How to Grow Your Small Business without Being Pushy or Ads
Tired of watching a stagnant bank account?
Has your business revenue flatlined?
This is a common issue for small businesses.
What if there was a way to boost your business with ease, without forking over all your hard-earned profits to Google?
That's what this guide is all about.
We'll share 5 proven strategies I've used for years, that still work today.
Growing your business doesn’t have to be hard, we only need to learn to duplicate success.
Start here with these practical tips and real-world examples that work like magic.
Let’s Go!
1. Display Your Digital Assets - Customer Testimonials
This is great even for introverts who don’t enjoy tooting their own horn. And digital tooting your horn isn’t as effective as someone else squeezing the button.
I recently read a quote: "Our customers will believe what a stranger has to say about our business before believing us." (That’s just the way it is.)
That’s strong but true. Really, how do we sound when talking about how good we are? If you mess that up, we will sound like a jerk!
Done right, and you’ll receive the crown jewels.
So, instead of standing on the pulpit preaching about how good you are, allow someone they believe to do it for you—a Stranger.
Here’s one of my showstopping testimonials…. I’m just saying: 😉
Dear Deborah,
I’m reaching out to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible contributions over the past two years. Your talent hasn’t gone unnoticed – one of your articles has held the top position on our first page for months!
Deborah, what truly sets your work apart is the authentic voice that resonates in every piece. Your writing, clearly born from genuine experience, connects deeply with our audience.
It’s not just informative; it’s engaging, relatable, and actionable.
We’ve seen a significant increase in views and engagement on your articles.
Readers consistently praise the practical tips and strategies you share, showing how your work makes a real difference.
I’m eager to feature many more articles from PYTalkBiz (Deborah Pretty) in the future.
Your expertise elevates our platform, and we’re honored to showcase your wisdom.
Thank you for being an invaluable part of our community. Your writing is truly a gift to our readers.
Warmest regards,
Here’s how you can do the same:
So, how can you get glowing reviews and testimonials? This is going to shock you!
You ask.
And if you are scared like me, you send an email.
Dr. Cialdini taught this; he wrote one of the most persuasive marketing books, ever.
Every sales team across the globe references and reads it.
There are psychological triggers.
One is reciprocity. You do something nice for someone, and it’s a universal law that they will want to reciprocate.
So, how does this apply to your business?
Let’s say you own a restaurant.
It is common for managers or owners to walk the floor and ask customers how their meal was.
They will respond, “delicious,” etc.
Now, you ask if they would mind leaving a 5-star review. Booyah 😉
Or let’s say you run an online business or blog.
You share helpful and informative info with your readers.
Someone asks a question; you answer with detail.
Without a doubt, they will tell someone if not everyone, and even better, they’ll share your blog on their favorite social media platform.
Lastly, capture and share your testimonials.
Those strangers (potential customers) will believe the other strangers (your raving fans).
Now you get to sprinkle those testimonials and reviews all over the internet like you’re seasoning southern fried chicken. (Sorry, Y’all know I’m from NC.)
2. How to Optimize your Business Website without Murderizing Your Bank Account
When many business owners think about sprucing up their websites, their eyes roll over as they place a death grip on their wallets.
Business website optimization is critical to compete in today’s crowded online marketplace. But it doesn’t have to equate to nosebleed solutions.
Your website is your hub, where you store, all your company’s info, updates, testimonials, and reviews. And if you ever think about financing your business, this is the first thing the financial institute will view.
I usually view a business’s website first, for a few reasons.
So, optimize your website to address customers’ concerns and educate your existing and potential customers.
Consider these two overlooked aspects…
Since we all know who runs the world … girls… (just kidding) seriously, we know who controls search, Google, (for now).
And Google knows that to keep its position, it must keep its customers happy.
Question:
What do you do when you Google something, and the page takes forever, to load? (Actually, more than 2 seconds.)
My guess is what everyone else does, and that’s bounce.
‘In plain English’; they leave the page, and Google, the gatekeeper, knows it.
They watch every move we make online.
Bouncing is a bad signal, and Google will penalize you for that.
Remember, Google is all about keeping their customers happy, meaning keeping them buying ads.
