Your customers are more than just important to you, they’re the lifeblood of your business and without their loyal custom, the majority of companies would quickly fall into the abyss. With so many competitors and an increasingly savvy bunch of consumers, holding onto customers and finding new ones isn’t as easy as it used to be. The worldwide web has many advantages, but giving users the option to find even better bargains and better suited brands isn’t one of them for business owners servicing all sectors.

Customer reach is a funny old thing, whilst many small to medium sized businesses have their target audiences and target areas, the prospect of increasing reach to a new market, location or age range could send profits soaring and cement success for years to come. Boosting the customer reach of your brand is possible and we’ve nailed down five tips to get you started…

1. Gain a better insight into your market

Getting to know your prospects and existing customers is a vital part of identifying a natural progression forward into a new market or area. By understanding your customer base’s needs you can refine your service for success, supporting existing clients whilst expanding your service to new customers.

2. Make the most of those social networks

Social media marketing is a powerful and cost effective route into a new market, new area and new audience, that is, if it’s used correctly. Your social networks can be easily utilised to network with sales and prospects, whether you are taking a purely organic approach or using a network’s advertising potential. Social media has revolutionised the way businesses can share information with their customers, so have conversations worth listening to and expand your reach to pastures new accordingly.

3. Get out there in person too

There’s nothing quite like good, old fashioned networking, and whilst all the technological advancements we now have access to make it so easy to channel all your efforts into online marketing and sales, face-to-face networking still garners powerful outcomes. According to recent research, 84% of people still prefer in-person meetings. The same survey revealed that 85% thought more meaningful and stronger business relationships are built face to face. Networking in your new target area is a great step in the right direction and an opportunity to get back to basics with great results.

4. Partner up for improved reach

Working with other businesses may seem counterproductive but there are many benefits that go hand-in-hand with striking up partnerships. Finding a fellow company that complements your brand and what it does means tapping into new markets and providing an even better service for the customers who have shopped with you before or are yet to work with you.

5. Adapt with your business and your market

Even for similar businesses servicing the same target market, one size certainly doesn’t fit all when it comes to expanding customer reach.

Finding fresh ways to reach your audience and conquer new, and until now untapped, areas is down to playing to your individual strengths. Adapt your marketing plan on a regular basis, particularly if your business has grown or your market has evolved – strategies that didn’t work months or even years ago may be worth revisiting. With all customer outreach and marketing activities, measuring the results of campaigns can provide powerful insights into what works for you as well as meaningful data and inspiration for new approaches and strategies.

Like what you see and want to learn more? We’re here to help! Our blog and social pages are full of useful bits and bobs. Our team can also assist you with any queries you may have.