To own and run a small business is no easy feat – it’s a journey that demands energy and focus. Have you ever considered whether you are focusing your energy on the right things – that will help you achieve your business goals? Asking yourself these 5 critical questions can help you find the clarity you need.

South Africa offers a rich and diverse landscape for homegrown businesses to flourish. There are many challenges for a small business, but also opportunities that present themselves. Here are 5 critical thought starters to help you succeed.

1. Have you engaged in a digital marketing health check?

Whether you’ve been in the small business game for 5 years or 5 months, you shouldn’t underestimate the importance of digital marketing resources for your business. Even if you already have social media marketing tools in place, you’ll need to schedule regular check-ins to ensure they are effective. Updates to programmes, tools and services can happen daily and you’ll need to be on top of developments so that your website, social media platforms, on-page SEO and paid ads are being optimised.

The first step is to actively perform a digital marketing health check. So what exactly should you be looking out for?

Time to take a temperature check. Did you know that Telkom offers a digital marketing health check tool? This is primarily a review or screening tool for your business to find out how you rank within the industry and compare with your competitors.

2. Are your products or services getting the spotlight they deserve?

It’s easy to get comfortable using the same tools to advertise your products and services and then wonder why there hasn’t been an increase in sales or revenue over the long term. What you may need is to market your products or amplify your messaging differently, putting a fresh spin on it and potentially reaching new audiences. You can update your online banners and set new geographical targeting, embark on a clearly defined Google campaign, and even benefit from business social media marketing or a podcast to help you discover new leads.

3. Are you making the most of your digital resources to amplify your presence in the market?

In addition to social media marketing and digital advertising, it’s also useful to have a presence on local services and listings. Being listed in both physical and digital small business directories offers another communication touchpoint, increasing your visibility to a wider market of potential customers, and can elevate the status of your business to one that can be trusted.

4. Is your business website up to date?

Believe it or not, but there are many businesses that either don’t have a website or fail to update the one they do have. If you don’t yet have an online presence, now is the time to get one briefed in. A website not only showcases what you offer, but can also tell you more about your customers and what they are interested in. Learn how to manage and optimise your website, improve your search rank, and optimise your Google Ads campaigns. 

5. What makes your business unique?

We can easily fall into the trap of keeping up with the Joneses, even when it comes to how we run our business, but your true source of power is what you do differently from everyone else. Take the time to reflect on your unique selling points and how you can stand out in the market. When you go through a digital marketing health check, you ensure that your business is properly listed. You also get to monitor the reviews that you receive online and compare your social media presence against industry standards.

Did you know that Telkom Yep! is the old Yellow Pages, but digital? If you're a small business owner or an entrepreneur, we’ve got services that can give your business that extra punch. From a side hustle, to a local tuckshop or your own TikTok shop, you’re going to want your business in the spotlight. Whether you need to open an online store, set up a mobile payment channel, or advertise your services, Telkom Yep! has got your back.