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Running a small business comes with its challenges, especially when it comes to boosting sales. Whether you're running a cosy flower shop or managing an online skincare brand, finding new ways to grow can be tricky. But here’s some good news: there are plenty of smart, simple strategies that can help you stand out and grow.
1. Partner with other local businesses
Collaborating with other local businesses can be a win-win. By creating joint promotions or bundled offers, you can attract new customers while adding value for your existing ones.
Our advice:
Create limited-time offers: partner with complementary businesses to create exclusive deals. For instance, partner with a local coffee shop if you run a bakery, and create an exclusive "Coffee & Pastry" deal that’s only available for a week. Customers who buy a coffee from the shop get a discount on your pastries, and vice versa. Promoting this limited-time offer through both businesses’ social media channels can drive traffic and sales for both partners.
Cross-promote: use each other’s marketing channels to reach a wider audience. On Instagram, you can do this easily by co-authoring posts to share with both of your networks.
2. Register your business on local online platforms
Expanding your presence on local online platforms can help you reach more potential customers. Platforms like Floom for florists, MyBaker for bakeries, or Trouva and Not On The High Street for boutiques are great places to get noticed by people searching for what you offer.
Our advice:
List your business accurately: keep your details correct and up-to-date.
Stay active: regularly update your profiles with new products, services, and promotions.
3. Encourage and engage with online reviews to increase sales
Online reviews can make or break a customer’s decision. Positive reviews on Google or TrustPilot build trust and attract new customers, while responding to feedback—whether positive or negative—shows your commitment to great customer service.
Our advice:
Ask for reviews: encourage happy customers to leave a review, whether through follow-up emails, in-person requests, or including a call-to-action in your packaging.
Respond to feedback: take the time to respond to all reviews. A thoughtful, authentic, reply can turn a negative experience into a positive one, and ultimately increase sales.
4. Localise your email marketing efforts
Localising your email marketing allows you to connect with customers on a personal level. By segmenting your email list based on location, you can tailor your messages to address the unique preferences and needs of each area. This means you can offer more relevant promotions, highlight local events, or even adjust your tone to better resonate with each audience.
Our advice
Use location-based promotions: create promotions or events relevant to specific areas or neighbourhoods.
Send targeted updates: inform customers about local news or events that impact them directly.
5. Get involved in the community
Being an active part of your local community can set your business apart from competitors. By engaging in local events and initiatives, you not only raise your business’s profile but also build deeper connections with your customer base. People are more likely to support businesses that show they care about the community.
Our advice:
Participate in local events: whether it’s sponsoring a local sports team, hosting a booth at a community fair, or participating in charity events, being visible in the community helps you build relationships and goodwill.
Collaborate with local organisations: partner with local charities, schools, or other businesses to create events or initiatives that benefit the community. This collaboration not only boosts your business’s reputation but also aligns your brand with positive, community-focused values.
6. Embrace omnichannel retailing
Omnichannel retailing is more than just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. By integrating your online and offline operations, you create a seamless shopping experience for your customers. This approach caters to the modern consumer who expects to interact with your brand on their own terms, whether online, in-store, or on social media.
Our advice:
Integrate inventory systems: ensure your online and offline inventory systems are connected, so customers can see accurate stock levels, regardless of where they shop.
Click-and-collect services: offer click-and-collect options, where customers can order online and pick up in-store, blending convenience with the physical shopping experience.
Branded tracking links: use Evermile to customise your delivery tracking links with your logo, brand colours, and special announcements, ensuring every order feels like a visit to your store.
7. Make decisions based on data
Data is the key to making smart business decisions. By analysing customer behaviour and preferences, you can tailor your offerings to meet the specific needs of your audience, whether online or in-store.
Our advice:
Use customer analytics tools: implement tools like Google Analytics to track customer interactions across your website and social media. For instance, if you notice that customers frequently abandon their carts after visiting a specific product page, you can dig deeper to understand why and make adjustments—like improving the product description or offering a special discount—to drive those purchases.
Personalise your marketing: segment your audience (e.g. by proximity to your shop or specific product preferences) and deliver personalised marketing messages.
8. Get to Grips with local SEO for better online visibility
For local businesses, being found online is crucial, especially when competing with larger retailers. Enhancing your local SEO ensures your business appears at the top of search results when customers look for products or services in your area.
Our advice:
Create SEO-optimised content: start by using tools like Google’s Keyword Planner or Answer the Public to discover what questions consumers are asking around the products you offer. Identify the top questions and create dedicated blog posts that provide clear, helpful answers. Continue this process until you've addressed all the key queries your audience has. This approach not only positions your business as an authority but also improves your search engine visibility by directly addressing what your potential customers are searching for.
Optimise Google My Business: Make sure your profile is fully optimised with up-to-date information. This ensures potential customers can easily find accurate details like your hours, location, and contact info. A well-maintained profile also improves your visibility in local searches, making it more likely that nearby customers will choose your business over competitors.
9. Get Social Media savvy
According to research by BT, 28% of small businesses in the UK now generate more sales from social media than any other channel, including e-commerce and physical stores, showing just how powerful social media is for connecting with customers and promoting your products.
Our advice:
Post regularly: share authentic content on a weekly basis, respond to comments, and engage with your followers to build a loyal community.
Run promotions: use social media to run exclusive promotions and drive traffic to your website or store.
10. Master your deliveries
These days, customers expect their orders to arrive quickly and reliably. Next-day delivery isn’t just a perk—it’s often a deal-breaker. Many customers will abandon their carts if they don’t see a fast delivery option, which means your delivery process can directly impact your sales.
Our advice:
Stand out with exceptional delivery options: with Evermile, you get instant access to multiple couriers and delivery options—whether it’s next-day, same-day, or overnight. Our platform automatically finds the best delivery partner for each order, ensuring your customers get the delivery experience they want.
Provide real-time tracking: offer real-time tracking and transparent communication to build trust with your customers, making them more likely to complete purchases and return for future orders.
Wrapping up
Growing sales for your small business is all about staying smart and adaptable. Whether it’s embracing omnichannel retail, diving into data, or fine-tuning your local SEO, these 10 strategies can help you level up. With customer spending and sentiment on the rise, now’s the time to put these ideas into action and give your business the boost it deserves.
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