As a business owner, you’re likely always looking for ways to grow- new marketing tactics, the latest social media platforms, or cutting-edge advertising methods. It’s natural to want to stay ahead of the competition. However, while you’re exploring these new opportunities, the basic elements that actually bring in customers might be falling through the cracks.
The Business Basics That Actually Matter
Take your email communication with customers. When did you last check how many people actually open the emails you send? Are you staying in regular contact with your customer base, or has it been weeks since you reached out? These simple checks can tell you more about your customer relationships than any new marketing tool.
Your website is another critical area. When someone visits your site, can they immediately understand what you do and how to buy from you? If potential customers are leaving because they can’t figure out your services or pricing, driving more traffic won’t solve the real problem.
Most importantly, many business owners focus so heavily on finding new customers that they forget about the ones they already have. Do you know how many of your customers come back and buy again? Are you asking for referrals? Taking care of existing customers is often the fastest path to growth.
Why Business Owners Love New Strategies (But Should Focus on Basics)
The attraction to new marketing approaches is completely understandable- it feels like you’re making progress and staying current. However, the reality is that most business growth comes from doing the simple things consistently well. Getting more customers to actually read your emails. Making your website clearer so people understand what you’re selling. Keeping your current customers happy so they buy again and tell their friends about you.
These aren’t complicated or expensive fixes. They just require your attention and consistencysomething that’s often in short supply when running a business.
A Simple Business Reality Check
Before you invest time and money in the next new marketing strategy, take a step back and honestly assess these fundamentals. How are your emails performing? Is your website clear about what you do and how customers can buy? How many of your past customers have bought from you again?
These might seem like basic questions, but they’re the ones that directly impact your business
most. The new marketing opportunities will still be there next month, but fixing these basics will
give you a much stronger business foundation to build on.
Moving Forward
Rather than constantly seeking external solutions, focus on optimising what you already have. This approach not only delivers better results but also creates sustainable competitive advantages that are difficult for competitors to replicate.
If you’d like to discuss how to implement these fundamental improvements in your firm, we’re available to help identify the areas that could make the biggest difference to your results.
