Local Small Business Guide: 3 Key Ways to Help Your Business Grow

Business Development Guide for Small Businesses

Standing out from your competitors can be tricky especially as most promotional platforms now are easily accessible. Nonetheless, this does not mean you cannot differentiate your local business from the rest. In a highly competitive business industry, knowing how to build your presence is crucial. Whether you are a mortgage broker, insurance broker, accountant, financial planner or even a local tradie, there are a number of ways to help your local business succeed.

1. Know Your Target Client Base

The very first step in building a profitable local business is to establish a strong client base. Focus on the type of client you want to attract. Describe your “ideal” customer and target them. For example it may be new home owners to the local area, mothers, or a certain professional group. It is important to build a niche for your business. You can target people more effectively if you know their interests and preferences.

2.Establish a Website and Online Presence

The internet has offered a way for tradies and other local businesses to connect better with their customers. By creating a website for your business and using it for lead generation, you get a chance to reach your target audience. Most people these days are likely to look up a business or service provider over the internet before they decide on hiring them.

According to the stats:

• 61% of global Internet users research products online. (Interconnected World: Shopping and Personal Finance, 2012)
• 44% of online shoppers begin by using a search engine. (Interconnected World: Shopping and Personal Finance, 2012)
• Businesses with websites of 401-1000 pages get 6x more leads than those with 51-100 pages. (HubSpot Lead Generation Lessons from 4,000 Businesses, 2011)

One of the best things to do for your business is to become part of an online listing platform. Pick a website or online platform that is relevant to your industry. For instance, if you are a builder or insurance broker, make sure the website caters to professionals like you. People are most likely to refer to these sites for prospects because they offer one-stop shop convenience.

Lead generation will be futile if you cannot keep your relationships with your customers. Make sure you maintain your connection. Stay in touch with them. As much as possible, be active on social media and other online platforms or methods. This will help customers remember you as long as you operate. Your constant online efforts may also encourage them to remember you and recommend you to other people requiring the same services.

3. Manage a Great Online Reputation

In this digital age we all live in, it means anyone can look you up online 24/7 and form an immediate opinion about you. Investing in building a great online reputation is an essential must for any small business and can be key to helping convince prospects to select you online over a competitor.  Your website, social media activities and what is said about you on other sites all contribute to building (or even damaging) your business reputation.

Being part of online exclusive reputation platforms like Tradebusters Connect could be an option for your local business in helping boost your online reputation.