In this post, you’ll learn 7 powerful ways to find your first customers. I’ll share with you the benefits and advantages of each one as well as how to move forward with them. In order for a business to be successful, it needs customers. Without them, there is no revenue and without revenue, there is no success! So what are you waiting for? Read on and get started today!
1. Take out an advertisement in the newspaper or online
Taking out an advertisement in the newspaper or online can be advantageous for many reasons. Businesses are able to reach a large audience with this method of advertising. Businesses are also able to run into their target audience more efficiently instead of trying to find them themselves. Businesses that use this form of advertising often find themselves having the ability to tap into new markets that they did not know existed before. Businesses can also tap into opportunities that exist specifically in the paper where they advertise, which provides them with more exposure than just generic classified ads would provide.
Advantages of advertisement in the newspaper or online
One of the advantages of using an advertisement in paper or online is that it’s inexpensive. Businesses are just paying for the ad space, not production costs. Running ads in papers or online typically get your company noticed quicker than other forms of advertising. For small businesses, this is one way to reach a large audience. It also provides them with exposure to new markets and opportunities they might not otherwise have known about before. This method of gaining customers is very low maintenance and does not take up much time at all to implement which is ideal for small business owners.
Disadvantages of an advertisement in the newspaper or online
A disadvantage can be that small businesses don’t always know whom they’re targeting by using this type of advertising since it could end up being someone who has no interest in what they’re trying to sell. It could end up being a waste of money; they might not be getting potential customers that they can convert into paying ones and small businesses shouldn’t expect fast results.
2. Make flyers and brochures
Businesses can also take advantage of online publishing platforms that help them create brochures or flyers for very little money. Some small businesses option to create flyers and brochures in order to network with small groups of people like at churches or small business events. They might even hand them out on the street while talking about their products and services.
Advantages of flyers and brochures
Flyers and brochures are great for small companies because they’re very inexpensive to produce. Online publishing platforms can help small businesses to create flyers and brochures for very little money. Some small businesses opt to hand out flyers and brochures while networking with small groups of people like at churches or small business events.
Disadvantages of flyers and brochures
A disadvantage can be that you’ll need to spend a lot of time on networking events to see whether or not your small business is getting any interest. It can take a long time for small businesses to gain traction without the use of online marketing campaigns.
3. Create your own website
Personal websites can become a powerful tool when it comes to online marketing. Businesses can make the most of their personal websites by designing them with an easy-to-remember web address and linking them to social media accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Businesses can also take advantage of free hosting services that will allow them to create and manage websites for free. Businesses can also choose to buy their own domain names, which will cost around $10 per year at the most. Business owners should be wary though as it is common for larger companies to claim ownership of business-related web domains that are not already in use.
Here are some website creation platforms you can try:
- 123-reg
- Webstarts
- Wix
- OnePage
- Weebly
- Jimdo
- GoDaddy
- WordPress.com
- DIY
- Blogger
- Tumblr
Advantages of creating your own website
First, small businesses have the ability to design their personal websites however they want. They are also able to choose their own web addresses which can be easier to remember than other small business marketing attempts. There are also free hosting services available so small businesses can create and manage their websites for very little cost, sometimes even for free. Small business owners should be aware though that it is common for large companies to claim ownership of small businesses’ web domains that are not in use.
Disadvantages of creating your own website
A disadvantage can be that small business will have to spend time and money learning how to create their own personal websites with the help of small business resources and small businesses might not know how to design websites well since they don’t specialize in web design. It can also take a long time for small businesses to gain traction when they rely on personal websites alone.
4. If you are an eCommerce, You should set up your shop on Shopify, eBay, or Etsy shop
eBay and Etsy are both popular marketplaces for buyers and sellers alike. Business owners who sell their goods on these platforms will find that they have a variety of options to choose from when it comes to listing items. Businesses can also take advantage of the eBay and Etsy platforms by including a link in their profiles where interested customers can visit them online to learn more about their products and services. Businesses can also think of ways to increase their exposure on these platforms by rewarding customer interaction such as leaving positive reviews when the transaction has been completed. Business owners should take note that eBay and Etsy both charge around 10% in transaction fees so Businesses will want to factor this into their margin.
5. Get listed on local directories
In addition to creating your own website, Businesses can also opt to get listed on online directories such as Google Business and Yelp! Business owners who decide to use this method will find that they have a variety of options when it comes to their listings. Business owners will want to ensure that their listings are accurate in order for them to attract the maximum number of interested customers. Businesses will also want to take advantage of the opportunity to provide rich information such as pictures and videos so that their listings stand out from the crowd. Business owners should be aware though that Google Business and Yelp! both charge $10 per month for basic listings.
Advantage of Local Directories
The advantage of having local directories is that small businesses can provide rich information about their small businesses to customers who are looking for small home business listings.
The disadvantage of Local Directories
A disadvantage of having local directories is that small businesses might not be able to afford to pay for the small business directory listing because it costs $10 per month.
Join online communities related to your industry or niche market
Many Businesses have been able to increase their exposure online by taking advantage of communities dedicated to certain niches or industries. Business owners can take advantage of these platforms by sharing information related to their industry as well as asking for opinions from those who are interested in the same kinds of Businesses they offer. Business owners should be aware that paid communities often require Business owners to pay a monthly fee for increased exposure. Businesses should also note that Business owners will want to avoid direct advertising on these platforms as it is frowned upon by the community moderators and the Business owner may be banned from accessing it.
Business owners can choose from a variety of methods when it comes to online marketing, however, they must always remember to keep their Business visible in order for them to be successful. Business owners should also try taking advantage of search engines such as Google when it comes to increasing their business exposure online. Business owners should take note that paid advertising is often necessary in order for Businesses to achieve the highest level of exposure on the web, but that ads must also be kept manageable so Business owners do not bleed out their marketing budget. Business owners should also be wary of scammers on the web who are looking to take advantage of Businesses who are new to online marketing. Lastly, Business owners should remember that free alternatives are often available when it comes to increasing Business exposure online.
Here is the list of Online Communities that you can market your business:
- Google Community
- Yahoo Communities
- Yelp Community
- LinkedIn Groups
- Facebook Groups
- Google+, Instagram, Snapchat
- Reddit Community
7. Use the power of Facebook advertising to target potential customers
Businesses can take advantage of Facebook advertising by targeting users who are related to their business or niche market. Business owners may want to first set up a business page on Facebook so that they have the option of creating Business related ads. Business owners will also want to keep in mind that they will be charged for each unique click they receive on their Business ads on Facebook. Business owners should therefore take care to monitor their ad spend so that they do not overspend on ads that do not produce the desired results. Businesses can also maximize their exposure by using off-site promotion strategies such as linking Business related posts to their Business website, promoting Business videos on YouTube, and encouraging customers to like Business related pages on Facebook. Business owners should also remember that Business ads must be carefully monitored in order to ensure that they are delivering the desired amount of exposure for Businesses. Business owners will want to monitor their clicks and impressions in order to measure how effective their Business ads are, but they should also keep track of the number of new customers which Business ads produce. Businesses may also benefit from Business related pages on Facebook by encouraging customers to like Business pages beforehand and promoting these Business pages. Business owners should also remember that positive interactions with current customers will encourage other customers to like Business related pages and provide exposure for Businesses.
The benefits of using these strategies are undeniable. You can’t lose with any of them! There is no question that they have the power to help you find your first customers, so start one now and see what happens. It’s time for you to take action because there really isn’t anything holding you back from succeeding in this endeavor except yourself.
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