So, the longer they stay on the page, the better the chances readers will click on an ad.
All that to say, check your website speed. Here’s how:
Go to Google Page Speed Insights.
Click on mobile, then desktop.
Analyze the results.
Copy the results into Chat to better understand.
Fix the issues you can.
Check with your hosting company; they may be able to help.
Consult with your web designer.
Ensure your website is mobile-friendly: This means it views on mobile phones as well as it does, on a desktop or tablet. There are ways to check and see how your website looks on all devices.
Here’s one way to check:
• Open the browser of your choice.
• Right-click anywhere on the page.
• Next, select “Inspect” (or press Ctrl + Shift + I).
• Tap on the “Toggle device toolbar” icon.
• From the dropdown list, choose “mobile device.”
How does it look?
Make any adjustments needed to make it look like it is supposed to.
3. Add Content Marketing as a Low-Cost Marketing Strategy
Content marketing costs 62% less than other forms of marketing. It also produces more than 3x as many leads.
I don’t know about you, but that brings back memories of the Yellow Pages Directory slogan:
"Let your fingers do the walking."
Now, let your fingers do the talking.
Here’s how to use content marketing effectively:
Activate your blog: That’s easy to do with most websites, especially WordPress. The capabilities are there; you need to set it up. Google will reward you for keeping fresh content on your blog.
Utilize video content: According to research, "By 2025, it’s estimated that video content will represent nearly 82% of all internet traffic, making it the most dominant form of marketing message." Consumers prefer video content because it is easier to understand, engaging, and entertaining.
4. Incorporate Social Media It’s Not Going Away
Social media isn’t only about TikTok booty-shaking videos (even though there are some talented dancers.)
Bill Gates coined this quote: "If you’re not on social media, you’re not in business." So, get social.
Ready to get on the social ‘Good Foot’?
Follow these 5 rules:
Choose your target market’s platforms: Each target audience has a preferred social media network; find where yours hangs out.
Post regularly: Like any business practice, you must show up consistently.
Share helpful content: There are no rules but try giving more than you ask. This Means, avoid heavily promoting your offers initially—give, give, give, then ask.
Engage with your followers: Respond to messages and comments ASAP.
Collaborate with influencers: Collaborating opens a whole new potential audience.
5. Upselling: The Gentle Nudge in Your Favor
If you’re like many small business owners, you might be squirming in your seat.
But don’t touch that dial. I will break this down to the lowest common denominator and give you a real example.
Then I’ll let you be the judge.
Upselling is when you offer your customers or clients a product or service that enhances their purchase.
Unfortunately, there’s no way around sales if you own a business.
If nothing is sold, you are not a business owner, you are a hobbyist. Nothing happens until the cash register rings.
Quick Story:
My dentist was trying to upsell me on a service. He was so uncomfortable that it was obvious. But the service was something I had considered.
I declined the offer mainly because he was so uncomfortable asking.
If you find yourself in this predicament, try this: Don’t think about what you want or that you are trying to upsell your customer.
Change your perspective. Think first about how the upsell will help your customer. Visualize what would happen if they didn’t purchase the bit for the new drill.
The odds are they will return the next day, but irate, because you didn’t suggest buying an extra bit or a new one.
I used to be in the beauty industry, and one of my mentors brought it home like this:
After finishing up a client’s hair, offer her all the products and tools you used so that she can recreate her look.
Why send her to Wally-World to buy a head wrap or hair sheen she will buy anyway?
You can suggest it or let her leave to spend $50 down the street!
Conclusion
WOW!
If you’re reading this, you made it to the end and are serious about your business.
Increasing sales isn’t as difficult as we all make it.
We get in our heads sometimes and can’t break through.
For example, these 5 strategies are tried and true.
They have worked for decades; I’ve been online for 2 decades and in business for 4, and the best strategies are the “Proven Ones”.
So, don’t reinvent the wheel— find your best angle to keep it moving.
Commit yourself to using at least one of these strategies today, and please comment on how it worked out for you.
And you can tell others you learned it on SophisticatedCloud.
Thanks for reading and expect more articles from PYTalkBiz…
I’ll keep giving if you keep reading.
Be blessed!