As the end of the year approaches, small business owners often find themselves either winding down or racing to tie up loose ends.

Whichever camp you’re in, now is the perfect time to follow our small business digital audit checklist to assess your digital footprint.

Your digital presence is the face of your business online. A quick small business digital audit of your website, social media, and tools can ensure you start the new year with a strong foundation. The best part? You can complete this check-up in under an hour.

Here’s how you can complete your small business digital audit and get your digital footprint in order before the clock strikes midnight on 31 December.

1. Audit Your Website for a Strong Digital Presence

Your website is often the first impression clients have of your business, so it needs to look good and function well. Did you know that 75% of users make a judgment about a company’s credibility based on their website design? This means that even small tweaks can make a big difference in how potential clients perceive you.

Quick Actions to Refresh Your Website:

  • Test Speed: Use free tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to check your site’s loading time. A slow site could be costing you potential clients.
  • Check Links: Ensure there are no broken links or outdated content on your site.
  • Test Contact Forms: Submit a test enquiry to make sure your forms are working and going to the correct email.
  • Mobile Check: Open your site on your phone to confirm it’s mobile-friendly and easy to navigate.

Pro Tip: Engage Visitors with a Seasonal Touch Add a holiday greeting or a festive banner to make your site feel timely and engaging.

2. Review and Enhance Your Social Media Presence

Your social media channels are a direct line to your audience, but they require regular maintenance to stay effective. Imagine this: your clients are checking your profile to find holiday hours, but they see outdated posts. It’s crucial to keep everything fresh so you remain relevant.

Quick Actions to Improve Your Social Media:

  • Update Your Profile: Refresh your bio and cover photos to align with your brand or reflect the holiday season.
  • Pin a Post: Highlight important updates like holiday hours or an end-of-year promotion.
  • Engage: Respond to any outstanding comments or messages to keep relationships strong.
  • Schedule Ahead: Use scheduling tools to plan posts over the holiday break so you can relax while staying visible.

Pro Tip: Boost Engagement with Gratitude: A quick “Thank You” post to your clients or followers can leave a lasting impression.

3. Clean Up and Optimise Your CRM System

Your CRM (Client Relationship Management) system is a treasure trove of client data, but it can quickly become a mess if left unattended. Imagine starting the new year with clean, organised data that allows you to target clients effectively, instead of sifting through duplicates.

Quick Actions to Organise Your CRM:

  • Merge Duplicates: Ensure your contact list is accurate by removing duplicates and inactive contacts.
  • Review Automation: Check your workflows and email sequences to ensure they’re up-to-date and relevant.
  • Test Templates: Send a test email to yourself to verify formatting and personalisation.

Pro Tip: Consider sending a year-end “Thank You” email to your clients, summarising key wins and setting the tone for next year.

4. Strengthen Your Digital Security Measures

The end of the year is a good time to double-check the security of your digital tools and ensure compliance with any relevant regulations. Remember, security is not just about protecting yourself; it’s about instilling confidence in your clients.

Quick Actions to Enhance Security:

  • Update Passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for all accounts.
  • Check SSL Certificates: Confirm your website has an active SSL certificate to reassure clients their data is secure.
  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security wherever possible.

Pro Tip: If you have a secure client portal, test it to make sure everything is working smoothly before the holidays.

5. Set Your Digital Goals for Growth in the New Year

With your digital assets in order, it’s time to look ahead to next year. Picture this: by setting goals now, you’re giving your business a clear direction, reducing uncertainty, and allowing for better growth.

Quick Actions to Define Your Goals:

  • Define Goals: Identify measurable objectives like increasing social media engagement or improving website traffic.
  • Choose a Focus Area: Commit to enhancing one key part of your digital footprint, whether it’s updating your website design or investing in SEO.
  • Plan Time for Strategy: Block out time in January for a more detailed planning session.

Pro Tip: Use this end-of-year audit to decide which tasks to outsource or automate to save time and focus on what you do best.

Taking an hour to conduct a small business digital audit now can save you headaches in the new year. By ensuring your website, social media, and tools are in top shape, you’ll start the New Year with confidence and clarity.

If all this feels overwhelming, don’t worry – you don’t have to do it alone.

Need help making sure your website is ready for the New Year?

Reach out today for a free 15-minute consultation, and let’s get your digital presence in the best shape possible.