10 Practical Ways to Boost Your Business

Title: Growth on a Budget: 10 Essential Upgrades for Your Somali-Owned Business

Introduction:
Building a successful business takes more than hard work—it takes smart strategies. Whether you run a restaurant, grocery store, or taxi service, these 10 actionable tips will help you attract customers, save money, and stand out. Somali Owned can help.

1. Claim Your FREE Google Business Profile

• Why: 97% of Canadians search online before visiting a business.
• Do This Now:
  • Go to Google Business Profile → Click “Manage now” → Enter your business info.
  • Add photos, hours, and Somali-language keywords (e.g., “halal,” “Somali spices”).
• Pro Tip: Encourage reviews by offering a 5% discount for verified check-ins.

2. Run a “Customer Feedback Week”

• Why: Loyal customers will tell you exactly how to improve.
• How:
  • Ask 3 simple questions at checkout:
    “Was anything missing today?”
    “How did you hear about us?”
    “Would you refer us to family?”
  • Offer a free tea or samosa for completed feedback.

3. Partner with a Complementary Business

• Example:
  • Halal butcher partners with Somali restaurant:
    “Show our receipt → Get 10% off next meal at X Restaurant!”
  • Taxi driver partners with travel agency:
    “Book a trip → Get free airport transfer.”

4. Host a Community “Know Your Business” Event

• Why: Build trust and local recognition.
• Idea:
  • Grocery store? Offer free canjeero-making demo on Saturday morning.
  • Clothing shop? Host a “Traditional Somali Attire Day” with photos.
• Cost: Under $50 (promote via local mosques/community boards).

5. Optimize for “Near Me” Searches

• Why: “Halal meat near me” gets 1,000+ monthly searches in Toronto alone.
• Fix This:
  • Include your neighbourhood name in EVERY online listing (website, Google, Facebook).
  • Examples: “Brampton Halal Grocery,” “Etobicoke Somali Restaurant.”

6. Create a Simple “Referral Program”

• Template:
  “Refer a friend → Both get 10% off next purchase! Text NAME to [PHONE].”
• Track responses using a FREE tool like Google Forms.

7. Leverage Free Government Resources

• Use These:
  • Canada Business Apprenticeship Service: Wage subsidies for hiring youth.
  • Futurpreneur Canada: Mentorship for entrepreneurs under 39.
  • Digital Main Street: Grants up to $2,500 for website/social media help.

8. Run “Quiet Hour” for Seniors/New Moms

• Stand Out:
  • Tuesday mornings: Lower music, dim lights, 10% discount for seniors.
  • Appeal to Somali elders → They bring families!

9. Track ONE Key Metric

• Stop guessing: Pick just one number to improve each month:
  • Restaurants: Orders per table (Upsell sambusa with coffee).
  • Retail: Return customers (Collect emails for SMS deals).
  • Services: Online bookings (Add Calendly link to Facebook).

10. Show Your Somali Pride

• Differentiate:
  • Decorate with Somali art/flag.
  • Play soft Somali music.
  • Add a dish like bariis iskukaris to your menu (even if you’re not a restaurant!).
• Why: Canadians love authentic cultural experiences.

Real Example: Ahmed’s Corner Shop (Toronto)

*“I added Google Business + a referral program. In 3 months:

• 90 new reviews (4.8⭐ average)
• 15% sales increase from referrals alone.”*

Start Small: Implement just ONE tip this week.

(Need help? Our directory offers FREE business listings to boost your visibility.