One of the most important things to consider when running a business is the location. Regardless of if you run a big or small business, where you are located determines your audience. Having the right small town business ideas is greatly beneficial.
The strategies you utilize will be very different in a rural area versus an urban one.
Small towns are usually home to multiple entrepreneurs that create a business based on what it is lacking. The limited population is both a blessing and a curse.
On one hand, it’s very easy to determine what your audience is into when it is small. However, you also have a limited amount of customers that can shop each day.
On top of this, the internet has made it easy for larger companies to have a presence in small towns. Ordering a package off of Amazon can be both cheaper and more convenient than visiting a local business.
Thus, it is now harder than ever to run a successful small business.
However, these amazing small town business ideas will help you start researching what path is best for you.
Look For What’s Missing
There is one simple rule you need to remember when it comes to small-town business.
Be the only one in town.
Seriously, it’s a simple rule but highly effective. Remember, there is a limited population. You do not want to be the second of anything in town. The population is simply not large enough to sustain multiple businesses offering the same exact product or service.
The good news is that it should be pretty simple to figure out. Talk to locals about what they want to see or what they go to when they leave town.
For example, if you have to drive to accurate mobile phone number list the next town over to get a slice of pizza, you might want to consider opening a pizzeria.
Create An Online Presence
Even if you are planning to only do local business, an online presence is pretty much mandatory in 2019.
The majority of adults use their smartphones to transition from high school to college for new students locate restaurants and shops. And yes, this is true for small rural towns as well. This is because a vast number of people use smartphones to find local shopping. It is imperative to be mobile-friendly.
You can even add directions to your store with Google Maps.
This means you also need to cz leads focus on a well-developed small business theme, responsive imagery, easy-to-read content, and more. But, it’s not as difficult as it might seem.
25 Amazing Small Town Business Ideas
The keyword here is “idea.”
Being an entrepreneur is about creating your own business the way you want it. These ideas are simple and require a lot of additional research before you make a decision.
1. Restaurants
Everyone needs to eat and there is an endless number of restaurant themes you can embrace. This includes everything from barbeque to fine dining and everything in between.
Restaurants can prepare food very differently, but a small town does not need two Italian places. Thus, you need to have a unique theme and fill a specific niche.
Consider what your family and other residents talk about when they leave town.
For example, do you find yourself rushing to a taco shop when you travel? That is a pretty clear signal that you might find a lot of success if you opened a Mexican-themed restaurant.
2. Coffee Shop
While you may consider a coffee shop a type of restaurant, it is its own thing. Coffee is an integral part of many people’s day and there is a lot of money to earn serving it.
Major chains often do not set up shop in a small town. The populations are not large enough to support specific models. This can allow you to offer quality coffee for a premium if it means you are the only shop in town.
Of course, it’s not a bad idea to add other sweet treats like pastries or doughnuts to your roster. This allows you to target the few people who do not like coffee as well.
3. Open A Bar
Bars a unique experience and having a local one is a no brainer. They are great for towns for both locals and tourists alike. This is especially true if local restaurants cannot serve alcohol.
Of course, no bar is complete without a little comfort food. Offering some amazing wings, chicken tenders, or burger & fries is a great way to draw in that after-work crowd.
4. Car Repairs
If you live in a small town, your family is going to need a car when they break down. Thus, it is only natural for a town to have its own repair shop.
Depending on your location, you can also cash in on being the nearest repair shop in the area. This can bring in a lot of traffic, especially if you are close to a highway where accidents are common.
5. Gas Station
Just like how cars need to be repaired, they also need to be refueled. This is especially true if your town is located off a highway exit.
You will receive a lot of business from travelers, but you will also have a steady stream of regular customers that need to drive to work every day.
On top of this, you can add a mini-mart to sell simple groceries to the local residents.
6. Barbershop or Salon
Everyone needs a haircut at some point and you can cash in on it. This is one of the rare exceptions where it may be okay to not be the only one in town.
Let’s be honest, a barbershop for men is very different than a salon for women. They both cut hair, but that’s about the only thing they have in common.
7. Pharmacy/Drugstore
While this might be the most complicated business to set up on this list, it is one of the most essential. When someone is sick and needs medicine, they do not want to have to drive to the next town over to pick it up.
Many people require prescription drugs, and having the ability to pick them up locally is important. Just keep in mind that getting the necessary licenses and staff is no easy task.
8. Landscaping
If you live in an area with large property lines, those houses are going to be a hassle to maintain. Landscaping is one of those things that no one wants to do, but it’s necessary.
There are plenty of opportunities when it comes to landscaping. For example, if you live in a warmer climate, people are even less willing to push a lawnmower.
At a fair price, most businesses and house owners are willing to pay someone else to do it.
9. Bakery
Getting fresh deserts and snacks every day is great, but selling them is even better.
There is always a demand for freshly baked goods. These make terrific gifts during parties and holidays. It is also a great stop for tourists who want to sample some of the local sweets.
