Keeping a small business afloat can be quite challenging. Most small businesses at one time or another will struggle. In fact, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), one out of three new small businesses fail after the first two years, and more than 56 percent fail after the first four years. However, there are ways to help ensure the success of your business during lean times and in the new year.

First and foremost, you must create a business plan for the new year. This should include your mission statement, the products and/or services you will be offering, your business niche, target audience and marketing strategies. The latter is perhaps the most essential, as you should continue to market no matter the circumstances. Marketing is, and should be, a never-ending process, as small businesses needs to market any new product and/or service or keep customers updated on existing products and/or services and promotions.

It is also crucial that you keep your website updated, ensuring the content on your site is fresh. By frequently updating and adding new content you make sure consumers have a thorough knowledge of your products and services, and they will appreciate you for educating them on the benefits of what you offer.

Diversifying will also help you in the new year. If your sales have become stagnant, it is imperative you do research to figure out why. It is also important to find other ways to market your products and services, as well as provide new products and services if necessary to keep your existing clientele interested and attract new customers.