We know that running a business can be a challenge. Often, it feels like you’ll never get to the end of your ever-growing to-do list.
One of the items on that to-do list is often ‘Think of ways to reach new customers and grow the business.’
Nowadays, many companies reach new customers through high-ranking Google or Facebook ads. Unfortunately, these can be too expensive to make work.
So instead, we want to help you find other ways to grow your business without using online marketing.
Without further ado, here are three top tips to grow your business:
1. Offer incentives for new customers
You could offer a free gift when a new customer makes their first booking. This will act as an incentive to book, and if it’s a physical gift, it can act as a reminder of your brand.
For example, for:
- A sensory class, you could give customers a small sensory toy.
- An antenatal class, you could provide a pregnancy calendar with key dates and stages.
- A parent and baby performance class, you could offer a memento of one of the show’s key characters or instruments.
- A sports school, you could provide headbands or team shirts.
If the item has your name and logo on it, it will remind customers of you each time they see it.
And if they carry it around with them, it acts as free advertising when friends and family come to visit!
2. Set up a referral scheme
There’s a reason why word-of-mouth recommendations are gold for small businesses. They are proof of the quality of your events.
A refer-a-friend reward scheme will encourage your customers to share their positive experiences with others. They are also a chance to show customers how much you value their referrals.
The best referral schemes offer both the referer and the referee something, whether that’s discounts or simply hard cash.
As part of your refer-a-friend scheme, you could offer:
- Discounts off classes
- Free merchandise
- Credit for future bookings
- Access to exclusive resources
Offering these rewards to both parties will make sure that both feel valued. That way, you can keep existing customers while inviting new ones too.
3. Collaborate with similar local businesses
Find other local businesses that you could partner with so you can each promote the other’s brand.
You’re looking for providers whose customer base is similar to yours. However, you shouldn’t be offering the same service.
That way, you can support each other but avoid any conflicts of interest.
For example, if you run:
- Art classes – find a local supplier for materials and encourage customers to shop there.
- Baby music classes – team up with other baby activity providers like a soft play.
- Yoga classes, find local providers for meditation aids (calming soundtracks, candles, etc.).
Partnering with nearby cafés to promote your events is a good idea for in-person events. Your customers will no doubt need somewhere to eat, drink, or relax before or after your event.
You can recommend the cafe to your customers, and in return, you could ask them to display your flyers on the counter.
That way, you both get your brand in front of new potential customers.
So, there you have it—our three top tips for growing your business.
We like to give pointers for collaborations that provide everyone with a win-win. That could be a win-win for you and your customer or for you and another business.
If you can create a deal where everybody benefits, and your business can grow alongside your customers or collaborators.
