Most freelancers are small, independent businesses who service other independent businesses.
When I say ‘independent’ I’m referring to the typical small business model: an owner operated or small private company. Over the past few decades, we’ve seen the rise of larger chain stores and multinational conglomerates who have quickly put many of the smaller concerns out of business.
It’s been of concern for many years that the independents are disappearing. They simply cannot compete with volume discounts possible for larger organizations who source, or manufacture product off-shore in bulk at extremely low cost. This has been happening in every sector from
agriculture to manufacturing, right down to local clothing stores and restaurants. Independent businesses that are successful are often bought out by larger concerns, while those that are marginal, i.e. simply a self-employed ‘job’ for the owner find competing with better funded, more visible organizations impossible in the long term.
This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for marketing savvy, survival oriented copywriters.
Although the ‘giants’ in any industry have deeper pockets and greater staying power potential, the ‘Davids’ still have a few choice stones at their disposal. While the giants may be able to offer customers discount pricing, independents can offer better service, education and advice, as well as niche products that aren’t yet available from large competitors.
Until the global economy began to rock, there was a slow, but steady move by the more affluent and discerning baby boomer generation to vendors who were prepared to cater to them as individuals and as ‘real’ people. Now that everyone is watching their pennies, this trend could slow as consumers opt for lower prices, however, this should not last for the long term. Eventually the tide will turn.
Especially if independent businesses promote the fact that of every dollar spent:
- in a Big Box retailer only 6 cents stays in that community. (Source: Rocky Mountain
Institute) - in a chain store only 20 cents stays in that community. (Source: Small Business Administration)
- Whereas, a full 60 cents of every dollar spent at a sole proprietorship stays in that community.
(Source: Small Business Administration)
Businesses that use the correct psychology and finely tuned marketing strategies can still prosper during this time and be well positioned for significant growth once economic recovery begins.
Copywriters should be examining these opportunities and offering their target markets the benefit of their services in these areas. After all, statistics show that the small business sector is the fastest growing sector in industry today.
Check out some of these small business statistics from FitSmallBusiness.com:
Small Business Growth and Survival:
The estimated 28.8 million small businesses in the United States:
- Account for 99.7% of businesses in the US
- Include 52 percent home-based businesses and two percent franchises
- Account for 66% of all new net jobs since the 1970’s
- Provide 55% of all jobs in the US
- Are more likely to last 4 years or more in the following industries: Finance Insurance & Real Estate, Education & Health, Agriculture, Services, and Wholesale
In addition, since 2002, the growth of women, minority, veteran and senior owned small businesses has grown significantly. And, of special interest to copywriters, according to an American Express survey, 52% of small businesses seek assistance from individual mentors, 36% from business advisers and 31% from the internet.
Marketing savvy copywriters have a huge opportunity to tap into this market by finding ways to help entrepreneurs succeed.
By providing measurable assistance to grow sales and profits for small business entrepreneurs, copywriters themselves will benefit considerably, raising themselves from the position of a ‘discretionary’ service to a ‘must have’ investment.
Most businesses today, large and small are actively seeking ways to invest their dollars and time more profitably. Those who can clearly demonstrate an ability to help them do so are assured of a loyal and growing client base.
© Copyright 2009 Jackie Cooper
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May be reprinted provided author details (including website) are included as part of the article.
About the Author:
Jackie Cooper
Direct Response Copywriter and Marketing Consultant
http://www.jackiecooperwriter.com.
Jackie Cooper is a veteran direct response copywriter and business / marketing consultant and coach with both B2B and B2C clients. Her goal is to help her client articulate their message in a way that has an immediate positive impact on their bottom line, whether it’s using powerful direct response or other proven marketing strategies. Jackie also offers a free initial marketing consultation for those interested in finding out more about ways she can help them improve profitability and positioning in the market. If you’d like to have a free consultation, email her at at the email address you’ll find at the blog. You’ll
find more interesting articles and insights on her blog http://www.jackiecooperwriter.com which also features the video series: “How to write for maximum return.”
