If you have a business ready to bloom, and you just can't figure out how to make it work, here is a short list of things to look at and see what might work for you. While there are certain steps that some businesses will need to take that others don't, the general strategy will be the same.
No matter what size your business is, growth is going to be on your mind. So let's look at all the things you can consider to get your business ready.
Systems and processes are your best friend; it helps to make sure everything you do has a procedure. Once that procedure is in place, everything you do is more efficient, and that means it takes less time away from other areas of your business.
The systems you should be looking at are things like a robust CRM option, high-function and feature e-commerce software, and a strong set of it support options too.
Take a look at all of your systems; what do you have in place that works, what doesn't work, and how could you make improvements?
Your homepage is the shining light on everything, and consider that 96 per cent of your visitors are going to see your website first. Your homepage is the first thing they see, and it needs to be cool and easy to navigate. The main offer you want people to take up should be on your main page.
Plenty of CTAs, and even more important is A/B testing - who likes what, are they your ideal customer?
Think about what you want from the main page, and why when you go to a website. Try to make that your focus.
Let your numbers be your guide; you have access to a wide range of analytics, and those analytics can help you shape the future of your business. In the early days, you will have a smaller number to work with, but over time that will increase.
Plenty of software options, both paid and free, can help you make sense of your metrics and highlight the places you can capitalise.
Each social platform will show you the metrics, and you can use Google Analytics to get information about your visitors. A few software options will compile all of these metrics for you so that you have everything in an easy-to-digest space.
What really matters is that you are sculpting everything you do to meet the needs of your audience.
What is your plan going forward? How do you envision your brand and business growth? A well-planned email marketing campaign is one of the best ways to increase your client and customer base.
Delivering what people want to their inbox regularly.
Having no strategy will mean that you can't track your own progress and achievements. Are you meeting your business goals?
Make a plan, follow the plan, and set goals that can highlight when you are reaching your potential.
It is just as important to know what you want to do as it is to know what you don't want to do.
The typical start-up won't have a heap of expendable cash and might be tight on time too. That is where scalability will come into play. Don't be tempted to go for short-term or cheap fixes - waiting is always better. Make sure that you have looked into how scaling works and why you need to have scalable tools and processes before you head for growth.
Find out what you really need to know about scaling here: Scale Up Successfully With These 5 Key Tips.
What is your plan B option if your first attempt at something doesn't work? What can you do immediately? Every time you create a plan A, create a plan B that uses the same tools differently.
Businesses are living things, and sometimes things happen that you might not be ready for - always have a plan B ready to help you.
While organic growth is great, people who truly get to enjoy it will be those who have an intention plan ready for it and have made sure that they have the right systems in place to facilitate it. When sales suddenly increase, and you weren't ready - and had nothing ready, it will feel stressful.
Make your business growth intentional! Decide what you want and make a list of what you want, and how you can get there. Drill it down to a step by step plan - and choose to make a step each day.
Photo by Randy Tarampi on Unsplash