How to Grow My Business- Advice from a Business Coach
If you’ve Googled ‘how to grow my business’ and landed on this blog, you’re in the right place! I’m Sarah, a seasoned business coach with a background in psychology, and the proud owner of several successful businesses, including VerriBerri, a thriving marketing agency based in Essex.
Today, I want to share some actionable tips and tricks on how to grow your business. With years of experience as a business owner, business coach, and CEO of a marketing agency, I wholly believe I’m the perfect person to help you. As you can see, I have a passion for helping businesses reach their potential! I this blog provides you with insights that will make a tangible difference in your journey to success.
Understand Your Market
The very first step before growing your business is to make sure you understand your market. This means knowing who your customers are, what they need, and how you can provide value to them.
Start by conducting market research. You can use surveys, focus groups, and data analysis to gather information about your target audience. Tools like Google Analytics are incredibly helpful in understanding the demographics and behaviours of your online visitors.
Example
I work with clients from various industries. By thoroughly understanding each client’s market, I tailor your marketing strategies (whether as a coach or as an agency) to meet your specific needs. For instance, we helped a birthday card brand identify a growing trend among their customers for eco-friendly products. By shifting their focus to sustainable cards that could be planted after receiving them, they saw a significant increase in sales.
Leverage the Power of Marketing
Marketing is a crucial element in business growth. It’s not just about promoting your products or services; it’s about communicating your brand’s value to your target audience.
Content marketing is a powerful tool that can help establish your business as an authority in your industry. Create valuable, relevant content that addresses the pain points of your target audience. This can be in the form of blog posts, videos, podcasts, or social media posts.
Example
For one of my clients in the construction industry, I implemented a content marketing strategy that included weekly blog posts on topics relevant to their industry. Within six months, their website traffic increased by 46%, leading to a significant boost in sales.
Social Media
Social media platforms are excellent for building relationships with your audience. Choose platforms that your target audience frequents and be consistent in your posting. Use a mix of content types, including stories, posts, and live videos, to keep your audience engaged.
Example
I was coaching an artist and suggested that they changed the direction of their social media accounts. We designed creating visually appealing posts and engaged differently with their followers. We also created a more personal strategy, as art is such a personal thing and people want to know the person. This not only increased their online presence but also resulted in a 33% increase in sales.
Develop a Strong Brand Identity
Your brand identity is what sets you apart from your competitors. It encompasses your logo, colour scheme, typography, and overall style. More importantly, it represents your company’s values and mission.
Example
When rebranding VerriBerri, we focused on creating a modern, professional image that reflected our commitment to excellence and innovation. This rebranding effort helped us attract larger clients and expand our reach globally. We now work with brands in the FTSE and the USA.
Tip
Ensure that your brand is consistent across all platforms. From your website to your social media profiles, consistency builds trust and recognition.
Focus on Customer Experience
A positive customer experience can turn a first-time buyer into a repeat customer. Every interaction a customer has with your business should be smooth and enjoyable.
Excellent customer service is non-negotiable. Train your team to be friendly, helpful, and responsive. Address complaints promptly and use feedback to improve your services.
Example
At VerriBerri, we prioritize customer service by offering personalized marketing solutions and maintaining open lines of communication with our clients. We organise a weekly call with the brands we work with to offer full visibility of our work, and send a monthly report showcasing the data and showing our KPIs for each project. This approach has resulted in high client retention and numerous referrals.
User Experience
Ensure that your website is user-friendly. Easy navigation, fast loading times, and a seamless checkout process can significantly enhance the user experience.
Example
I was working with a pet food brand whose website needed modernising. I worked with them to revamp the site, focusing on improving the user experience. The result was a 23% increase in conversion rates within the first three months.
Utilize Technology
Incorporating the right technology into your business operations can streamline processes, improve efficiency, and drive growth.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems can help you manage customer interactions, track sales, and analyse data. This can lead to more personalized marketing efforts and improved customer retention.
Example
We implemented a CRM system for a client in the property industry, which allowed us to better manage our client relationships and sales pipeline. This resulted in more efficient operations and a 14% increase in sales.
Automation Tools
Automation tools can handle repetitive tasks, freeing up your time to focus on strategic activities. This includes email marketing automation, social media scheduling, and workflow automation.
Example
By automating social media posts and email campaigns, all our clients are able to maintain a consistent online presence without overwhelming the team. This will lead to higher engagement rates and increased website traffic.
Invest in Employee Development
Your employees are your most valuable asset. Investing in their development can lead to increased productivity, innovation, and job satisfaction.
Provide regular training and development programs to help your employees acquire new skills and knowledge. This can include workshops, online courses, and certifications.
Example
At VerriBerri, I encourage our team members to attend industry workshops and pursue relevant certifications. This not only enhances their skills but also brings fresh ideas and perspectives to our projects.
Positive Work Environment
Create a positive work environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and well-being. Recognize and reward your employees’ achievements to boost morale and motivation.
Example
We implemented a flexible work policy at VerriBerri, in the form of a 4-day working week. This allows our team to balance work and personal commitments. This has led to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates.
Monitor and Adjust Your Strategies
The business landscape is constantly changing, and what works today might not work tomorrow. Regularly monitor your business performance and be prepared to adjust your strategies as needed.
Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) that are relevant to your business goals. Regularly track these metrics to assess your progress and make informed decisions.
Example
With all my coaching clients, I track metrics such as website traffic, conversion rates, and client retention. This helps us to work together to identify areas for improvement and adapt our strategies accordingly.
Flexibility
Stay flexible and open to change. Whether it’s adopting new technologies, entering new markets, or changing your marketing tactics, being adaptable can help you stay ahead of the competition. you can’t ask ‘how do I grow my business’ with good conscience if you’re not adaptable!
Example
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses had to pivot to survive. I worked with clients to shift the focus solely to digital marketing and PR services. After all, there was no face-to-face contact allowed! This adaptability not only helped brands to weather the storm but also positioned them for growth in the digital age.
Encourage Creativity
Give your team the freedom to brainstorm and experiment with new ideas. Create an environment where creativity is valued and rewarded.
Example
We hold monthly innovation meetings, where team members can pitch new ideas. Some of our most successful campaigns have come from these sessions.
Stay Informed
Keep up with industry trends and emerging technologies. This can provide inspiration and help you identify opportunities for innovation.
Example
By staying informed about the latest digital marketing trends, I have worked with clients to adopt AI-powered tools that improve campaign targeting and efficiency.
Scarcity
People are more likely to act when they believe a resource is scarce. Limited-time offers and exclusive deals can create a sense of urgency and drive sales.
Example
We ran a limited-time promotion for a new shop that was opening, offering a discount for the first 100 customers. This scarcity tactic resulted in a quick surge in sales.
Conclusion
Growing a business is a multifaceted endeavour that requires a strategic approach, continuous learning, and a willingness to adapt.
Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight. It requires patience, persistence, and a passion for what you do. As a business coach, my mission is to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to achieve your business goals. Whether you’re just starting or looking to take your business to the next level, I hope these tips and tricks have provided valuable insights on how to grow your business.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your business journey, consider reaching out for personalized coaching or exploring the resources available in my book on business coaching. Together, we can turn your business dreams into reality. Click here to get in touch and I’ll help you to grow your business.