10 Tips to Make Your Small Business Stand Out in Your City

By Black Bear Design on 09/20/2017

Standing out in a crowd of competitors is no easy task, and it’s getting more difficult all the time. Whether you are a little fish in a big pond or just trying to make your mark as a new venture, we’ve got 10 tips to help your small business get noticed.

1. Solve a Problem.

Is there something that you do that business prospects don’t want (or understand how) to do as part of running their day-to-day? If so, let them know that you are the solution to their problem. Meeting a client at their pain point makes you an invaluable part of their business.

2. Be Consistent.

Trust and credibility are built by being consistent. There’s a reason McDonald’s has served millions: consistency. Customers are drawn to brands that are reliable because they always know what they’re going to get. Consistency is imperative in service and in your message. Be sure to use the same tone and personality throughout your website, content, and email marketing as well as the same logo across your social media platforms.

3. Offer Value.

Dive deep into your field of expertise and share valuable information and content. Create a case study or white paper that shares insight in your industry for potential clients. Make your blog posts stand out with irresistible images and eye-catching headlines. Try Facebook Live or share a video. Syndacast predicts that by 2018, 79% of internet traffic will be video. Take advantage of that by making high-quality videos that connect with your audience. 

4. Start a Blog. 

If you’re tired of going unnoticed online or you’re seeking a new way to share your business concepts, start blogging. You can write the content yourself or ask your team to contribute. Many companies hire outside writers or agencies to provide content. Either way, be sure to concentrate on high-quality content in your blog. Content that feels too promotional will drive readers away, while astute, engaging and educational content will attract them.

5. Be Known as an Expert.

Build a reputation in your field through blog posts, e-books, videos, seminars, trainings and other tools. If you don’t have a blog of your own (see #4), you can pen guest articles and share them through your social media. Being seen as an expert can make your company the go-to that everyone seeks out.

6. Use Search Marketing & SEO.

Most consumers begin research by entering a term like “web designers Atlanta” into a search engine. Search Engine Optimization includes using keywords commonly used to search for a business like yours throughout your website to help it rank higher in a search result. If your business doesn’t show up on the first page of a search organically, you can buy ad campaigns with Google and other search engines.

7. Participate in Local Events.

Form strong relationships with the people in your community by getting involved. Host a customer appreciation party, participate in a trade show, have a booth at a local festival or sponsor a 5K fundraiser. These kinds of opportunities help you meet your customers where they are. If they feel like they know you, they’ll be more likely to become clients.

8. Be Honest.

Skip the gimmicks and just be real. Being honorable and forthright in everything you do speaks volumes about the culture of your business. Know your limits and where you excel – and be straight with clients if something they need goes beyond that or find a partner who can fill gaps in your service area.

9. Show Your Appreciation.

When was the last time you got a thank you from a client that wasn’t an email? You probably remember it distinctly. Take the time to write a handwritten note to thank your client – or inspire them or give some free advice or a discount. Your clients will remember how you made them feel appreciated.

10. Evolve.

Do what you do best but always keep ahead of the curve by embracing emerging technologies and solutions to support your business and clients. Keep your website, social media, and other business tools up to date. Ensure you have a training and development plan for your key staff members so they’ll know about the latest and greatest – and how to implement it.

So now you’re ready to jump in that big pond and swim with the big fish. Still feeling overwhelmed? We understand that not every business owner has the time to implement all of these tips. Black Bear Design’s team would love to help your business stand out in the forest!