With over 2.4 million businesses in Canada, and well over a million being small businesses, finding new customers or having them find you is becoming more of a challenge. In fact, a recent RBC survey found that 52 per cent of entrepreneurs said that finding clients and developing their market was the biggest challenge at start-up.

When starting a business, entrepreneurs need to understand that having a business plan is essential to its survival. Identifying your markets and understanding the nature of the competitive landscape are key, but how you acquire, retain and grow your customer base, whether it’s online or in person, should not be overlooked.

“With more customers searching and shopping for their products and services online, it’s critical that small businesses have a web presence,” says Mike Michell, national director, Small Business, RBC. “Without this presence, they significantly decrease the chances of their clients finding them.”

Surprisingly, Google estimates that as many as 1.2 million businesses in Canada do not have a website. To help business owners overcome the obstacles they believe are preventing them from getting online, Google recently launched an initiative that provides free websites and advice for businesses across Canada.

Thinking of going online? Here are a few tips from RBC:

• Include an accurate description of what products or services you provide. Only you know what content best represents your company.

• Ensure you include your contact information: an active email address, which you monitor and respond to on a regular basis; a telephone number; and a physical address.

• Decide how interactive your website is going to be and what services it will provide.

• If customers can make purchases from your website, ensure they know how you will be collecting the funds.

For more small business advice and resources, visit: www.rbcadvicecentre.com.
 

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