Championing small business success, Thryv® (NASDAQ: THRY), Australia’s leading small business software platform, is helping local brands seize the opportunity to expand through franchising. With 97.2% of Australian businesses classified as small1, franchising presents an increasingly attractive option for entrepreneurs looking to scale their operations and extend their reach, all while retaining control over their brand. However, entering the franchise space brings challenges, from standardising processes to managing multiple locations. This is where technology becomes the great equaliser.
Elise Balsillie, Head of Thryv Australia and New Zealand, says, “The mandate for any successful franchise model is the effective use of technology. Whether it’s managing customer reviews, centralising digital marketing efforts or ensuring brand consistency across all locations, technology is the backbone of modern franchising. Thryv helps businesses streamline their operations, scale efficiently and maintain their identity as they grow.”
Home-grown Australian small business successes are proving that with the right strategy and support, local businesses can not only blossom but thrive on a national stage.
“Franchising allows businesses to replicate their success in new markets, but the challenge is maintaining brand consistency and operational efficiency across all franchisees.” Elise says.
“Thryv’s platform is designed to solve these challenges by offering businesses a way to manage reviews, automate their customer communications and grow their digital presence, all in one place.”
Top tips for businesses considering franchising
- Standardise your operations early
Before launching into franchising, ensure that your business processes can be easily replicated. This means having clear systems for everything from customer service to marketing.
- Harness the power of customer reviews
Reviews are critical in this digital landscape and managing them can help you build trust with potential franchisees. Thryv’s platform integrates review management to keep businesses ahead of the game.
- Invest in the right technology
To scale successfully, all franchise locations should operate using the same system. A single,
streamlined platform such as Thryv will help you centralise marketing, scheduling and customer interactions, ensuring consistency across the board.
- Target the right market
Understand your target audience and where new franchises will perform best. Conduct thorough market research to identify areas where your business can fill a gap or meet unmet demand.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Overcomplicating processes
When scaling, simplicity is key. Don’t rely on multiple systems to manage different parts of your business. Thryv provides an all-encompassing solution that allows franchisees to operate efficiently under one system.
- Ignoring the importance of brand consistency
Inconsistency can harm your business’s reputation. Standardise your branding across all locations to ensure that customers have the same experience no matter where they are.
- Not investing in digital marketing
Local marketing is essential for franchise growth. Leverage digital marketing tools to boost your brand visibility in new markets, and don’t overlook the importance of SEO and social media.
Elise Balsillie says, “At Thryv, we’re there to help businesses grow and scale. Whether it’s bringing their operations under one system, driving customer engagement through digital marketing or
streamlining communications, we give business owners the tools they need to succeed. Technology has become the great equaliser for small franchise owners by empowering them to step out of their comfort zone, safeguard their future and expand with confidence.”
“There is nothing like Thryv in Australia and New Zealand when it comes to being an all- encompassing solution for businesses looking to franchise and grow.”
1 https://www.asbfeo.gov.au/small-business-data-portal/number-small-businesses-australia
ABOUT THRYV
Thryv Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:THRY) is the provider of the leading sales and marketing platform designed to help small businesses attract new and repeat customers. Thryv software offers SMBs everything they need to manage day-to-day operations and grow efficiently. The platform’s AI-
supported marketing and business automations help business owners save time, compete, and win. More than 100K businesses globally use Thryv software to connect with customers and run and grow their business. For more information, visit www.thryv.com