It’s hard enough starting a business but you’ve been able to get over that hurdle. You know your customers are out there but you’re wondering why they aren’t coming in like they used to. You’ve been able to keep them for some years but things just don’t feel the same. Well every business goes through ups and down and cash flow is always a factor but here are 3 reasons why your customers may have stopped coming.
You aren’t talking to your customers
In this digital and mobile age of communication you have to talk to your customers where they “hangout” on traditional platforms like TV, Print, radio and digital platforms like websites, Facebook, and Instagram. There’s still value in relationships and word of mouth, but providing something for customers to talk about once they get online or use their phone is key. With 95% of mobile users using their phone for local search it’s a good idea to make it easy for them to find you.
Tips:
– Define your target audience and do some research on how often they engage with Traditional and Digital Media
– ask your customers what their favorite social media app is or what websites they enjoy visiting
– Like any conversation be interesting and understand the platform you are using to speak with your customers. Don’t go be the insurance sales person a dinner party.
Your business doesn’t stand out in the market
Whether you’re a big fish in a small pond or a small fish in a big pond you are in there to survive and hopefully grow. Standing out among all the noise becomes harder and harder each year but if you stay true to your brand and its value it becomes easier to get your message across. Your customers have the internet. They have enough resources to find a good price on any product of service. What will keep them coming back to you? The experience and story you give to your customer is what will keep them coming back. What are you doing to go above and beyond the competition? What experiences can you create that allows your customer to engage with your brand in a new way?
Tips:
– Don’t copy and paste the big players. Just because it worked for them doesn’t mean it will work for you.
– create a unique experience that only you can provide for your customers. Maybe it’s a special email newsletter with insider tips and deals or after hours’ sips and dip series where customers get to know you and the business better
– connect with local influencers in your area. Connect with people that are passionate about your product or service and see how you can work together to build both your brand and theirs.
Your marketing and advertising sucks
This is just the hard truth. You aren’t communicating effectively on traditional or digital media because you have become disconnected to what is current in the market. As a business owner you have a lot on your plate so it’s hard to know the ins and outs of Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter and how they can help your business sales. You should be open to new ideas and implementing strategies that make you a little uncomfortable. Go out on a limb because that’s where the fruit is! You shouldn’t stay in the dark because you’re afraid to try something new. What you’re doing now isn’t working so it can’t hurt to try new ways to marketing your product or service.
Tips:
– People want to be advertised to but they don’t want to know that they are being advertised to
– Don’t market and advertise to yourself. You may only be a small percentage of your target.
– Ask a professional to give you the truth about your brand and what you need to do to get better
– Be open to change