One of the key challenges facing new business owners is building a client base. Competition is fierce and it’s not always easy to turn heads when your brand is the new kid on the block. If you’re preparing to launch a new venture, or you’re keen to attract more customers to a growing business, here are some ingenious ideas to get people talking.
Implement a social media strategy
Social media is a phenomenon. Today, there are more than 4 billion social media users in the world and numbers are increasing year after year. Social media marketing is a potent weapon for businesses and it has changed the way consumers find businesses and interact with brands. The beauty of social media for start-ups and fledgling companies is that it makes the playing field more level. With social media apps and platforms, even the smallest businesses can make a splash, access new markets and expand their client base.
Implementing a social media strategy is beneficial for creating and converting leads and it’s also a brilliant way to promote customer engagement. Focus on platforms that are popular among your target audience. Also, consider working with marketing experts or outsourcing digital marketing if you don’t have experience in this area, or employees with marketing skills. Effective, targeted social media campaigns can put your brand on the map and increase your following dramatically in a short space of time.
As well as advertising and promoting products and services on social media, it’s hugely beneficial to use platforms to build connections and forge strong relationships with your customers. Share your story and let people know all about your brand values and ethos. Introduce followers to your employees, share reviews and encourage followers to interact with posts. More than 90% of people now buy from brands they follow on social media and over 70% of consumers want to shop with businesses that share their values.
Use samples and trials
Many of us like to try before we buy. If you’re looking to raise brand awareness and introduce your products or services to prospective customers, it’s a fantastic idea to use samples, demos, trials and freebies. Take the example of a new food product. You can offer samples on a small scale if you’re attending a food festival or a local fair. Alternatively, you can enlist the services of a product sampling agency and send out samples to buyers, retailers and hospitality venues. You can also use product samples and service demos to attract attention to a stall or stand at a trade show or festival and draw crowds. Most people love a freebie and if there’s a crowd gathered, others will start to gravitate towards your booth, display or table.
More and more companies are offering a free trial as an incentive for new customers. Free trials usually last for a set period and then roll into a paid subscription. If your business is offering free demos, include clear calls to action on your website, social media and emails and outline the terms and conditions. Try to incentivise signups by offering a discount or a free gift, and encourage people to act quickly to avoid disappointment. Adding a time restriction can prompt those who might not have made their minds up to take that all-important next step.
Brand collaborations and partnerships
Teaming up with other brands can help you to gain exposure and introduce new customers to your business. If you like the idea of joining forces with another company to host an event or create a limited-edition product, it’s important to choose the right brands to work with. Search for businesses that have a similar target audience and focus on companies that have an excellent reputation. Meet with representatives, discuss ideas and make sure your target customer, values and objectives align.
Working with influencers is another way to get your business noticed. You can collaborate with influencers or ask them to review or feature your products or services. Look for influencers who have a following within your target demographic and choose people who are passionate about your industry.
Enhance your online presence
Social media marketing is not the only way to drum up interest in a new venture. Most of us now pick up our phones and open a search engine if we want products or services. Search engine optimisation (SEO) is a digital marketing method that can help you enhance your online presence and generate leads and web traffic. SEO capitalises on the popularity of search engines like Google, connecting customers with businesses.
If you’re not experienced in SEO, it’s beneficial to hire a digital marketing agency or get expert advice to improve your search ranking. Over 70% of people don’t move past the first page of search results, so it’s vital to make sure that you’re at the top of the pile. Optimise content on your website and social media feeds, prioritise quality over quantity and carry out keyword research.
To increase conversion rates, you’ll need more than a slick SEO campaign. Driving traffic to your website is the first step. The second step is to encourage the prospective customer to buy, subscribe, sign up or contact your business. Ensure that your website looks professional, make sure that every page is mobile-friendly, add useful information and include calls to action. Add a blog, use themes that are relevant to your brand and target customer and provide quick, simple and stress-free ordering and payment processes. Test layouts, themes and content types and include videos and images. Use customer feedback to make improvements and address issues. Common problems to avoid include slow-loading pages, broken links, large chunks of unbroken text, poor spelling and grammar and long-winded ordering processes. Update content regularly to ensure that it is accurate and relevant.
If you’re launching a new business, you want everybody to be talking about the incredible products or services you’re offering. To create a buzz and put your brand on the map, take advantage of social media marketing, enhance your online presence and use samples and trials to attract attention and encourage customers to buy or subscribe. Partner with other businesses, work on brand collaborations or get in touch with influencers who can help you to promote your business and spread the word.
