Opinion
Every Nigerian who owns a small business understands that the
customer is the major source of sustenance for his/her trade. These days in
Nigeria though, no one wants to be sold to, and so most small business owners
are now finding it extra hard to attract customers. Some of them now find that
they have to consistently to eventually get business, especially those who run
a professional service business.
To make things easier for these small business owners as regards
attracting customers, Jumia travel shares 4 that will not only lure in new
customers, but will also keep them coming back.
Word-of-mouth
This may seem outdated or cliché considering it is one of the
oldest forms of marketing and advertising used by businesses, but while it may
be as fast-paced as radio or T.V, it can prove to be very efficient for a small
business. Basically, a satisfied customer is one of the most effective
marketing and advertising tools a small business can ever have, when a customer
is happy and satisfied with a product or service, there’s a natural human
tendency that they are likely to share this experience with people in their
circle of trust and influence, and will go to great lengths to promote,
convince, protect and defend your business outside.
Cross-promote your business
The problem with most small business in Nigeria is that they want
to be independent and do it all alone. They do not see any need to corroborate
with other businesses and cross-promote as they feel it may make them seem weak
or they fear the other business may end of taking all their customers. The
truth however is that joining forces with other businesses is a good order to
reach a wider customer base and get more business. From offering incentives to customers who use
both your services, to providing each other’s fliers to your customers, and
sharing ad space in newspapers that you normally could not afford by yourself,
there are many ways to use cross-promotion.
Look for and tap into unique
communities
Do not sit around and wait for customers to just show up after
viewing your ads or hearing testimonies from customer. Actively research and find out
clubs/organizations, as well as different causes that you can get involved with
and positively introduce your business to in the long run. Exploring these communities
will create a natural and low stress opportunities to network. Generally, the
more interest you explore, the more publicity for your business, and certainly,
the greater the number of people you network with.
Generate conversation and maintain
strong online presence
It is 2016, let’s face it
no business is really regarded unless it has some kind of presence on the
internet. Almost everyone goes online to
research a product or a shop before making an actual purchase. The best way to
get more customers is to ensure your name pops up ones they go to any of the
search engines online. Ensure you have a website or a blog for your business
that is informational, but useful as well. For instance, it should have a forum
where they can answer questions and provide tips that their customers would
find useful. If you cannot afford to
build a website or blog yet, use social media to promote your business and
generate conversation with your target market. Facebook, Twitter and instagram
are great choices.
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