The last quarter of the year could be the best for your business
As if running a business wasn’t hard enough, 2021 has thrown enough challenges toward business owners to last a lifetime. However, in the middle of economic downturns, shelter-in-place orders and the host of daily problems business owners face, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to pathways to success in Q4. In fact, with the right focus, the last quarter of the year could be the one that sets you up for business success you never imagined to be possible. Here’s how.
1. Focus on relationships
Building a business and brand is about relationships. Economic downturns might mean less consumer spending, but they also mean that customers are more likely to appreciate the effort that goes into maintaining an easy shopping experience, unparalleled expertise and a relationship that is built on trust and integrity. Now more than ever before, customers want to know that quality planning goes into ensuring that the products or services you provide are there for them when they need it, and providing extra attention to their questions or requests will set your business up for more success in the remaining months of 2021.
One excellent way to ensure your client relationships are maintained is through a CRM system that provides a customer-centric experience, sales performance management and a more streamlined response time to customer issues and inquiries. This is especially important in times when much of the workforce is still remote.
2. Start planning now for the holidays
One benefit of difficult times is the push to focus on what really matters. Customers are no longer impressed by a sales force that pays attention to numbers instead of the quality of the interaction, and reimagining your business model to focus on the customer experience is the pathway to success that will separate you from the rest of the competition.
There’s really no better way to usher in this kind of relationship than through the holidays. During a time when your customers are focusing on their own families and network, capitalizing on this awareness will only serve to build your clientele for a strong close to the quarter.
3. Harness the power of social media
In addition to helping you build a customer base and increase brand recognition, social media can be a powerful tool to provide a better overall experience for your customers. Offering discounts or special deals via social media is also a quick way to spread the word about what sets you apart from the competition while encouraging shares and “likes” for informative content that will educate your audience and show your expertise.
4. Revamp your web content
Taking the time to refresh your web and blog content is another great way to develop a successful plan for Q4. Not only will this make your website more attractive to search engines, it will also show your current and potential customers that you work diligently to stay informed about changes occurring in your business.
If you haven’t looked at SEO tools for small businesses, Q4 is also a great time to ensure that your website and blog focus on keywords that are commonly searched for related to your business or field. Many of these tools provide competitor research, as well as helping you attract more clients through fresh, pertinent and engaging content.
Set Yourself Up for Success
When the COVID pandemic first hit the country, 22 million jobs were lost. However, regardless of your company’s industry, the road to recovery in Q4 of 2021 is there. Use this time to rebuild and grow relationships and you’ll find that 2022 starts off with a much better outlook.
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