30 Ways to Increase Profits Today (Updated 2025)

This updated checklist adapts a classic 30-item profit playbook for 2025. It covers messaging, paid and organic digital channels, lead capture, follow-up systems, social proof, referrals, team skills, privacy-aware personalization, and multi-channel testing. Prioritize three weak areas and implement measurable tests.

Quick checklist to increase profits

This updated 30-point checklist keeps the original intent: pinpoint where your business is underperforming and take immediate action. Answering "no" to any item highlights an opportunity to improve revenue or reduce cost.

Messaging and positioning

1. Does every piece of promotional copy (site, emails, ads, letters) clearly communicate customer benefits?

1. Use PR strategically to attract attention - track coverage and web traffic from each placement.

1. Can you name three specific things that set you apart from competitors?

1. Do you advertise where your target customers actually spend time (not just where your competitors advertise)?

Digital advertising and search

1. Test pay-per-click (PPC) and social ads with tight targeting and conversion tracking.

1. Does your website offer a clear lead magnet or value exchange to capture contact details?

1. Have you tried targeted outbound outreach (B2B SDRs or account-based marketing) with measurable KPIs?

1. Use direct mail strategically and link it to digital tracking (URLs, QR codes, UTM tags).

Creative and sales copy

1. Are your ads written for direct response - clear offer, deadline, and call to action?

1. Do sales conversations use language that differentiates and focuses on customer outcomes?

1. Are you investing in display, retargeting, or programmatic channels where appropriate?

1. Do you send regular, relevant email communications to customers and prospects?

Systems and skills

1. Are key team members regularly trained on current tools and tactics (CRO, analytics, automation)?

1. Do you have a documented lead-generation process with ownership?

1. Is there consistent multi-step follow-up for qualified leads (phone, email, SMS where permitted)?

Social proof and referrals

1. Do you use testimonials and case studies from top customers on relevant pages?

1. Do you actively ask for referrals and make it easy to refer you?

1. Is there a formal referral system with tracking and rewards?

1. Are email newsletters personalized and segmented by interest or behavior?

Media and customer care

1. Do you know how to write an effective press release and distribute it where reporters look?

1. Are you proactively taking care of current customers to reduce churn?

1. Do you capture and use customer milestones (birthdays, anniversaries) appropriately and with consent?

Selling techniques and lists

1. Does your sales team use consultative questioning rather than pitches?

1. Do you use rented or purchased lists only when you can target and measure results?

1. Are you using multiple complementary marketing channels (6-10 methods over time)?

Copy tactics and frequency

1. Do your sales letters and emails feature a clear postscript or final call-to-action that reinforces the offer?

1. Do you regularly re-communicate current offerings to your customer base without spamming?

1. Are you systematically testing new channels until you find the right mix for growth?

Follow-up and competitive perspective

1. Do you follow up mailings and campaigns with a timely call or digital nudge to boost response and conversion?

1. Have you audited competitors to see gaps you can exploit quickly?

Final tip

Pick the top three "no" items and act on them this week. Small, measurable changes compound quickly.