Your customers play a major role in your success or demise as a business. This may sound daunting, but it is true! After all, your business’s purpose is to satisfy your customers’ needs by providing solutions to their various problems. Therefore, the larger your customer base, the higher your chances of success. As a small business, attracting new customers can be challenging as there is so much to consider. Additionally, the existing statistics show that many small businesses in America fail within their first year. Very worrisome! However, there are various strategies you can implement to ensure that you do not fall within this statistic. So, are you looking to gain more customers to increase your business’s profitability and chances of survival? Then, it would be best if you considered the following tips.
1. Make convenience your top priority
Customers love convenience. The last thing a buyer wants to encounter is a business that uses old processes, has limited options, or is generally slow and outdated. When your business offers convenience, it broadens its scope. This means that no matter your customers’ needs, you have a way of providing them with the goods and services they need. For example, with a website, your customer can easily make purchases online, learn more about the company, and receive assistance without leaving the comfort of their home. Offering such convenience would surely attract more customers to your business. There are several effective ways to make your business more convenient for customers. You can invest in a company vehicle for deliveries or carry heavy loads. There are different types of commercial vehicles, so be sure to select one that would adequately provide your customers with the convenience they seek. You can also offer various payment options or make convenient packaging options, so feel free to consider this.
2. Offer excellent customer service
Throughout the decision process, target customers look at how beneficial their commitment to your business would be. One of the factors they consider is the quality of your customer service. Assuming your potential customer walks into your place of business and is met by a difficult, unbothered front desk receptionist. It’s safe to say they wouldn’t want to return. The same goes for unanswered emails or replies to inquiries. Offering excellent customer service, whether in-person or online, would go a long way to helping your small business attract and retain new customers. People are drawn to establishments that make them feel valued and respected, so keep this in mind. Therefore, introduce effective ways of doing this for your new customers to give them a positive customer experience and have them return for more.
3. Partner with complementary businesses
Another way to attract your preferred customers to your business is by partnering with other businesses. It may sound weird; after all, aren’t you all after the same customers? That’s true, so you need to partner with businesses that don’t complement it and not those you’re in direct competition with. Complementary businesses are those that work in the same industry, are after the same target group, but offer the same goods and services for them to compete directly with one another. For example, you can consider partnering with a bookstore if you own a coffee shop. Doing this would help both businesses market themselves to attract customers and increase revenue.
4. Take advantage of digital marketing
According to DataReportal, there are about 5.03 billion internet users. It’s no wonder many businesses are adopting digital marketing strategies in their efforts to attract customers. And you should too. Businesses with an online presence can gain many advantages in today’s digital world. Additionally, the internet makes reaching a group of your target customers easier, regardless of location. Digital marketing comprises a wide collection of methods and strategies. Therefore, it is advisable to find the right ones that would be effective in helping you find and attract customers to your business. For instance, if you sell a product, you can try influencer marketing or use social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to promote your goods. You should also consider creating a business website or updating your existing one. Using online business directories or listings such as Google My Business also makes it easier for customers to know about your customers and be interested in the products and services you offer.
5. Offer discounts and promotions
Who doesn’t love a good bargain, so what better way to attract customers than with an opportunity to save for simply joining your customer base? In addition to a good deal, offering new customers discounts and promotions is a great way to entice them to try your business. Some customers would have been interested in engaging with your business and needed an incentive. The discount may also make them comfortable to use your services or products as they may view it as a “risk worth taking.” After all, they aren’t going to lose much. It also encourages them to buy more, even more than expected, encouraging sales.
Offering discounts and promotions to new customers also help spread the word about your brand. This is because your new customers would share this exciting deal with others, increasing the knowledge of your brand. You should also consider referral discounts to expand your customer base by retaining new and existing customers.
6. Give back to the community
Customers love a business that gives back. This is because when the business gives, they give too! Therefore, in an attempt to attract customers, you should also consider giving back to your community. A charitable company builds a positive image amongst customers and the community as a whole. Most importantly, it fosters loyalty. To ensure your charitable efforts are recognized to give you the desired results, be sure it is genuine. Customers can tell if you’re only being charitable to gain their sympathy and not because you care. You should also share the impact of your efforts. Your charitable initiative should also tie in with your business’s brand.