We’re still in the first week of a brand new year, so hit the ground running with this simple guide to preparing your website and online accounts for 2015.

1. Tackle upgrades

Make a list of the online software and platforms you have installed, and upgrade. Don’t forget your computer, too – close all those tabs and programs you have open, and finally run that Adobe Reader or Microsoft Silverlight update you’ve been hitting ignore on.

If you’re running WordPress, don’t forget to ensure you’re running the latest version, or your website is vulnerable to hackers and malicious code. Double check that no strange admin users have been created, and ensure security plugins are kept up to date.

2. Ditch the spam

It’s time to get rid of those junk comments and emails. Make sure they’re fully deleted instead of just being moved to a ‘Junk’ or ‘Trash’ folder and you’ll free up lots of space. You might also want to download/backup any  important emails.

3. Change your passwords

Make sure they’re strong, don’t contain dictionary words or names, and use a broad combination of characters and symbols. Never use the same password for more than one login.

4. File and archive

Whether it’s To Do lists, physical files and paper, website files, emails, or any other form of data, have a good clean up. Get rid of anything you don’t need or have put off and don’t plan to come back to soon; it goes a long way towards freeing up your mental space as well as your physical and virtual ones.

5. Clear your physical space

Don’t leave your workspace messy this year – do a big clean up so you can sit down in a nice fresh space without an excuse for procrastinating. Anything that you haven’t filed can be shredded – be ruthless!

6. Create a plan/list for next year

Chances are you’ll come back to your lovely tidy desk with a blank mind if you don’t create a plan whilst you remember.  Whatever form your plan or list takes, make sure it’s manageable and you have a good mix of enjoyable and essential tasks.

7. Make a list of contacts

Everyone’s preparing for a fresh, motivated start, so it’s a good time to prepare a list of contacts to wish a happy new year and simultaneously subtly remind them of you and your services. Many people and companies will be launching new products and services they want to promote, so if you’re looking to attract guest content and external links, January is a great time to approach them.

What are you doing differently with your website and workspace for 2015? Let us know in the comments!