When you’re a small business owner, it can be tempting to lower your operating costs by skimping on various things, and maybe DIYing as many of them as you can, and sometimes this is perfectly fine, even sensible, to do if you are able. However, there are some things that, as a small business, you should NEVER skimp on…

1. Business cards

This may seem like such a small thing, especially now that most marketing is done online, but if you are going to be handing out business cards, you need them to look professional if you want to be taken seriously. They are, after all, part of forming a first impression, and if they do not look the part, you won’t make the best impression you could. So. avoid VistaPrint and other template sites and have a freelance graphic designer create something more bespoke.

2. Product components

As a small business, you may not always be able to afford the most premium components for your products, but you should always choose the best you can afford. You can find the best components by simply Googling the component you are looking for and alternatives. For example, if you Google ccell, you will which is a great alternative at an affordable price. Basically, the aim is to get the most bang for your buck so you can build the most solid, most effective, and durable product possible, which will enable you to beat the competition.

3. Your website

Most people, when they are looking for anything, from a plumber to a new blender, will first and foremost, Google what they are looking for, and if they do happen to find your website, they are only likely to make a purchase if it is clear concise, and easy for them to use on the device of their choice. That’s why you should never skimp on your web design. At a minimum, it should be clean, modern, and mobile responsive. Ideally, it should be bespoke to your company and a good representation of your brand overall.

On the tech side, you will also want to invest in a good content management system and a decent host, so that you can avoid having any problems that cause your website to go down, and let your customers down. 

4. Branding

Branding is vital for small businesses. It is one of the few things that will immediately draw customers away from more established companies to give you a chance (well it is when you do it right anyway). So, you cannot afford your branding to look cheap or hit the wrong note. You need to pay for good market research, great graphic designers, and excellent copywriters if you want to make a splash and steal some custom from the competition – it really is that simple.

5. Content

Oh, and speaking of copywriters, it really isn’t a good idea to skimp on content either. Content is what draws customers to visit your website in the first place, and what (hopefully) converts them once they are there, so it is so important that you create content that is engaging, informative, and shareable if you want to get anywhere. Don’t skimp.

Avoid skimping in these 5 key areas and your small business is far more likely to achieve success.