Convenience is offering small businesses a competitive advantage, because 83% of consumers say that convenience is more important to them now than ever before. We live in a world of go, go, go and consumers have become accustomed to the convenience that businesses now provide. Whether it’s online ordering, curbside pickup, virtual appointments or delivery of products, life as a consumer has become pretty convenient. Service-based businesses are no exception to this trend. Some of the best convenience practices that can be implemented by service-based businesses are:

• Communicate with customers through texting. Over 85% of people prefer conversations through texting rather than phone calls. Knowing that, allowing your customers to text you is a necessity in today’s world.
• Use QR codes on your swag. Everyone has a magnet or sticker that was given to them by an HVAC or electrical company. Make those swag items useful by implementing a QR code on each one that leads to a conversation with your business or a link to schedule a service. 
• Be “virtually” available 24/7. Sounds daunting, right? Good news, it’s not! Offering a webchat feature on your website so customers can get answers to frequently asked questions is a great way to make your business available after-hours for customer convenience, without you having to actually be the one responding. 

Customers value convenience now more than they have ever before, and businesses are working hard to keep up. A small business that jumps ahead of their competitors in the convenience they offer customers is a business that will be successful with its customers. 

For more insights on marketing strategy that actually works for small business, connect with Jay Bean, Founder of FreshLime and Small Business Marketing Expert on LinkedIn and Twitter. If any of these tips have helped you or if you have anything to add, please comment below. We’d love to hear from you!