As a business owner, you’re always on the lookout for ways to reach more customers. You’ve likely tried a plethora of methods over the years, but these days there’s always something new to explore. So if you’re looking to expand your customer base and your company, then try a few of the following ideas, and see if they work for you.
Try Online Advertising
First, branch out into online advertising through web browsers and social media. You may be surprised by how much interest you’ll attract. For instance, keep your website and social media pages up-to-date at all times, and make sure your current customers know about them and pass them along to their friends.
Also, pay close attention to Google ads, SEO standards and search engines. You want your business to appear front and center when anyone searches for your area of expertise. If you don’t have much experience in this area, consider hiring a company that provides SEO aid and Google ad management services to help.
Encourage Reviews
Next, encourage satisfied customers to write reviews for your business. Most people these days do some research before deciding to purchase from any given company. Reviews will help put your products and services in the best possible light. Ask your customers, too, if you can include their reviews on your website and social media sites.
Offer Creative Promotions
Nothing attracts new customers like creative promotions. You might offer a buy-one-get-one coupon to each new customer and even give your current customers some for their friends and family members. But don’t stop there. Come up with fun contests for new customers. You could offer to let them spin a wheel for a discount or prize or allow them to enter a drawing.
Don’t forget your current customers either. Fun promotions will keep them coming back for more. You could even develop a customer loyalty program and allow people to earn points toward prizes or discounts. This kind of opportunity can easily turn new customers into regulars.
Spread the Word
Never neglect old-fashioned word of mouth when you’re trying to attract new customers to your business. Tell everyone and anyone who will listen about your company, and encourage them to pay you a visit. Ask your friends and relatives to do the same. Your current customers can contribute, too. If they’ve had a good experience with you, they’ll be more than happy to spread the word and invite others.
Improve Customer Service
Finally, make sure your customer service is top-notch. You won’t attract or keep customers if rumors of rude employees, delayed responses or other difficulties are staining your company’s name. Train each new hire thoroughly, and set strict rules about how customers should be treated. Then enforce those rules, correcting as needed. If a mishap does occur, step in right away to make things right.
Your business can and will attract new customers if you try some of these ideas. Yes, they will take effort, and you may have to make a few changes. But then step back and watch your business grow.