As we move deeper into the year, you may have already set ambitious goals for growth and improvement. However, running a business continues to be challenging, especially with rapid advancements in technology and changing consumer behaviors in the market.
With numerous considerations competing for your attention, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Remember, your business improvements don’t need to be revolutionary—sometimes, the smallest changes yield the most significant results for your business.
Here are five straightforward strategies small and medium businesses can implement in 2025 to position themselves for success:
1. Embrace AI-Powered Financial Management
AI-powered financial management systems have become essential for businesses. These advanced tools not only track your finances but also provide predictive insights specific to the market and economic conditions.
Modern financial management platforms now offer:
- Automated receipt scanning with M-Pesa integration
- Real-time cash flow forecasting tailored to local business cycles
- Tax compliance specific to Kenya Revenue Authority requirements
- Currency conversion that accounts for KES fluctuations
- Financial insights that benchmark your performance against similar businesses
These tools help business owners make data-driven decisions while staying compliant with local tax regulations. The benefit extends beyond organization—these systems can identify potential savings and growth opportunities specific to your business sector.
2. Improve your Digital Marketing
The best approach to connect with new customers, increase revenue, and dominate your market is through digital marketing.
Today, most customers go online when they are searching for products or services. Therefore, your businesses must have a strong online presence and implement digital marketing strategies to reach your target customers.
If you’re not already taking advantage of digital marketing platforms & strategies, it’s not too late to get started. Here are some simple ways you can get started with digital marketing to improve your business and grow it.
- Get a website – Your website is the foundation of your digital marketing efforts. It helps potential customers find your business & provides a platform for you to showcase your products & services and answer any questions your customers might have
- Be active on Social Media – Social media platforms are powerful marketing tools for your business. Engage with potential customers and share updates about the projects you’re working on, changes to your usual services, customer testimonials, and photos of your work. This will help you improve your online presence and reach a wider audience.
- Get a Google Business Profile – This is a free & easy tool that helps customers find your business online. Your profile includes important information like your business name, location, phone number, services, and hours of operation. You can also add photos, reviews, and other information to help customers get a better understanding of what your business has to offer.
- Use online directories – Many popular directories can help you reach a wider audience. These directories make it easy for customers to find your business when they search for related products or services. By making sure your information is accurate and up-to-date, you can help customers find your business and make a good impression.
- Invest in online advertising – There are many affordable & effective options available, such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads. These platforms allow you to target specific audiences and reach potential customers with tailored messages. Investing in online advertising can help your business reach a larger audience, build brand awareness, and drive more sales.
Leverage social commerce – Social media platforms have evolved beyond marketing channels and now function as complete sales ecosystems. Integrate your inventory with platforms like Instagram Shops, Facebook Marketplace, and WhatsApp Business to enable direct purchases.
Personalize customer interactions with AI – Implement AI-powered chatbots that understand multiple languages to provide 24/7 customer support and personalized recommendations based on customer behavior and preferences.
- Explore emerging platforms – Beyond traditional social media, explore platforms gaining popularity like TikTok and YouTube Shorts for short-form video marketing that resonates with younger consumers.
3. Introduce yourself to potential clients
It’s easy for business owners to wait for customers to find them. However, if you want to be someone’s first choice, people must know who you are.
Join digital business communities – Participate in local online business forums, LinkedIn groups, and WhatsApp groups to establish yourself as a thought leader in your field.
Leverage co-working spaces – With the rise of flexible work arrangements, co-working spaces in major cities have become networking hubs. Consider establishing a presence at these locations even if you maintain a traditional office.
Participate in virtual trade shows – Many industry events now offer hybrid models allowing businesses to participate remotely, expanding your networking reach without extensive travel costs.
Form strategic partnerships – Identify complementary businesses in your sector and develop mutual referral systems or bundled service offerings that provide additional value to customers.
When introducing yourself to potential clients, focus on demonstrating how your business solves specific problems within the local context. Follow up consistently and nurture these relationships even if they don’t immediately convert to sales.
4. Get your customers to review you
Encouraging customers to post reviews can significantly improve your business this year.
Potential customers might not trust you when you claim to be good at what you do. However, positive reviews from previous customers will help build trust and credibility with potential customers, making them more likely to choose your business over others.
When you finish a job, request your customers to give you a review, whether it’s on your Google Business Profile, Facebook, or popular local review platforms.
If you use online directories, getting good reviews can also push your business to the top of the list, giving you better access to good clients.
Leverage video testimonials – Text-based reviews are valuable, but video testimonials create stronger emotional connections with potential customers. Encourage satisfied clients to share brief video reviews highlighting their positive experiences.
Address negative feedback constructively – Respond promptly and professionally to all reviews, especially negative ones. Use criticism as an opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction and business improvement.
Incorporate reviews into marketing – Feature compelling customer testimonials prominently across your marketing materials, website, and social media presence to build credibility with potential clients
5. Build an Interactive portfolio
Creating a portfolio for your business is a great way to showcase your work and improve your reputation.
A portfolio highlights your skills, accomplishments, and experience, making it easier for customers to see why your business is the best choice.
Develop case studies – Rather than simply displaying completed work, create detailed case studies that outline the client’s challenge, your solution, and measurable results achieved for clients.
Use 360° visualization – For physical products or spaces, implement 360° images or virtual tours that allow potential clients to fully explore your work.
Create before-and-after comparisons – Interactive sliders showing before-and-after transformations provide powerful visual proof of your capabilities.
Embed client video testimonials – Associate specific testimonials with relevant portfolio pieces to strengthen credibility.
Implement portfolio analytics – Use tracking tools to understand which portfolio items generate the most interest, allowing you to refine your offerings based on market demand.
Your portfolio should be regularly updated with your most impressive and recent work, highlighting projects relevant to the local market and demonstrating your understanding of business needs.
In conclusion, there are many steps you can take to improve your business this year. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or managing a growing SMB, these practical steps can help position your business for sustained growth and help you reach a wider audience, build trust and credibility with potential customers, and drive more sales.
Transform the marketing capabilities of your business
If you’re a business owner looking for help on how to implement digital marketing to improve and grow your business, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Our team of experts can help you develop a customized plan to reach your business goals and succeed in today’s competitive digital landscape. So, take the first step towards success and talk to us today!
