April 26, 2019 | By Mason Roberts
Gaining customers for your small business can be complex. Your target market is filled with many different personalities. This means that it can be a bit difficult to gather the number of customers you need for your establishment to become a success. In order for your business to make money, you need to sell your product or services, in order for this to happen you need customers coming through your door.
Small businesses go through hard times very often. No matter how good your business is, there are times when you will struggle. It is inevitable. Every great business struggles at one time or another. This is not to say that the product is not a good product, and your target customer does not want to buy it. They may just not know about your business, or that it is even there. The lack of customers coming through your front door can often be blamed on the poor marketing skills going into your company.
Here are the 10 best ways to attract customers to your small business.
1. Word-Of-Mouth Is Still A Thing
Your reputation for your business is very important. Your customers will be sharing their experiences, good or bad, with people they know. Honestly, they do not even have to be close to them. They can share their horror story from their experience with a person they pass on the street. You have to be prepared for anything. Making sure your customers' experiences are enjoyable, ensuring that they will be back to your place of business, will give you a sparkling reputation.
2. Offer Your Customers Deals
Once a customer is offered a deal they were not expecting, they are pretty much on board. As long as the deal is not being offered in exchange for the poor service they received, they will leave happy and satisfied, likely coming back for more cheap discounts.
3. Do Not Underestimate The Word “Free”
Let's face it, everyone loves hearing the word “free”. No matter who it is coming from, it will perk someone's ears right up, ready to jump on the opportunity. So, if you are struggling to get customers through the door, offer something of no cost. For example, a “buy one, get one free” sale. This brightens a customer's day at instantly. It is a deal almost no one will turn down. Also, it is not hard to try and work it into your finances, making sure you do not suffer from offering this sale to the public.
4. Start A Website
If you do not have a website for your small business, there is a very real chance that that is the reason your foot traffic is slow. In today's tech-savvy world, it is important that you offer a place for the electronic-driven customer. This will bring you an array of customers, the modern kind on top of the old school customer not needing a website. Starting a website cannot hurt your business, as long as it is easy to use and effective for your customer.
5. Start A Raffle Or Contest
your customer to take part in a contest or raffle at your business is a great way for them to have a fun time. Who doesn’t like to win a contest every now and then? Offer them a grand prize, like a $50 gift card. This will make them feel excited to be in your place of business. If your customer is excited walking through your front doors, that is only good news for you. This means more business from existing customers, as well as some new, most likely.
6. Social Media Is Important
Social media plays a crucial part in putting your small business on the map. The chances of your target customers being active on social media is high. There are many different platforms, different ones bringing in different people. There are social media platforms that bring in young, trendy, fun people, and ones that bring in middle-aged, business-like people. Find the right social media source for your target market and reach out to them in a way they will respond to graciously.
7. Make Yourself Present In Major Directories
This one is for the old-fashioned customer. When trying to get your business in major directories, look to phone books and newspapers. Believe it or not, there are many people in the world who still use these outlets. Do not lose a customer because you were ignorant of this fact. In the start of your business, it is important that you make yourself present everywhere. If a year or so into your business you discover that the directories are not bringing in customers, then dismiss it. First, try. It is important to at least put your business out their first, then decide what works and what doesn’t.
8. Advertise Online
Online advertising is important for any business when focusing on . This is where you will reach the majority of them. If you are not online, it is not wise to assume that a stampede of customers will come crashing through your doors on their own. Let others know you are there. Let them know what you are selling, what deals you are offering, where you are located, pretty much everything. Do not leave out any important details. Just one minor detail can be the difference between 10 customers or 1000.
9. Volunteer
Volunteering is a great place to get free publicity. It may seem a bit morbid, volunteering for publicity, but it does work. Customers love to know that they are supporting a business who care about others, not just the cash in their pockets. Another positive side, other than the potential clientele, is that you are there to help others who really need it.
10. Display Flyers
This may seem like a waste of time, but it really isn’t. Like I said before, there are many people in the world with many different personalities. There are many potential customers who will appreciate a good, old-fashioned flyer to hold in their hand. Many business owners suffer when they assume that their customer will only respond to specific advertising methods. Why not try to go the extra mile and reach out the everyone you can?
