7 Small Business Strengths to Use to your Advantage
Maya Rector • Apr 15, 2020
With everything going on at the moment, it can be easy to feel anxious as a small business owner. However, the very things that may make you feel worried about your business, such as its smaller scale and local focus - are actually components that can be used to your advantage. Read below to find out more.
1. Community-backed Credibility
When times are tough, consumers feel better about backing up their local businesses. For instance, rather than buying a meal from a large chain restaurant, consumers may be more inclined to order in from their favorite local mom and pop shop. This can apply across industries too, which is evident from the recent surge of #SupportLocal and #ShopLocal hashtags across social media that are urging people to support their local businesses when possible.
2. Agility
Yes, local businesses tend to run smaller operations than the big guys, but is that really such a bad thing? Considering that there are less hoops to jump through to approve new policies, products, or services, small businesses are perfectly positioned to make quick changes to optimize their business strategy. Need to move your services online? As a small business, this is a much faster process. Need feedback about how your business is perceived? Get information straight from the source by speaking with your local customers directly.
Being a small business owner isn’t easy - but it does allow for being quick on your feet in order to adapt to necessary time-sensitive changes.
3. Purpose-driven
While businesses large and small have mission statements and an overall “purpose,” consumers are much more likely to believe your small business’ purpose when compared to larger businesses that are far removed from their everyday lives. Remember why you created your business in the first place - which local consumer needs did you foresee and plan for? Which services do you offer that make your business different from the rest?
As a local business, your uniqueness is your driving force that sets you apart. Hone in on your purpose and messaging for your community to know you mean business- and to know why they should choose your products or services above your competitors.
4. Human-element
Small businesses have the advantage of being able to interact with consumers more directly. Let’s be honest, it’s much easier for potential customers to feel connected and comfortable interacting with your business since it’s right down the road, as opposed to one that’s hundreds or even thousands of miles away. Play up your business’ human appeal and find ways to ease current consumer concerns that are likely to continue into the future.
Wouldn’t you want to know how the place you’re spending your money at is staying safe and sanitized, offering new options or services to account for staying at home, or offering incentives in the short term to adjust to consumer spending habits and help the community?
5. Personal Customer Service
In troubling times, a sense of familiarity and personal customer service support is one of the biggest strengths local businesses can draw upon. Local customer service is often sought out for being able to offer customized advice and service, being conveniently located, and having a family-friendly feel. Now more than ever, this is exactly what consumers are looking for as they face new fears and challenges around where their favorite products and services are sourced, and as they seek one-on-one help for the new questions they are now confronted with.
6. Niche Focus
While large nationwide and global companies tend to be broad in their offerings to appeal to people across the country and globe, local businesses are the experts in honing in their services around particular niches. With consumer demand for personalization and superior customer service, the deep knowledge small businesses have to offer is one of their major advantages.
From local legal firms in diverse areas who specialize in immigration, to auto dealerships located in suburban areas who specialize in selling mid-size vehicles to young families, the opportunities small businesses can leverage tend to be perfectly suited to the needs of their own communities. By tapping into these qualities, small businesses can reach their local audiences and provide solutions to match exactly what they’re looking for.
7. Local Appeal
Who hasn’t enjoyed the feeling of buying an item or service that highlights “made locally” or “made in the USA” messaging? At this moment in history, everyone is facing new circumstances and challenges together, and they’re much more likely to do their part to support one another. While most people are stuck at home, they’re likely not venturing too far out either - making it the perfect opportunity to reach them as a local business.
Takeaway
It’s no secret that many small businesses are beloved among their communities and loyal customers. We hope the above list can provide you with some valuable insights as to how your local business can play up its best qualities, no matter the circumstances.
Questions or concerns about how to promote your small business in uncertain times? Feel free to reach out at info@entravisionlocalmarketingsolutions.com or find a location
near you today.
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