A note from the editor: this guest post reminds us to keep things up-to-date when it comes to running a business. I experienced first hand the pain of my domain not properly renewing, and ended up losing a month of work. No bueno!
As in every niche of life, keeping things current and in order with your business is a task every owner has on their long, tedious to-do list. When it comes to maneuvering the flux of businesses, it seems like there are a million things to consider.
- Is your licensing up to date?
- Have you evaluated your bank for a better rate at another?
- Are your taxes done? Expenses properly reported?
- Shopped around for better insurance recently?
Even the smallest of issues can have impacts on your business. For instance, not keeping your domain updated.
Once you have decided to tackle your business checklist, why not double-back to make sure you haven’t missed anything in the whirlwind of your busy life? While you’re at it, make sure you add a few things.
The Legal Side
With so many legal matters to tend to in the business world, making sure that you are properly covered is necessary. There are a multitude of resources to help you learn how to update articles of organization.
If you have recently married and changed your name, moved into a new location, switched banks, or simply changed your phone number, that info needs updating. Though you might get stuck reading a ton of fine print, it’s relatively quick and simple to update stuff like this. Bonus, you get to check it off that long list!
The Virtual Side
In this tech-savvy business age, keeping your website domain current is mandatory. Your website is your main point of contact, and sometimes a hub of customer interaction. It’s where the revenue for your business often originates.
Changing your domain name isn’t always a walk in the park, but you can at least make sure the email for your website is up to date and active, as well any other contact information you have on display. Think about all of the simple questions that your customer might have when visiting your platform.
They might ask things like:
- “Where is this business located?”
- “What are the hours of operation?”
- “What is the business providing
- “Where did this company originate?”
Keeping broad information up to date is just as important as the specifics.
Aside from basic information to keep current, all of your interactive platforms should also be updated in waves, too. If products can be purchased through your domain, double check your selection and purchasing process, and correct any issues for maximum user-friendliness.
Customer feedback is of the utmost importance online, and in the era of smartphones, society relies on the ease of purchasing via a touch of a button.
Don’t forget the technical applications you use as a business owner to boost and keep track of your organization. If you advertise online, or through an affiliate partner, double-check the guidelines and make sure your adverts are up-to-date. It’s not only smart for profit purposes, it keeps your customers properly informed.
Accounting and productivity applications are yet another techy branch that needs to be taken seriously. Applications to track and maintain productivity can truly help your business flourish current and correct information is put into them each day, week, month, or quarter.
The Trendy Side
While updating licensure and contact information is a top priority, you should never overlook the everyday content of your business. Staying up to date means more than just making sure your address is current.
Trends are not permanent, and customers expect a flow from your business that matches the fast pace of today’s world. Keeping your platforms fed with purposeful information that connects to your end-user and promotes healthy revenue is imperative as well.
It’s not just about your content, services, and products, either. Staying current on workplace environments for your employees, including safety, health, and workplace happiness is necessary.
- Are your service/products or transportation up to par?
- Are your employees happy?
- All safety protocols up to code?
A thriving workplace environment boosts morale and, in return, boosts sales and productivity.
Take the time to consider all aspects of your business as a whole. Your business is a direct correlation to you, your ethics, and your drive. Wake up every day with the intention to stay as current as possible. Not only will you provide a fantastic customer experience, but you will keep your business thriving and profiting.