5 ways to make your business a success

Need tips on how to make your shop more profitable? Look no further
1: Knowing your market

It's so important to recognise your target market

Probably the most important aspect of a successful business is knowing who your target market is. This way you can cater your shop to your customers specific needs. Fancy That of London is a perfect example, their stock is aimed almost entirely at tourists, so as a result they get very little in the way of local residents browsing their shop.

CW have just celebrated their 35th anniversary

2: Standing out in the crowd

For an independent shop to be successful, it is vital that they establish a niche in the market to avoid their business becoming too similar to others. Canterbury Wholefoods is a great example, because they found a gap in the market and set up business on their principles. The result? CW have just celebrated their 35th anniversary and are seen as Canterbury's lead suppliers of healthy and alternate foods.



3: Going online

More and more are shopping online

The market for online shopping is growing, more and more business's are taking advantage of this and are now selling their produce online. Alex Perkins, Liberal Democrat Councillor, believes it is crucial to strike a balance between internet and high street shopping: "I think the most important thing, if you can, is to have a presence on the high street and online."





4: Offering something something new

Wild Ferment offer their customers wine tastings

The power of the big high street retailers presents a huge problem to the independently owned shops. Being financially outmuscled  means smaller business's have to offer customers something that they would not get in a big chain store. An example of this lies in newly opened wine shop, Wild Ferment, who, aware of the fact that they cannot compete supermarket prices, have offered wine tastings to customers wanting to learn more about what they are drinking.



5: Personality is everything

Look after your customers

Giving your shop a personality is an important aspect to consider when setting up shop. Making sure that customers will remember your business the next time they are in town is crucial. It's imperative to build customer relations, be kind and helpful when you can so that can begin to build up a following of loyal customers.