Essential Marketing Tips to Kickstart New Year and Prepare for the Year Ahead

Hey there! As we kick off the new year, January marks the perfect time to hit reset and recalibrate your marketing strategy for the months ahead. People are eager for fresh starts, and businesses can take advantage of this mindset to set the stage for long-term success. I know how important it is for your business to stand out and make a strong impression—especially at tradeshows and events. Whether you're gearing up for a big expo or just want to elevate your marketing efforts, I’ve got you covered. At Designs by Brandy, we live by the motto: "Your style... your design!"

 

I specialize in creating custom branding designs that help small businesses like yours catch attention and truly connect with your audience. From marketing materials to full branding packages, I tailor everything to make sure your business shines—whether it’s at a trade show, event, or in your day-to-day promotions. Let’s make sure the next year is your best year yet!

 

 

1. Plan Content Around Your New Year's Resolutions

Let’s talk about planning content around New Year’s resolutions—it’s a great opportunity to connect with people who are looking to make fresh starts. January is all about goal-setting and self-improvement, and guess what? According to Statista, 43% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, with health and fitness topping the list.

 

Here’s a tip: create content that taps into these goals—think blog posts, social media updates, and email newsletters all centered around self-improvement, wellness, and personal growth. For example, you could host a “New Year, New You” challenge, share tips for staying productive in the next year, or promote services related to fitness or wellness.

 

And here’s the kicker—63% of people are more likely to consider services that align with their New Year’s resolutions. So, it’s the perfect time to promote offerings that tie into these goals!

 

2. Leverage the Power of Email Marketing

Let’s chat about email marketing—it’s still one of the most powerful ways to connect with your audience. In fact, Statista reported that for every $1 spent on email marketing in 2024, businesses saw a return of $42!

 

So, here’s my tip: start the year off strong with a welcome-back email or an exclusive offer for your subscribers. You could include New Year’s discounts or special promotions to encourage people to get a head start on their purchases in January.

 

For example, try something like: “Exclusive New Year’s Discount – Book in January and save 15% on our services!” Or, if you have returning customers, introduce a loyalty program to keep them coming back.

 

And here’s a stat for you: Campaign Monitor found that emails with personalized subject lines see a 26% higher open rate. So, make sure you’re using your customer data to personalize those emails and grab their attention!

 

3. Optimize for Local SEO & Google My Business

The more you know about local SEO—it’s so important, especially if you're running a service-based business. Did you know that 46% of all Google searches are looking for local information? (Thanks, BrightLocal!) If you’re not optimizing for local search, you could be missing out on a lot of potential customers.

 

Here’s a tip: make sure your Google My Business (GMB) profile is up-to-date with the right hours, services, and location info. Don’t forget to post regular updates or promotions to improve your visibility in local searches.

 

For example, you could share offers like: “Book a Winter Wellness Package and Get 10% Off” or post your special New Year hours to keep your customers in the know.

 

And here’s a powerful stat: 56% of local businesses that keep their GMB profile updated regularly are more likely to show up in local searches. So, make sure you're staying on top of it to stand out in your area!

 

4. Create a Social Media Content Calendar

Oh, the power of planning your social media content—it’s a game-changer for keeping your messaging consistent and timely. In fact, according to Hootsuite, 90% of businesses who use social media have seen success in boosting brand exposure and increasing sales!

 

Here’s my tip: plan your posts around specific days and events throughout the month. Use tools like Canva or Buffer to schedule everything in advance—this includes promotions, customer engagement campaigns, and educational content about your services.

 

For example, you could share New Year’s resolution-themed content, highlight customer success stories, or even run a contest on Instagram or Facebook to get people excited and interacting with your brand.

 

And here’s a stat for you: posts with images or videos get 650% more engagement than those without (thanks, HubSpot!). So, always be sure to incorporate eye-catching visuals whenever you can!

 

5. Maximize Paid Advertising and Retargeting

Let’s dive into paid ads—they’re still one of the most effective ways to get your business in front of the right people. According to WordStream, the average ROI from Facebook ads is 152%. Yep, you read that right—152%!

 

Here’s a tip for you: run targeted Facebook and Google ads to drive traffic for your New Year promotions. And don’t forget about retargeting ads—they’re perfect for reconnecting with people who visited your website but didn’t take that next step, like making a purchase or booking a service.

 

For example, you could run a Facebook ad targeting users in your area with a New Year’s offer or a Google search ad promoting your winter services with a location-based focus.

 

And here’s a stat that should get you excited: 64% of users are more likely to make a purchase after seeing a retargeted ad. So, definitely consider this strategy—it’s highly effective for driving conversions and bringing those hesitant customers back!

 

6. Promote Gift Cards for New Year Gifts

Hey, what about gift cards—did you know that 39% of consumers buy gift cards after the holiday season, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF)? It’s a huge opportunity to keep the momentum going and attract customers in the new year.

