This year-end checklist offers several suggestions to enable you to take control of your garden marketing and PR before 2014. 

Here are 6 actions to consider to jump-start your marketing in 2014.

1. Follow the Trends

The start of a new year is the perfect time to dive deeper into our 12 consumer garden trends to learn what motivates your customers and begin planning for the upcoming gardening season.

2. Start a Business Blog

81% of U.S. online consumers value information and advice found on blogs, and a whopping 61% of those consumers have a made a purchase based solely on that advice.  If you haven’t already, it’s time for you and your garden business to get on board with blogging!

3. Sign up for One Industry Trade Show and Knock its Socks Off

Trade shows are one of the best places to garner new business, attract new customers and interact face-to-face with attendees.  Most people attend trade shows with one goal in mind: sales. That certainly is the main reason for a trade show, but with a little garden PR planning, you can extend your “sales calls” with great public relations opportunities.

4. Connect with the Top Influencers in your Industry

Key influencers are the best place to begin making connections. They are the leaders in their industry. The topics they write and talk about will soon be covered by media outlets across the country. Think of it like a ripple effect. If you can hook the big influencers, the rest of the media coverage will soon take off.

5. Start a Company Pinterest Board

The trick to succeeding on Pinterest is not showing off your products and services directly. It is about finding creative ways to show how those products and services fit into the lifestyles of your target audience. Even though the site’s current users are about 70 percent female, Pinterest's demographic and reach is continuing to grow. 

6. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

Go out on a limb this year and try new things.  Make some 6 second Vine videos.  Participate in a Google Hangout.  These are the perfect fit for any business--and offer a competitive edge over other garden businesses. 

Here's your final checklist for 2014!  Go forth and conquer! 

If You Need Help with Any of the Above, Don't Hesitate to Call.