Tips for Small Businesses Operating in Rural Areas

 If you are a small business owner operating in a rural area, you might find it difficult to compete with businesses in urban areas.  With the help of technology, however, this challenge can be overcome. Leveraging cutting-edge technology solutions can significantly improve the customer service and operational efficiency of your business.

With today's technology, small businesses in remote areas can reach a larger audience than ever before. Let us  show you how technology can level the playing field and help your small business succeed in all  areas!

Here Are Some Pointers That All Small Businesses Should Know!

#1: Community Matters

In rural areas, what matters most is the community. Rural communities support small businesses because they rarely see tech titans operating in their area. As a result, small business owners must integrate with the local community. This may even include involving the locals in the decision-making process.

Embracing technology can significantly increase your ability to achieve success when operating in a rural area as well. Oftentimes, it is difficult for small business owners in these areas to attract investors and widen the customer base as resources are limited and the potential customers pool is small. However, small businesses can overcome these challenges by embracing technology and seeking government grants and loans.

However, with the use of technology,  rural businesses can reach a wider audience, improve customer service, and offer a wide array of products and services.  The use of technology can even help to reduce costs by eliminating the need for physical locations. Small businesses can thrive and grow in rural areas if they use technology wisely and become an integral part of the community.

#2: Maintain Reasonable Prices

Not everyone who lives in a rural area earns as much as someone who lives in a metropolitan city. Therefore, it’s ideal to set a fair price for your  community. If products or goods are moving to urban areas, you can raise the price, but if they are selling in rural areas, keep the price low. The demand for products is typically higher in urban areas, which allows businesses to charge a higher price. 

In rural areas the market size is smaller, so businesses may choose to keep prices low in order to stay competitive and attract customers. 

As a small business owner, it is important to be mindful of whether your target market can afford the products you sell.

#3 Update Local Communities 

As stated, community is especially important in rural areas. Therefore, it is imperative to build a relationship with your local community through technology.  You may create an  official website and/or utilize social media channels to do so. 

It is important to update the community about various topics relating to your business, including new products and services, promotions, community engagement announcements, and more. For instance, use Facebook and Twitter platforms, you can share discount deals, coupons, special offers, and much more.

#4: Embracing Technology

Technology has the power to transform, improve, and give new life to rural areas around the globe. As a small business owner, use technologies to stay connected with customers and promote your products and services.  

Additionally, the power of technology can greatly increase the productivity and efficiency of employees. By automating tasks such as scheduling appointments and sending reminders, time is saved. Instant messaging and chat make communication with customers easier, regardless of their location. 

With cloud-based technology, teams can collaborate on projects from anywhere in the world. Additionally, repetitive and time-consuming tasks are automated through technology, allowing employees to focus on more valuable tasks, leading to improved job satisfaction.  

Is Good Customer Services Essential For Small Businesses?

The answer is yes! As mentioned earlier, small businesses in rural areas face numerous challenges.  Did you know the ideal way to overcome these difficulties is by offering excellent customer service?  Technology can help you do this! 

Simply put, using technology can help you engage with customers, through  video voicemails (video recording of a message), which is a great way to know what customers need from your business and generate regular business. 

In addition, implementing online chat and social media channels, allows consumers to provide feedback and stay connected with your company.  Stellar customer service is what turns a first-time buyer into a loyal customer. It is always worth the investment!

Top Technologies That Help Small Businesses Improve Customer Services 

Adapting to the digital landscape is the need of the hour, and hybrid work environments are here to stay! The following are a few examples of how small businesses are significantly creating new opportunities by using digital solutions.

Online Shopping

In today’s digital era, online shops, or e-commerce stores, have become a crucial part of every business; and even the smallest businesses are reaping the benefits. The online store is inexpensive, flexible, open 24/7, and immediate. With review sites, chatbots, and social media, customers are more freely engaging with the business.

AI and bots 

Bots are another way to engage with customers when your customer service team is away. To stay ahead of the competition, using bots and AI technology is a great way to offer exceptional customer service.

Conclusion

Adopting these suggestions will give your small business the edge it needs to flourish in today’s cutthroat marketplace! To learn more about using technology to operate your business in a remote setting, watching this webinar hosted by the Nevada Women's Business Center and presented by Sydonie Neysmith, Black Swan Consulting Inc. founder.

Do you need help finding and implementing technology for your small business? You are in the right place! Black Swan Consulting Inc. has a team of experienced consultants that helps small businesses become future-ready. From technical assistance to strategic planning to financial management, BSCI is equipped to position your  business for success. To learn more about our services, get connected with us now!