Startup Grind – Tips to Make you Standout in 2019
Statistics
show that up to 90% of startups fail. Yes. It is that tough to make it in the
business world, especially if you’re getting started. Still, you don’t have to
be a failure. You only need to figure out how to make it work. On top of that,
develop a solid strategy if you want to compete against big brands. Here’s how.
Start a
Website
It is hard
to run a successful business these days without an online presence. Everyone
(okay most people) have access to the internet nowadays. In essence, this
implies that you’ll reach a bigger market if you have a website where shoppers
can view your good and services at the click of a button.
But,
having a site is one bit of the equation. You have to make it visible. In other
words, you have to rank highly on SERPs to achieve anything meaningful. Think
of it as a way of ensuring that your business is more discoverable. And, it all starts with on-page SEO – so make sure that you know a
thing or two about how to optimize your website.
That way,
you stand a better chance of outwitting your competition. Of course, the
content on your site has to be top-notch, with the intent of enticing your
visitors to take action.
Provide
Legendary Customer Services
You must
have come across customer service reps who don’t give a care in the world about
your complaints. Some don’t seem to have a clue about how their company
operates. And it sucks! Well, guess what? One of the easiest ways to make your business stand
out is by
providing excellent customer service.
See, your
clients want to feel valued. Keep in mind that they always have an option.
Plus, up to 75% of buyers consider customer service as a true test of a
company’s competence. So, get
representatives who understand the ins and outs of your business.
Consider
training your customer service desk. One more thing – ensure that your clients
can access you round the clock. You can even provide a live chat on your
website during working hours. Don’t forget to leave a telephone number and a
working e-mail address on the site as well.
Admit
Mistakes
The
customer is always right, so they say. While this statement is debatable, you
should stick to it if you want to run a successful business. Most clients associate mistakes with brands.
If the experience is bad, they will write you off. And, in these days of social
media, the last thing that you want for your brand is negative feedback – it
spreads like wildfire.
So, be
sure to admit mistakes. Most importantly, find a way to resolve the issue
before it escalates into something bigger. The long and short of it is that you
should strive to build strong relationships with your customers, irrespective
of who’s at fault.
Solve a
Problem
Do you
know why 42% of startups fail? You guessed it right – because
they fail to resolve a problem. So, before you even go out there, do some
intensive market research. Is there a market for your product? How will it make
your target customer’s lives better?
You can
rest assured to get clients if you’re filling a gap with your product or
service. Be innovative with your ideas. Also, have a long term vision of what
you want to achieve. Track your progress day after day to know where your
business is heading.
Reinvent
your brand by embracing emerging technologies and introducing new products,
processes, and solutions.
Be
Honest
Honesty is
the best policy. Speak the truth. Can’t deliver by the due date? Call and let
your clients know. Did one of your field representatives mess up your bid? Reach out to your customer and have a candid conversation.
Lying to your clients is like shooting yourself on the foot. In fact, it is one
of the easiest ways to get negative reviews.
The
Bottom Line
Sure,
startups have a challenging time making it – but you don’t have to be part of
the statistics. You can position yourself for success by sticking to these
tips. One more thing – don’t forget to offer a guarantee. Stand behind your
products – it’ll show your customers that you trust their quality.
