The idea of taking on the challenge of being able to open a small business is quite enticing for those with an entrepreneurial spirit. However, of the 400,000 or so that start up every year, up to a third will be out of business in the first year, and half will be closed for good in five, according to statistics from the U.S. Small Business Association. There are certainly a number of different factors that influence that trend, and every business will struggle for different reasons. However, getting help from talented small business service professionals can always be a smart move.
One of the main reasons that small businesses could fail is that, quite simply, they lack the visibility needed to consistently attract new customers. In today’s ultra-competitive marketplace, building a strong web presence might be the best way to do that. Fortunately, there are talented small business marketing consultants who are available to help. They will understand how to build a strong internet campaign that attracts both online and in-person shoppers to give businesses the boost they need to thrive.
Since a massive 93% of all online experiences begin with a trip to a search engine, SEO for small business owners is a must. Some three quarters of search engine users prefer organic to paid links and the majority will find what they need on the first results page and not bother to scroll beyond. So working to earn high organic rankings is smart for any owner looking to build a larger customer base. But since this work can be quite difficult, partnering with small business services who excel in SEO is a good idea.
Of course, though it can be quite beneficial, SEO is not the only online area that the best small business service consultants will focus on. Social media has become a valuable marketing tool so having well-maintained Facebook, Twitter, and other accounts is almost a necessity. Plus, since there will be more mobile devices than people on Earth by the end of the year, according to Cisco, and comScore found that four out of five smartphone users shop on their device, so optimizing for mobile use is also imperative for growth, especially for new businesses who want to give themselves the edge they need to stay afloat.
In reality, new owners will need more than just some great advice about the internet from small business marketing firms. There are a number of different challenges and obstacles that owners face, and overcoming them all is key to survival. But using the internet to build a massive customer base can certainly make growth and success more attainable.