Times are changing very quickly and your small business needs to be able to compete on a level playing field.
The most effective way to grow any small business is to know your target audience and ensure that you provide the best possible customer service. Also, make sure your business is relevant and that you have a strong social media presence. We’ll give some detailed tips below to get you started.
COVID-19 may have wreaked havoc on life as we know it, but if you follow these tips then your small business doesn’t need to end up as a casualty.
Step into the Digital World
In person interaction may be limited but there are many other ways to reach out to your customers. In the modern age of technology most people have access to a SmartPhone or laptop so it is very easy to reach your audience through them. All you need to do is use the correct tools which are at your disposal.
Having a strong online social media presence allows you to engage with your potential customers effortlessly.
Choose the correct social media platform for your type of business. Determine who your target demographic is and concentrate on posting on social platforms that this group will find relevant. Most small businesses will benefit from joining Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Using an online application such as Twitter permits you to showcase your clients’ testimonials. This creates brand exposure and gives your brand a personal touch.
If you’re not tech savvy and this seems daunting, contact your local digital marketing agency to assist you. Partnering with pros is essential in today’s digital world, so clients can see you’re willing to move with the times.
Invest Time Developing an Online Presence
Make sure you use ALL the tools available these days.
It is very simple to create an online presence on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. However, if your potential client would like more information it’s vital to redirect them to your website. Having a website for your business will show credibility and allow you to showcase your products/services easily. A quick search online will allow customers to find your website and contact you with ease.
Here are some tips any business can easily incorporate into the week’s tasks:
- Apart from your product information, adding a blog to your website is a great way to stay relevant and post regular updates. This way, search engines can see your website is still active. It also allows you to post external links to interesting topics, increasing your site’s credibility. External links increase your site’s overall ranking, while blogging helps to attract relevant customers to your website.
- Ask questions on social media. Apps such as Facebook make it very simple to engage with your customers by asking questions that require a response. Posting often allows you to remain relevant and visible.
- Post funny, relevant memes on Facebook.
- Run exciting competitions that inspire your audience to like and share the post.
- Give special discounts for visiting the website and entering the promotional code.
Is it worth investing all this time in your online presence? Yes! For example, your blog allows you to hand out a free digital sample of your business. If you offer the online resource of questions and answers, you take advantage of Micro Moments – prioritising searches that consumers need answered quickly and alerting Google that you offer this remarkable resource.
Having a blog will also allow you to host guest bloggers. This can be anyone that writes content that is relevant to your target audience. On this platform they can easily share their expertise, helping you partner with market leaders and even leading to a new source of income when bloggers pay you for the privilege.
Evaluate Your Goals and Formulate a Strategy
2020 hasn’t been a walk in the park for anyone and many businesses have suffered. A good strategy is not to set too many goals that are difficult to reach. Instead, focus on one key area. Is your goal to increase sales, generate more leads or increase traffic to your website? Once you have determined your goal, you can go about formulating a strategy to reach it.
The ultimate goal of any business is to make a profit. But in today’s interesting world it takes a unique approach to make that happen. As the world changes, ask yourself whether you’re changing and adapting your business to remain relevant. By using these tips your business is sure to succeed, no matter what else 2020 has in store for us.
