Finding new customers isn’t as challenging as you would think. With a strategic plan, you can develop a sound marketing strategy that attracts new customers to your business. Here are some great ways to propel your company into a new sales channel.

Define Your Audience

Define your lead generation program, including the demographic information about your potential customer base. Your marketing materials and promotional literature should focus on appealing to your target market. If you are promoting to two different audiences, you may need to create two different marketing schedules to attract both clients.

Offer a Promotion

An easy way to introduce your product or service to a new customer is to offer a first-time user discount or promotion. You can discount the product or provide a complimentary product at no charge. Be sure to gather the customer contact information and market directly to them.

Talk to Existing Customers

Current customers can help you build a lead generation database. Ask for referrals or recommendations. Discounts or other promotional materials entice customers to provide a valid referral.

Revisit Legacy Customers

Reach out to those customers that have not returned to your business. A phone call or email campaign can help you reconnect with previous customers, allowing you to rebuild a relationship with them. It also allows you to rectify any quality concerns.

Get Involved

Customers seek out companies that are involved in the community. Work with a local non-profit organization to help establish yourself as a vital supporter of the environment. Depending on the size of your business, you can:

• Allow customers to round up purchase amounts to benefit a charity.
• Provide a limited quantity product where proceeds are donated to a non-profit agency.
• Post information about your chosen non-profit organization at your location.
• Donate your product or services to the non-profit organization’s fundraising efforts.

Touch Up the Façade

Keep your company looking modern. Work with a web designer to update the feel of your website. Use engaging fonts and up-to-date graphics. Update your facility – freshen paint, install new signage, or buy updated fixtures.

Find a Partner

Building a relationship with another business can help both of you. Find a way that you can cross-promote your business with another company. When used strategically, these partnerships can bring new customers through your door. For example, a coffee shop and an independent bookstore may partner to sell each other’s products at their respective locations. With creativity, you can find a complementary business and develop a successful relationship.

A few small changes can make a significant impact on your bottom line. Attracting new customers helps you draw from a new pool of clients. With excellent customer service, those clients become long-term customers.