Using sustainable practices in your small business is a big deal. Just a few eco-friendly measures can save time and money, help the planet and increase business opportunities. But unless you effectively communicate your sustainable wins, how will your business attract customers whose environmental commitments align with your own?
Recent studies suggest that 87% of American consumers would make a purchase from a company who advocates for an issue they care about, and 73% would cease purchasing from a company that doesn't care about climate change. These tips can help your business promote its sustainability efforts, improving your company's brand image and attracting like-minded customers.
1. Utilize social media
Using various social sites to communicate your goals and achievements is a great way to keep customers up to date on what you're doing to decrease your environmental footprint. Use your blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or other social accounts to engage your customers and inform them of your wins.
If you have it in your budget, you can reach out to social influencers who can mention your company, products and sustainability efforts on their blog, Instagram or Twitter. Influencer marketing can help your business reach new audiences and can result in increased sales, strong partnerships and more.
2. Advertise internally and externally
In-store signs, online advertisements and even product labels can inform customers of what your business has done to reduce waste and save energy. Whether you've donated some profits to an environmental cause or switched to recyclable packaging, you can increase customer loyalty and attract new consumers by making it easy to see the steps your business has taken in person and online.
It's important to get your employees on board, too. Making changes at a higher level helps, but encouraging employees to change their habits to be more environmentally conscious at work can confirm that your business takes sustainability seriously.
3. Give customers an opportunity to give back
Empowering your customers to make their own sustainability efforts can effectively promote how serious your business is about helping the planet. Allowing customers to bring back used containers and bottles to reuse or recycle can make them feel good about their impact on the environment. Some companies even offer recycling programs that give consumers credits for returning packaging.
Today's consumers truly care about protecting the environment, and they'll support businesses who do the same. Letting customers know your business is making efforts to be eco-friendly through your products or services will ensure them that you're working toward a sustainable future.
