Finding New Customers for your Small Business

new customers

Customers are the lifeblood of any business, especially for small business, but how do we attract new customers with limited – or no – budget? Let’s take a look at some ways that you can promote your business to potential new customers with little or no cash outlay.

1. Shop-front

Your chance to engage with, and get your key messages across to, everyone who passes by your shop, yet often frighteningly underused. It’s not enough to simply make your shop-front look nice (although it’s important that it does!). Start by listing all the reasons why people should buy from you then ranking them in order of how appealing they are to potential customers. Now challenge yourself to reflect those key messages somewhere in your frontage, working from the top of the list down. Be careful to maintain a balance between getting your key messages across and confusing people (or cluttering your display). Focus on the most important messages and do it well.

2. Networking

It may or may not be your cup of tea, but there’s no doubt that the more people you tell about your small business – and make a good impression – the more business you’ll generate. There are plenty of established networking opportunities, so choose one that best suits your business and be prepared to try a few to find the right one.

3. Social networking for your small business and new customers

There are more opportunities than ever before to promote yourself through social networking websites and get your message across to a huge number of potential customers. The key to doing it well is to connect with other people and to present yourself as you would want potential customers to see you. Be prepared to devote the time initially to learning what works and how to attract attention, and be prepared to ask others to help promote your business (and to help promote theirs).

4. Look after your existing customers

Good customer service is one of the most influential reasons for customers coming back to you, so it’s essential that once you have attracted customers, you treat them well and make sure they have a good experience. Not only will they come back, but if they are sufficiently impressed they will tell others.

5. Online directory listings

There are literally thousands of directory sites around and almost all offer free listings. Find the main directory sites by searching for prominent businesses in your field (or local area) and make sure that your details are included. If you are already listed, make sure that your details are accurate and that you include a description of your small business if there is the option to do so.

6. Referral schemes

We’ve already discussed the importance of word of mouth for attracting new customers, so why not help it along by offering a referral scheme. Offer money off vouchers or free services to existing customers who recommend new customers, thereby not only encouraging new customers but also encouraging your existing customers to come back to you to redeem their vouchers or take advantage of your free service.

7. Leaflet drops

Leaflet drops are a relatively inexpensive means of getting your name out there and your message across. Make sure that the messaging is clear and that you provide appealing reasons for people to come to you. Don’t be afraid to ask other local businesses if you can leave some leaflets in their shop or office to help reach the largest possible audience.

And finally, but key to all your small business promotion…

8. Have a clear brand and message

Make sure that you know exactly why people should buy from you, that you reflect that clearly in your messaging, and that this is reflecting in your brand.

Read more about customer service here.

Find out more tips here.

 

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