Do you have a small business opening its doors in Lynchburg, VA? Congratulations! Now that you’ve done the hard work of dreaming up a product or service, finding funding and using these seven key resources for starting a business in Lynchburg, you need to fling the doors open wide and let the customers in.
How can you bring more customers and clients to your new small business?
1) Advertise in traditional and online media
There’s a reason why traditional advertising such as flyers, brochures, elevator pitches, newspaper ads, and business cards are still so popular – they work. Create some hard copy marketing materials, whether it’s bookmarks to drop off at the local library or business cards to exchange as you network.
Of course, since so many customer research businesses online, you will also want to set up free Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Google+, or LinkedIn accounts, too. Create an engaging blog or website to help people find you. Getting your message out there in many forms increases the chances that your potential customers will see it.
2) Offer a promotion or incentive
Customers love free samples, contests, and giveaways. A bright banner offering a freebie or something new and exciting will often at least get customers through your door.
3) Get to know people in your community face-to-face
Lynchburg, Virginia is full of places to promote your new small business while you make a difference. Sponsor a runner in a marathon, get some of your employees to volunteer at a non-profit organization, or sponsor a Little League team. Even the people who walk through your doors are part of the community; get to know their names and preferences so that they can reward you with their loyalty.
4) Go where your ideal customers are
Consider where your customers tend to spend time. Are they busy moms attending school meetings and community classes? Maybe you could put an ad in the school yearbook. Are they business owners? Maybe you could join a group for entrepreneurs or attend business conferences in the area. Rather than trying to appeal to everyone, get specific with your marketing efforts and physically head out to where your ideal customers are – with flyers, coupons, and business cards in hand, of course.
5) Collaborate with other businesses
There are probably related and non-competing businesses in your area that can be a gold mine for you. If you own a café, for example, you can collaborate with a local bookstore to bundle coupons or exchange website links. You can even exchange flyers – you can keep their flyers at your business while they keep yours at their place of business.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match several marketing methods; there is really no such thing as too much marketing. Marketing your small business isn’t just about getting the word out and getting customers. It is, hopefully, a way to meet and build long-term relationships with clients and customers. Taking a little time now can help you develop a multi-pronged marketing strategy that works.
{{cta(‘e65b0239-37c2-475e-a2f9-c387b8e9f6e6’)}}