Whether you’re just starting, or a seasoned pro, knowing how to find new clients is an essential skill for increasing your monthly income. But here’s the question: how do you attract clients who are truly valuable to your company?
Clients do not always fit your business model, and every company has encountered clients who are more trouble than they’re worth.
Think long-term relationships when learning how to get clients who will add true value to your business. These are the clients who regard you as a partner (rather than just a vendor), have faith in you, and refer new business to you.
10 Methods You Can Start Using Today
1. Offer Discounts
Today’s consumers are still looking for good deals and value. Offer introductory discounts or bargains, such as buy two, get one half-priced, or gift wrapping for the first three transactions, to entice customers into your store.
These offers can persuade new clients who were thinking about doing business with you but needed a little push to make the switch. Keep track of what they buy and which offers they use to send them more relevant marketing messages in the future.
Marks and Spencer offers a birthday discount for their customers:
2. Recommendations can do wonders
Once you’ve gained a customer’s trust, make the most of it by requesting recommendations. Current customers are one of the best suppliers of new clients. You can’t, however, wait for them to bring their coworkers, friends, and family to your organization. Instead, take command and devise a plan for actively requesting referrals from your satisfied customers.
3. Contact Prior Customers
Return to your client list and market to people who haven’t done business with you in a long time. Make it a habit to do this regularly (once a quarter, for example) and choose customers you haven’t seen in at least six months. If they return, send them an email, direct mail, text message, or phone call with a “We Miss You” message along with a special offer or promotion.
Here’s a great email marketing example by GrubHub:
4. Expand your Social Activities
The easiest way to increase brand recognition is to meet new people and tell them who you are and what you do. Join the chamber of commerce, trade associations, and networking groups in your area. Meetups are a great way to meet new people. If you own a local business, even attending PTA meetings could be a great networking opportunity.
5. Make Changes to your Website
Online search is used by both consumers and B2B buyers to find new businesses. That means that for clients to find you, your website will have to do the legwork for you. Examine your SEO and search engine marketing strategies, including making sure your site is mobile-friendly.
6. Collaborate with like-minded companies
Meeting with businesses that have a similar customer base but aren’t direct competitors and discussing how to promote to each other’s customers to drive new business is a smart way to acquire new customers without spending a lot of money. Working with a company that sells maternity clothing, for example, would be a fantastic relationship if you sell baby products.
7. Network
Participate in networking organizations and events relevant to your industry and clients to generate good old-fashioned word-of-mouth. Instead of thinking about “what’s in it for me,” approach networking with the mindset of “How can I help others?” You may establish relationships that lead to new clients by thinking about how you might be of service.
8. Clients can be found in your Place of Business
Countless small enterprises have been founded by working professionals who a) switched from being employees to contractors or b) absconded with a worthy client or two to start their own business.
9. Tell your Friends and Family
Tell them that you’re looking for extra clients. Allow your many friends and family members who are always on your side and willing to aid if they can. Tell them what you’re doing and that you’re searching for clients and make sure to tell them exactly who your ideal clientele are.
10. Obtain Clients by Engaging in Personal Activities
All of the group activities that you and your family participate in provide opportunities to locate clients. When you’re taking your kids to soccer or dancing, take the time to talk to the other parents. When you’re at the gym, be friendly. Make an effort to get to know others and learn about their interests and concerns.
So, reach a whole new clientele with these easy tips to promote your new business.
