We have all been through a lot since the beginning of this decade. The world is still recovering from the pandemic, but we have plenty to look forward to in the new year. If you are a business owner, you should create a business strategy that works well in the current global situation.
A standard business plan won’t work at the moment because things could shift quickly. The next best thing is following the trends and making sure your business is going in the right direction. Technology is constantly evolving, and we should accept it.
Don’t shy away from using social media platforms for marketing, allowing your employees to work remotely, or trying out new cybersecurity apps, such as VPNs (see here).
Here are some of our suggestions that should make your business a success in 2022:
Elevate the cybersecurity
When we look at the cyberattacks that happened in the last two years, it is clear that the numbers are increasing. Hackers are targeting both big companies and small businesses, and no one is safe.
Cybercriminals are after data. They know how to exploit cloud services, as well as create a security breach within a network. If you haven’t been following the necessary cybersecurity steps, you should work on them in 2022.
Backups are a great way to protect your information from ransomware, but remember that they are not the best solution. If a word gets out about a cybersecurity breach in your company, your reputation will be on the line.
Businesses that only use antivirus software and firewalls to protect their network should consider adding a VPN into the mix. A VPN is a must if your employees are working from home or out of the office. It is an app that allows users to send or receive data securely while using a public Wi-Fi network.
Home networks are not as safe as they used to be either. Remind your employees to use a VPN while working remotely, even if they are not in public. Keeping up with the latest cybersecurity risks could be exhausting, but you can always bring in a specialist, depending on the size of your business.
Remote work
Even though some businesses are slowly returning to offices, remote work should remain an option for all employees. We learned a lot during the lockdown in 2020, and one of the major lessons was that productivity remains at the same level whether you are working on-site or from home. Some companies saw an improvement in efficiency during that time.
With that said, COVID-19 is a real problem and will continue to be present in 2022. The safety of both your employees and clients should be your top priority. Embracing remote work and providing more flexibility to employees is something we need in this decade.
Not to forget that professionals at the top of their game will always go for a company willing to evolve. Employees are a valuable part of a business, and you should allow them to choose to work from home if they feel more comfortable there.
Create a sophisticated website
Businesses of all sizes should improve the design and functionality of their websites. If you haven’t updated your website in years, now is the right time to do something about it. The website should be a reflection of your business. Analyze your current page, and see what you can refine.
Customers appreciate clean layouts with a menu that is always available. Do your best to match the style with your business’s mission statement. Don’t forget about SEO (Search Engine Optimization) either. It is an essential part of a website that often gets overlooked. Good SEO could do wonders for the visibility of your brand. A website will list higher in the search results and generate more traffic as a result.
Master the social media
Gone are the days of print advertisements and enormous billboards. Today, marketing is on social media. Therefore, you should increase your brand’s social media presence. Using just one platform won’t work. Cover the basics like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. TikTok is a notable contender, especially if your target audience is Millennials and Gen Z.
These platforms allow you to showcase your brand like never before. Eye-catching and helpful content is valued. Additionally, you will be in contact with your clients at all times, which allows you to communicate with them informally. If you don’t know how to manage social media accounts or don’t have time, hiring an expert is always a good idea.
Social media trends are constantly evolving, but influencers are still running the show. Did you know that 49% of social media users rely on influencer recommendations? That number alone tells enough about the power influencers have right now. It is no wonder that many businesses are into influencer collaborations.
Choosing the right influencers to work with is a tricky thing. Find someone who will represent your brand and create a buzz about your products. Do thorough research and don’t focus on the number of followers only. Mastering social media can be a game-changer for every business.