Small Business, Big World
In a world dominated by mega corporations like Amazon, small business owners might feel like little fish in a big pond.
So how do you set yourself apart while competing with the convenience and low prices of big business? Sometimes it’s about going the extra mile. Let’s talk.
We’re big fans of Etsy shops over here. Sellers manage to make each purchase a special experience, and that truly SELLS!
Think about the packaging details you notice when you shop small.
When your package arrives in the mail, maybe you’ll see stickers on the box or special branding. Maybe there’s bright tissue paper inside and a hand-written card from the artist. Maybe there’s even a freebie or two as a “thanks for purchasing” gesture! These details show the time, effort, and love into selling their wares, and you just can’t get that from Amazon.
It’s an unfortunate fact of consumerism and capitalism that business owners must continuously scale up their merchandise and business practices to stay relevant. And we get it. Not everyone can afford the extra packaging details to make each purchase stand out. Besides, not every small business even ships a product. Maybe you sell a service! So what else is there?
Customer service is huge.
It’s the way you handle poor reviews and demanding customers. It’s the way your employees connect with guests. (Being friendly goes a long way!) A team that evokes feel-good energy will keep customers coming back. This might mean evaluating your hiring and management practices. Better team morale = positive interactions with customers = returning customers.
Okay, so maybe you have all that mastered.
What ELSE is there? Well, show the faces behind the brand. Show who your customers support when they shop small. Share your brand’s history, describe your motivation, and take your audience behind the scenes. Because in the end, you’re not just selling a product or a service, you’re selling a story, and THAT will keep customers coming back for more.