Ray Pigott Have your sales figures fallen, or are you struggling to attract attention? If you’re looking to expand your client base and boost your business profile, here are some top tips.
Attracting local customers
If you run a small business and your primary goal is to attract local customers, there are several techniques you can use. Before revamping and revising your marketing strategy, make sure you have a clear idea of who you are targeting. Define your ideal buyer, learn more about their shopping habits and gather information about how they find businesses and what makes them choose one brand or company over another. Use the findings of market research to shape new campaigns. Local SEO can be incredibly effective for businesses hoping to create leads locally. Even if you don’t sell products online, it’s essential to have a presence. If your business isn’t already listed on directories, or your website cannot be found easily via online searches, you could be missing out. Over 80% of smartphone users will contact or visit a business within 24 hours of performing a local search. You can also use social media to advertise your business and encourage existing and loyal customers to leave reviews and share your posts.
In addition to online marketing, you can also entice local customers by using traditional marketing methods, such as flyers, local press and magazine adverts and word of mouth. Look for a reputable, reliable print company to produce bespoke marketing materials, contact newspapers and encourage customers to spread the word. Many people still ask friends, colleagues and neighbours for recommendations and online reviews are increasingly influential.
Converting leads
Generating leads, introducing customers to your brand and forming connections is only part of the challenge of boosting sales and attracting new clients or buyers. The second stage of the process involves converting leads and turning expressions of interest into sales, reservations or orders.
When attempting to increase lead conversion rates online, it’s hugely beneficial to analyse the performance of your website, monitor traffic and evaluate landing pages and social media posts. Test different layouts, content types and wording, and use market research and customer feedback to get ideas and highlight and address weaknesses. It’s also essential to follow up initial conversations or queries. If customers have contacted you, or they’ve been looking at products, for example, issue a friendly reminder, send out an offer via email or give them a call and see if they are still interested.
Building strong relationships with customers and taking steps to enhance your reputation can also improve lead conversion statistics. Engage with customers, provide responsive, personalised support, be friendly and polite and reward loyalty. If your company has excellent reviews and you treat clients well, you should find it easier to add new clients and retain existing customers.
Are you on a mission to try and increase sales, or are you finding it hard to turn heads and attract new customers? If you run a business, take these tips on board to boost sales, enhance your reputation and spread the word.
