Small Businesses Aren't Always Easy
Running a small business isn’t easy. It takes grit, patience, and adaptability. But even with the best intentions, nearly one in five small businesses fail within their first year. By year five, about half are gone. These aren’t just numbers, they’re lessons.
Knowing why businesses fail is one of the most important steps in making yours last. Below, we break down the most common reasons small businesses struggle and what you can do to stay ahead.
1. Lack of Market Demand
Many business owners start with a strong idea but overlook a key question: does anyone actually want this?
Failing to understand what customers need—or how they want to buy—can lead to unsold inventory, wasted time, and slow days that become slow months.
What to do: Focus on solving a real problem. Test your products or services early. Gather feedback often. Be ready to adjust based on what people actually respond to—not what you assume they want.
2. Cash Flow Issues
Running out of cash is one of the most common and dangerous problems for small businesses. Even if your business is profitable on paper, late payments, low foot traffic, or an unexpected expense can leave you unable to pay rent or staff.
What to do: Monitor your numbers. Know your break-even point. Keep costs lean until you have consistent revenue. Diversify your income when possible, and look for ways to earn without large upfront costs.
3. Poor Marketing and Low Visibility
If customers can’t find you, they can’t support you. Many business owners rely on word-of-mouth or a physical location to bring people in. But in today’s world, visibility online matters more than ever.
What to do: Focus on getting seen where people are searching. This doesn’t mean spending thousands on ads—it means having a presence where people are already browsing, especially mobile platforms and local discovery tools.
4. Resistance to Change
Markets shift. Customer behavior evolves. What worked last year might not work today. Businesses that cling too tightly to what once worked often get left behind.
What to do: Stay curious. Watch what your customers are asking for. Embrace tools and partnerships that make your business easier to run and easier to find. You don’t need to change your identity, just your approach.
The Opportunity Ahead
Understanding these risks is only half the battle. The other half is finding smart, simple solutions that help your business grow. This is where Kubby can make a difference.
Why Small Business Storefronts Should Partner with Kubby
Kubby's platform partners with local businesses that serve their community. It’s built to increase foot traffic, improve visibility, and open new revenue streams, all without requiring you to change the core of what makes your business special.
Here’s how:
• No monthly fees: You can join Kubby for free. There’s no cost to be discovered by customers in your area.
• Sell in-app: List your in-store items directly on Kubby. Nearby customers can browse and buy, bringing in additional sales without needing you to run your own e-commerce site.
• Be found by local shoppers: Kubby highlights small businesses in your area. If someone’s looking for what you offer, you’ll show up right where they’re already shopping.
• Show your impact: Kubby tracks the sustainability benefits of local pickups. You’ll be able to show your customers how your store is helping reduce emissions and support greener shopping habits.
AND SO MUCH MORE.
In a world where staying relevant and resilient is more important than ever, Kubby gives local storefront the edge they need, without adding pressure or cost.
If you're looking for more ways to be seen, supported, and successful, partner with Kubby and make your storefront a part of the future of local shopping.