How To Grow And Sustain A Business As A Small Business Owner

Starting a business is exciting but growing it can be challenging. Whether you are selling handmade products, offering professional services or managing a local shop, growth takes planning, consistency and creativity.

We will share simple but effective strategies that will help small business owners grow and sustain their businesses. Read on to see how.

Understand Your Customers
Your customers are the foundation of your business. To grow, you need to know who they are, what they like and how you can make their lives easier.

Do this:

• Ask customers for feedback, it helps you improve. Use survey tools like Google Forms or Typeform or just speak to them when you get the chance. For the customers that love your business, find out what you do that they love. If your business collects mobile numbers, you could call them. If you have customers that have not bought from you in a while, make a list and call them to know why. You might learn from the conversation and work on bringing them back. We have used this tactic in our business and it has helped us reconnect with our customers and also keep the loyal ones.
• Study which products or services sell the most.
• Pay attention to frequently asked questions about your business.

When you understand your customers needs, you can serve them better and a happy customer often brings new ones.

Build A Strong Online Presence
Never underestimate the power of being online and active on social media platforms. If people can’t find you online, they will likely find your competitors.

Here’s how to fix that:

• Create a free Google Business Profile so people can find your business easily. This one works, I guarantee you.
• Build a simple website with your contact information, products and photos.
• Use social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or WhatsApp Business to promote your business. Share tips, behind-the-scenes posts, and customer stories. Use Canva or other tools to create visuals for your social media.

Being visible online builds trust and helps attract new customers.

Offer Excellent Customer Service
This is common sense but a lot of business owners and their staff members don't have it. We all have experiences of horrible customer service. Some of them leave me wondering how long the business will last or how they have managed to stay open. 

I have also gone to some other shops and you can see right away that their management has made some effort in training their staff. These things are very clear and very easy for your customers to notice and pick up on. Remember, people only go to and spend their money in places where they are treated well.

Simple things that matter:

• Always be polite and professional when talking with your customers. Your tone of voice matters even when talking on the phone. Anyone can tell when you are not happy to speak with them. Don't let one of them be your customer.
• Solve problems quickly and fairly. We have always had customers who say they patrornize us because when they have problems they can always rely on us to help them solve them. We go over and beyond to help our customers resolve the issues they have and even when we don't have the answers, we research.
• Appreciate your customers, appreciation builds loyalty. A simple thank you for shopping with us with a smile is enough.

Happy customers are your best marketers. A great reputation spreads faster than any paid advert.

Manage Your Money Wisely
Strong financial habits are key to long-term success.

Tips for better money management:

• Track all income and expenses.
• Keep business and personal finances separate.
• Save a portion of your profits each month.

Good money management gives you peace of mind and room to grow. Explore support from the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) they offer training and resources for Nigerian SMEs.

Network and Collaborate

Sometimes, business growth often happens through connections; who you know or who has heard of your business.

How to build relationships that help your business:

• Partner with nearby businesses for discounts or promotions.
• Join local business associations or online entrepreneur groups.
• Attend community events or trade fairs. 

Collaboration helps you reach more people without spending much on advertising. Check SMEDAN for networking programs.

Keep Learning and Adapting
The most successful entrepreneurs never stop learning. Use technology to your advantage, the digital economy is growing fast, take advantage of it.

 Here’s how to keep growing:

• Take online courses on marketing, sales or finance.
• Follow business leaders and learn from their experiences.
• Don't be scared to experiment with new ideas and adjust based on what works.
• Keep records digitally to save time and prevent losses.
• Use POS or mobile transfers for easy payments.
• Use website builders like WordPress or Wix to set up your website.

Change is constant, staying adaptable keeps your business strong.

Growing a small business is not about luck, it is about smart planning and execution. Remember: Every big business started small. Stay focused, stay patient and keep moving forward. If they could grow, so can you.