- Your website needs work – An unprofessional, messy or old website is a big problem. Stand out with a great website. Using something like Word Press allows you to create professional websites that are easy to update and maintain, for just a small cost. If you’re in a highly competitive market, consider engaging professionals to create your website. You can save a lot of money by using crowd-sourcing options such as 99 Designs.
- Your competitors understand search engines better than you, or they have hired someone who does – People don’t go online anymore, they LIVE online. In most cases, the first point of contact a customer has with you or your competition, is online. In fact, before landing on a website, the first search for information that a customer performs is on a search engine. Make sure your website appears on the first page, within the first few results. If you want a quick result, use Google AdWords. Outsource or employ someone who can help you with this.
- You’re not taking advantage of all the customer information you have – when customers or potential customers tell you something they need, listen to them! Provide what your competitors can’t or won’t, simply because it may be too difficult. The best businesses are those that can adapt and provide flexibility to meet customer demands.
- They have positioned themselves as the experts – No one knows your business or place in the industry better than you do. Showcase your knowledge. Write a blog. Publish a white paper. Host an event. Regain that “expert” status, so people are left with no other option but to come to you, for your product or service.
Don’t let your competition overtake you. Regain control and bridge the gap. The simplest changes can work wonders for your small business.
