No matter how smoothly your business seems to be going it is sensible to look closely at your processes to see if they could be improved, and you should ideally do this annually, so that you are never on the back foot, and always prepared to do what needs to be done to stay successful. With that in mind here are six things your company should make an effort to audit annually to ensure your ongoing success:
Your Finances: Count Every Penny
Money talks, and it’s got a lot to say if you’re willing to listen. An annual financial audit isn’t just about spotting dodgy expenses (although, seriously, who authorised the 400-pack of highlighters?). It’s also a chance to check your cash flow, review profit margins, and make sure your budget actually makes sense.
Take a moment to chat with your accountant—they’re not just there to remind you about tax deadlines. A little financial spring cleaning now could save you a world of stress later.
Your Website: Is It Still Doing the Job?
Your website is basically your business’s digital handshake, and nobody likes a weak grip. Check that everything’s running smoothly—are there broken links, outdated info, or cringe-worthy stock photos? If your site looks like it hasn’t been updated since dial-up was a thing, it’s time to spruce it up.
While you’re at it, consider hiring an SEO consultant from https://tonimarino.co.uk/ to make sure people can actually find your website. A quick audit of your keywords and search rankings could mean the difference between “business booming” and “crickets chirping.”
Your Customer Feedback: Love Letters or Complaint Novels?
Your customers are basically your business’s cheerleaders—or critics. Make sure you’re listening to what they have to say. Are reviews generally glowing, or do you need to address some recurring issues? An annual dive into customer feedback (from surveys, reviews, and even complaints) can highlight what’s working and what needs improvement.
And don’t forget: a happy customer is the best free advertising you’ll ever get.
Your Marketing Strategy: Are You Still Trending?
Marketing isn’t a “set it and forget it” deal. Trends change, platforms evolve, and what worked last year might be completely irrelevant now (RIP, Vine). Take a look at your social media presence, email campaigns, and advertising efforts. Are you hitting the right audience? Is your branding still on point?
Consider bringing in a fresh perspective, like a marketing expert or creative consultant, to make sure you’re not stuck in 2015’s marketing playbook.
Your Team: Happy Employees = Happy Business
Your employees are the backbone of your business, so it’s worth checking in on their happiness and performance. Are roles clearly defined? Are workloads manageable? Is the office coffee machine actually working? Conducting an annual review of your team dynamics and investing in training or resources can make all the difference.
Your Goals: Aim High (But Be Realistic)
Finally, take a step back and review your big-picture goals. Did you smash last year’s targets? Did you pivot midway through? And what’s the plan for next year? Auditing your business’s goals ensures you’re always moving forward, even if the path takes a few unexpected turns.
Check it before you wreck it with an annual audit!