 

Here’s a tip: promote gift cards for your services during January. Position them as the perfect way for customers to start the new year on a positive note. People love the idea of treating themselves or others to something special, and a gift card is an easy way to make that happen!

 

For example, you could say something like: “Give the Gift of Relaxation – Buy a Gift Card Today and Save 10%” or “New Year, New You – Gift a Wellness Package to a Loved One.”

 

And here’s a stat to get you even more excited: 59% of customers prefer to buy services like spa treatments, fitness classes, or beauty services as gifts. So, offering gift cards for your services could be a perfect match for the season!

 

7. Prepare for Seasonal Campaigns (Valentine’s Day & Spring)

As we approach Valentine's Day and the Spring season, it’s the perfect time for businesses in wellness, beauty, fitness, and retail to shine. 42% of people plan to spend on Valentine's gifts, and experiences and services are high on their list, according to the NRF.

 

Here’s a tip: start planning your Valentine’s Day campaigns early. Think about offering couples' packages, gift bundles, or even limited-time promotions for new clients. You could really tap into that seasonal energy of love and renewal.

 

For example, you could offer a “Valentine’s Day Couples Massage Package” or a Spring Cleaning Wellness Offer that ties into people's desire for a fresh start as the new season approaches.

 

And here’s a stat to get you thinking: 64% of consumers are likely to purchase experiential gifts, like spa services, for their loved ones—especially around Valentine’s Day. So, this is a golden opportunity to promote those types of offerings and attract new customers looking to treat their special someone!

 

8. Track Metrics & Analyze Data to Set New Goals

Tracking your metrics is key to making sure you're always ahead of the game. McKinsey found that businesses using data-driven marketing strategies are 23 times more likely to acquire new customers. So, it’s time to keep those numbers in check!

 

Here’s my tip: use tools like Google Analytics, Facebook Insights, and Instagram Analytics to track how your campaigns are performing. Take a look at how things went last year and use that info to set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) for 2025. This will help you stay on track and make sure your efforts are always in line with where you want to go.

 

And here’s a statistic to really get your attention: 50% of companies that track and analyze their marketing data see an improved ROI. It really shows how important data is in shaping your strategy and helping you make better decisions moving forward! Keep those metrics in mind and you’ll be set up for success.

 

9. Utilize Influencer Marketing and Partnerships

Influencer marketing is totally taking off, and it’s a great way to boost your visibility in the New Year! According to Influencer Marketing Hub, for every $1 spent on influencer marketing, businesses see an average return of $5.20. Sounds like a no-brainer, right?

 

Here’s the tip: partner with local influencers or micro-influencers who align with your business to help promote your services. They can create some serious buzz and reach an even broader audience, which is perfect for kicking off the year.

 

Some examples could be collaborating with fitness influencers for a “New Year’s Fitness Challenge” or working with beauty influencers to showcase your latest services or products. It’s all about leveraging their audience to help spread the word.

 

And here’s a stat you’ll love: 67% of consumers trust online recommendations from influencers. This makes it a super powerful way to grow your brand, especially when you're just starting out or looking to expand your reach.

 

So, team up with the right influencers, and let them work their magic to help grow your business in the next year!

 

10. Prepare for Retargeting & Cross-Selling in the Coming Months

Retargeting and cross-selling are game-changers when it comes to boosting your customer lifetime value. Did you know that retargeting is 70% more effective than traditional ads? (Thanks, HubSpot, for the great stat!) So, if you're not using these strategies yet, you're missing out on a huge opportunity.

 

Here’s my tip: set up automated retargeting campaigns to remind potential customers about the services they were interested in but didn’t purchase. And, don’t forget about cross-selling! Use email segmentation to offer complementary services that match what they’re already interested in.

 

For example, if someone books a fitness service, follow up with a targeted email about wellness packages or nutritional coaching to complement their new fitness goals. This not only boosts your sales but also helps deepen the relationship with your customers.

 

By focusing on retargeting and cross-selling, you'll be able to nurture those relationships and drive more revenue in the next year. Let’s make it happen!

 

January is the perfect time to take stock of your marketing efforts, create content that resonates with your customers' New Year's resolutions, and plan for the upcoming months. By using data-driven strategies, optimizing your online presence, and leveraging key seasonal opportunities, you can set yourself up for success in the next year. Remember, consistency, relevance, and timely action will make your marketing efforts stand out!

 

At Designs by Brandy, we specialize in creating custom branding designs that help your business shine—whether you're preparing for a tradeshow or planning a marketing event. From eye-catching promotional materials to full branding packages, we're here to ensure your business makes a memorable impression.

 

Let’s work together to make your brand unforgettable in the next year! "Your style... your design!" Reach out today and let's get started on elevating your marketing strategy.