3 Things That May Hurt Small Business Growth

In less than a month, the new 844 toll free number prefix will be released by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Following the initial release—the first issued in several years—approximately several million new vanity numbers will become available.

Missed Opportunities for Business Growth

Small businesses missing the opportunity to secure an 844 vanity number could stunt their growth, which could lead to not reaching long term goals, losing potential leads or customers to a competitor, or even risking meeting sales or revenue goals. This is why having the option to pre-order an 844 vanity number presents small businesses with the opportunity to improve their brand.

Lack of a Web Presence

If you do not yet have a business website active, be sure that you do so and soon. According to Yelp, more than 80 percent of people search for and find local, small businesses by using a local search. If your business is not visible, then this may mean that you are not branding it well enough to expand growth. A website is a must in today’s technologically driven world. Period.

No Social Signals

According to a Wet Paint/Altimer Group study conducted in 2009, utilized social media extensively grew their sales by approximately 18 percent per year. In contrast, companies that did not rely upon social media saw a decline of approximately 6 percent in annual sales. Case and point: Make sure you are present and “socially active” to reap the benefits of and enhance small business growth. Since approximately two-thirds of people use Facebook to look up information on their favorite things or search out small businesses, it’s imperative that they can also find you.