New Year's resolutions are an annual tradition for most of us. As a fresh January dawns, we all like to imagine a version of ourselves that could be on the way in the coming months—hopefully the slimmer, wealthier, happier version that we most want to be.

As you look to 2012, don't just limit yourself to thinking about putting a few more nickels away or dropping the extra holiday pounds. Growing business and consistently reaching new clients through the Internet is becoming increasingly important to companies of all sizes, and there are several things you can get started on right away that will pay dividends as you look to grow your bottom line.

Here are seven good online marketing resolutions you can make in 2012:

1. Make it to your keyboard more often. Just as hitting the gym makes you healthier, adding new writing to your website makes it stronger. Fresh content—in the form of blog posts, optimized pages, better product descriptions, e-mail newsletters, and more—has always been an important part of online marketing success. Don't procrastinate on yours; either make it to the keyboard more often, or hire a good Internet copywriter who can help you out.

2. Cut back on unhealthy keywords. Like fatty foods that fill your stomach but don't do a lot for your health, you may have keywords in your pay-per-click campaigns that are costing you money without bringing you any revenue. Make it your goal in 2012 to find and weed out as many of them as possible.

3. Meet more new people. Social media sites are making it easier and faster than ever to network, grow relationships, and get introduced to potential clients. Make sure you have great profiles on sites like Facebook, Google+ and LinkedIn, and then encourage current clients (through promotions or incentives) to share your business with their colleagues.

4. Become a better listener. Speaking of social media, don't confuse the social networks with being an advertising medium. The social networks are all about developing relationships and engaging in conversations—not broadcasting marketing messages. Take the opportunity to really listen to your friends and fans. One of the best benefits of using Facebook and Twitter is that you can invite feedback from clients and stakeholders which gives you valuable information and increases customer loyalty.

5. Think before you tweet. If there was one thing we learned in 2011, it was that there are still plenty of ways to put your foot in your mouth in 140 characters or less. It's incredibly quick to send a tweet, and nearly impossible to reel one back in once it has been posted, so think carefully before you say something you won't mean later.

6. Actively manage your money. The year 2012 figures to be a lot like the past couple of years have been: one where most of us are trying to do more with less in a difficult economy. The key to efficient online marketing is consistent review of the results you are achieving, modifying your approach where warranted, experimenting with alternate options, and continuing to keep an eye on your ROI. Think smarter this year, not necessarily bigger.

7. Read some of the classics. You don't have to become an expert in Internet marketing—that's what your business web design team is for—but reading up on the basics and spending a few minutes a day studying trends can help you more than you might think. Even if you're leaving the basics to someone else, try to stay informed. You'll be able to ask better questions and set a more effective online marketing course for your business. Some favorites? Read Write Web, Mashable, and Digital Trends  are all great starting points.

When you make your 2012 resolutions, don't forget about these seven. Find a way to stick to each of them, and we can promise you a more profitable New Year.