4 Tips for Acquiring New Customers

Ask any business owner what they need most and it's usually acquiring new customers and finding new leads. If left the same, any company will die a slow eventual death by attrition as clients normally move on. A constant pipeline filled with new leads is essential to the long-term survival of your business.

Buyers are more skeptical and frugal than ever before, and as a result of online shopping, have even more outlets to shop. But how do we do that today?

Tips for Acquiring new customers

Put on your social media hat – Social media isn't a scam, and it doesn't have to be a massive time-suck. In reality, if used correctly, it's never been easier to use this “word of mouth” via social media to drive new leads to your business quickly and affordably. Facebook pages, LinkedIn Endorsements, Google+ Local, Twitter can all feed off each other, resulting in a whirlwind of social media traffic. Don't ignore social media!

Forge strategic alliances – You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours. Not a new idea, but one that is often under used. Making alliances with businesses that match up with yours is often a great way to generate long-term referrals and business for both. You might find that a pool company and a landscaping service would share a lot of customers that would need each other's services. This type of arrangement may last for many years.

Advertise smartly – Today online advertising is getting much more sophisticated. By understanding your customers profile you are able to advertise with specific parameters with Facebook and other networks to target demographically. Begin by understanding who your current customers are. Develop a concise profile of your typical customer: their age, education, gender, marital status, employment, hobbies, and what they search for, both on-line and off. Once you have this data, you can invest your ad dollars far more intelligently and realize a far better return.

Ask for and reward referrals – Even with new customers, you can and should make it worth their while to help you spread the word about your business. It's ultimately how you grow. A few of these may even develop into a strategic alliance if you're not careful!