out there that might know twice as much as you, there are 3 out there that don’t know a fraction that you do.

Having a refined social media presence is vital to the survival of the business. Building a Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn page is essential. Companies need to always keep in mind that social media is a way to engage users and build brand trust, not just for self-promotion.

4. Brands Must Get Personal

According to the Direct Marketing Association, 76% of consumers will share personal information with a brand if they believe it will improve their experience and interaction. By collecting key data from consumers, such as past customer purchases, newsletter sign-ups, discount offers and social media, companies are able to build profiles offering targeted content and incentives to purchase.

In 2016, personalized one-to-one marketing will be a requirement to acquire and retain loyal customers. Getting personal with consumers equates to more emotionally connected customers who will help drive word-of-mouth referrals and online reviews.

As Alex Cheatle, co-founder of concierge business Ten Group says, “When leading your business, focus on what makes you different – not what is generic. This allows your team, customers and suppliers to all “buy in” to why your business matters, and why it is worth joining, and staying and working with. It also means that everyone is better focused on your competitive advantage and unique proposition.”

Talk about what makes your business what it is. In addition to building brand trust and increase user engagement, businesses need to make sure their websites are up to date. Competition is tough and more businesses are using videos, photos and illustrations to stand out and attract more customers.

5. Accept That You Can’t Do Everything

As an entrepreneur, you’re going to get used to do different duties – bookkeeper, sales agent, customer rep – but that doesn’t mean you can or should do everything yourself! If you want your business to grow, you need to accept that you can’t do everything all of the time.

Look for help from talented individuals who share your vision and values and can help you grow your business.  You can outsource repetitive admin tasks or technical tasks to virtual assistants or personal assistants so you can free up some time to do important things. After all, you are only one person.

Plan the Year Ahead

You might not be able to make all the progress you’d like for your business in the next few days, but you can definitely plan for it. As a business owner, you are responsible for your entire brand – from conception, to development, to implementation. If you want your business to be successful you need to get your plan working and keep your doors open for customer feedback and trends that will benefit your brand.

Be sure to keep these strategies in mind as you head into 2022. Make 2022 your bigger and bolder business year to date!