Bridging the Gap
How can local businesses compete with larger corporations?
Let’s be honest: there is a gap that needs closing. Big businesses, online shopping, and quick shipping have changed the way consumers approach their shopping experience.
Small businesses are faced with the challenge of survival with fierce competition. How can you give your small business and edge up and try to compete with big businesses like Amazon?
1. Emphasize the “local” in local business
More and more, people truly care about their communities and more and more are embracing the “shop local” mindset. If you’re not already, become a part of your community. Start participating in local community events, get your name out there, and invite people to your business. If you welcome your community into your business, they’ll come!
2. Rock your website
Small businesses need to have a website. Well, unless you’re not interested in growing... you need to have a website. If your website is difficult to navigate or simply has an outdated look, users will get frustrated and simply leave. Having a website is about offering value to your audience. It’s 2019 and building a website is easier than ever: it won’t bust your budget, your online store (if you have e-commerce) is not restricted to ‘brick and mortar’ business hours, and websites are one of the best forms of free advertising. It might require a little time and attention to improve your website, but you can’t afford not to. (P.S.We can help!)
“Provide your customers with personalized attention and service. They’ll see the value you offer and they’ll be happy to support your business.”
3. Focus on people
If you’ve forgotten about it for a while, here is your reminder: make excellent customer service a priority. Take a look at your current customer service experience and, if needed, make the necessary changes that will ensure that your small business is offering not only a product/service that is better than your competitors, but your customer service experience blows your competition out of the water. Provide your customers with personalized attention and service. They’ll see the value you offer and they’ll be happy to support your business.
4. Be unique
Find what makes your small business unique. It sounds like a simple piece of advice, but it couldn’t be more important in today’s competitive environment. By doing that, you stick to who you are, and you don’t become too broad in what you do, and too broad in who your audience is. We believe in you but your small business can’t be everything to everyone, and that’s why finding a niche is important for your success.
5. Grow your online brand
Is your small business active on social media? If you aren’t paying attention to the online brand of your small business, you need to! In today’s world, social media is essential when it comes to building your small business’ online presence. Interaction through social media is equally important for both parties. As a customer, you feel listened to. But as a business, getting to know customers on a personal level is priceless. There is an incredible opportunity to interact with customers on social media that creates the space for trust to be built. That trust is invaluable. Social media is not only a place to make sales. It is a place to build trust and credibility. Which in the end, boosts sales.
6. Offer a shipping solution
It’s unreasonable to try to beat Amazon Prime’s fast and free shipping plan, but you can offer a shipping solution that works for you. Get creative and think about a way to incentivize your shipping. Maybe it’s for returning customers or first-timers. If you find a way to make it as simple, inexpensive, and convenient for your customers, they’ll realize you’re worth the wait!
Your small business can stand out if you focus on the things you do well! Take a few simple steps and see what happens. We’re rooting for you, and we’re here to help!