Growing your business is a continual process that requires focus and strategic thinking. Here are 15 practical ideas to help you grow your business successfully in 2025.
1. Make your website faster
Did you know that approximately 53% of users will leave a website if it takes more than three seconds to load? Your website is your digital storefront so make sure that it is fast, mobile-friendly and optimised for SEO to capture local traffic. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to check if your website is performing at its best.
2. Be creative with your marketing by using inexpensive tools
Effective marketing doesn’t require a large budget. Tools like Canva, Mailchimp and Buffer make it easy to design graphics, run email campaigns and schedule social media posts without the cost of a marketing agency. Consider creating a marketing plan with these tools to increase engagement with your customers through social media, emails and promotions.
3. Work on keeping existing customers
Every sales textbook will tell you that It’s more cost-effective to retain existing customers than acquire new ones. Consider setting up loyalty programs that reward repeat customers through campaigns like personalised discounts or smaller gestures like thank-you notes. Try using platforms like Loyalzoo to set up a loyalty program.
4. Automate tasks to save time
Time is a valuable resource for small business owners. Automating tasks such as invoicing or follow-up emails with tools like Zapier can save hours of manual work, freeing up time to focus on business growth. A good way to start is by identifying one manual task you can automate per week.
5. Get more personal with your customers
While larger companies have bigger budgets, you can offer a more personal customer experience. Simple touches, like remembering customer preferences or offering tailored recommendations, can make your business stand out in a cluttered and often impersonal market. Again, take the first step by personalising one aspect of your customer interactions per week. Start with a custom thank-you email. Then move on to birthdays and suggestions based on previous purchases.
6. Take advantage of your local profile
A recent study by CommBank shows that 85% of Australians prefer to buy from local businesses. Exploit your local appeal and engage the community to grow your business. Collaborate with other local businesses or participate in community events to increase your visibility. Consider partnering with a complementary local business for cross-promotion or collaboration.
7. Consider different sales channels
While taking advantage of local channels, you should also consider partnerships with larger retailers, online marketplaces or affiliate programs to expand your sales reach. A good balance between local, online and larger distribution and sales channels will open up your business for growth in 2025. Start by investigating the most appropriate online stores to offer your products.
8. Get more online reviews
A recent study showed that over 90% of consumers do their own pre-research before committing to a purchase. The same study showed that 91% of 25-34-year-olds use social media to interact with retailers. So online reviews of your business are a critical component of winning clients. Make the most of customer testimonials and reviews on platforms like Google and Facebook to build trust with potential customers. Kick off by asking three satisfied customers for a review every week.
9. Expand your product range
Relying on a single product or service can leave your business vulnerable. Consider introducing new revenue streams, such as digital products or subscription services, to stabilise cash flow during slower periods. This year might be a good time to consider a new offering to diversify your revenue stream beyond the core value proposition.
10. Take control of your time
The Pareto Principle states that 80% of results come from 20% of efforts. As a small business, you cannot afford to waste your time on unprofitable activities. Use tools like RescueTime to identify where you’re spending (and wasting) time so you can focus on high-value tasks.
11. Automate basic accounting tasks
Cash flow and invoicing can be overwhelming and time consuming, but tools like Wave and Xero can help streamline the process. Automating invoicing and regularly reviewing cash flow will prevent surprises and help maintain financial control. It will also assist your accountant with more complex tasks like generating financial statements and tax compliance. Speak to your accountant about the tools they trust.
13. Start a blog or podcast
You probably started your business because you consider yourself an expert in your field with the ability to offer your customers better value than your competitors. Why not let them know just how much of an expert you are? Create a blog or podcast page on your website and share valuable content regularly to engage your audience and establish your business as a thought leader.
14. Work with influencers
Here’s something you may not have considered. IZEA’s Australia Trust in Influencer Marketing report shows 46% of Australians bought a product after an influencer promotion, while 59% trust influencers more than celebrities. Consider partnering with influencers or bloggers relevant to your industry to promote your business. Start by scouring social media platforms for relevant influencers.
15. Form better business and personal habits
As a business owner, your wellbeing is central to maintaining productivity and focus. Eating well, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep can improve decision-making and efficiency.