The end of the year is a time for reflection. It is a chance to look at the big picture, re-evaluate the goals we have for our business (or clients) and then decide what we are going to do differently or better to improve our success rates over the year to come.

A stronger, more focused marketing strategy is one way to ensure an increase in leads and sales in the future. When we run down the list of must-implement strategies for our clients, these are four ways that standout the most if you're looking to improve your marketing in the coming year.

LEARN AND BUILD FROM ANALYTICS

Data-driven marketers are always the most successful. That is because they use analytics to track the success of their marketing campaigns and map the specific journey their prospects take to become buyers. Using knowledge like which web pages you lose customers on, or which content your visitors best respond to and what content offers fail to convert gives you the power to improve and adjust. It's time to start marketing from a scientific standpoint, to uncover your ROI and open your eyes to just what marketing campaigns are and aren't driving your successes.

IMPLEMENT A SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION STRATEGY

SEO has never been so important. In 2016, Search Engine Journal revealed that 93% of internet users start their online journey with a search engine search. You want and quite frankly need your business to be found on Google. In order to do so, you can hope for the best or you can do what your competitors are doing and implement a search engine optimization strategy. A thoroughly researched and competitive SEO strategy will drive quality traffic and in turn, increase online leads for your business.

CONTINUE TO BUILD A STRONG SOCIAL PRESENCE

There are two compelling reasons for businesses small and large to use social media. The first is to drive business. Consider that one quarter of new customers come from social platforms. Second is to nurture existing customers and provide a great customer service experience. Maintaining a community with your social media channels is important for loyalty and of course, referrals.

USE CREATIVE CONTENT STRATEGIES

Video, in particular is a content medium that is blowing up. That is because video is easy to consume and is incredibly engaging. Look to what populates your Facebook Newsfeed or to the ascent of YouTube to the second most used search engine and you can literally see the impact of video. Many companies are afraid to approach video as a content marketing strategy because of the skill needed to execute a compelling product, but it's one of the best investments you can make in your marketing.

These four strategies should be just a small piece of your overall strategic marketing plan. Take this time of reflection to commit to creating and implementing a solid marketing plan in the year to come. Nail down your goals with real revenue numbers and percentages, we explain how to do that here, and then tackle each one of those goals with a fully integrated marketing strategy. Rolling out a proper inbound marketing campaign can feel a lot easier when you have a full-service marketing team to lead the way. 

Here's to a laser-focused in the new year!