What can you offer that the other guys, your competitors, can’t? Today, having the best tasting cupcakes, fastest plumbing service or cheapest rates isn’t always enough. Consumers want more. So, give it to them. Here are three things you can do as a business owner to stand out from your competitors.

Offer 24/7 Customer Support

In today’s fast-paced business world, consumers expect you to be there when they need you, that goes for online shoppers and in-store visitors alike. However, many small businesses and big companies are dropping the ball when it comes to delivering quality and timely customer service to returning and new consumers. A 2011 American Express survey found that 78 percent of the consumers who responded have cancelled or bailed on an intended purchase due to bad customer service. That’s a statistic you cannot ignore as a business owner.

Make sure that you’re always there for your customers with the help of Comm100. With this tool, you can utilize features such as live chat, help desk and even employ email marketing, all of which can improve conversions and customer satisfaction. Plus, you’ll be ahead of the curve — and your competitors — as well as on top of customer service trends, too.

Use Online Pay

According to data from the Retail Next experts, 72 percent of young shoppers research items online before purchasing. Additionally, two-thirds of in-store shoppers will look to their phones to compare prices, just to check to see if there's a better deal available at another store. Online shopping is not yet outpacing traditional brick-and-mortar shops, however, it’s growing fast and should not be ignored. And it is just one of the ways that you can stand out from your competitors and gain customer business.

You can be more convenient than your competitors by embracing the trend and offering online pay to your customers. As a business owner, you can choose an accounting software, like Sage 50, that’s easy to deploy and simple to use. By integrating payroll services and credit card processing, this payment system can help you keep an eye on your books and your shop inventory, keeping both your business and your customers satisfied.

Be Mobile Friendly

Increasingly, consumers are moving away from shopping in stores and turning to their mobile devices instead. According to a survey conducted by researches from the Pew Research Center, almost half of the people who were questioned said that they view their cellphone as something the cannot live without. The survey also found that respondents use their phones to find jobs, pay their bills, keep up to date with friends and family, and the smartphone users surveyed even use their devices to view educational content. It should come as no surprise that today’s connected consumer wants to be able to shop and make purchases directly from their smartphone.

If your website needs a little updating or sprucing up, make sure that it’s mobile friendly, in addition to being compatible for desktop systems. Taking a cue from some of the most mobile-friendly businesses out there, such as Shutterfly, Etsy and Buzzfeed, when designing your new website.

If you're losing business to your local competitors, it's time to revamp your business model. Start by implementing these simple ideas. They just may help you stand out from the competition, win your more business and add to your bottom line.