For many small business owners, attracting more customers can be a major hurdle. This puts extra stress on the owner(s), who need to create revenue to keep their businesses alive. The issue is, when we become desperate, customers sense it. For this reason, it is imperative to keep your focus on your business and employ tactics that will help you attract more customers organically. 5 helpful tips to attract more customers to your business follow:
1. Set Up a Google My Business Listing for your Business
I can’t stress how important having a free Google My Business page listing is. One of my clients was in a rut during COVID and wasn’t receiving any traffic through her website. After setting up a Google My Business page for her business, leads began trickling and then flooding in. By asking for and receiving over 40+ reviews within the first two months, her business jumped to the top of the list in Google when clients searched to find her offerings.
To set up a Google My Business page listing, visit https://www.google.com/business/.
2. Utilize Social Media (or Hire Someone Who is Savvy)
As the owner of Black Hills Website Solutions, I build SEO-friendly and aesthetically pleasing websites for clients around the globe. I also offer in-house marketing training to help companies learn how to organically attract more clients.
Part of my work includes setting up social media accounts (Google My Business, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at least) for companies to gain an online presence. The key here is to regularly post to these platforms.
Because it can be a time-consuming process to post regularly on social media, I use the app Social Pilot to schedule out content. A few hours of work covers all of my social media marketing needs. The app even allows me to make a “first comment” on Instagram automatically and tracks the analytics of posts so I know what content is working and what times customers are most active.
3. Network!
Networking is free and will only help you and your business. As an introvert, I tend to shy away from this form of attracting new customers. However, meeting fellow business owners can be amazing for making new friends, finding new providers of services, and even gaining referrals to your business. You can join your local Chamber of Commerce and keep an eye out for mixers or try something called LunchClub which pairs you with other professionals at your convenience, typically on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. You can also opt to skip a few weeks and resume meeting fellow entrepreneurs when your schedule is more flexible.
4. Offer Something of Value That Customers Can Access for Free
Successful entrepreneurs recognize that gaining a repeat customer hinges on developing a relationship with them. Everyone wants to be valued and no one wants to be taken advantage of. One of the best ways to grow your brand and earn people’s trust is to offer something of value.
On my website www.LifeinBloomNutrition.com, I offer a free Getting Started guide which includes all of the information someone might need to know to get started on their healthy living journey. It even includes two pantry lists.
Before you start sweating, No, you do not need to do all of this work yourself. If you write and develop the resources, professionals like me and those hired through Upwork can turn the original content into a game-changing resource.
With a landing page on your website, you’ll soon be collecting email leads and regularly connecting to your audience. Over time, the relationship you build with your customers will likely result in sales of your book, product, or services.
5. Clarify Your Branding and Stick with It!
If your business is a one-person show, you probably developed your own logo and branding. That’s great – truly. But if you want to scale your company, connect with more clients, and have peace of mind that your business identity is complete, then consider working with a professional who can consolidate your branding.
What may look “good” to you might appear “messy” and “disjointed” to a customer. What is the first impression of your business logo? What about your motto? Do some market research by asking your target demographic what they think about your business identity and offerings.
It took me 10 years to solidify the branding for Life in Bloom Nutrition, but once I did, the stability of my online business and regular readership grew. I’ve found this to be true for every other venture I’ve worked on, particularly restaurants and service-based businesses.
Your ideal customer wants to work with you, but they need to be able to find you. And once they do, you need to make their job of assessing whether or not you’re trustworthy much easier through an honest, clean, and reliable presentation. From there, you and your business can shine.
The Takeaway
There are numerous ways you can grow your business, but these 5 are a great place to start. What are your thoughts? Do you have any additional recommendations? Please comment below!
