Starting a small business has never been more straightforward due to the growing number of digital tools and global markets. However, new startups continue to struggle in a space dominated by big corporations. A new study released in 2025 reveals that nine out of 10 new businesses are likely to shut down within the first five years of operation.
So, what can you do to beat these odds? On this page, we’ll explore five clever ways your small or medium-sized business can compete with established brands.
Create a Strong Online Presence
It’s no longer a question of if your business needs a strong online presence. Rather, the real question is if potential customers can find your business in seconds. The first step is to ensure that anyone who looks you up online can easily find your brand within 10 seconds. The good news is that there are numerous ways to establish your brand’s online presence without incurring significant expenses.
The first step is to create a website where customers can learn about your brand’s history, values, products, and services. You can set up WordPress hosting or hire a professional to build your site. Another effective way is to create social media content, from Instagram Reels to YouTube tutorials. Plus, you can speed up your presence by collaborating with celebrities or influencers.
Here are other ways to ramp up your online presence:
- Create an email list for attracting referrals.
- Provide affiliate programs to established websites.
- Run paid adverts on Google and social apps to get instant customers.
- Publish guest posts on high-authority websites.
- Be active on online forums and provide professional solutions.
- Boost SEO through prospecting and outreach for quality backlinks from reputable sites.
Leverage AI Technology
AI has been the trendiest buzzword in business circles over the last few years. This technology leverages machine learning (ML) to provide quick and automated responses. Today, small businesses can use AI’s automation capabilities to perform routine tasks like data entry, running email campaigns, and researching data. You can even generate AI marketing content easily with comprehensive tools like Blaze for marketers.
Providing personalized content is another effective way to maximize AI and gain a competitive business edge. Your business can use this technology to study customer trends and behaviours before providing tailored products and services.
YouTube and Netflix are great examples of how AI personalization works. Most gambling sites also use this technology to recommend casino games based on players’ search histories and gaming patterns. Overall, AI in business not only makes work more efficient but can also contribute to your cost-saving strategy. That’s what a small business needs.
Embrace Other Tech Trends
AI isn’t the only technology to leverage in 2025. Your business can embrace other technologies to ensure it remains relevant and competitive. An example is cryptocurrency, with a report by Crypto.com revealing that 15,000+ businesses worldwide accept digital coins. These currencies use decentralized blockchain technology to ensure faster and borderless payments. Tools that track real-time conversion rates, such as XLM to USD or other cryptocurrencies, can further empower businesses to make informed financial decisions.
Another technology worth a shout is AR/VR. You can use this technology to improve customer experiences in industries like manufacturing, retail, and real estate. AR and VR allow customers to interact with products in virtual environments. It’s more like creating a virtual showroom without any significant investment. There are many use cases of AR and VR in business.
Below are more tech trends to adopt:
- Cybersecurity investment to combat increasing online threats.
- Sustainable technology due to customer awareness and demands.
- Cloud computing for remote collaboration and teamwork.
Prioritize Niche Markets
One thing is for sure – big companies focus on capturing big international markets. In return, this leaves niche markets up for grabs, especially in local areas. These markets often have less competition, allowing your business to establish itself as a leader in that niche. Your small business can really benefit from being the “big fish in a small pond.”
Focusing on a specific market or area also allows your brand to develop expertise and knowledge. This can significantly enhance your brand’s public appeal and credibility, leading to increased customer loyalty. On top of that, this expertise can help your small/medium-sized business innovate and develop tailored products for specific needs.
Focus on Customer Service
Many business startups tend to overlook this vital area, leading to their downfall before they even start to operate. However, here’s an interesting fact from Salesforce Research: 89% of customers will likely make repeat purchases if they get positive customer support. HubSpot Research echoes these sentiments, revealing that the number could be higher at 93%.
From these numbers, it’s clear that good customer service is the backbone of your business. Providing helpful and knowledgeable support can help your startup company create stronger and more personal customer relationships. Today, you can improve support experiences by using live chatbots to provide 24/7/365 assistance. Still, human engagement with customers is essential.
Conclusion
See, there are many effective ways to help your business compete with top brands in the local and international markets. The trick is following leading trends and maximizing technology to cut costs and gain a competitive edge. These days, trends such as AI automation and influencer marketing are must-haves to compete and thrive in the business sector. So, don’t be left out!
