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Carving out a niche in the business world can be difficult. The challenges of starting a company are even more significant when you’re starting a business as unique as a Christian bookstore. Bookstores already serve a comparatively small portion of the retail market. Christian bookstores serve an even smaller part of the broader book sales industry.
Indeed, launching a successful Christian enterprise is an uphill battle, but the rewards are worth it. With the right business model and resources, your company can establish itself as the premier Christian bookstore in the area. The tips in this article aren’t a cookie-cutter template for success, but they will help you with the basics of running a thriving business.
Digital marketing is essential.
Many new business owners are shy about marketing their brand. However, you have to invest a lot of time and capital in marketing in the early years. Growing your brand awareness will help build your company’s reputation and attract and retain customers.
Digital marketing is the most affordable and effective method for small businesses. Indeed, if you have the know-how, you can launch an effective marketing campaign with very little capital.
Even though you can do your bookstore’s digital marketing yourself, it’s best to invest in SEO to ensure you create content that will improve your search engine rankings. Then, with the right digital marketing or SEO agency, your company can rank at the top of search results when people in your area google “Christian book store near me.”
Sell products people need.
A great way to increase sales at your bookstore is to sell practical items people need. Sure, people will come to your store for bibles and choir uniforms, but it’s wise to diversify your inventory.
Many people who like to read frequently need office supplies. Selling ink pens, envelopes, and accounting supplies with an inspirational message or scripture on them could attract people who wouldn’t usually come for books.
Indeed, you can diversify your interest and customer base with arts and crafts and business supplies. Even regular office supplies like toner, file folders, printer paper, and staplers could drive revenue from Christian professionals. Such items will always be in demand.
Outsource your accounting needs.
Poor bookkeeping is one of the main reasons small businesses fail in their first five years. Therefore, it’s imperative to keep track of your business account in the black and taxes in good standing.
It’s a good idea to outsource your bookkeeping needs if accounting isn’t your forte. A CPA can help you find ways to save money with supply expense reports. They can also help you find tax breaks and other ways to maximize your finances.
Recruiting and hiring accounting professionals is expensive and time-consuming. Outsourcing gives you the skills you need without having to pay high hourly wages or yearly salaries. Instead, you only have to pay for the services you use. Moreover, the less time you spend pouring over your balance sheet, the more time you have to focus on essential business operations.
Practice the ABCs of business.
Do you know the ABCs of business? It’s an abbreviation for “always be connecting.” Indeed, your relationships with customers will determine your company’s success.
Go the extra mile to ensure customers feel welcome when they enter your establishment. Make support accessible, friendly, and effective. Offer special promotions for loyalty. These tactics will help form bonds with customers that will sustain your business and help grow its customer base.
You can launch a successful small business, but it will take effort and careful planning. Your business will need the right marketing strategy and company culture to get and retain customers. It’s equally important to recognize operational gaps and outsource where necessary. It’s also critical to continually work to improve relationships with your customers and suppliers. Your business has a great chance of succeeding if you apply these principles.
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