Unfortunately the old adage "if you build it they will come," is not strictly true when it comes to new online businesses. If you want to find more clients, you need to be proactive.
Here are 10 tried and true methods for doing so ...
Get More Clients for Your Online Business With These Awesome Strategies
1) Content Marketing
It is not enough having just a few web pages for your business, service or products.
The web is driven by content, so if you are not able to produce content (articles, blog posts, videos, infographics etc) related to your business, you will find it particularly difficult to drive traffic.
This is because you won't be well indexed in Google and won't be able to get traffic from people using search terms related to your business, but also because you won't have any valuable and informative content to share on social media and other platforms either.
The process of doing this is called content marketing.
2) Social Media
Social media is now one of the primary channels for finding new clients and customers due to its global reach. Everyone is scrolling a timeline or feed at some point in the day and it's your goal to get your business in there somewhere.
Unfortunately, when you make a social media post it is mostly just your existing followers that see it begin with. To reach others you need to use popular and relevant hashtags (as these are followed independently of the profiles that use them), and post content that is likely to be shared (i.e. not just press releases).
3) Allocate a Marketing Budget
Paying for online marketing and advertising services can be very cost effective if you know where to look, so allocating a small budget is a good way to ensure you find some new clients - especially in the beginning.
The likes of Facebook and Twitter offer well-targeted ad campaigns that drive a lot more traffic than traditional online banner advertising, though buying ad space on industry sites and those related to your niche can also be effective.
If you don't have the funds for a consistent budget, you might consider a one-off campaign funded by a payday loan or other form of credit. Sites like ElcLoans help you get these easily online.
4) Offer Discounts and Deals
Nothing entices new customers and clients like a discount or some kind of deal. This is commonly accomplished via a promo code, which you can promote on social media and is likely to get shares, and through any of your other marketing channels.
Usually, the goal is to create a repeat buyer or to market your other products or services alongside the discounted one. Either way, it's eyes on your business that may not have been there before.
5) Launch a Referral Program
Referral programs are a great way to generate new clients while rewarding those who are already loyal.
The basic model works by tracking a special link that your affiliates promote. For every new user that follows this link and performs your desired action (sings-up, buys a product), the affiliate is rewarded with a commission or other incentives.
The finer details will depend on your specific business.
6) Build and/or Buy an Email List
Email marketing is still extremely effective, though it's current best practice to use an opt-in model. Not only does this ensure you aren't accused of spam and get blacklisted because of it, but it also means those you are targeting are generally interested in what you have to offer.
The key to email marketing is not to overdo it. Only send out cold emails when there is genuinely something exciting going on. For the rest of the time use email to follow-up on completed or incomplete orders, and targeting clients based on how they have interacted with your business in the past.
7) Find Influencers
Influencers are people within your businesses' industry that have a voice and a following online. Offering review copies of your products or services for genuine feedback, or partnering in some other way, will help you reach new clients and gain credibility in the market.
Of course, you have to be confident in what you have to offer because influencers can also have a negative impact if they find fault in your business.
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8) A/B Testing
A/B testing can apply to many areas of your business but it involves testing one way of doing things against another. For example using one web layout, advert or landing page etc and comparing the hits and other markers with another. This allows you to refine what you're doing to be more effective and in turn get more clients.
9) Networking
We all know what social networking is, but what about the old-fashioned form of networking too? Your industry or connected industries will most likely run trade shows and events where you can network with people in the industry and potential clients.
Handing out your card is still important, but you can also see results by documenting the event on social media, streaming your booth and other attractions, running competitions and much more.
10) Engage with ClientsYour relationship with clients and potential clients is a two-way street.
At the very least you need to be responding to their comments and queries on social media, but you can also join them outside of your own profiles when relevant Have you ever re-tweeted a client's post or answered a question on a third party forum?
Bottom Line By applying these tips and using a bit of out the box thinking, you should soon be driving more traffic Have any other tips or strategies yourself? Let us know by commenting below! and paying clients to your new online business.
