It’s hard to believe it’s already the end of another year…and another year in business as Southern Creative 🥂!
As we wave goodbye to 2023 and welcome a bright future ahead in 2024, I wanted to take a moment on the blog to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve had in 2023. It’s been a year of growth, learning, and simplifying to scale, and I’m so grateful for every step. From honing our services and growing our team to leveling up personal growth, every month has been a stepping stone to where we are today.
Grab a coffee and pull up a chair – let’s chat about wrapping up 2023 and peek into what 2024 holds!
Lesson #1: Simplifying to scale
This year, we embraced simplicity in our offers, and it’s been a game-changer! Before 2023, Southern Creative was focused on fully custom WordPress websites. But this year, we shifted into a new model and created Launch Week and Scalable Sites. This allowed us to simplify our process and support more brands in launching websites that truly work for them. It’s all about finding that sweet spot between efficiency and quality!
Lesson #2: You will grow where you put your focus
2023 was also about sharpening our focus. Earlier on in my business, I grew SO much through my work as a white-label designer working under other agencies and companies. However, in late 2022, I started to feel an internal tug that it was time to pour all that energy into our company and clients. The result? A staggering 51% growth…and we hit our revenue goal of over $100,000! It’s proof that where you focus, you flourish.
Lesson #3: Marketing is a must
With a small but mighty team and my two little ones, it’s easy to let marketing slide down the priority list. But this year reinforced that consistent engagement on social media and our blog directly correlates with inquiries and project success. We’ve seen firsthand that regular, valuable content is key to keeping our business thriving.
Lesson #4: Fill your cup first
As much as I love working for myself, sometimes it makes it difficult to find time for me! In 2023, I got serious about self-care and time management for business success. Implementing a 4:45 AM workout routine and quarterly schedule check-ins with my husband have been SO helpful in staying focused on what we want our family to look like and staying consistent with the commitments that are important to us. Saying no to what doesn’t align with our goals and schedule is not just self-care; it’s smart business.
Lesson #5 Embracing a growth mindset
I used to be convinced I didn’t have a green thumb… But this year proved me wrong! Just like nurturing Southern Creative as a business, I found that with focus and intention, I could become a proud plant mama 🌱 Now I have 20+ plants alive and thriving! It’s a testament to the power of a growth mindset – and that we can always learn and evolve.
Lesson #6: Be a lifelong student
Every quarter, I set a goal to learn something new, whether it’s continuing an existing skill or diving into a new course. This commitment to growth keeps me on our toes and ensures we’re always bringing fresh, innovative ideas to the table. Plus, it’s always fun to learn something new and meet new biz besties in networking groups and masterminds!
What we focused on in 2023
I’m so proud of myself for setting (and achieving!) these goals for Southern Creative this year:
Q1: We launched Launch Week and Scalable Sites to serve our vibrant community with a way to level up their online presence with a semi-custom website in just one week.
Q2 & 3: Rounded out our offerings with full-service SEO audits & optimization services.
Q4: (at the time of writing, still working on this one!) Growing as a leader through mastermind sessions, in-person retreats, and Amy Porterfield’s DCA program.
What’s next in 2024
I’m so excited for the new year – here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming up for Southern Creative:
We’re launching a podcast!
I’m thrilled to be a part of Elizabeth’s podcast course and am preparing to launch our very own podcast in 2024. (stay tuned!)
SEO and WordPress Courses
We’ll be expanding our educational offerings with courses for both SEO and WordPress. I’ve been able to teach some clients on a one-on-one basis, and I can’t wait to share trainings with more people!
Want to stay in the know for when these launch? Join the waitlist here!
Cycle Syncing
Have you heard about cycle synching? Being able to set my own schedule and workflow is one of the best parts of being a business owner, and leaning into my natural hormonal cycles for my health and business has been a game changer! I’ve set a goal to lean into this even more in 2024. If you want to make some new biz besties and have some accountability with cycle synching, join The Flow Collective with Maisie Hill! I worked with Maisie to design the membership site a couple of years ago, and it’s an amazing resource.
Batching social content
It used to be easier to do this on the fly, but in 2023 it was challenging! In 2024, I’m going to start batching my monthly social content to stay on top of marketing.
Looking forward to an amazing 2024!
As we move into the new year, I’m filled with SO much gratitude and excitement. I’m so thankful for all the growth, learning, and refocusing I got to do in 2023. And next year? It’s all about building on these foundations, exploring new horizons, and continuing to serve our incredible community.
Let’s connect in the new year!
Stay tuned for our upcoming podcast and courses. We post weekly on the blog and even more often over on IG – come hang out with us and join the conversation!
