Introduction

Starting a small business can be both exhilarating and challenging. Engagement is one of the BEST ways to grow your small business!

One of the most crucial aspects of creating a successful business is building a strong clientele base. But how do you do that?

Well, let me share some insights based on my own experiences that might help you navigate this exciting journey!

If you want to read more about starting a successful small business, make sure to check out this post!

Engage With Your Audience

Imagine having a group of people who not only love what you do but also support you wholeheartedly. That’s the power of engagement!

When you first start out, there will be people who support you from the very beginning. Make sure to make note of these people and acknowledge them!

I like to think of these people as my business “ride or dies.” No matter what product you put out, they will more than likely support you! They will also probably be the ones who pour into your business financially, so make sure to give them the credit they deserve!

Loyalty Programs and Discounts

A good way to do this is through “Loyalty Programs.” This can be anything you feel is good, from giving special discounts to even offering free products/services!

When you do this, it entices customers to continue purchasing from you!

For example, in my own business, I do a lot of in-person vending. There have been times where I have recognized some people who have bought from me before. When I see that they are buying 3-5 sets from me, I always offer them a free set!!

It is also the most rewarding thing when customers come up to me and say, “I saw you on Instagram and I came to this event just for you!!”

This not only shows that my social media engagement is working, but that I am also building relationships with my audience that will last!

When you interact with your audience in a genuine and informative manner, it creates a bond that goes beyond just a transaction!

This can lead to even more sales in the future, and even help you make friends! 🙂

Take the time to respond to comments and messages, showing your appreciation for their support. This simple act can go a long way in building a loyal customer base.

Building Your Community Using Engagement

Most people want to buy things from someone they can relate to and trust. Especially in a world that is filled with AI and drop shipping, it can mean even more to a customer when you show them that you are a real person (and not a robot)!

By engaging with your audience via social media, in person, or other ways, it can allow them to connect a face to the brand!

No one is perfect, capitalize on this!!

When you show your audience behind-the-scenes content and offer discounts on products that aren’t exactly up-to-standards, it shows your audience that you are also a human that makes mistakes!

Engagement with Customers/Clients

Chat with your audience often! Utilize any chance you can get to engage with your audience and ask for their suggestions!

People love to have their opinions heard, and this can also be helpful for your business! When you hit a creative road block, try asking your audience what they want to see!

This allows you to make things that will be liked, but also gives you a chance to connect one-on-one with active members of your community!

I am always chatting with my followers on my small business Instagram! Join the Conversation!

Remember that you Won’t Please Everyone.

When you try to do things that you think will please everyone, this may drive you crazy (I know it drove me crazy)!

You eventually have to realize that not everyone will like you, and that’s okay!

Think about it like this: you are going through a rebrand and are not exactly sure of what you should do. On one hand, you have haters who say they hate the new things you are implementing and “liked the old you.”

On the other hand, you have people who are unsure of the new things you are doing, but are willing to stick it out with you and see where it goes!

In this scenario you have two options, either stick to your old way of doing things in an attempt of pleasing a small majority of people, OR, trying something new with the possibility of reaching a whole new audience and creating engagement with them!

It can be scary at first, but trying to please everyone is not going to do anything for your business but keep you stagnant.3

When you let go of these anxieties, you allow room for growth that you may not even know is possible!

Embracing Collaboration over Competition

In the business world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of seeing others as competitors.

However, I’ve learned that collaboration and engagement yields far greater benefits! Supporting fellow entrepreneurs and artists not only fosters a positive environment but also opens doors to new opportunities.

When you’re a new small business in an over-saturated niche (like press-on nails), it can be very discouraging to see all of the amazing talent out there.

When I first started, I didn’t have the skill set I have now and I often felt like I wasn’t good enough or I would never be able to compete with these other nail artists.

There’s something really wrong with this kind of thinking though. You are never competing with anyone else other than yourself!

Comparison is Truly the Biggest Killer.

When you start comparing yourself to others, it can make your self-esteem, self belief, and love for your craft decline heavily.

Sure, there may be people who do 10x better than you do at something, but does that mean you suck? The answer is NO!!

Just because someone has more followers, seems better, gets more engagement, or whatever the comparison may be, doesn’t mean you are not able to succeed.

This is why I place so much importance on building your OWN community!

When you take all of the energy you spend comparing yourself to others and instead engage with the people who truly love you and your brand, you start to focus on the things that are truly important!

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For Help

I am a firm believer that the only person I am competing with is myself. I strive to become a better version of myself everyday, rather than striving to do better than this person or that person.

Instead of trying to compete with others, you should think of them as people that can HELP you!

Instead of beating yourself up for not being as good as someone else, try asking them for tips or advice!

You can also try cheering others on instead of beating them down! There are 8 BILLION people in this world!

When you live your life with kindness, instead of hatred or jealousy, you will realize how much good is in this world!

Collaboration with others is also how you build relationships and network! How can you hate from outside of the club when you can’t even get in??

Being able to collaborate with the right people in your craft is an excellent way to bounce off ideas, learn more, and even foster relationships with others that can last! (these people can also help you reach wider audiences)!

Conclusion

As you embark on your journey of starting a small business, remember the power of engagement, community building, and collaboration. Here’s a quick recap of what we’ve discussed:

1. Engage with Your Audience: Interact with your followers genuinely and appreciatively. The more you interact with followers and customers, the more likely they are going to want to support you! Loyalty programs and special acknowledgments can foster long-lasting connections and support. By creating loyalty programs, you are showing customers that they will be well rewarded for their support (and there are so many successful businesses who have loyalty programs)!
2. Build Your Community: Show your human side, involve your audience in decision-making, and embrace imperfections.Focus on those who resonate with your brand rather than trying to please everyone. When you focus on the people who genuinely want to see you succeed, they will never be disappointed in you!This is also very helpful for rebrands or if you decide to take your business in new directions! You never know the potential growth of your business if you don’t try!
3. Embrace Collaboration: Instead of viewing others as competitors, see them as potential collaborators and sources of inspiration!Collaboration fosters growth, learning, and positive relationships within your industry (it is also super fun and rewarding to connect with people who share similar interests and goals)!

By engaging with others in your community, you’ll not only attract loyal customers but also create a supportive network that propels your business forward.

Keep connecting, learning, and growing—your success awaits! GOOD LUCK! 🙂