Three Ways to Get and Keep Customers

Word-of-mouth is great, but here are some ways to reach (and influence) your customers

Whether you’ve been in business for years or are just starting out, attracting customers is the name of the game. And with a decrease in consumer spending at the end of the last year, it is important to demonstrate the value of your business and why people should spend their hard-earned dollars on your products or services. 

To help, we’ve put together a few tips that may help you get new customers in the door and keep them coming back. 

Create an Optimized and Compelling Website 

In today’s world, customers rely heavily on the internet to search for products and services. If you don’t have a website for your business, it may be time to get one. And if your business has a website, you may want to consider an update to ensure it is easy to find and user-friendly.  

One of the most important components to a good business website is search engine optimization (SEO). By including words and phrases on your website that your customers are likely to search for, you can improve your chances of being discovered on search engines such as Google. 

You may also consider including blogs, videos, and graphics on your website as well. These elements may help drive traffic to your website by incorporating keywords and convert visitors into customers. 

Offer Free Trials or Discounts to New Customers 

If you can afford to do so, offering a discount or free trial to first-time customers may be a good way to get people in the door. Providing a small sample might help someone realize how much they enjoy your product or service and convince them to pay full price on a future purchase. 

If you decide to incorporate this offer into your business model, make sure potential customers are aware. You may consider displaying this promotion in your storefront, on your business website, or sharing it on your social media channels. 

You may also consider requesting customer contact information when they receive their discount or free trial. That way you can communicate with them through newsletters and email campaigns to continue to advertise your products or services. But be careful, using the word “free” in email subject lines may increase the likelihood of your message ending up in the spam folder of your audience.

Create a Customer Loyalty Program 

Just because you converted an interested individual into a customer doesn’t mean the work is over. Establishing repeat customers is an important part of a business’s long-term success. You want to make sure you give your customers a reason to keep coming back.  

One way to do this is by establishing a customer loyalty program. This can help show your patrons how much you appreciate their business. For example, if you own a sandwich shop, you could offer a free sandwich after 10 purchases.

You may also consider rewarding customers for making referrals. For instance, if somebody successfully refers a new customer, you could offer them 10% off their next purchase. This can be a good way to not only keep current customers happy but bring in new business as well. 

We hope you found these tips helpful. Please feel free to share them with other small business owners. And remember, when it comes to attracting and retaining customers, knowing who your audience is and providing exceptional service may go a long way. 

Looking for transparent, affordable small business financing to keep up with your growing customer base? Apply for a small business loan. 

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Disclaimer: the information provided on this page is meant for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current resources and recommendations available. Please consult with your financial, tax, legal, and other relevant advisors when making decisions about your small business.