Wearing All the Hats: Managing Your Multifaceted Small Business

  Through my experience working with retailers, particularly those in underserved communities, I've consistently advocated for a stronger online presence. However, I've often encountered resistance based on the belief that their clientele prioritizes in-store price comparisons with major online retailers. While demographics and income levels can play a role, a recent statistic from my research might surprise you, as it did me, and challenge this perception. The online shopping landscape in the US is a bustling ecosystem, with millions turning to the web for their daily needs and wants. But understanding the demographics behind these clicks can be a complex task. While definitive data on market share by income in online shopping remains elusive, this blog aims to shed light on the current understanding and highlight the need for further exploration. The Elusive Numbers:  Currently, there isn't readily available and comprehensive data that directly showcases the market share ...

  Keep in mind GMB/ Google Maps Business Profile is a free source of marketing your business. So I wondered just how significant the statistics were for when someone did a google maps search for a business "near me". Different studies and surveys come up with slightly different numbers,  ranging from  69% to 82%  of mobile shoppers using "near me" searches. Here is what I discovered. Demographics:  Age can play a role,  with  Millennials showing a higher adoption rate (92%)  compared to the general population. Category searched:  The type of business being searched for can also influence usage.  Searches for specific retailers/stores tend to use "near me" more often than product-focused searches. Overall, the vast majority (around 70-80%) of mobile shoppers who look for local businesses online leverage the "near me" term to factor in proximity.  This highlights the importance of local businesses optimizing their online presence for ...