One of the most crucial factors of a successful business is a steady stream of income and an unwavering interest from customers. You need to always innovate and update your products to keep your target market from getting bored. Moreover, you need to ensure that your customer service is top-notch so that you’ll have repeat customers – and it’s a well-known fact that repeat customers are a bigger part of your income than new ones. Not to say that you should not prioritize getting new people to be part of your loyal customer base, because you do.

In fact, below is a list of 10 ways to get more customers to pay attention to your business – whether it’s candlemaking, creating gift baskets, babysitting or something else:

1. Have a unique business name and a logo. Come up with something clever and witty and it will be a sure hit. Remember that your logo and name is what represents your business, so it’s a very, very crucial part of your company. Having a good business name will mean better name recall for your customers. The aim is for you to be always at the top of their heads so choose something that is easy to remember, easy to pronounce, and easy to spell.
2. Get to know your customers. And by that, I mean really get to know them – address them by their first name, make conversation, know their needs and remember who they are the next time they come around. Be familiar with what makes them happy and satisfied. Pay attention to the little details. Customers who feel welcomed and are treated like they are special will like you more. In world where same businesses can overlap, the only thing separating you from others is your great customer service. And people are willing to pay better and more if they feel that they are getting their money’s worth. For example, if you are selling friendship bracelets, customers will be delighted if you remember their favorite colors and would contact them if you have new designs that you think they might like.
3. Offer discounts. When something goes on sale or are offered for a lesser price than the original, it’s sure to perk up customers. People are always looking for something to buy, and by offering discounts, you’re making them feel good about their choices because they have saved money. Choose an occasion or a season of when to put up a discount – like a Mother’s Day discount on gift baskets,or 30% off your photography services as a summer special. You can also give rewards or prizes to customers if they can refer new customers to you.
4. Go to bazaars. There are a lot of foot traffic there and people who are shopping will really scour every booth and stall just to find something new. Set up your own station to display your goods and distribute flyers and business cards.
5. Do it pro bono. Partner with relief organizations and do some charity work. Sure, you will probably be doing your business or selling your products for a much lower price (or maybe not selling them at all), but what you get in return is something good: free advertising and referrals. For example, you can offer to take photographs for free for your church newsletter or a band portrait for their website – in return, they will display your name or give you acknowledgment where a lot of people can see it. Getting your name out there will give your more customers in the future, especially if you are very skilled at what you do.
6. Network, network, network. Even when you are not selling, you are selling. Huh? What does it mean? It means that every day and every moment is an opportunity to get the word out about yourself and what you are all about. If you have already started doing some pro bono work in #4, make sure that you talk with a lot of people while being at the venue – get to know the heads of the organization, and let them know explicitly that you are always available to offer them your services when possible. If you take photos for the band, make sure that you make friends with them, too – attend their gigs, talk with their road managers, etc. You can even offer to make their gig posters for them if you have the graphic design skills. The important thing is when they need something, they immediately think of you as the person to do it because a) they have dealt with you before, b) they are satisfied with your work, c) they think that overall you are a nice person, and above all, d) they trust you, so why would they go to anyone else?
7. Give out business cards. They’re a great way of passing around information about yourself. Don’t be stingy – when you give out business cards, always give out two to one person – one for them to keep and the other one for them to give away to someone else. Remember#2 – if they can refer a new customer to you, you can give them a discount or a commission in return.
8. Advertise online. This method is very cost-efficient and will your business the buzz that it needs.
9. Spread the news about your new products or services by word-of-mouth. Tell your family and friends, and request that they tell more people about it as well. Let them know that it’s one of the many ways that they can show support to your new venture, and how much you appreciate them for doing it.
10. Offer different payment options. Some customers are turned off by other businesses because it’s such a chore to get the money to them. They are already willing to give your their money, so the list that you can do is make it easy for them to give it to you. If you are dealing with customers in a personal and face-to-face basis, you can offer different payment options, like pay on the spot, cash on delivery, by cash or even by cheque. If you are selling online, always offer different options and make sure that people from other parts of the world can participate as well. Put a checkout button in your website, as well as links to paying via credit card or other options like PayPal. Always issue an acknowledgment receipt after to let them know that you have received their money.

About Erica: My name is Erica and I like writing and using my imagination in order to be productive. I believe that creativity is the key in becoming successful, no matter how young or old you are! :). So as the webmaster of TMMI, I'll be sharing some of the ways I found to not only make money but be creative too! Continue reading...

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