Okay let’s be realistic; it is becoming increasingly difficult to get new customers. It’s also possible you have tried some conventional tips and it isn’t working. Well, the competition is getting stiffer, with more and more startups springing up.
That does not negate the fact that improving on your customer base impacts positively on your business.
The top priority for every business owner is to have an appreciable number of new customers in their customer base. Of course, there’s no business without customers. Even if you have successfully launched your startup and built up a somewhat good customer base, you will surely have a need to expand and bring in new customers in your bid to grow your business.
When it comes to increasing your customer database, it is easier said than done. But regardless of how daunting it might be, you can achieve that with smart and consistent strategies.
Below are some strategies that could help you in your quest for new customers.
1. Create a Centre of Attraction
One of the things a potential customer can sense if not properly handled is that you’re sounding so needy.
Yeah, so damn needy!
Make no mistakes about this. This has nothing to do with the fact that you are networking your life out or slipping your business card into every hand you can find. This has to do with the horrible email marketing strategy that makes the customer feel like you’re making their life miserable with offers that are expiring fast if they don’t act immediately.
Alternatively, you can actually offer them items for free on their first transaction. Make the product so helpful to the new customers that they will have no option to come asking for it again, regardless of the price tag.
Making it free should not make it any less great. That is your first impression and it will go a long way to make the customer happy.
2. Spend Time on What Matters
Hey, not all those old customers you’re spending quality time trying to please are really worth that time. Channeling that time on prospects that could turn to huge customers could be just what you need.
Your time is invaluable and you need to understand that. Also getting new customers is quite a time consuming and I reckon you don’t have it in excessive supply. Use that time and do what matters. Spend time in acquiring valuable data that could help you reach out to fresh and unharnessed customers.
3. Deliver More to the New Customers than You’re Asked
Who doesn’t get blown away when their expectations are over met. Imagine you are given a complimentary dinner on your first night at a suite. If you ever come into town, the first place you will want to lodge will be at that suite.
Forget your sense of entitlement and go the extra mile. Getting in just one customer is a herculean task, so if you have to do that extra, do it.
The need to make a profit cannot be overstated. However, don’t be so focused on profit and loss that you forget to wow your prospects and give them something to talk about. Delivering more than is expected will not only bring the new customers flooding into your business, it will also make them spread your testament.
4. Network Like Your Life Depends on It
Your network can be the best place to reach out to when looking for new customers. This is because their word of mouth can go a long way to help you grow your database.
Build a network of maybe old customers that are very happy with your business and give them incentives for referrals. They will feel like they have a stake in your business and hence go out of their way to pull their own network into your customer base.
5. Do not Joke with Referrals
When you begin to activate some of the points mentioned earlier, chances are that customers will not just flood in, they will begin to refer people to you. You have to understand that your referrals are not just names and email addresses, they are your future customers.
You have to treat that like gold. What this means is that before you begin to bombard their inboxes with promotional emails, try to connect to them, and build a relationship.
Hell yes! There’s a need to get down to business as soon as possible, but engage them with things that interest them. Understand that these are prime prospects and not just any kind of lead. Impress them and they will become loyal.
The thing about referrals is that each one that gets so satisfied and becomes a customer will in turn recommend your brand to others and the referral chain will continue to grow.
6. Expanded Your Network
Do not depend on one network alone. The more you spread your networking tentacles, the more you get in front of the new customers.
Attend events and seminars. Join credible and profitable organizations. Form strong partnerships. You can even go as far as making keynote speeches at events relevant to your industry. You just have to spread your wings and enlarge your network scope.
7. Avoid Boredom
Enthusiasm is contagious and can naturally attract customers to you. Confidently talk about how passionate and enthusiastic you are about what your customers will enjoy. Customers will not come if they find your brand boring.
Use every media possible to show prospective customers that you are a brand to reckon with.
Also, work towards making your team better at what they do. You will not always be in the face of your customers, but whoever will do that must do it in such a way that customers are excited about interacting with your brand.
These things also go beyond words. It’s the concern you show for the new customers, the kindness you give, and the unselfish attitude you have towards them.