I write content for a top business consulting group, and one of my more recent pieces talked about small businesses and some very interesting statistics.
According to the US Bureau of Labor, more than 20% of small businesses fail in the very first year. And nearly half of these businesses fail within the first five years.
What is the biggest reason for small business failure? 38% fail due to running out of cash.
Which is why, as an online business, you need to keep that cash coming in. Which now begs the question: how do I find more clients so I can bring in more money?
To find more clients as an online business, consider building a professional website, using social media to connect with potential clients, networking and attending events, offering free consultations or demos, using content marketing to showcase your expertise, and investing in paid advertising.
All this falls within the realm of marketing– which is why you need to continually invest in your marketing efforts as an online business.
After all, marketing aims to bring in new customers, and you do this by creating and communicating value through promoting your products and services.
This article covers the most effective strategies to attract new customers, including the marketing methods we’ve mentioned above.
Let’s get right to it.
Why is it Challenging to Find More Clients as an Online Business?
Finding more clients as an online business can be challenging for a number of reasons.
First and foremost, there is a lot of competition in the online marketplace, and it can be tough to stand out among other businesses offering similar products or services.
Additionally, it can be difficult to reach your target audience and get your message in front of the right people.
Another challenge is building trust and credibility with potential clients. Online businesses often don’t have the same level of face-to-face interaction as brick-and-mortar businesses, so it can be harder to build relationships and establish yourself as a trusted source.
Finally, it can be difficult to effectively market your business without a clear understanding of your target audience and the most effective channels for reaching them.
To find more clients as an online business, it’s essential to identify your target market, understand their needs and preferences, and develop a marketing strategy that resonates with them.
Action Items to Find More Clients as an Online Business
Here are a number of strategies you can use to find more clients for your online business.
1. Build a professional website.
A professional website is an essential component of any online business, as it’s often the first thing potential clients will see when they learn about your company.
A well-designed website can help you stand out in a crowded market, establish credibility and trust with your audience, and showcase your products or services in an effective way.
Choose a clean and modern design to build a professional website that reflects your brand. Make sure your website is easy to navigate, with clear headings, subheadings, and bullet points to help visitors find what they’re looking for.
Include high-quality images and videos to showcase your products or services.
Then, include all the essential information potential clients want to know, such as your contact information, pricing, and policies.
In addition to showcasing your products or services, your website should include a blog or resources section where you can share valuable content and establish yourself as an expert in your field. This can help you attract more traffic to your website and build relationships with potential clients.
Finally, ensure your website is optimized for search engines so that it appears in relevant search results. This can help you reach a wider audience and attract more traffic to your website.
2. Use social media.
Social media is a powerful tool for finding more clients for your online business.
By creating a presence on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, you can connect with potential clients, showcase your expertise, and build relationships that can lead to new business opportunities.
Start by creating a solid profile that communicates your brand and what you offer to find more clients with social media.
Use high-quality images and videos to showcase your products or services, and regularly post valuable content that will interest your target audience.
Engage with your followers by commenting on their posts, responding to their messages, and using hashtags and tagging to reach a wider audience.
3. Network and attend events.
Networking and attending events are great ways to find more clients for your online business.
By connecting with other professionals in your field, you can build relationships, exchange ideas, and learn about new opportunities to help you grow your business.
There are many ways to network and attend events, including joining professional organizations, attending industry conferences and trade shows, and participating in online communities or forums.
By getting involved in these events and groups, you can make new connections, learn from others in your field, and showcase your expertise to potential clients.
To make the most of your networking and event-attending efforts, be prepared to introduce yourself and your business and have a clear idea of what you have to offer.
Bring business cards and other promotional materials, and be prepared to listen and learn from others. Follow up with any new contacts you make, and be proactive in building relationships and staying in touch.
4. Offer free consultations or demos.
By giving potential clients a taste of what you offer, you can build trust and credibility and demonstrate the value of your products or services.
To offer free consultations or demos, start by identifying what you can offer that will be most valuable to your target audience. This could be a one-on-one consultation, a group webinar, or a live demonstration of your product. Be prepared to listen to the needs and concerns of your potential clients, and use your expertise to offer solutions and demonstrate the value of your products or services.
To promote your free consultations or demos, use social media, email marketing, and other channels to reach your target audience.
