People usually don’t start a business with aspirations to be mediocre. Even small rural businesses have desire and potential to continue growing as long as the owner puts current technology to use. Thanks to the power of the Internet and social media, there are many ways that can help an organization continue growing regardless of location or situation. Although it may take a bit more work, the potential is usually always present. What can a business do to maximize future growth?
Mobile Targeting for Local Consumers
Greater efficiency of mobile marketing has prompted developers to include a method in which local businesses can benefit from Smartphone and tablet use. Advertisements and search engines often provide local results to users when these individuals are looking for a specific need. For example, someone looking for cheeseburgers may get a list of burger-supplying restaurants within his or her immediate area. As more people are using Smartphone for these kinds of purposes, investing in mobile ad targeting may be beneficial to your brick-and-mortar business.
Website and Blog Development
Many larger corporations are putting as much emphasis into online sales and information as they do in local establishments. As much of human life revolves around the use of the Internet, these companies continue making sales with access to a much larger audience. Companies such as Best Buy can supply various areas with electronics even if there isn’t a store location within the consumer’s city. By developing your own online presence, you could increase net income for the business through direct sales or other venues such as affiliate or ad marketing.
Include Additional Services
Depending on the type of business you operate, you may be able to include other services to engage consumers. Instead of just operating a computer repair shop, you could include game consoles and other digital entertainment. This keeps the niche in the same category for your business while expanding the consumer base to include those that may never have visited your location before. While this may include additional education in order to provide those services, the payoff could be well worth the time spent. The only real difficult aspect of adding those services is figuring out what your local area needs that fits your business niche.
Incorporate Social Media
One of the more common suggestions for 2015 is to incorporate more social media in marketing the business. However, you could take it a step further than merely creating a profile on Facebook and regular status updates. Be interactive with the local community. Sites such as these are heavily used and communicating with others can be an excellent method of connecting on a more personal level. When someone comments on a post, try to respond in a timely manner. This gives the business more of an approachable feel and makes users feel like their comments matter.
Social Events
Participate in more social events and interact with the community. For a brick-and-mortar location, the community is how you get paid. The more comfortable these people are around you and the business, the more likely they will spend money on products and services. If there isn’t a public event happening, why not create one? Host a barbecue or other fun outdoor activity and invite the masses.
Some of the most successful business people realize the need for growth within any industry. People such as Maxim Gorin, CEO of MGME Consulting, don’t assume that a business needs to plateau at certain levels. Aim high and discover what you can add to the business to continue its growth.
