It’s officially Christmas season. A lot has changed in the past two years and I must say more for the better. We have spent a lot of time in our homes and with our love ones. We have learnt to express our love and gratitude differently in the way we gift. But how do we extend this to our small business?
If you are a small business owner looking for new ways to pour into your business this Christmas then you are in the right place. Now is the time to consider what it is you will be gifting your business so it can continue to bless you in the new year. Why not give your small-business some love this Christmas!
Smart ways to love your small business
The broad definition of a small business is a privately owned corporation, partnership or sole proprietorship. By this definition a small business comes in many different sizes. However, I want to address the small teams that struggle to be everything for their business. I know from personal experience how exhausting and lonely it gets. But there are ways we can level up and make our lives less stressful.
1. Claim Your Business
You have worked hard to build your business, claim it. Start by creating a Business Profile on Google, it is a free tool that you should not snooze on. Let your customers find you in search and map by creating a great profile and personalizing it to your offer.
2. Build Your Own Online Real Estate
Next, you need to build your own online real estate. What does that mean, you ask? Well, its simple really, do not rely solely on social media to build a presence for your business. Social media is a great marketing tool and many businesses operate successfully on these platforms alone. However, you are bound by their rules and can easily lose your pages without notice. I always feel the need to impress upon my fellow small business owners the importance of owning their own domain. The difference between a website and social media is one is the bait and the other the fish.
Social media is great, but it is an added marketing tool for your website.
The main difference between a website and social media
A website is your own piece of online real estate whereas social media is a marketing tool. With your website you control your brand and your message. And with the help of social media you can then direct your audience in the direction you like.
Benefits of a website for Your Small Business
It doesn’t matter what business you are in, or how many ways you are available online. If its one thing you need, its your own website. Does this need to be an elaborate and large website? No. However it needs to provide for your audience the most important things you wish to communicate. There are many benefits to developing your website. Below are some benefits you may not have thought of.
- It provides credibility. Customers are 5 times more likely to buy from a business with a website, than one with just a social media page.
- It is a great way to communicate with your customers – Having your own website you have the flexibility to reach out to your customers and nourish your relationships via email or blog.
- The perfect way to grow your business. Being online presents so many opportunities to expand and grow your business. Whether you are selling a service the world can be your marketplace with the addition of an e-commerce shop.
- Save on costly overheads associated with a brick and mortar store.
- Another great benefit of a website is your 24/7 online presence. Your customers can find you and get vital information anytime and anywhere.
Go ahead, Give your small business some love this Christmas
If you need help on where to start, I recommend a discovery call with me or check out my services page for more information. On the discovery call we’ll discuss budgets and timelines and what you need to positioned for growth in the new year. Have a friend that’s starting a new business? Please share this post with them, or perhaps a gift certificate to build their site with me.
As always, thanks for sharing your time with me each week. Remember, your small and micro businesses make the world go round!
