Local businesses are currently finding it tough due to the onset of coronavirus rules and regulations. If your local business is currently struggling, or you want to come back with a bang in 2021, read on for some of the top steps that you can take to ensure that your small, brick-and-mortar store can thrive in the upcoming months and years.
Use Direct Mail Advertising
One of the advantages of being a local business is that all of your customers are usually within a certain radius of your store, making them easy to reach. Then, to maintain a connection with them, you should consider starting up a direct mail advertising campaign where information about your business can be posted straight through their front door even in these trying times. This is particularly important if you have had to close recently or believe that people are uncertain of your current opening hours.
Offer Something Different
Nowadays, a large percentage of people shop online as a matter of convenience. Then, to combat the competition that these online stores present, you need to offer something different than them. For instance, you might be able to give your customers handmade products and crafts or items that they can’t get elsewhere. Or perhaps you offer extra information about the products that they are purchasing or a personalized customer experience, which can be as simple to enact as remembering a customer’s name when they enter your store.
Get Online
Although you might pride yourself on being a local business, in the modern world, you cannot ignore the impact that the digital world has on shopping and how this may impact your business. Then, you should find ways to get online, whether this is creating a website where you can take orders or share information, or signing up to an online business directory so that locals can find your business.
Become Part of the Community
Community spirit is still alive and well, which makes it paramount that you become one with the community and give back to them. For instance, you should consider asking your team to volunteer in the community, or you should donate to local fundraising campaigns. You should also consider attending and sponsoring community events or heading to schools and local groups to give talks in an area that you have expertise in.
Employ Local People
For a business to thrive, it needs great employees, and many employers can find these within their local community. By employing local talent, you will create a team that knows what your customers want and the types of products that sell to your target audience, many of whom your new talent might interact with throughout their daily lives.
Network with Local Businesses
However, to thrive, you also need to become part of your local area’s business landscape, and you can do this by signing up for local networking groups and events. This may help you get advice about doing business in your local area and give you the opportunity to make beneficial partnerships with others.