5 ways to reach new customers

Networking can benefit your business in many ways including reaching new customers. Attending networking events is a great way to generate awareness of your business through word-of-mouth. It will get your name out there and allow people to become familiar with your business.

You can network by attending local events, such as charity fund raisers, setting up at your local markets or sponsoring a local sports team.

Getting your name out there will help bring in new customers.

If you already have a regular and reliable customer base, utilising them to bring in new customers can be a great strategy. You can do this through referrals schemes.

Referrals schemes encourage your customers to recommend your business to their friends and family. Referrals work particularly well when they benefit both the original customer and their friend. For example, “Give your friend $10 off their first order, get $10 off your next order”.

Be sure to offer your referral deal in a timely manner, such as when your customer has recently purchased your product or service, or left a positive review.

New customers are more likely to use your business if they see that other people are enjoying your products or services.

You can increase the number of reviews you get by:

• making it easy to leave a review by giving customers a direct link to your preferred websites, including your own site
• offering customers an incentive to leave a review.

You can share these reviews on your website or other promotional products. Think of your reviews as free advertising.

Team up with other businesses that compliment your business and share a similar customer base. These businesses aren’t your competition but may be offering products or services within your business’ area of interest. For example, if you sell activewear or sports equipment, you could partner up with a local gym and offer discounts.

Collaborating with other businesses gives you access to a wider customer base. Together, you can target each other’s customers in a way that benefits you both.

Investing in your social media presence can be a low-cost effective way to reach new customers. Social media isn’t something you can set up and forget about. If you want it to be successful, it needs ongoing management.

To reach new customers through social media:

• Think about the kind of content your customer base would like.
• Post regularly, at a minimum around 3 times a week.
• Consider paid advertising through social media platforms.

Social media is a great way to build a community and loyal customers.