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In a post-pandemic economy, some would say this is not the ideal time to think about beginning or growing a small business. Budgets are tight. Many businesses succumbed to the perils of a global economy that was shut down unexpectedly. As things open up, is it time to play it safe, or is it time to utilize the concepts of unit economics and set your small business on the path to success?
According to the 2021 Small Business Owner’s Report, sixty percent of business owners expect an increase in their revenue this year. With such confidence amongst the business community, how can small business owners benefit from effective marketing strategies? Where do they begin? How can they stand out in the sea of small businesses that are swimming upstream to capture the attention of the global marketplace?
Well, it all comes down to having a strong plan and implementing it. Organization and structure are key. Anyone who attempts to enter this race haphazardly is almost guaranteed to fail miserably. But there are proven ways to ensure that your business does not meet its untimely end. Consider some of the following marketing strategies for small businesses.
- Build a brand instead of just marketing something.
It can be so easy to get focused on the product or service you are producing. As a small business owner, making a profit is imperative, and you want to get your item in the hands of as many consumers as possible. If you shift your focus to building a brand, however, the rewards can be conceivably huge. Your business will be viewed as being more cohesive and have a far larger reach.
- Create personalized experiences for the consumers.
Do you want loyal customers that continue to come back and use your services and buy your products for years to come? Market to them in a personal manner that gives them an experience that is memorable and high quality. This may take more time upfront, but in the end, again, the payoff can be enormous. You will foster the loyalty of your customers.
- Really listen to your customers.
This is key in creating the kind of business to which people will return time and again. You might believe you understand your customers and that it’s not necessary to listen to their feedback. Nonetheless, if you establish a process where their voices are heard and they feel like you are attempting to meet those needs and desires if possible, you are going to create a loyal and large customer base that will continue to come back to you for decades and generations. Bigger businesses don’t always take the time to listen, but as a small business, you have a unique vantage point.
- Don’t be afraid to think outside the box.
In this world, cookie-cutter businesses are a dime a dozen and in a post-pandemic economy, the little guys are not going to make it. That is, unless they think outside the box and try some different things. You want your business to stand out, and a surefire way is to see that your business tries something new that hasn’t been done before. Take a risk, and don’t be afraid of what others might think. All of us love a story where someone tried something different and then built a multi-million-dollar corporation on that idea. I mean, look at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.!
