You’ve successfully launched your business, and built up a solid or small customer base. Starting small has its benefits; after all, it allows you the opportunity to cultivate a loyal relationship with your customers and also learn the ropes. By now, you’ve had time to work out any kinks, and you’re confident that your product or service is truly the best your business can offer.
Learn new ways to pitch your customers.
If you’re having trouble expanding your customer base, you might be negligently narrowing your focus and with that, missing the mark with potential new customers. If you’re pitching your business in the same way that you always have, it’s no surprise that you’re having trouble reaching new customers.
“Go against the grain and defy expectations,” recommends Wesley Mathews of High Level Marketing. “Selling is the transfer of trust, so instead of relying on a sales pitch you’re comfortable with, focus first on building a relationship with the potential customer.”
Develop a core group of customers.
I’d recommend that the business develop a core group of customers that can make referrals; referrals are strong leads,” says Tim Shoemaker. “I’d recommend that they network as much as possible within their target market. For example, if they’re a bike shop, then they should try to join as many cycling related groups as possible.
Continue to increase your network.
While relying on your existing network to expand your customer base is great, you may eventually wind up out of new leads. When you find yourself in this situation, you may need to look to expanding your network.
How do you go about growing your network? “Attend networking events, join organizations, form partnerships, and watch your network grow.
Add calls to action and use the word “NOW” wisely in your marketing piece or Ads.
On a smaller, more immediately actionable level, there are plenty of strategies you can take with your marketing that can potentially draw in new customers. Add a call to action for every piece of marketing you send out whether that be an Instagram post, a weekly newsletter, or one of your offline marketing strategies.
Provide your service for free in exchange for a case study or in-depth testimonial.
If you are a service-based business, offering your services for free, in exchange for the client serving as a “case study” or providing a detailed account of the benefits of your service can be a great way to get new clients.
“Getting a great case study is one of the best ways to drive lots of new business, since it assumes that your service works and that you have happy customers,” says Obinna Ekezie of Wakanow.
Speak at an event or host an industry gathering
You have plenty of expertise in your field why not get involved in the community? By sharing your experience and getting involved in your industry at a local level, you’ll have the opportunity to grow your connections, as well as your reputation as a thought leader in your industry.
“My first clients came from offering to speak for free or hosting a workshop at business events that I knew my ideal clients would be attending,” says Natalie MacNeil of She Takes on the World.