10 Ways to Grow Your Small Business Customer Base

A successful product or service is the result of several different factors. You need a strong idea, a strong marketing plan, and, most importantly, customers.

Customers are the bread and butter of any business - without them, you cannot succeed. So, how do you go about attracting and keeping customers?

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the top 10 ways to grow your small business customer base and tips on making them your loyal customers.

Offer discounts, coupons, and loyalty programs

Discounts, coupons, and loyalty programs are great ways to attract new customers and grow your small business. By offering these incentives, you can attract potential customers who may not have considered your business. And once you have them as customers, these programs can help keep them returning.

Here are some tips on how to use discounts, coupons, and loyalty programs:

• Make sure your offers are attractive. Your offer should be enough to get people's attention. Think about what would motivate someone to choose your business over others. Is it a lower price? A freebie? A higher discount for loyal customers?
• Get creative with your marketing. Market the discounts, coupons, and loyalty programs you have in a way that will reach your target audience. If you're trying to attract new customers, consider using online advertising or social media. And if you're trying to keep existing customers, make sure they're aware of the offers you have through email or text messages.
• Make it easy to redeem offers. Nobody wants to jump through hoops to redeem an offer. So make it easy for customers by having clear instructions on redeeming discounts, coupons, and loyalty programs. And remember to honour all requests, so people don't feel like they've been cheated.
• Track results. Keep track of how many people are taking advantage of the discounts, coupons, and loyalty programs you have. This will help you see what's working and what's not. And it'll give you a better idea of how much these programs are working.

Get involved in your community

One of the best ways to attract new customers is to get involved in your community. This way, people will see that you're not just a faceless business but a business that cares about its neighbours. There are many ways to get involved in your community, such as sponsoring local events, volunteering for causes you care about, or simply being a good neighbour. 

Being friendly and helpful will make a lasting impression on those around you. So don't be afraid to get involved in your community - it's one of the best ways to attract new customers!

Use social media

As a business or advertiser, having a social media presence is essential. Social networking is increasingly becoming a powerful tool for both businesses and advertisers. With so many people using social media these days, it's a great way to reach a large audience. And, best of all, it's free!

You can use several social media networks to promote your business. Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are four of the most popular, but there are others like Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Pinterest, and more.

Each platform has its strengths and weaknesses, so choosing the right social media is essential. For example, if you're a visual business like a bakery or florist, Pinterest might be a good choice because it's very visual. Experiment with different networks to see what works best for you.

Share what you know

Do you ever wonder how businesses achieve such excellent customer service? How do they always manage to be responsive and keep their customers happy?

The answer is simple: they have systems and processes that ensure things run smoothly.

That's why letting people know how you do what you do makes them more invested in your service or product. It shows that you're not just winging it but have a plan and a strategy for ensuring things go well.

Plus, it also builds trust since when people know how you operate, they're more likely to trust you with their business.

Host a contest or giveaway

Offers and freebies are always compelling, even if they appear overused. Offering goods and services without charge may benefit your business in several ways. For instance, taking such acts increases exposure. You might draw in new customers and get the attention of those who haven't heard of you before.

Moreover, offering freebies shows you're generous and confident in the product or service you have. This can help to build trust with potential customers. 

However, remember that when running a promotion, it's essential to be clear about what you're giving away and how long the promotion will last. You don't want to give away too much or make it available to everyone, as this can devalue your product or service. Instead, focus on a specific target audience that will appreciate the freebie and be more likely to take advantage of it.

Get Listed in Online Directories

The internet has made it easier for small businesses to get listed in local directories. These directories can be a great way to get your business noticed by people in your area and potential customers from all over the world.

Most of these directories, like Google My Business, Bing Places, and Yahoo Local, are free to list your business in, so there's no excuse not to take advantage of this opportunity. Just make sure to fill out the listing entirely and accurately so that people can easily find and contact you.

Use search engine optimization (SEO)

Small businesses have to work hard to get noticed online. The competition is fierce, and it can be easy to get lost in the shuffle if you're not using the right tools and strategies.

One of the essential tools for small businesses is SEO (Search Engine Optimization), which refers to improving your website so that it appears higher on search engine results pages (SERPs).

Why does this matter? Well, studies have shown that the higher your website appears in SERPs, the more likely people will click on it. And, of course, if people are clicking on your website, they're interested in what you offer!

If you're unsure where to start with SEO, don't worry - plenty of resources are available to help you. And, if you need a little extra help, consider working with an SEO agency or consultant. They can help you create a customized SEO plan tailored to the business goals you have.

Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising

PPC advertising is a form of online advertising where you pay a fee every time someone clicks on your ad. This can be an effective way to attract new customers, but it's important to make sure you're targeting the right keywords and that your ads are relevant to your target market.

You'll need to invest time and money to make our PPC advertising successful. So, if you're not prepared to do that, it might not be your right marketing strategy.

Make it easy for people to find you

Including your contact information in marketing materials is a simple way to promote your business. So, try to include a website, email, and phone number on your marketing materials. Doing this will make it easy for people to get in touch with you and learn more about the services or products you have.

Give something back

One of the best ways to attract new customers is to give something back to your community. This can be done by donating to local charities, offering discounts to local organizations, or simply being a good neighbour.

When you give back to your community, you show that you care about more than just making a profit. You also demonstrate that you are invested in the well-being of those around you. As a result, this can go a long way in building trust and goodwill with potential customers.

Furthermore, giving back can be a great marketing tool. By publicizing your charitable donations or discounts for local groups, you can generate positive publicity for your business.