What key challenges do small independent Main Street retailers face?

Traffic.

Your typical mom & pop store could be about anything, but if they are not seeing visitors, this means less sales and eventually one day ---- Out of Business.

No matter who/what you are as a physical retailer, if I cannot find your business online, you're missing out already...however, let this be a lesson that its not too late already.

Consider the following points:

• Contrary to any argument, Yellow Pages days are dead.
• You must be in Google/Bing
• Your potential buyers should be able to see you up in the search results (preferably one the 1st page) if there were to search for the products and/or services you sell.
• People don't search you by your name anymore, unless you are a big brand.
• Don't have a full-fledge website, don't worry! Put up a contact us page with your complete address, telephone number Map/Directions, Hours of Operation and what you sell. Explicitly mention if you take orders by phone or do weekend deliveries, etc. That one page is better than nothing.
• If applicable, try to improvise your setup so orders can be taken on the phone (or web later on).
• Be everywhere on Google Maps, all your local directories online, all your local businesses association websites online, anywhere where you can get listed online, you should.
• Have a Facebook page (so simple to setup)