To build a successful small business, you must be able to consistently attract new customers. It is difficult to survive simply by relying on existing customers as your business and income can soon dry up. In this guide, we look at five simple ways you can attract new customers including social media marketing, introductory offers, and referral schemes.
1. Effective social media marketing
One of the first things you can do to attract new customers is to build your social media presence. Advertise on platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram. You can hopefully reach thousands of people and convert many of these into new customers.
It is important to create engaging and interesting content. You must also interact with users, and post on a regular basis. This can take up a lot of time, but it is inexpensive, and the results can be fantastic.
2. Special new customer introductory offers
If you look at many online businesses today, you will see a common recurrence – introductory offers. Many businesses now use introductory offers to entice new customers. For example, if you have a subscription-based service or product, you could offer a reduced subscription price for X months, or even X months for free.
This is a great way for new customers to try your products/services, and see how your business operates. It will also hopefully lead to customer retention and building a loyal customer base long term.
3. Mutually beneficial referral schemes
Today, we see many businesses using referral schemes. This is where an existing customer recommends your business to a new customer in return for some type of benefit. The benefit is usually a discount. Also, the new customer who is referred typically gets a discount too.
This is beneficial in two ways. Firstly, you can retain existing customers and get them to spend more. Secondly, you can attract new customers too. It is a win-win situation and can be incredibly lucrative for new business when incorporated properly.
4. Keyword research and SEO
Keywords and SEO can help boost your rankings on search engines. When people use Google, they search for specific terms. These are keywords. If you can incorporate keywords effectively into your online content, and improve your organic SEO, you can increase the likelihood that new customers will find your business when searching on Google.
You can use tools like Google Keyword Planner, and guides like the Moz keyword guide to help find suitable keywords, and use them effectively in your web content.
5. Strong use of branding
To combine your marketing, make it consistent, and effective, you must have a strong use of branding. Branding elements include a business logo, color schemes, language, imagery, and slogans, for example.
These elements should be used consistently in your marketing and online content. This will help reinforce your brand image, and allow potential new customers to recognize you easily. Also, it will help build a bond of trust. There are many tools available online to create branding. For example, Graphic Springs is a site where you can produce free business logos for your marketing.
Use These Methods to Grow Your Customer Base Today
Anyone can incorporate these methods into their business plan. You don’t need advanced knowledge or technical skills to boost your customer base. All you need is dedication, effort, and hard work.
As you can see, there is a variety of methods you can use. Social media is a fantastic starting point, but you can also use online methods like referral programs, SEO optimization, and a strong brand presence.
