You already made some of your dreams come true by starting your business. Now, you are probably itching to keep the momentum going by taking steps to grow your business. You can begin expanding your empire with the right merchant loan and these four tips:
1. Get on Social Media and Share Content that Matters
For the most part, this is a no-brainer. But, this isn’t just about getting on social media and getting “likes” and a few “retweets.” Those are important, but it is much more vital to engage with customers and offer nuggets of information that are valuable, shareable, unique, and buzzworthy. Whether it’s through wit, humor, or a tug at the heartstrings, you need to find a way to reach your audience and keep them coming back for more.
Since this is quite an undertaking, creating a social media strategy and hiring someone to follow through with it is likely a good investment.
2. Make Smart Hires at the Right Times
Building a great brand requires a village of experienced, creative, innovative, and passionate people. A village isn’t built overnight, but you do want to be able to hire the best possible people available when you are expanding your business. New hires cost money, but the right people will prove themselves invaluable.
3. Get Involved in Your Community
There is no referral like one earned from word of mouth. Get your business on the lips of everyone in your community by getting out there and promoting your business. Sign up to sponsor a local organization, like a little league, or do some community service at an organization that speaks to your business’ passion.
Get a table at a local farmer’s market or annual fair and give out samples and sell your wares. Join your local business organization, and be sure to swap contact information with everyone you meet.
Also, don’t forget to support local businesses and products. There’s a good chance that if you remember them, they will remember you.
4. Distinguish Yourself from the Rest with Stellar Customer Service
Many consumers are so use to getting treated poorly when they encounter a problem with a merchant that they really stop and pay attention when they see an employee go the extra mile. This is a good way for small businesses to separate themselves from larger competitors. Ensure your team treat customers the way you would want to be treated by giving them the proper support and training they need.
Superior customer service not only helps you retain customers, but it likely to encourage them to tell others about the treatment they received. Good (and bad) news travels fast in the digital space. An exemplary customer service experience can go viral and give your business a leg up on the competition before you can blink.
The Money to Make It Happen
Taking any of these steps to grow a small business takes time, effort, and resources. Whether you supercharge your social media strategy, add team members, or improve customer service, any and all of these efforts can help you stand head and shoulders above competitors.
Now that you have the ideas, you need to focus on the funding, which is a challenge for many startups and smaller businesses. A merchant loan, often known as a merchant cash advance, is a great way to fund your efforts. It is a short-term funding tool that provides a merchant with a lump-sum payment in exchange for a percentage of their future credit and debit card sales. Merchant loans are perfect for smaller businesses because they don’t require collateral and they don’t need good credit, just a healthy stream of credit and debit card transactions.
When It’s Time to Apply
When you want funds fast, consider applying for a merchant loan with FAM. It can help your business move forward with the right funding solution. We offer a quick and easy online application.