Running a small business is tough. Competition comes from many different areas, which can include everything from other local firms to global conglomerates. You may also find that you seem to be doing several different jobs, from marketing to bookkeeping. Finding new customers is vital but it can often take a back seat. Below, we provide three easy ways to attract new customers to your small business.
Offer Incentives
Incentives can take many different forms. Essentially, you’re giving the customer something for free when they visit your business and use its services. For example, you may provide them with product samples. Another idea could be giving them a discount on a purchase. All of this incentivises them to come to the business and try out what you are offering.
This method is tried and tested and it works. Online entertainment sectors use this to great effect, with places like Netflix offering free one-month trials to new customers. The iGaming sector has managed to become a hugely popular industry through this, using methods like a bingo sign up bonus to attract new customers and tempt back old ones. This gives people credit to play games as they sign up, so they don’t have to use their bankroll.
While you don’t have to give credit, the principle remains the same. Ensure you are providing something of value to customers. Be it a product, discount or free trial, if it is useful and the promotion is well advertised, it will increase your customer base.
Referrals
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Word of mouth is the best form of marketing you can have. People trust independent reviewers, especially if they are unbiased ones such as friends, family and colleagues. If you can harness this potential you will soon see a marked improvement in conversions.
However, it is also the hardest form of marketing to get right. By setting up a referral scheme, you provide someone with a bonus or incentive if they bring a new person to your company. For example, you may offer a 10% discount to anyone who gets a friend or family member to sign up for a mailing list or buy a new product.
Ideally, you should build it into the sales process. When someone buys a product or signs up, let them know about the referral scheme there and then. This makes it a regular occurrence instead of a one-off event you try for a short time.
Market Yourself
As a small business owner, you are often the figurehead of the company. This is a distinct advantage. Most people would much rather visit a real person than a faceless corporation. By marketing yourself, you can also market your business.
The first way to do this is in person. Start to volunteer at local community events. Try and get out into the business world as well. Go to conferences, and offer to do talks and seminars on your area of expertise.
After this, market yourself online. Go on podcasts and discussions. Begin to post on social media. You may even start to create content based on the business and your knowledge of it. All of this should point back to your operations.
These are just a few easy steps to take. Implement them slowly and make sure they don’t take too much of your time. Soon they will become a natural process and increase your business leads and hopefully, conversions.
