7 Strategies for Small Businesses to Rival Amazon

You can’t deny that Amazon is massive. It’s one of the Big Four tech companies globally, along with Facebook, Apple, and Google. If a new business tried to imitate Amazon to gain market share, the competition would be fierce.

Amazon does things that small businesses can’t, like offering discounts they can’t match, having huge inventories, shipping within two days for Prime members, and even delivering groceries. Today, everyone knows that Amazon has grown enormously, surpassing once big names like J.C. Penney, Barnes & Noble, and Sears. Some of its competitors haven’t survived in this tough business environment that Amazon has managed to navigate successfully.

Still, it’s possible for a small business to compete with Amazon. There are weaknesses in Amazon’s model that can be targeted. Here are seven ways a small business can give Amazon a run for its money:

It’s clear Amazon can offer big discounts and vast product selections, making price competition unrealistic. However, a small business can compete by offering personalized, one-on-one services that Amazon can’t. Small businesses can better understand their customers and use personalization, such as:

A business needs to shape how customers view its brand continuously. Always strive to make a lasting impression on customers, so they think of your business when they need something you offer. A good branding strategy involves identifying what you do better than others and sharing that with your customers.

If a business has both online and physical stores, today’s customers expect consistent service from both. If they buy something online and want to return it, they expect to do so easily at a physical store. Business owners need to ensure their employees provide a consistent level of service across all channels. This includes having consistent attitudes and policies across the board.

The mobile market is huge, with about 5.1 billion unique mobile users globally, an increase of about 100 million from 2018. Additionally, there are around 3.9 billion active mobile internet users, which is 52% of the world’s population. These numbers indicate that without a mobile marketing strategy, you’re missing out on a significant number of potential customers.

Invest in mobile technology to make shopping more convenient for mobile users. For example, if you sell clothing online, consider an app that allows customers to try on clothes virtually. This can lead to greater customer satisfaction and fewer returns. Additionally, ensure your mobile website is responsive and easy to navigate on smaller screens. These steps can help grow and retain your customer base.

Having profiles on popular social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram is good, but do you post regularly and engage with followers? Are there customer reviews on these platforms? Do you offer customer service through their preferred messaging apps? If you’re not attentive to your social media presence, your marketing strategy isn’t complete.

Social media benefits businesses by increasing online visibility. Customers often search for your brand on social media to learn more and read reviews about your products.

Amazon excels in shipping, partnering with USPS for fast global shipping and offering Amazon Prime for super-fast delivery, including two-day shipping. While it’s unrealistic for small businesses to match Amazon’s shipping plans, they can create shipping options that meet their customers’ needs. For instance, offer shipping incentives to first-time customers or discounted shipping for purchases over a certain amount.

A loyalty program rewards repeat customers and fosters loyalty. People love rewards, so recognizing customers who shop frequently can make them feel valued and encourage repeat business. Ensure the loyalty program aligns with your business model.