The end of the year has always been a time for reflection. One looks back at the previous twelve months, smiling at the high points – and wincing a little at the low points. No business owner does everything perfectly. No matter how good your year was, there’s always a point where improvement is possible. Of course, our slant around here is always tech-centric. With that in mind, here are three of the most important lessons small businesses learned in 2013 and mistakes we’ll help prevent you from making in 2014:

Mistake #1: Taking Web Security for Granted

Over the past twelve months, we’ve seen hackers do tremendous damage in the digital setting. From nearly global sized email attacks to the massive credit card information grab perpetrated on Target shoppers, it’s become incredibly clear that taking web security for granted is something no business will be able to do. Make 2014 the year you commit to understanding how your vendors are protecting your personal information – and make sure you’re protecting your customers’ data to the highest possible level.

Mistake #2: Assume that Google will Never Change

Google will make changes to the way it operates, including the method by which they determine web site rankings, as certainly as the sun will rise in the East. During 2013 we saw major changes to the Panda and Penguin, as well as a complete algorithm update with Hummingbird. As a small business owner, you need to be aware of how these changes impact your website – and resolve to not get caught napping when the next set of changes comes around.

Mistake #3: Sending Technology to do a Human’s Job

As much as we love technology, we have to admit that some processes simply can’t be automated. Social media management is one of those processes. Over 2013, we saw leading brands have PR disasters when they took forgot that human touch: bots and other ‘turnkey solutions’ to social media just can’t match the results of real, live people communicating effectively on behalf of your company.

2014 Can Be Your Best Year Ever

Is your website attracting customer attention, driving sales and building profitable relationships? When was the last time social media did anything meaningful for your business? We specialize in helping business owners make technology work as a business-building tool. If you’re tired of the results you’ve been getting from your digital marketing, and want to see something better happen, give us a call. We’re here to make it happen!