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How to Take Advantage of the Recession

by Shelly Bowen

Sure, we may be experiencing a recession, but if you’re a glass-half-full kind of person, you know that this is a phase and we’ll bounce back economically. At least, that’s been my thinking.

But Can the Recession Help Your Content Strategy — and Your Business?

Yesterday, I attended a seminar hosted by Shirlaws — a friendly and supportive business coaching organization — and presented by Mark Johnstone, who is definitely an optimist in my book. Not only did he provide plenty of perspective on the economy using visuals from BigCharts.com (cool Web tool!) and an image of the economic cycle in clock form, but he also provided much insight to what we should be doing as business owners now to prepare for what’s next.

“Do something,” Johnstone said again and again. Don’t sit tight. Do something.

How does the economic cycle relate to content strategy?

During an economic boom, you’re too busy working (and making money) to make sure your Web site is humming like a well-loved Aston Martin. During a recession, however, it’s the perfect time to go out for a professional tune up, scratch repair, and detail.

OK, car analogies aside, the economy is evolving (and revolving) — is your Web site still valid? Ask yourself these five questions:

  1. Have your business priorities changed recently? Does your Web site reflect them?
  2. Do you have out-dated product, services, events or other “dead wood” content cluttering your site?
  3. Have you repositioned or readjusted your brand recently?
  4. Are you expanding your market or services? Have you changed your pricing structure?
  5. Has your competition done any improvements that throw a shadow on your site?

If any of these are yeses — and because it is a recession, the likelihood is great — it’s time to reevaluate your Web content strategy. And truly, as Mark Johnstone reminded me, now is the time — before the next potentially head-spinning up-swing. While your competition, hopefully, is sitting tight.

For “Five Mistakes to Avoid During a Recession,” download this PDF from Shirlaws.

For a free Web content strategy analysis, contact Shelly Bowen. I look forward to hearing from you!

Copyright © 2009 Pybop, LLC. All rights reserved.

Posted by Shelly Bowen on Jan 13, 2009. Filed under Branding, Web Content Strategy

 

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