Use SEO and improve your online presence. Digital marketing is crucial for small businesses. Spend some time in January updating your website and optimizing it for local searches. Make sure your business’s information is accurate on platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, and social media.

You’ll also want to update your account information in FASCnet. This helps ensure your store location is listed accurately on our website. And it will boost your visibility and make it easier for potential customers to find you online.

Take inventory of packaging and supplies. After the holiday rush, you may be low on packaging and supplies of all kinds. Replenish your inventories with free FedEx Express^® packaging, standard brown corrugated boxes, and other items to help meet customers’ needs.

Give your marketing materials a makeover. Use fresh, engaging materials to attract new customers and help retain regulars. Take some time to review and update your business cards, brochures, and other printed or digital marketing materials. Don’t forget that you can find helpful resources in the Marketing Toolbox on FASCnet—like counter cards, posters, and social media and email copy. You can even download a social media content calendar to help you develop a year-round social media strategy.

Assess your technology and optimize as needed. Evaluate your current technology and tools—like your customer database or ecommerce platform. Are they outdated? Is there anything you wish they could do or do better? Take time in January to research your options. You can determine if investing in new software can help you streamline operations and improve your customer experience in the year ahead.

Tap into your customer base. As a small business owner, your customers—especially the locals—often view you as their trusted go-to resource. Learn from and nurture customer relationships by asking them for feedback. Use surveys or online reviews to gather insights about their experiences during the busy season and beyond. Their responses can help you identify areas for improvement. And they can help you shape your business strategy in the coming year.

Safeguard your account information. As an FASC owner, you’re required to change your password every 90 days. (We know, we know… That can be a bit of a pain. But it protects your account information from hackers or anyone else who isn’t authorized to use your account.) Start the year off on a safe note by changing your password and updating cybersecurity software, if needed.