Many small business owners are so caught up with daily business operations that it’s difficult to find time to dedicate to growing the company, especially if funds are limited. In the age of curated social media feeds, it’s easy to assume everyone has it perfectly together all of the time, but it’s important to remember that the internet does not always equate to real life, and small improvements over time can be just as important as the big flashy moves by larger companies. If you’re looking to freshen up your company, here are some easy updates you can make to your small business.
- New Shipping Procedures
Shipping rules and prices change all the time, so why not check in and see if there’s room for improvement? Even updating your shipping API can make a huge difference in how you package and ship your products. If packing and shipping orders as you receive them has become overwhelming, try picking one or two days a week to dedicate solely to packing and shipping. Maybe hiring someone to come in and assist with packing can free up some of your time, or investing in a larger space to store and pack products could ease some of the stress.
- A Website Makeover
Your online presence is a huge component of making a first impression on your potential audience, so if your website doesn’t excite you, it may be time for a makeover. A new website can be designed well within your budget, no matter how much cash you have. Hiring a designer is convenient, but there are plenty of templates available for free or cheap. If you can find the spare time, learning basic coding can also help you achieve the look you want. The most important thing to remember is that your website should be easy to navigate and understand. Don’t pick a design that’s too cluttered, but don’t go for outdated fonts, either.
- A New Product
If it’s been some time since you’ve launched something new, a new product could be a great way to boost sales and re-engage your audience. If you’ve got a product that’s selling well, why not try a new color or size? No matter what you choose, drum up excitement by being excited about it yourself. If you’ve gone through your comment sections and feedback forms and you know this new product is something people have been waiting for, let them know it’s coming! Consider offering pre orders or running giveaways. This way, when you finally launch, you’ll have plenty of customers ready to buy.
- A New Logo
Your logo should encompass your brand, which is a pretty big task. You can design a new one on your own, but an expert can help you find the right combination of form, color, and font to really create something special. You want your customers to look at your logo and think of your products and your values, as well as be reminded of why they enjoy buying from you in the first place. Plus, once you get a new logo, you can create new merch. Adding a free sticker to each order is an inexpensive way to spread the word about your company.
- Invest Time in Social Media
Social media can seem like a time suck, but it is now vital for small businesses. When your customers hang out online, it’s important that they see your company and stay up to date with all of your exciting endeavors. You can use these pages to foster meaningful connections and create bonds that extend well beyond the computer. When you appear genuine online, customers enjoy supporting you in real life.
Updating your small business isn’t always easy, especially when there’s so much pressure to compete with others and stay current with countless trends. When you take the time to consider which changes work for your company, you can make improvements while staying true to your values for sustainable growth.