Expanding the reach and attracting new customers is crucial for the growth of any small business. Fortunately, with the help of inexpensive technology, small businesses can achieve these goals without breaking the bank. In this beginner’s guide, we will explore various strategies and tools that can help small businesses expand their reach and attract new customers.
Embrace Automation
Automation is a powerful tool that can save you time and allow you to focus on activities that truly matter, such as attracting leads and converting them into clients. By leveraging automation technologies like marketing automation, Zapier, and Keyboard Maestro, you can reduce repetitive low-value tasks and free up more time to dedicate to customer service and lead development.
Go Offline
While online marketing is essential, don’t underestimate the power of face-to-face interactions. Consider using tools like Eventbrite to organize and run event series related to your product or service offering. These events can be designed to attract, educate, or entertain potential customers, providing you with an opportunity to build relationships and showcase your expertise.
Utilize Retargeting
Retargeting is a cost-effective marketing technology that can make a significant difference in convincing new customers that your offering is right for them. By strategically targeting potential customers across different platforms, such as websites, social media, and search engines, you can keep your business top of mind. This continuous reminder, coupled with targeted messaging, has been proven to win customers.
Leverage Free Public Relations Tools
Free public relations tools like HARO (Help a Reporter Out) can be a valuable resource for small businesses. By responding to relevant press inquiries through HARO, you can demonstrate your expertise in a particular field and reach new audiences. Additionally, these media mentions can also improve your search engine optimization (SEO) through backlinks.
Take Advantage of Your Smartphone
Your smartphone can be a powerful tool for content creation. With high-quality cameras and a plethora of apps at your disposal, don’t hesitate to use your smartphone for photo shoots, live streaming, or creating artwork. By leveraging your smartphone’s capabilities, you can save on professional services and still create compelling content.
## Plan and Publicize Live Videos
Live streaming is a highly engaging way to connect with customers. Consider scheduling live streams for demonstrations, tutorials, or Q&A sessions and publicize them through various channels. Live videos often rank high in Google search engine results pages (SERPs), providing you with increased visibility and attracting potential customers.
Post on Social Media
Social media platforms offer a cost-effective way to reach and engage with your target audience. Utilize your own network to spread the word about your business or the products and services you offer. Managing and increasing your social media reach may take time, but it is essential for small business owners.
Leverage the Reach of Influencers
Influencers in your industry can significantly expand your audience. Tools like BuzzSumo and SimilarWeb can help you identify influential blogs and websites based on their audience and size. For smaller influencers, consider using Pitchbox to set up automated email outreach. For more prominent influencers, reach out to them directly and offer unique value to capture their attention.
Hold Contests and Giveaways
Creative giveaways can generate instant traffic and organically attract new customers. With the help of software that automates much of the process, you can promote your offer and drive prospects into your sales funnel. Contests and giveaways are an effective way to create buzz around your business and attract a wider audience.
Create an Email Marketing Program
Email marketing remains one of the most effective ways to drive clicks and conversions. By signing up for an email marketing platform like MailChimp, you can easily set up and deploy targeted email campaigns to prospects. Sending drip campaigns to potential customers helps keep your business top of mind, and the cost and effort involved are relatively low, with some email platforms even offering free plans.
Buy Facebook Ads
Acquiring new customers on Facebook is incredibly cost-effective. Since the majority of your potential customers are likely on Facebook, targeting them through ads can yield excellent results. Start with simple ads to increase likes on your page, and then optimize and enhance your campaigns as you gather more data. Facebook ads are easy to execute well and provide significant value for small businesses.
Seek Reviews on Yelp and Google Business
Establishing a presence on review platforms like Yelp and Google can have a tremendous impact on your business. By consistently delivering exceptional service and asking satisfied customers for reviews, you can build a positive brand reputation and attract new customers. Positive reviews on these platforms serve as social proof and instill trust in potential customers.
Utilize Tools Like Google Analytics
Tools like Google Analytics are affordable and offer valuable insights into your website’s performance. Regularly evaluate data regarding traffic sources, identify areas for improvement, and seize opportunities for growth. For example, if most of your traffic comes from social media, invest in growing your prominence on those platforms. By leveraging performance data, you can make informed decisions to expand your reach.
In conclusion, small businesses can leverage inexpensive technology to expand their reach and attract new customers. By embracing automation, going offline, utilizing retargeting, leveraging free public relations tools, taking advantage of smartphones, planning and publicizing live videos, posting on social media, leveraging influencers, holding contests and giveaways, creating email marketing programs, buying Facebook ads, seeking reviews on platforms like Yelp and Google, and utilizing tools like Google Analytics, small businesses can achieve their growth objectives without a significant financial burden.
