Given that we live in the golden age of technology, one needs to make constant efforts to keep up with the trends. This is particularly challenging for SMB owners that are always in the popularity race. Taking into account recent developments in the world economy due to the pandemic, bonus points go to those businesses that have competitive digital marketing. Some might feel that investing in this domain is not a priority when managing a business. However, what good is a great business that nobody’s heard of? Whether we like it or not, presentation is a vital part of any company or product, and anyone that fails to see that has already lost the race. So, if you agree, take a look at ways to stay ahead in the sea of competition.
Keep it up-to-date
There is nothing more frustrating or repelling to users than a website that is not updated. Any wrong information, starting from working hours, pricing and discounts to having items in stock, will make anyone lose trust in the website. As soon as that happens, the website stops being a reliable source of information and that particular user would never visit it again. This does damage for both your existing customers and potential new ones. In order to avoid this terrible ordeal, make sure to keep your website updated at all times. Of course, this applies to all social media, as well, not only your website. Any public account of your business needs to be up-to-date. Accomplishing this earns a lot of trust and credibility.
Make it user-friendly
As the owner of the business or someone who has been a part of it for a long time, it is only logical that your knowledge is on a level high enough to comprehend any organization of the business’ website. However, it is wise to try and lower yourself to the level of someone who is there for the first time and knows very little about it. This means your website needs to be well-structured with simple instructions and buttons. You need to convey the purpose of your business and the services you offer clearly and concisely. No ambivalence is allowed. Confusion only causes dissatisfaction with users and that is the last thing you want.
Design matters
As already mentioned, content is important, however, design is almost equally important. Your content needs to be fetching enough to attract the eye of the user. It makes all the difference in the world when you look at a website with chaotic content and poor design compared to a well-styled and organized one that projects power and reliability. Not to mention getting your website on the map and making sure the proper target audience sees it, as well as it being adjusted and optimized for all kinds of electrical devices. This is no easy task and it needs to be taken seriously. It is why investing in responsive web design is something any serious business needs to consider. Whether you have 5 users or thousands of them, your website needs to be optimized to be functional.
Be proactive
Try to predict all the questions a user might have and answer them beforehand. Create a detailed FAQ section and descriptions of processes depending on the user’s potential desires and issues. Be thorough and try to cover all possible use cases. The less effort users need to put into using your services, the happier they will be. However, if it does come to it that a user cannot find help on your website, be ready to respond in a helpful manner as soon as possible. Your reaction to a user’s problem is what will determine whether the user stays your client or not. So, try to be as honest and helpful as possible. In addition, a little gift in the shape of a gift or a special discount will go a long way.
Automate tasks
Being responsive is easy to say, but quite difficult to accomplish, especially given that it is impossible to actually be available 24/7. However, being a customer, it is quite frustrating having to wait for the next morning to get a reply regarding your order or inquiry. This is where automation comes to the rescue. Marketing automation tools like Adplorer could be beneficial to you. You should automate any regular flow your business might have. This means that all orders should be automatically accepted given that the products are in stock, you can have a chat bot for questions that can easily be answered and covered in your FAQ, when products are not in stock, automatic message should be sent with an offer to track the product and receive a notification once it is available again. Also, for any use cases that are not covered by automation, a message should be sent that help will be on its way as soon as an employee is present.
Reward loyalty
Many businesses focus mainly on acquiring new customers and they tend to neglect their regulars. While the logic is completely justified, your regular customers should never be the ones to suffer, because they are the ones that matter. Thinking that once someone becomes a regular, they stay that way is wrong, especially in a competitive market. This is why it’s important to show that you care for your regulars personally. Throw in a loyalty discount from time to time, gift cards, thank you messages. Add a birthday for anyone that used your services more than a certain number of times and make sure to send a symbolic gift. It is the thought that counts and it makes all the difference in the world.
All things considered, there is no magical recipe for staying ahead, however, there are principles and strategies you can implement to make sure your business will keep thriving. Of course, they need to be updated regularly since the market is a living organism that changes over time. Your business needs to change with it, too. This is why your job is never done when you are a business owner, it requires constant care, creativity and effort. If you do have what it takes and your enthusiasm is ever present, your chances are more than good.
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Author Byline: Liam Collins is a tech pundit and Web enthusiast working at TuiSpace.com. He spends most of his time reading and writing about the current affairs in the world of information technology. When he isn’t working, he likes going for long bike rides and walks in nature.
