The 21st century and the world recession have certainly put the cat among the pigeons where small business is concerned but there are plenty of straightforward no-cost and low-cost solutions for small businesses to maintain and even increase market share. As small shops find they can’t contend with giant conglomerates they unavoidably fail, unless they can offer more to their clients. This is performed by smart selling and offering price and a better experience to the shopper.

So, what’s the answer to this troubling problem will our only choice be to shop like drones in these giant warehouses?

If you have a bricks and mortar expert store like a camera shop or a tool store likelihood is that you are struggling to make money by cutting margins and expenses significantly. This country has to get back to offering worth in the shape of fantastic post-sale and pre-sale shopper service, offer expertise and employ folks who know what they’re doing, not someone that has neither initiative, character nor expertise.

Look at what the major chains don’t offer and you will see that consumer service is a thing of the past, their stores all look the same and if they have not got what you want, you are sunk. Local businesses are what make a community and folks who have chosen to start their own businesses have a taste for what they do and they love to help when was the last time that occurred in your local Wallymart?

Google is doing everything to encourage small local businesses to get an internet site. If you have got a highly specialized business your website can instantly become number one when a person searches for Your Town and your expert service. Just this simple low cost marketing solution can bring in lots of new customers. For a small charge you may be listed in local directories, your local Chamber of Commerce and on Angie’s list, which will add up to more visibility and less cost than any pricey mag or weekly newspaper ad, and do not forget mobile web access.

Beginning and maintaining a website isn’t tough or pricey, these days a fascinating WordPress site can be built in under two hours all it costs is monthly hosting and a web site name fee. On a local strip I lately asked eleven small business owners if they had an internet site and only 1 announced yes. If you would like to launch your own business the market is totally open to help these people out and make yourself a great living, I just wish I had the time.

All a small local business needs is a Google map of where they are a page explaining what they do, a section that gives opening hours and contact data, some great photos and perhaps a history of the business and that’s it! Add an opt in box and a once per month newsletter can go out, discounts can be despatched and sales announced, and with the addition of some affiliate advertizing the site can essentially make the business owner some money even after covering the minor costs concerned.

Online businesses have a much harder time getting themselves to the apex of the search site listings. They have harder competition and have to handle back linking, article writing and SEO and dozens of other marketing tactics they must employ to be successful. A small local business blog built on WordPress can also operate as a means for customers to ask about services and products as well , cutting back on incoming telephone calls that always come when making an attempt to handle other customers. It’s all about attraction promoting and getting business back to how they should be unique, helpful and knowledgeable businesses with fantastic customer service that provide an pleasurable shopping experience for all who walk thru the door.

Discover some useful tips for keeping a SUCCESSFUL small business afloat in these daunting economic times! Stay ahead of the COMPETITION by using these simple strategies.