Learn these business growth tips from small business owners as they discuss how they grew their ventures from the ground up! These entrepreneurs discuss tips for small business success, including experimentation, harnessing the power of relationships, engaging with customers directly, leveraging social media platforms and telling authentic stories.
In this video, that’s part of our Real Talk series, business owners offer valuable small business growth tips for new entrepreneurs, explaining the importance of being visible and pointing out that rapid growth can be overwhelming, making it necessary to adapt and scale carefully. Dive into this video or the article to get ideas, solutions and tips for small business growth from people who have already experienced it first-hand.
- Experimenting with new business strategies can uncover new markets and unexpected opportunities. Every experiment guides small businesses closer to finding out what resonates with customers.
- Engaging with customers directly encourages trust and long-term customer loyalty. Whether through social media or face-to-face interactions, every personal touchpoint is a chance to make customers feel valued.
- Being visible both physically and online allows businesses to connect with a wider audience. A physical retail store paired with a strong social media presence and user-friendly website helps businesses build brand awareness and stand out to prospective customers.
- Staying open to new ideas and responding quickly to market shifts can give businesses an edge, so be ready to fine-tune your business plan when opportunities arise. Rapid growth demands flexibility, so adapt and pivot as needed.
1. Experiment and adapt
Small business success is often the result of experimentation. For your business to grow and appeal to new markets, you need to experiment with different strategies and stay flexible. Trial and error will reveal what resonates best with your target customers.
For example, you might collaborate with influencers, host in-person workshops or organize local events to see which creates the most engagement. Every experiment, successful or not, helps small businesses to understand the market better and adjust marketing strategies accordingly.
“Growing a business is a big experiment. Going into business is experimenting with everything and being willing to experiment with all those things.”—Karen, owner of Kanda Chocolates
2. Harness the power of relationships
Building relationships with customers and the local community, and creating strategic partnerships can unlock new leads and business opportunities. This business growth strategy involves listening to customers’ needs, collaborating with like-minded small businesses and putting people first.
Kanda Chocolates founder says that she “experimented with all the relationships I could have.” Her small business growth tip is to ask: “What are all the things that you can bring in, from relationships to creating experiences for your customers?”
When you partner with other small businesses or get involved in community initiatives, these connections can convert into customer referrals. The more meaningful your relationships are, the more loyal your customers and the stronger your collaborations will be.
3. Engage with customers directly
Engaging with your audience can reveal more about where you can improve than stats or surveys. Many entrepreneurs in this Real Talk episode mention that engaging with customers directly helped them understand their target market, increase customer satisfaction, hone their offerings and build strong connections.
“The number one thing in our approach to growing our business was to get out in front of the people, the public, the customers. No matter what kind of business you are…you’ve still got to get out there and be with the people. When we first did our first few pop-ups, it was validating, it was revenue-generating and it really created a relationship with local customers.”—David, owner of FRUITLOOTS
Whether you’re hosting pop-up events, chatting with customers face-to-face, sending personalized notes or replying to comments on social media, it’s the personal touch that can set you apart from competitors and lead to small business growth. People remember businesses where they felt heard, understood and valued.
WildFlora co-owner, Michael, claims “communication—internally and externally” was really important for growing their business, and Fabiola of tlali pani agrees, “For the type of business that we run, that in-person presence is extremely important. We have to be explaining what our products are and how they are made.”
4. Be visible
Visibility online and offline is one of the best ways to promote a small business. Attract customers with a well-designed retail store, set up booths at trade shows and pop-ups, and build an easy-to-navigate online store.
Consider how every detail of your physical or digital space represents your brand. Does your store, booth or social media profile showcase what you do best? Is it easy for potential customers to find you offline or online? Can they easily find information about your brand, products or services? A visible retail store location, a user-friendly website and consistent branding make it simpler for customers to find and connect with your business.
