As a small business owner, you understand that the business world changes rapidly – It’s always being disrupted by modern technology and innovations. To stay competitive, you need to stay ahead of all major trends that might impact your business.
With the help of Joseph F LoPresti, we will take a look at the two ways entrepreneurs drive their business growth:
- Mobile Marketing
Research by “We Are Social” revealed that in January 2019, 67% of the world’s population are active mobile phone users, while 52% use mobile internet. These numbers are growing on a daily basis. Mobile devices have revolutionized the face of business as more consumers are using it to access information, to shop, and to pay for goods and services online.
Business analyst Joseph F LoPresti maintains that “the fast and steady way for brick and mortar stores, and even online businesses, to lose out to their competitors is when they lag behind in mobile e-commerce.”
Consider these facts:
- Mobile phones are used to surf the web more than any other device.
- A huge number of consumers prefer the convenience of shopping and carrying out their financial transactions with their mobile devices.
Now; how can you use this knowledge to your advantage?
- Make it easy for customers to find your business. Let them see enticing samples of products or services offered by listing your products on Google My Business.
- Use geo-targeting to put compelling mobile ads in the face of your core audience.
- Design an app to help potential customers see your latest offerings, to make purchases, to communicate with customer service, and to run your own promotions.
- Include text message marketing in your marketing campaign.
- Accept mobile payments using platforms like Visa Checkout, Google Wallet, Apple Pay, or others commonly used by your customers.
- E-commerce
E-commerce is a great way to start or grow a small business. It reduces labor and eliminates the need for a large and costly physical business site.
Since the birth of e-commerce in the early 90s, many online retailers like Amazon and eBay have steadily taken a large chunk of the profits of standard shopping stores. These companies made it easy for consumers to shop from the comfort of their own homes, and to have it delivered wherever, and whenever, they want.
For stores to survive the onslaught of these e-commerce giants, they have to expand into online retail themselves.
Here are a few strategies some businesses have successfully used to break into selling online –
Create an interactive website and social media profile
You can write blog posts, upload videos, and upload pictures that keep your readers hooked and coming back for more. Joseph F LoPresti says to “Upload engaging or controversial content, as long as it works for, and not against, your business.”
The advertising content should directly promote your brand to your audience. It should make your audience feel like you’re best friends with them. In the end, it’ll make your brand the preferred choice when they have to choose between you and your competitors.
Write an e-book
Besides offering services or tangible products, you could write an e-book, but make sure that you “don’t make it a thinly veiled marketing gimmick just to sell your products,” Joseph F LoPresti says.
Yes, your e-book will advertise whatever you want it to, “but let it contain enough valuable information to keep your reader happy and loyal to you,” he added.
Affiliate and influencer marketing
Through affiliate marketing, an online retailer will pay you a commission when you market and sell your products. You can pay or, in Joseph F LoPresti’s view, “make mutually beneficial deals,” with local celebrities or bloggers with a large following to talk about your brand and connect their audience to your website or social media pages.
