No matter where you run a business, it’s a challenge to succeed. Execute your plan to thrive. Use these four tips that help rural businesses succeed.
While rural businesses face less competition than their urban counterparts, entrepreneurs have a unique set of considerations when opening and running businesses in the countryside. Consider using these four tips that help rural businesses succeed.
1. Participate in Community Events
One of the best ways to thrive in a rural location is to participate in community events. Think about how your business can participate in farmer’s markets, festivals, charity events, and more.
Depending on your business, you might want to host your own event or offer your space to organizations, clubs, and groups. The more your business and the community interact, the better the impression you create.
2. Strengthen Your Online Presence
The next tip for helping rural businesses succeed is to strengthen your online presence. In-person events aren’t the only way to get out the news about your business. Using social media platforms is one of the best ways rural businesses use the internet to reach customers.
Focus your attention on creating profiles on social media platforms that your customers prefer to use, whether that’s Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Consider creating posts that highlight products, share customer reviews, announce deals and savings, and share advice. Interact with customers with Q&A posts and reply to comments within a reasonable timeframe.
3. Build a Unique Website
Give your business greater credibility, enhance your brand, and create a space to share news and information about your products or services. Rural consumers appreciate local experts that understand and meet the needs of the community.
Your website should be professional and include branding and intuitive navigation. As mobile users become an increasingly large percentage of all web traffic, you should consider making a responsive website that performs well on tablets and phones, too.
4. Offer Shopping Incentives
Reward loyal customers, entice new customers, and drive sales with irresistible shopping incentives. Give away free items and samples to encourage customers to try out new (or new-to-them) products.
Offer discounts to prompt customers to buy more. Or consider offering discounts toward future purchases, like a percentage off the sale price of their next shopping excursion. Memberships can encourage customers with exclusive offers, such as early-bird discounts or free shipping.
