Key Takeaways

• Expand your market by opening a physical location to attract new customers through foot traffic.
• Gather direct feedback from current customers to identify specific, small improvements for your business.
• Build a loyal community by consistently interacting with your audience on social media platforms.
• Discover new growth opportunities by considering an offline presence for your online brand.

You can’t just keep going as you are, as you’re never going to see success this way. We understand that change can be tough, and there are a lot of reasons why people wouldn’t want to change, but you’ve got to do something before you can no longer operate effectively.Knowing where to start though can be tough, and that’s where we come in. Down below, we’re going to be taking a quick look into some of the new things that you can try, see if they’re successful, and adapt if necessary. Want to know more? Read on. 

If You’re Online, Try Taking It Offline 

If you’re an online business, then you should try taking it offline. While it doesn’t always work, a lot of online businesses have found that bringing their business into the physical world has allowed them to reach a larger audience. If you’re not currently bringing in the right numbers, it’s possible that foot traffic could be the answer to your prayers.

It’s expensive to bring your business into the physical world though, and that means you might need to get some help. For example, if you’re looking for a business building then you can contact a commercial mortgage broker to see what kind of deals you can get. You then need to look into purchasing equipment and storage space as well as office units, so make sure that’s high up on the list.

Ask Your Current Customers For Advice 

If you’re really stumped for ideas on what you can do to improve, why not ask for feedback? Feedback is one the best ways to know what is and isn’t working in your business from the customers point of view, which you need to know to make adjustments.

They might give you some helpful tips on ways that you can improve without making any kind of overhaul. Sometimes you will find that smaller changes make the biggest impacts, but you may never think about them as it’s a point of view you don’t usually get.

Work On Your Social Media 

Last on the list, we’re going to be talking about working on your social media. Your pages should be active, they should be filled with content, and they should be engaging. The more that you engage with people on social media, and the more enticing you make your content, the more likely you are to expand your reach. People will share your posts, and you should find that you end up with more customers than ever before. 

So, if your business is failing, this is your sign that you should be trying something new. It’s not easy, there are going to be times where you don’t want to continue pushing forward because it doesn’t seem like it’s working, but it is, and you should. You can do it, you just need to do everything that you can to get there without letting things get in your way. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step to take when a business is struggling?
The first step is to analyze your current operations and identify the specific areas that are underperforming. Before making any changes, you need a clear understanding of what is working and what is not, based on your sales data, customer behavior, and market position. This informed approach prevents you from making reactive changes that don’t address the root cause.

How can a business effectively gather customer feedback?
You can effectively gather feedback through short, targeted surveys sent via email after a purchase or by creating simple polls on social media. Asking one or two open-ended questions, such as “What is one thing we could do better?”, often yields more detailed insights than long questionnaires. Offering a small discount for participation can also increase response rates.

Is moving an online business into a physical store always a good idea?
No, opening a physical store is not a universal solution and carries significant risks and costs. This strategy works best for brands with products that benefit from in-person experience, like clothing or home goods. Businesses should first conduct market research to confirm local demand and calculate potential return on investment before committing.

What are some hidden costs of opening a physical retail location?
Beyond the commercial mortgage or rent, hidden costs often include business insurance, utility setup fees, security systems, and local permit expenses. You must also budget for staffing, regular maintenance, and increased inventory to stock the store. These expenses can add up quickly and should be factored into your financial planning.

What does “engaging” on social media mean for a business?
Engagement on social media means creating a two-way conversation with your audience rather than just posting promotional content. This includes responding to comments and direct messages, asking questions in your captions, and sharing user-generated content. Active engagement helps build a community around your brand and increases customer loyalty.

How does improving social media presence help with customer retention?
An active social media presence helps retain customers by keeping your brand top-of-mind and building a stronger relationship with them. When customers feel connected to a brand through regular, positive interactions, they are more likely to make repeat purchases. It also provides a direct channel for customer service, allowing you to resolve issues quickly.

What kind of customer advice is most valuable for business improvement?
The most valuable customer advice is specific, constructive, and points to a recurring problem or desire. Pay close attention to feedback that multiple customers mention independently, as this often highlights a significant issue with a product, service, or process. Vague praise or complaints are less actionable than detailed suggestions for improvement.

How do you balance online and offline business operations?
To balance both channels, use an integrated inventory management system to prevent stock discrepancies between your physical and online stores. Promote your physical location on your website and social media, and likewise, encourage in-store shoppers to visit your website for a wider selection. Ensure customer service is consistent and high-quality across both platforms.

If my business is struggling, should I focus on one big change or several small ones?
Often, implementing several small, data-driven changes is more effective and less risky than attempting one massive overhaul. Small adjustments, like refining your social media strategy or tweaking your checkout process based on feedback, are easier to measure and manage. This approach allows you to see what works without disrupting your entire operation.

Can a business grow without a social media presence?
While it is possible for certain niche businesses to grow without social media, it is increasingly difficult in most markets. A social media presence allows you to reach new audiences, control your brand narrative, and engage directly with customers in a way that other channels cannot. Forgoing it means missing a primary method for modern marketing and customer connection.