Once you've done the work of defining your target market and have a steady flow of business, you may decide to expand your customer base even more. While advertising and word of mouth are two usual ways to attract new customers, don't discount the effectiveness of branded products and customer incentives. You also can network with other businesses and repeat your previous advertising efforts.
Instructions
1. Advertise your product or service again as you did to attract your current customer base. For example, if you posted fliers in local coffee shops to attract customers to your book store, post fliers in the same coffee shops and any new ones to attract new coffee shop customers to your store.
2. Contact the owners of related --- but not competing --- businesses and sign written agreements to market to one another's customers. For example, you might agree to advertise a dog walking service in your pet supply shop in exchange for the owner of that service doing the same. This may be in the form of reciprocal links or an affiliate program if you own an online business.
3. Offer incentives to customers, such as coupons, reward points and free items. This will please your current customers by rewarding them for their loyalty and entice new customers by giving them a deal for trying your product or service.
4. Create useful items made with your business logo and contact information. Pens, magnets and mouse pads are common items companies use to do this, but you might brand measuring tape if you own a home improvement store, for example. The point is to endear your business to potential customers and to help customers remember your company information. Make the items available for sale or give them away to potential customers.
5. Make people aware of what products or services your business offers when they contact your business. If you have a website (which all businesses should, according to "Entrepreneur" Magazine), this means posting what you offer clearly on the home page and announcing sales throughout the site. Tell customers this information on your hold and answering messages and include the information on all your correspondence.
