Small Business Owner: Tips for Sustaining Growth in 2021
July 09, 2021
Unfortunately, there’s no magic wand to wave to instantly increase your business profits. However, there are several tools at your disposal, if utilized correctly can produce similar results. A small business owner doesn’t have excess cash hanging around. They need to make each dollar they spend count.
Company Website
The internet is here to stay. That’s why every business needs a website. An online presence validates your company. However, it’s not enough to simply have a website. It must contain valuable content, as well as the company history. Done correctly, your website will deem you credible and extend your customer base to locations around the globe.
Placing Ads
In the past, your marketing campaign included mass emails and brochures. Today, with millions of people on social media, it’s rapidly changing. While the two are still effective, social media platforms have the advantage. Sites like Twitter and Facebook have millions of visitors each hour. Utilizing this tool will give you an advantage over the competition. Surprisingly, placing an ad that connects to your website with a single click, is inexpensive.
Community Events
In order to gain name recognition in the community, you must have a physical presence. Many successful small business owners give back to the community by sponsoring an annual clambake or music festival. Companies such as Instent Industries have many available resources including banners, fabric displays, and tents that you can use to promote your business.
Keep in Touch
With hundreds of companies offering similar services and products, it’s essential to provide something extra. The added investment can provide monetary dividends by retaining a loyal base. Drop an email after each purchase to see if the service and product met expectations. Send an email to see if there’s an area that needs improvement. Offer special discounts for loyalty and introduce new services or products prior to a public release.
Your Loyal Base
Unfortunately, many business owners still don’t understand the positive impact they can achieve through a loyal customer base. Today, more than ever before, keeping customers happy is necessary. Most people have cell phones and if they like or dislike a company they write a review. People read these reviews, and whether right or wrong, use them in the decision-making process. A loyal base will also refer as many people as they can to use your company. This increases your business revenue at no additional cost to you.
Limit Specialties
Often, small businesses expand too quickly. They spread themselves too thin. Find your niche. Take what works and build on it. Purchasing additional inventory for unchartered territory is risky business. Not only will you deplete your savings, but also you may end up taking a loss by non-movement of supplies.
Know the Competition
Knowing the products and services your competition offers will allow you to offer something extra. Set up a booth at a trade show and take a walk around. Mingle with the competition. Speak with your customers about why they like a business to gain insight and join a network. Knowledge is a powerful tool. The more you know about your competition the better you are able to compete.
Customer Service
Customer service is critical to the survival of any business. A company that goes above and beyond will enjoy the benefits in revenue. While you can’t please everyone, addressing their concerns will help you retain a loyal base and expand on it. If you are on social media, take the time to read the reviews and then respond.
The good news is there are many tried and trusted ways to grow your business. Utilize these tools and enjoy the benefits of annual sustained profits.