“We grew our business very organically, starting with our location. We found a beautiful storefront and put a lot of intention into the store itself to make sure it was attractive. Having a physical presence was really important for our beginning.”—Alexandra, owner of WildFlora
5. Leverage social media platforms
Leveraging social media intentionally, authentically and consistently is another tip for small business growth given by the entrepreneurs in this Real Talk video. Creating a consistent social media presence by posting on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok can help reach target audiences, vital for business growth.
Similarly, FRUITLOOTS co-owner, Allan’s best business advice “is to just get in front of the camera.” Whether you share behind-the-scenes footage or show how your products are made, showcase what makes your brand unique. And remember, authenticity often resonates more than polished content.
“What grew my business most was just showing up and being consistent. Whether you’re comfortable going on Instagram live or doing reels or TikToks, just post when you feel authentic about posting.”—Ashley, owner of amariecreates
6. Tell authentic stories
Sharing your authentic brand story is a small business hack that helps to connect with your target audience and encourages customer loyalty.
Whether you started your business to solve a personal problem or through a passion project, let customers in on your journey. Be honest about the challenges and successes that have gotten you to where you are today. Buyers are more likely to become loyal customers when they see the effort and heart you put into growing your business.
“In this social media-ruled culture, it’s so important to share your story and show your authenticity.”—Allan, owner of FRUITLOOTS
7. Manage resources wisely
One of the biggest hurdles in growing a small business is balancing excitement about progress with being responsible with your resources. Many small businesses experience an early growth phase, only to hit a sudden surge they’re not prepared for. And while rapid growth can be thrilling, it can also strain your finances and operational capacity if you aren’t prepared.
“Stay within your means. Don’t overspend and get yourself into tons of debt,” says Michael of WildFlora, advising small business owners to “pay attention to the revenue.”
Be strategic about your resources, set realistic budgets and goals, and consider consulting with a mentor or financial advisor to keep you on track. Avoid the temptation to overspend on marketing tactics you can’t sustain.
Looking for affordable marketing inspiration? Check out these budget-friendly small business marketing ideas.
8. Keep learning and adapting
Being willing to pivot your business strategies and adapt is a major factor in sustainable small business growth. Keep up with market trends, listen to customer feedback and be open to changing your approach. Sometimes that means updating your products or introducing new marketing tactics. Staying flexible helps you roll with the punches.
As tlali pani founder, Sabith, says, “Figure out what part of this is working and what’s not working.” Then use these findings to keep learning and adapting.
Trust the process
Successful business growth is a journey of experimentation, relationship-building and visibility, both in-person and online. These small business growth tips from real entrepreneurs who’ve experimented, learned from missteps and found creative ways to connect with their target market. Their best advice to other business owners: prioritize authenticity, resourcefulness and flexibility. Stay curious, embrace change and keep your customers at the heart of your decisions.
Looking for more tips? Here is the best business advice from more entrepreneurs.
FAQs
What are small business growth strategies?
Effective small business growth strategies include experimenting with marketing channels, forming lasting relationships, leveraging social media and telling authentic stories. Taking small risks and adapting quickly can help refine your approach and find what works.
Is company culture important for growth?
Absolutely. A supportive, people-first culture encourages employees to contribute ideas, stay motivated and provide excellent customer service. A better customer experience encourages word-of-mouth referrals, leading to new customers and brand loyalty.
How can I boost my business’ online presence?
Build a user-friendly website, engage with followers on social media, optimize for search engines, and share high-quality content that is valuable and reflects your brand’s personality. Prioritize authenticity and consistency when posting online.
Does collaborating with other brands help a business to grow?
Yes, strategic partnerships with complementary brands or like-minded local businesses can give you access to shared resources and introduce you to new customers. Joint events or collaborative product bundles can spark fresh interest in your offerings.
How do I stay flexible if the market changes again?
Pay attention to customer feedback and market trends. Be open to adapting your products, services or marketing efforts when something no longer works. Constant learning is essential for sustainable small business growth.
