5 Tips to Make Your Small Business Customer-Friendly
Owning a successful small business is still part of the American dream for many people. However, in this age of national big box retailers and fierce competition, it can be difficult to carve a niche for yourself in the consumer marketplace. This doesn't mean it's too difficult to start up your own business and to get it to thrive – you just need to be savvy in attracting customers and keeping a loyal fan base. Fortunately, there are a growing number of people who prefer smaller businesses over the big chains. It's considered hip and politically correct to support local businesses whenever possible.
For the best chance of success and keeping your customers happy, you will need to make it convenient, enjoyable and affordable to shop with you. The following are some of the best tips to help you make your small business a success.
Accept Credit Cards
To truly make it in today's marketplace, you will need an updated way for customers to pay. Many small businesses still only accepted cash or checks just a few years ago. However, business owners need to keep up with the times. Most people prefer to pay with credit or debit, and it is essential to offer this convenience to your customers. For more information on setting up your Portland credit card processor system, click here.
Make Sales Events Fun
It makes sense for businesses to offer regular sales to attract a new client base and move out old merchandise, but a lot of business owners don't realize that sales events can be great fun. Consider regularly advertising your event for a few weeks leading up to the sale. Offer raffle prizes, incentives and small freebies for the kids. It can drive up exposure by hiring a DJ or getting someone from the local radio station to come down and promote your event. Make your sale something that people will want to set aside time for and attend.
Offer Competitive Pricing
You don't necessarily have to lower your prices to match the lowest big box rates – in fact, heavy competition from chains has sadly forced many smaller mom-and-pop companies out of business. You should, however, make sure your prices are fair and not exorbitant. Many customers will be willing to support a local company with reasonable prices, if only to avoid going to big box retailers.
Get Recognized on Social Media
These days, everyone is online, including businesses. Every successful company has its own website, Twitter account, Facebook page and the like. You can greatly drive up your company's visibility by establishing an active online presence. Make your social media activity fun and entertaining by allowing customer interaction and taking time to answer questions and concerns in a friendly manner.
Set Reasonable Limits
Running a customer-oriented business does not mean you must cater to the whims of every demanding customer. If you'd rather not price-match, you don't have to. It is okay to refuse to acknowledge the "customer is always right" mentality that many people still cling to if they are being unreasonable. Set limits on what you will and will not allow when dealing with customers, and gently and kindly assert your rights to run your business as you see fit.
The right planning and customer-friendly attitude can help your small business stand out and become a local favorite that customers are happy to support.
For the best chance of success and keeping your customers happy, you will need to make it convenient, enjoyable and affordable to shop with you. The following are some of the best tips to help you make your small business a success.
Accept Credit Cards
To truly make it in today's marketplace, you will need an updated way for customers to pay. Many small businesses still only accepted cash or checks just a few years ago. However, business owners need to keep up with the times. Most people prefer to pay with credit or debit, and it is essential to offer this convenience to your customers. For more information on setting up your Portland credit card processor system, click here.
Make Sales Events Fun
It makes sense for businesses to offer regular sales to attract a new client base and move out old merchandise, but a lot of business owners don't realize that sales events can be great fun. Consider regularly advertising your event for a few weeks leading up to the sale. Offer raffle prizes, incentives and small freebies for the kids. It can drive up exposure by hiring a DJ or getting someone from the local radio station to come down and promote your event. Make your sale something that people will want to set aside time for and attend.
Offer Competitive Pricing
You don't necessarily have to lower your prices to match the lowest big box rates – in fact, heavy competition from chains has sadly forced many smaller mom-and-pop companies out of business. You should, however, make sure your prices are fair and not exorbitant. Many customers will be willing to support a local company with reasonable prices, if only to avoid going to big box retailers.
Get Recognized on Social Media
These days, everyone is online, including businesses. Every successful company has its own website, Twitter account, Facebook page and the like. You can greatly drive up your company's visibility by establishing an active online presence. Make your social media activity fun and entertaining by allowing customer interaction and taking time to answer questions and concerns in a friendly manner.
Set Reasonable Limits
Running a customer-oriented business does not mean you must cater to the whims of every demanding customer. If you'd rather not price-match, you don't have to. It is okay to refuse to acknowledge the "customer is always right" mentality that many people still cling to if they are being unreasonable. Set limits on what you will and will not allow when dealing with customers, and gently and kindly assert your rights to run your business as you see fit.
The right planning and customer-friendly attitude can help your small business stand out and become a local favorite that customers are happy to support.
