Every business owner wants to attract new customers. Here are some simple, tried and tested ways to help you to bring in some new customers.
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Ask For Referrals
Referrals are one of the ways to get new customers, but if you just wait for your current customers to tell their friends and family about you, you could be waiting a long time. Make sure you get those all-important referrals by putting in place a system to actively solicit them from customers you know are satisfied. You can build generating referrals into your sales process. For example, after a sale, send a follow-up email asking for a referral after the order has been delivered. Have your salespeople ask for referrals when they follow up with customers after they have made a sale. You can offer rewards for referrals too.
Network
Generate some classic word-of-mouth by going to networking events and other events that are relevant to your customers and industry. Approach networking with the attitude of wanting to help others, rather than looking for what’s in it for you. By thinking about how you can be of service to others at the event, you can build relationships that leads to new customers.
Offer Discounts And Incentives For New Customers
Introductory offers can get some new customers through your door, by giving them a low-cost and low-risk way to try out your products or services. Track which customers redeem the special offer, and then target them with marketing messages that encourage them to come back and buy from you again. A customer acquisition expert like Brand Catalyser can help to manage these incentives.
Reconnect With Old Customers
Look through your customer contacts on a regular basis. After six months or a year without any interaction or purchase, reach out to a dormant customer via email, phone, or direct mail with a special offer. They’ll be pleased to be remembered and might be tempted back.
Improve Your Website
Consumers and B2B buyers find new business by searching online. That means your website has to work hard for you to attract some new customers. Give your website a check over and make sure that everything, including the design, content, graphics, and SEO is top-notch. If this isn’t in your skillset, hire an expert to do it for you.
Partner With Complementary Businesses
Team up with businesses that aren’t direct competitors, but that have a similar base of customers. Strategize how you can target each other’s customers and drive new business to each other. For example, if you sell baby products, you could team up with a website that sells maternity clothing and offer deals and discounts to each other’s customers.
Promote Your Expertise
Generate some interest by showcasing your expertise in your industry. You can do this by taking part in industry panel discussions in person or online, speaking at industry events, speaking to groups your customers belong to, or holding educational workshops or sessions. This will show off your expertise to potential new customers.