Micro Business
on a Tight Budget:
A Useful No🐮💩 Guide

Chapter 1: Why Micro Businesses Matter

Chapter 2: Essential Tools for Running a Micro-Business

Chapter 3: Marketing on a Shoestring Budget

Chapter 4: Building Trust and Professionalism

Chapter 5: Specializing and Finding Your Ikigai

Chapter 6: Listing Your Business

Chapter 7: Managing Customer Relationships

Chapter 8: Staying Competitive: Kaizen Approach

Chapter 9: Leveraging Google Reviews and Testimonials

Chapter 10: Avoiding Common Mistakes

Chapter 1: Why Micro Businesses Matter

Introduction
Running a micro-business can provide financial independence and stability. If you’re earning money offline and using only your smartphone, you’re already equipped with the tools you need.

• No need for an office.
• No expensive laptops.
• You just need a phone and a plan.

Create Your Own Work
In today’s economy, jobs are scarce. Creating your own work by starting a micro-business is not only possible but also necessary for many.

• Logo, business name, email, website.
• Tools like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Google Business.

Key Takeaways

• Use your smartphone to run your business.
• Be proactive in finding clients and jobs.

Chapter 2: Essential Tools for Running a Micro-Business

Basic Tools for Your Business
A smartphone is your lifeline. Without it, running a business is challenging. Here are essential tools:

• WhatsApp: Communicate with clients.
• Facebook Lite: For promoting your business.
• Google Maps: For business visibility.
• Invoice Ninja: Free invoicing app.
• Capitec App: Low-cost banking.

Must-Have Online Presence
You’ll also need to create an online presence to compete. At minimum, you should:

• Get a Google Business Profile for free.
• Set up a professional website (R950 special).
• Buy a domain name for a professional email address.

Why Your Website Matters
Even if most of your work is offline, a website makes you look professional. Here’s what it should do:

• Show your services clearly.
• Make it easy for people to contact you.
• Look professional and trustworthy.

Chapter 3: Marketing on a Shoestring Budget

Online Marketing: Simple but Effective
Marketing doesn’t have to be expensive. Use these low-cost methods:

• Facebook Business Page: Showcase your work.
• Google Business Profile: Let local clients find you.
• Facebook Groups: Post relevant updates.
• Email Signature: Use a professional footer for all communications.

Offline Marketing Ideas
Here are ways to market offline that won’t break the bank:

• Branded Golf Shirts: Get them embroidered with your logo.
• Business Card Magnets: Stick them on fridges.
• Car Branding: Use rear window branding.

Chapter 4: Building Trust and Professionalism

Look Professional with These Simple Steps
Clients are more likely to trust you if you present yourself professionally. Here’s how:

• Use a professional email: Avoid Gmail for business communication.
• Simple but snazzy logo: Create one on Canva.
• Profile photos of yourself: Clients trust real people.

Things to Avoid
Some activities can hurt your business:

• Don’t use Gmail as your main email.
• Don’t list your business on random directories.
• Avoid combining too many services in one post.

Chapter 5: Specializing and Finding Your Ikigai

Why Specializing Matters
When you focus on one service, you become the go-to person in your field. This leads to more clients and higher profits.

• Example: Window Cleaning Service.
• Focus on becoming the best in one area.

Finding Your Ikigai
Your “ikigai” is your reason for being, and it combines four key things:

1. What you love.
2. What you’re good at.
3. What the world needs.
4. What you can get paid for.

Chapter 6: Listing Your Business

Directories to List Your Business
Use these South African directories to get more exposure for your business:

• za.enrollbusiness.com
• freelisting.co.za
• hotfrog.co.za
• nichemarket.co.za

Tracking Your Listings

Create a simple spreadsheet to track your listings and login details. This will help you keep them updated and accurate.

Chapter 7: Managing Customer Relationships

Stay in Touch with WhatsApp
WhatsApp is a great tool for managing customer relationships:

• Set up WhatsApp Business for automatic replies.
• Use it for quotes and customer support.

Leveraging Facebook and Google

• Post updates on your Facebook Business Page.
• Use your Google Business Profile to reach local clients.

Chapter 8: Staying Competitive: Kaizen Approach

The Kaizen Mindset
Kaizen is the practice of continuous improvement. Even small, daily changes can improve your business over time.

• Research competitors to see what they’re doing right.
• Make small changes to improve your services.

Learning from Competitors
Watch bigger businesses and see what works for them:

• What services do they offer?
• How do they market themselves?

Chapter 9: Leveraging Google Reviews and Testimonials

The Power of Positive Reviews
Google reviews can make or break your business. Here’s why:

• Increases credibility.
• Improves visibility on Google searches.

How to Get Reviews
After every job, ask your clients to leave a review on your Google Business Profile.

• Send a WhatsApp message with the link to your profile.
• Offer a small discount for reviews.

Chapter 10: Avoiding Common Mistakes

Mistakes to Avoid
Many micro-businesses make avoidable mistakes when starting out. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Trying to do too much: Focus on one or two services, not everything.
• Neglecting your online presence: Even an offline business needs visibility.
• Underpricing your services: Know your value and charge accordingly.

How to Present Yourself Professionally
Here are a few final tips to keep in mind:

• Always respond quickly to client inquiries.
• Keep your branding consistent across platforms.
• Use simple, direct language when communicating with clients.

Conclusion: Take Action Now

Running a micro-business can be tough, but with the right tools and mindset, you can succeed. Take small steps every day and keep improving your business.

• Get a professional website.
• Set up your Google Business Profile (GBP).
• Post images regularly to your GBP and collect Google reviews—this is imperative for building credibility and attracting local clients.
• Start promoting your website on Facebook. (See image below).

By taking these steps, you can enhance your business presence, attract more clients, and grow your income.