How small businesses can compete with the big chains

In tough economic times, small businesses can struggle. Big multinational chains often have the scale to undercut local competitors and survive even when times get tough.

What can small businesses do to retain and attract customers in a competitive market?

Identify your unique selling point

Think about what your business can offer that a multinational operator cannot. For example, you might have the edge on:

  • Local knowledge

  • Close relationships with customers

  • Personalised service

  • Easier parking

  • Specific products and services

  • Immediate availability of products

  • An excellent loyalty scheme

  • Community support

  • Ethical Products

It’s really important to identify whatever it is that differentiates you from all your competitors. It is especially useful for competing with businesses that can do better than you on price, because people will be willing to pay more for goods and services that meet their specific needs.

Promote your unique selling point

Leverage your business’s selling points, especially through your online presence. While it might be prohibitively expensive to build a whole new office or store frontage, your online shop-front can be impressive at a fraction of the price.

Step up your social media activity, paying particular attention to sites where local people are active. Invest in outstanding photography, too.

Invest in reviews

Can you find a way to nudge your best customers into providing online feedback? Positive reviews are a vital tool for small businesses to grow their customer base.

  • Make it easy for people to leave reviews – send them an email reminder with a link included.

  • Address negative reviews immediately and professionally.

  • Consider an incentive to provide a review, such as a free extra item immediately or a $5 discount code off their next order. Alternatively they could go in the draw to win a bigger prize. This may also encourage them to shop with you again.

For more ideas that are tailored to your business, we can help. Drop us a note or give us a call – we’d love to hear from you.

Ethan Rush