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As a small business owner, you must set both long and short-term goals to help you develop a thriving business. One of your most important goals is to reach for more customers. Why? This is because a growing network of clientele means more business opportunities and higher returns thus giving your brand the chance to grow. Here are five ways you can expand your customer base:

1. Create a Free Google My Business Account

Many businesses – large and small – usually set up Google My Business accounts because it’s free and when used properly, can be a very powerful marketing tool. Another advantage is that by setting up an account, your business will be easily discoverable even if you operate in a physical store/business location. This is because prospective customers are more likely to search for information related to your business online. Plus, you will see a boost in your business’s credibility. A study found that businesses with accurate information such as its opening hours, website links and reviews on Google are twice as likely to be seen as trustworthy to potential customers. 

2. Direct Mail Marketing

When you hear direct mail marketing, you are more likely to think along the lines of ‘outdated’ and ‘junk mail’. But direct mail is more than just a form of unsolicited advertising, it’s still an effective way to reach out to new clients and statistics support this claim. Direct mailing accounts for the largest portion of advertising spending ($38.5 billion) in the United States. Including your potential customer’s name can increase opening rates by 135% and 39% of consumers try out a business for the first time because of direct mail. Successful advertising agencies design various direct advertising packages and advertising costs for businesses looking to reach out to new shoppers and direct mail advertising is an example of this. Perhaps it’s time to re-think your stance of direct mail marketing.

3. Have a Business Website

Having a regularly updated website will help you stay one step ahead of your competitors. You will have easier access to new customers through the widening of your business’s radius thereby expanding your market, response rates and feedback between you and your clients will be more effective as having a website allows two-way communication to take place. 

4. Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing involves using social networking sites to connect with your audience to build your brand, drive sales and increase your business’s website traffic. Many social media platforms come with analytical tools that provide you with insights such as audience demographics, peak periods, number of post views and clicks to guide you on how to plan a strategic, correctly targeted advertising campaign. 

5. Word of Mouth Marketing

Word of Mouth (WOM) marketing is still relevant because people are more likely to make purchases based on the recommendations of their close friends and family. If you are dedicated to building relationships with your clients, you will more likely see boosts in your WOM marketing tactic. Plus, WOM works for small businesses with tight advertising budgets.

These are some of the ways through which you can promote and grow your small business into a successful and profitable venture. No matter what service you provide, ensure that all your goals should have your customers – old, new or potential – are at the forefront.

Make the most of promotional products. 

Another effective way in which you can bring in new customers or raise your brand’s profile is by designing some promotional products – i.e., products that are customized with your brand’s name, logo, or contact details. This can help spread the word about your company and the kind of services you offer – though it is important you chose your promotional products carefully. You should ensure that they reflect your brand and the type of services you offer. For example, if you run a company that sells stationery – promotional products such as branded pens and notebooks would be a far better choice than a stress ball. 

Above all, you should try to use promotional products that are highly functional – something that your potential customers would actually like to use. Otherwise, they will likely end up in the bin. Another great idea for a promotional product could be a t-shirt or similar item of clothing. You can easily knock up a design that promotes your brand and then work alongside a screen printing company to turn your ideas into a reality. Again, the clothing design must be simple and stylish – as this is a far more productive way of promoting your company than designing something that makes your customers feel like a walking billboard.