As an entrepreneur, you’re always on the lookout for ways to grow your business and reach more customers. One approach that’s become increasingly popular in recent years is building your business on a platform. Whether it’s Amazon, Etsy, or Shopify, platforms offer a range of benefits, from a built-in customer base to streamlined payment processing.
But while platforms can be a powerful tool, they also come with a significant downside: you’re building your business on someone else’s foundation. That means you’re subject to their rules and regulations, and if something goes wrong with the platform, your business could suffer. In other words, relying too heavily on a platform can become a crutch that limits your business’s potential.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to unshackle your business from the platform crutch. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
-
Build your own website:
One of the most effective ways to break away from a platform is to build your own website. This gives you complete control over your online presence and allows you to create a unique brand identity that sets you apart from your competitors. You can use tools like Shopify or WooCommerce to create a professional-looking online store and take advantage of SEO techniques to drive traffic to your site.
-
Focus on building your own customer base:
When you’re relying on a platform, it’s easy to become complacent and let the platform do the work of bringing in customers. But if you’re serious about breaking away, you need to take an active role in building your own customer base. Use social media, email marketing, and other tactics to reach potential customers and drive traffic to your website.
-
Diversify your sales channels:
Another way to unshackle your business from the platform crutch is to diversify your sales channels. For example, you could start selling your products on other online marketplaces, like Etsy or eBay. You could also explore brick-and-mortar retail options, or sell your products at events like craft fairs and farmer’s markets.
-
Offer unique products or services:
One of the biggest advantages of building your own business outside of a platform is the freedom to offer unique products or services. You can experiment with new products, create custom offerings for your customers, and take risks that might not be possible on a platform.
-
Be prepared for the challenges:
Breaking away from a platform isn’t easy, and it comes with its own set of challenges. For example, you’ll need to invest in marketing and advertising to drive traffic to your site. You’ll also need to handle all the logistics of running your own store, from order fulfillment to customer service. But with the right mindset and a willingness to learn, you can overcome these challenges and create a successful business on your own terms.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while platforms can be a great tool for growing your business, they can also become a crutch that limits your potential. By taking steps to build your own website, focus on building your own customer base, diversify your sales channels, offer unique products or services, and be prepared for the challenges, you can unshackle your business from the platform crutch and create a successful business on your own terms. And if you’re looking for a way to make your crutches more comfortable while you’re building your business, be sure to check out Walk Easy’s covers for crutch handles. They’re the perfect way to reduce pain and discomfort while you’re on the move.
