If you’re a small business owner or thinking about starting a small business, you may be nervous about the success of your business. This is a normal feeling, as most people know that small businesses have a high chance of failure in the first few years. Your success depends on you making money, and this depends on attracting consumers to your business versus a competitor. Fortunately, there are several ways that you can gain new customers, and here are four ways to get your business noticed.
#1: Attend Business Events
One of the best ways to get the word out about your business in your local community is to attend local business events like trade fairs and conferences. This allows you to interact on a personal level with the people in your community. If your local community doesn’t host any, you can organize a business event yourself, or travel to nearby places to attend events there.
You also have the option of volunteering in your local community. By doing this, you’ll also put a face to the company, which gains the trust of consumers. Putting your face out there and volunteering in the community lets the people in your community know that you care, and they’ll take more interest in our business.
#2: Establish a Strong Online Presence
About half of the world’s population has access to the internet, and around a quarter of the population is active on social media. Having a strong online presence means that more people will become aware of your business. To achieve this, you must first have a website (and a blog on your website also helps) and you must be active on at least one social media platform. Some of the best social media platforms to be on today include:
Even if your business only serves your local community, you’ll still be able to reach more people when using both digital marketing methods (e.g., social media marketing, email marketing) and traditional marketing methods (e.g., billboards, newspaper ads, etc.).
#3: Invest in Promotional Items
Promotional items are everyday items, office items, and items found around the house that bear your company name and logo. Everyday items such as T-shirts, keychains, coffee mugs, lighters, and even phone cases that have your company’s name and logo on them are perfect to give away at local business events. You can even sell them alongside your regular merchandise. When selling these items, it’s best to make sure that you invest in promotional items that make sense to your business.
Examples of specific items include:
- Aprons and pot holders
- Blender and shaker bottles
- Calendars and planners
- Makeup bags
- Lighters
- Pet accessories
- Stopwatches
- Tools
- Water misters
Also, keep in mind that everyday items are more likely to be seen by more people because they’re used every day.
#4: Take Advantage of Traditional Marketing Strategies
As mentioned earlier, you should use both digital and traditional marketing methods to get the word out about your business. Although digital marketing helps you reach a wider audience, traditional marketing will help you target a more specific market— such as your local community. TV and radio commercial ads can also reach a wide range of people, especially on a national level. Magazine ads and billboards on interstate highways are also traditional options that can reach a wide range of people.
When it comes to your local community, send out newsletters and direct mail. Newsletters that are available in restaurants and other places give you credibility, while direct mail allows you to target specific consumers— which is key to turning first-time customers into repeat customers.
One final technique that’s worth trying is word of mouth. Sometimes, nothing works better than simply telling those in your community about your new business. Now, some people may be skeptical because you’re talking about your own business, but you can encourage reviews from existing customers.
Also, keep in mind that while it’s good to constantly bring in new customers, you shouldn’t neglect your current customers. Make sure that every customer you get— whether new or returning— has a good experience with your business. Both good and bad customer service reviews can spread fast, and you want only (or mostly) good reviews for your company. While attending business events, digital marketing, and traditional marketing are all good ways to get consumers interested in your business, too many bad reviews will encourage them to choose a competitor over you.
Published by HOLR Magazine.