We all have Bad Habits. But these practices could be negatively affecting your small Business, and holding it back from growing to its full potential. Take a look below - if any of them look familiar, then it's time for you to break your bad habits and build a better business in the process.

1. Disregarding the Power of Mobile Marketing

An estimated 98% of small businesses don't have sites that are optimized for mobile viewing. It might not seem like this facet would have a big effect on your company, but consider this: about 86 million Americans utilize smartphones to learn more about businesses. 62% of these people shop from their smartphone at least once-monthly. If your site isn't mobile optimized, then you're denying your business a significant number of potential customers. 

2. Not Having a Blog

Contrary to popular belief, blogs are actually a very lucrative aspect of business. By adding new content to your blog a couple of times a week, you are increasing your ranking in search engines and positioning yourself as a relevant force in your field. Still not convinced? Consider this: According to Hubspot, companies that update their blog a few times a month generate 70% more leads than those who do not. 

3. Not Protecting Data

Think that your small business won't be affected if people get ahold of your data? Think again. Everything - from financial records to networks to social media accounts - should be monitored frequently for security purposes. Create a protocol for all of your employees to follow that ensures that your information is safe, and consider assigning someone to manage data security. 

4. Thinking Short-Term

Running a small business can often feel like a circus act - you're contantly juggling different tasks and trying to stay afloat. While it's important to keep the day-to-day aspects of your business running smoothly, it's also vital to have long-term goals. Your business needs direction; it needs goals; it needs perspective. Thinking in the long-term is the only way that your business will truly grow.

If you're guilty of some of these bad habits, don't stress. They're easy enough to break - and will radically improve your business in the process!

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Insights courtesy of Open Forum and Wheel Media, a San Francisco marketing company.