Small Business Advice: Self Employed? 5 Ways to Attract Customers

Often, one of the greatest fears in starting a business is whether you will actually make money at it. Questions come to mind like, "Will people buy from me? Will I make money? Will I make sales?" and also "Where will I find customers?" Here are 5 different ways in which you can attract customers for your business.

Know your Target: If you know who your target market is, then it becomes infinitely easier to find them and to market your products and services. If your target customer is still "everyone" then it will be infinitely harder to attract customers. Not having a target market creates an unclear message for your business. An unclear message creates confused customers. Confused customers do not buy.

Ask questions: Instead of creating a product then trying to find customers for it, ask customers what they want first, then create something they desire. Ask about their pains and frustrations; ask about their concerns and apprehensions; ask about their desires and goals. Study the answers and then create something customers would want. You will get customers much more easily that way.

Focus on what you can give: This may sound really strange as a way to get customers. However, when you are in business and all you're thinking about is how to get, get, get, it really turns people off. Focus on what you love to do, how you can help people, create excellent products and services, and you will find that you will attract far more customers than with a "getting" attitude. People can smell greed and when they do, they typically run in the opposite direction.

Separate yourself: How will you answer this question from a potential customer: Why should I choose your product or service over all the competitive options available to me? The answer to this is your USP. Your Unique Selling Proposition. Every business can (and should!) have its own USP. This is what differentiates you from your competition. What's your differentiating factor(s)?

Repeat Your Marketing: There are numerous ways to market your products and services. (e.g. press releases, sales letters, ads, public speaking, joint ventures, direct mail, etc). But regardless of the marketing method you choose, your marketing must be repeated. Sharing your message once will not be effective. Studies have shown that customers need to hear your message 7-9 times before they buy. So consider the repeat factor when you begin marketing your business.

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