by Nigel Hilton
Your business will struggle to succeed if you’re unable to attract and retain customers over time. It’s a competitive landscape out there, so it’s not always easy to get people interested in what you’re selling.
You can’t sit back and wait for consumers to find you. It’s vital you put in the hard work and define who your ideal customer is and then go out and find and interact with them. There are actions you can take that will help you to achieve this goal and quickly grow your business. There is no exact science or known playbook that’s going to allow you to attract more customers to your business, so it’s a matter of trial and error in most cases.
Increase Your Online Presence
One way you can attract more customers to your business is to increase your online presence. Many consumers are conducting research and doing their shopping online, so you need to be there to respond to their needs and demands. You must have a website so that your company shows up in search results, and customers can get their questions answered on the Internet. To get started, check out the web hosting recommendations and which companies can help get you up and running quickly. Become the company that’s always producing fresh and exciting content and consistently engaging on social media. All of these actions are going to help you position yourself as the answer and expert in your industry.
Offer Promotions & Discounts
Another way to get more customers interested in your business is to offer promotions and discounts. You have to be willing to give a little bit if you want to get a lot in return. People love to save money and are more willing to check out a business that runs sales regularly. Special promotions and discounts can go a long way in getting people through your doors who may not normally pay attention to you. Consumers also enjoy sharing these benefits with friends and family members and will likely spread the word for you. You may want to also consider social media giveaways as a tactic for attracting more customers through online means.
Collect & Publish Reviews & Testimonials
Reviews and testimonials can be a compelling way to draw attention to your business. Not only collect them, but then make sure you publish these remarks online for all to see. You can attract more customers to your business by giving those who are on the fence proof that you’re worth doing business with and are trustworthy. It’s more common than ever these days for consumers to go online and scan through reviews before handing over any money to a particular company. Make sure you not only have reviews to show for but that they paint a positive picture of your business.
Stay True to Your Word
Deliver on your promise continually, and you’ll be able to attract more customers to your business. The reason being is that you’ll be building trust with consumers and showing the public that you’re dependable and honest in your practices. Always do what you say you’re doing to do and avoid any guessing games. Be forthcoming about any delays or holdups in your promise as well. The last situation you want is always to be disappointing customers and causing them to feel frustrated with your company.
Get Involved in Your Community
An effective way to draw more attention to your business and attract customers is to get involved in your community. For example, you may want to sponsor an event, volunteer your time, or speak at a conference. Hold up your end of the bargain when it comes to corporate social responsibility and give back so that people can see you truly care about others. Introduce yourself to those in your area, so they get to know you as a person and feel comfortable working with you in the future.
Improve Customer Service
You can quickly attract and keep more customers by improving your customer service. It’s an excellent way to show your appreciation for people who do business with you and a way to stand apart from the competition. You’ll be surprised to see how far a simple phone call or apology can go when it comes to better serving your customers. Be responsive and solve problems quickly, so matters don’t escalate into more significant problems. Train your employees, so they know how to respond to a variety of requests and complaints.
Let Your Customers & Employees do the Talking
You can also attract more customers to your business by using word of mouth marketing tactics and influencers. The better you do at serving your current customers and employees, the more likely they are to go out and talk positively about you to their family and friends. The truth is consumers want to hear recommendations from their own networks instead of the business themselves. Perform well and do your part, and naturally, people will begin to talk highly about you and your brand. Engage with loyal customers who you know already love and adore you and make them feel valued and appreciated. Get them talking, and it’ll become a domino effect as people hear about you and want to know what all the hype is about.
Listen
Listening to others will also go a long way in helping your business to attract more customers. Seek feedback from those around you and who do business with you and learn what their biggest complaints are so you can address them and fix the issues. Reach out and ask the right questions so you can gather insights and information as to what you’re doing well and problem areas you need to work on in the future. You may also want to consider hosting in-person events so customers can get to know you on a personal basis, and you can answer any questions they have that are top of mind. It’s also an excellent opportunity to put your products in the hands of those showing an interest in what you’re offering.