Consider offering incentives or discounts for those who sign up for your consultation or demo.
Be sure to follow up with attendees to see if they have any additional questions or want to learn more about your business.
5. Use content marketing.
Content marketing is a powerful strategy for finding more clients for your online business.
Creating and sharing valuable, informative content can attract new visitors to your website, establish yourself as an expert in your field, and build relationships with potential clients.
Start by identifying your target audience and the topics that are most relevant to them.
Then create high-quality content that addresses their needs and concerns, and share it on your website, social media, and other channels. This could include blog posts, ebooks, whitepapers, videos, podcasts, or infographics.
In addition to creating content, promote it through email marketing, social media, and other channels to reach a wider audience.
Use analytics tools to track the performance of your content and see what’s working and what’s not, and adjust your strategy accordingly.
6. Invest in paid advertising.
Investing in paid advertising is another effective way to find more clients for your online business.
While organic reach on social media and search engines can be limited, paid advertising allows you to reach a larger audience and target specific demographics.
Many platforms are available for paid advertising, including Google AdWords, Facebook Ads, and LinkedIn Ads. These platforms allow you to create ads that are shown to users based on their interests, location, and other factors, and you can set a budget for your advertising campaign to control your costs.
To use paid advertising effectively, start by identifying your target audience and the channels most likely to reach them.
Then create compelling ads that communicate the value of your products or services, and use eye-catching images and headlines to grab attention.
Use A/B testing to experiment with different ad formats and messaging, and track your results to see what’s working and what’s not.
Other Lesser-Known Methods For Finding More Clients as an Online Business
In addition to the strategies mentioned above, here are a few other lesser-known ways to find more clients for your online business:
7. Partner with complementary businesses.
By partnering with businesses that offer products or services that complement your own, you can reach a new audience and find new clients.
For example, if you sell handmade jewelry, you might partner with a boutique clothing store to cross-promote each other’s products.
8. Use customer referrals.
Happy customers can be a powerful source of new business, so don’t be afraid to ask them for referrals. Offer incentives, such as discounts or free products, to encourage customers to refer their friends and family to your business.
9. Offer special deals or discounts to first-time customers.
Giving discounts to first-time customers can be a good way to attract new clients and encourage them to try your products or services. Just be sure to follow up and try to turn them into repeat customers.
10. Use customer reviews and testimonials.
Positive customer reviews and testimonials can be a great way to build trust and credibility with potential clients. Make it easy for customers to leave reviews on your website or social media pages, and showcase your best reviews prominently.
11. Host webinars or workshops.
Hosting webinars or workshops can be a good way to showcase your expertise and find new clients. Offer valuable information that will interest your target audience and make it easy for attendees to contact you or learn more about your business.
Next-Level Strategies for Bringing in Even More Customers as an Online Business
Here are a few more advanced strategies to consider when looking for more clients for your online business:
12. Use retargeting ads.
Retargeting ads are a type of paid advertising that allows you to target users who have already visited your website. By showing ads to these users as they browse the web, you can remind them of your products or services and encourage them to return to your site.
13. Offer white papers or research reports.
White papers and research reports can be a powerful way to showcase your expertise and attract new clients. By offering in-depth, informative content that addresses specific problems or issues faced by your target audience, you can establish yourself as an authority and build credibility with potential clients.
14. Utilize influencer marketing.
Influencer marketing involves partnering with influencers in your industry or niche to promote your products or services to their followers. This can effectively reach a new audience and find more clients for your online business.
15. Participate in online directories and review sites.
By listing your business in online directories and review sites, you can make it easier for potential clients to find you and learn more about your products or services.
Consider creating profiles on popular directories like Yelp, Google Business Center, Bing Places, and Yellow Pages.
16. Use chatbots.
Chatbots are AI-powered programs that can interact with users on your website and provide information or assistance. By using chatbots, you can make it easier for potential clients to learn more about your business and convert leads into customers.
A Final Word on Finding More Clients for Your Online Business
In conclusion, finding more clients for your online business is essential for the success and growth of your business.
You can implement many strategies to attract new customers and keep your business growing.
Remember to stay persistent and be willing to try new strategies and approaches. By continuously learning and adapting, you can find more clients for your online business and achieve your goals.
