Making it as a business owner might be your dream. But if you’re new to the game, those first few steps can be daunting.
There’s good news however, as research shows that two thirds of customers trust small businesses over big names. With people more inclined to put their faith in smaller brands, you can get to work on growing yours and drawing in these customers.
If you’re ready to start growing your business, then here are four things you should do.
- Know Your Stuff
Being knowledgeable about your market is a must. With a thorough and up-to-date understanding of your industry, you’re better equipped adapt to trends and continue to offer your clients and customers a helpful and reliable service.
It’s also a good idea to understand best business practices. You probably don’t have the time to return to university to study a full-time degree, but additional qualifications can be useful in building your business understanding. However, with a distance learning institution such as Anglia Ruskin University, you can study business on a fully flexible schedule that suits your needs.
- Connect With Your Customers
Asking your customers to give you feedback is a great way to get to know what they’re looking for and provide it. It also shows them that you care about what they want.
When they leave a review, whether it’s positive or negative, be sure to respond as this will also encourage other customers.
It’s also a good idea to get active on social media. Not only will this help your customers to find you, but most of these platforms have a direct messaging feature that will enable your customers to easily reach out to you if there’s a problem or they have any questions.
- Get Online
Regardless of how small your business is, having a website is essential for the 21st century. It doesn’t just contribute to your legitimacy, but chances are this will be how many of your customers find you.
One popular platform that business owners are using to bring their companies into the digital world is Shopify… not to be confused with Spotify!
It has become so easy to create an online store that that there’s really no excuse not to cater for potential online customers.
- Research Your Competition
Researching your competition is essential, especially when you’re just getting started. It’s vital that know who they are and recognise what makes them successful.
And, if you can learn from their mistakes then you’re on to a winner!
But if there’s something that they’re doing better than you, or something that you’d like to implement in your own company, then draw inspiration to improve your own business.
For example, how do they maintain good relationships with their customers? Do they run innovative marketing campaigns? Draw in custom with fun competitions? Write a blog? Whatever works for them, try and adapt the strategy to suit your needs, and identify what’s missing from their offering so you can fill the gap in the market!
Are you a business owner? Share your tips for achieving growth in the comments below!