Make Money In A Small Town
- Thomas Smugala
- Jan 20
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Running a business in a small town—in places like Farmington, Bonne Terre, Ste Genevieve, Perryville, Jackson, Fredericktown, or similar communities across the 573—offers a unique blend of challenges and genuine opportunities for making money. Many of the opportunities are so evident, but fear or lack of know-how often stands in the way of someone going for the gold. Let's just put an end to that line of thinking, and we know how to do it. 573 Magazine wants to inspire you and encourage you.
After more than 25 years doing business in small-town USA, I can flat out tell you there are hundreds and hundreds of great opportunities just waiting for the right person to take them on, and most have the exact same thing in common—more about that later.
Small comminuties offer a unique blend of challenges and genuine opportunities for making money—we know!
The owners of 573 Magazine and Image Maker Marketing, after 20 years in business, have decided to share some of what we have learned. We will be releasing regular stories and interviews on ways to make money in a small town—something we know and affords a lifestyle that we love. Sponsored by 573 Magazine, this free program will be sent out to our 573 Update subscribers' inbox— so join now to get the 573 Update. Shhh, don’t tell anyone what you are up to!
This free program will help you grow your business and build recurring customers through word-of-mouth—you want that.
The biggest advantage of doing business in a small town is low to no competition and low overhead. National chains are happy to do business in small towns, leaving big gaps in everyday needs. A coffee shop or bakery can become the daily gathering spot, generating steady foot traffic from locals who value familiarity over big-box convenience. Service-based ventures thrive here too: mobile car detailing, home cleaning, lawn care, or handyman services face few rivals and build recurring customers through word of mouth. Trades like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC remain in high demand as aging homes and farms require ongoing and reliable maintenance.
Doing professional businesses like pet grooming or lawn services are always in high demand of hardwoking people with a passion.
A food truck or small farm-to-table eatery taps into regional pride in local agriculture—sourcing fresh ingredients from nearby farms appeals to residents and draws occasional visitors. Craft breweries, micro-distilleries, or specialty food shops (think artisanal cheeses, honey, or baked goods) capitalize on the growing interest in regional products from outside the area.
Hard work, keeping your word, never overbooking, and fair pricing will lead to a great business reputation.
We will talk about work hybrid models or multiple businesses to boost earnings. How to combine your local services with online sales—selling handmade goods, farm products, or custom items via Etsy or a simple website, reaches beyond town limits. Social media management for other local businesses or for affiliate marketing can provide additional income streams.
Turning your passion into money is ALWAYS a great way to go.
As this series continues, we will release new and strategic tips in each issue to help you understand the psychology of doing business in a small-town environment. You will get an insider's view of what has to happen to make money in a rural business climate—all strategies you will never learn online. It may not make you rich overnight, but smart niche selection and consistent effort, the Outsider/Insider Tips can provide a roadmap to comfortable, independent living in the place you call home.
You'll learn how to aviod and deal with whisper campaignes
You'll learn what to expect from business organzations.
Low hanging fruit, like making your brand clean and positive can go a very long way to getting business.
Join now to get money-making tips delivered directly to your inbox. Click here.
There are great opportunities out there. Understand that AI only knows what has been posted online, and many successful people keep their trade secrets closely guarded. Likewise, many of the so-called "professionals" you see online have never even set foot in a small town—let alone run a successful, money-making business in one.
Serial entrepreneur Denelle Smugala, mother of two, is president of 573 Magazine, Image Maker Marketing, WorkSpace, and Motion Dog Films. She has a business degree from the University of Missouri, St. Louis, and has been creating and running successful regional businesses in the 573 for 20 years.
Get Out There! Do something. Learn something new. Take a hike. Start a business. Do something. Do anything. What one person can do, another can do. That sunken sofa will be fine without you—that won't change.
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