You’ve thought of a name, decided on your products and you’ve launched a new website for your business – but you’re yet to convert a single customer. Running your own business can be hard work, and in the early days, it’s easy to think you’re going to give up. Fear not, though: below, we’ve put together just some of the ways you can get more customers for your startup.
Offer free trials
If you offer software or services, then consider giving away free trials to give users an idea of what you can offer them long-term. For businesses that offer accountancy, for example, you could offer a ‘free review’ of their accounts, and suggest pointers and areas of improvement. If you can impress from day dot, you’ll be more likely to convert them into long-term customers.
Use social media
Social media is one of the best ways of growing your business and getting people interested in your services. If you work with a company that offers affordable social media management, you can have a presence on social networks like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, and you won’t have to spend a minute of your time keeping those accounts updated. Remember that lead generation is always the key technique on social media, so ask the company to post lots of images and videos featuring your products and services to increase click-throughs.
Try advertising
Sometimes, good old-fashioned newspaper adverts are the best way to grow your business and spread the word about your new products. Think about the different services you offer, and look at local newspapers, magazines and industry newsletters that you can advertise in. Sure, you’ll have to spend money in the short-term to get people to hear what you have to say, but in the long run, these adverts will help you find some great customers who will stick around.
Attend networking events
Networking is the best way to spread the word about your business, but it’s often the most overlooked method of marketing. Whether you attend a local networking group that meets in the town cafe, or you attend a nationwide conference and exhibit your products, talking to people and meeting business owners who might be interested in your wares is a sensible decision.
Get recommendations from family and friends
Word of mouth is the most straightforward and traditional approach to marketing, but it really works. Getting your friends and family to spread the word about your new business venture when they’re out and about can do wonders for your referrals – and if you offer them a bounty as a thank you for every person they help sign up, they’ll be more inclined to get involved. In business, it’s as much about who you know as it is what you know, so use those contacts.
There are so many ways that you can sell your products and services and find new customers, but you have to be prepared to work for it. We wish you the best of luck with your strategy.
