Having worked with many businesses for the past 7 years, in their early stages, I can confirm that, starting a new business be challenging especially when it comes to attracting new customers. The most important aspect of any business that will sustain is customer acquisition.
So as a PR consultant I have taken time to list 30 activities that every new business should consider doing to get new customers. They may also be useful to businesses that have been running for some time.
- Define your target audience: Before you can attract new customers, you need to know who your target audience is. Conduct market research to understand who your ideal customer is and what they're looking for.
- Create a well updated website: A website is a must-have for any new business. Make sure your website is well-designed, easy to navigate, and optimized for search engines. Also make sure you update it all the time and link it to your Google My Business and social media pages,
- Develop a consistent social media presence: Social media can be a powerful tool for attracting new customers. Choose the platforms that are most relevant to your business and start building your presence.
- Run targeted online ads: Online advertising can be an effective way to reach new customers. Consider running targeted ads on social media, search engines, or other relevant websites.
- Attend networking events: Networking events can be a great way to meet potential customers and build relationships with other professionals in your industry.
- Offer a referral program: Encourage your existing customers to refer new customers by offering a referral program with rewards or incentives. This is actually part of operant conditioning in marketing.
(I talk about how powerful operant conditioning in marketing is here) - Host a launch event: A launch event can help you generate buzz and excitement around your new business. Invite potential customers, media, and other stakeholders to attend.
- Collaborate with other businesses: Partnering with other businesses can help you reach new audiences and build relationships with other professionals. You can also use micro-influencers to generate traffic. (I did an article about how micro-influencers are the future of marketing here)
- Publish blog content: A blog can help you establish yourself as an authority in your industry and attract new customers through search engines.
- Run a contest or giveaway: A contest or giveaway can help you generate buzz and excitement around your business, and encourage people to sign up for your email list or follow you on social media.
Photo by Ian Schneider on Unsplash - Attend trade shows: Trade shows can be a great way to meet potential customers and showcase your products or services.
- Offer a free trial or consultation: Offering a free trial or consultation can help you demonstrate the value of your products or services and convert potential customers into paying customers.
- Create video content: Video content can be a powerful way to showcase your products or services and attract new customers through social media or search engines.
- Leverage email marketing: Email marketing can be a cost-effective way to stay in touch with existing customers and attract new ones.
- Create a Google My Business listing: A Google My Business listing can help you show up in local search results and attract customers in your area.
- Offer discounts or promotions: Offering discounts or promotions can help you attract new customers who may be hesitant to try your products or services.
- Attend industry conferences: Industry conferences can be a great way to meet potential customers, learn about new trends, and build relationships with other professionals.
- Ask for reviews from happy customers: Encourage your existing customers to leave reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or Facebook to help attract new customers.
- Develop a customer loyalty program: A customer loyalty program can help you retain existing customers and attract new ones through referrals and rewards.
- Create a podcast to address pain points of your audience: A podcast can help you showcase your expertise and attract new customers through search engines or social media. make sure it addresses pain points of your customers. (click to read article)
Photo by Hans Vivek on Unsplash - Host a webinar: A webinar can help you demonstrate the value of your products or services and attract new customers who are interested in your industry.
- Offer free resources: Offering free resources like whitepapers, ebooks, or templates can help you attract new customers who are interested in learning more about your industry.
- Create case studies: Case studies can help you demonstrate the value of your products or services and attract new customers through social media or search engines.
- Leverage influencer marketing: Working with influencers in your industry can help you reach new audiences and build relationships with other professionals.
- Optimize your website for search engines: Search engine optimization (SEO) can help you attract new customers who are searching for products or services like yours on search engines like Google.
- Develop a content marketing strategy: A content marketing strategy can help you attract new customers through blog posts, social media, video content, and other forms of content.
- Attend local events: Attending local events like fairs, festivals, and community gatherings can help you meet potential customers in your area.
- Develop partnerships with complementary businesses: Partnering with businesses that offer complementary products or services can help you reach new audiences and provide added value to your existing customers.
- Conduct market research: Conducting ongoing market research can help you stay up-to-date on industry trends and consumer preferences, and adjust your marketing strategies accordingly.
- Provide excellent customer service: Providing excellent customer service can help you retain existing customers and attract new ones through word-of-mouth recommendations and positive reviews.
In summary, there are many activities that new businesses can do to attract new customers, from developing a website and social media presence to attending networking events, hosting launch events, and optimizing for search engines. By focusing on these activities and continually refining their marketing strategies, new businesses can build a loyal customer base and achieve long-term success.
