The last 15 months have had a significant impact on the UK’s high streets, with retail giants falling into administration (as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic) and local and independent businesses coming up top as we as a nation began to #shopsmall regularly.

With this trend set to continue following the lifting of lockdown restrictions, in today’s blogpost we will share our top tips on the best digital tools that you can utilize to ensure that your SME stands out against your competitors. 

Utilise Social Media Consistently

With the ability to connect with your target audience in an instant, no business big or small can afford to miss out on the vast benefits and profitable results achieved by using social media. 

From Instagram to Facebook, TikTok to Twitter, there is an abundance of platforms out there to choose from. However, you must find the ones for your business. The ones that can best promote your services and products. The ones that are most popular with your audience. 

For example, if you’re a local cocktail bar or bistro restaurant, use TikTok and Instagram Reels to advertise your new creations and menu through short and snappy videos which can then be shared and engaged with by your followers. 

Upon creating these assets, remember to also feature elements of your business branding and information to your location to entice and attract future customers!

Promote Your In-Store Incentives

As a nation of consumers, we’re constantly on the lookout for the best deals. For SMEs, this means it’s really important to highlight and promote your upcoming and current in-store incentives through your social media platforms. 

Whether it’s a seasonal promotion or an in-store event, no one can resist the opportunity to snap up a freebie or discount. Some of the most effective deals last just hours – the pressure of the countdown clock is a marvellous thing.

And with the right balance of deals and exclusivity, this will only encourage customers to visit your store again. 

Take advantage of email marketing 

Most often overlooked by business owners, email marketing is one of the most effective tools to utilise as it provides you with the opportunity to tap into your audience’s network instantly. 

Because it’s direct to your audience, you need to be careful not to over-invade their personal space. Before sending out your email updates, it’s important to identify your audience demographics to ensure that you receive the best results about your engagement, conversions and sales. 

We also encourage you to let your creativity run wild when it comes to creating your visual assets, whether this is through a professional graphic designer, videographer, photographer or through your in-house marketing team.

As a leading digital marketing agency, we at Myk Baxter Marketing are also on hand to provide you with the correct advice, guidance and services when expanding your business’s digital profile. Visit our website today for more information.