Establishing a customer base

You are new on the business scene and have high hopes for success.You have a product that you believe in and the know how to run the business.Nevertheless, something is missing.customers!Your business cannot survive without a customer base and it is now your job to establish that customer base.People are smart, they are not going to invest their hard-earned money into a business that they are unsure about.It is your job to stand out from the competition and introduce the latest and greatest products that your company has to offer.But getting your customers in the door can many times prove to be the most difficult task in sales. It is your job market your business by coming up with a way of interesting customers to the point that they feel it is worth the time and effort to see what it is that you have to offer.Here are some suggestions for getting potential customers interested and excited about your business, with the ultimate goal being that they will become not only a part of your customer base, but a loyal customer whokeeps coming back for more.

Suggestions for establishing a customer base

Marketing is full of strategies for making your business and the products or services that you offer known to as many people in your target market as possible.There are strategies that vary when it comes to financial and time commitments so it is likely that you will be able to come up with at least a few strategies that work with what resources you have available to you.

• Grand opening incentives - Having a grand opening party is a great way to kick you are your efforts of building a customer base.Everyone likes a party and most people I know would rather buy something on sale than not on sale.This is why having grand opening celebrations with corresponding markdowns is something that you hear about so often.There are many ways you can get people to come to your store.Many businesses use raffles or other types of prize giveaways to get people to the new store and to become acquainted with what is available there.
• Coupons - Many people use coupons to justify a purchase that they may not normally make or would normally save up to buy instead.By giving up a small portion of your mark up, not only will you appeal to more buyers, but you will lessen the apprehension that buyers feel of spending too much money on something that they are not sure they will enjoy.
• Special offers for first time customers - While it is going to be important to maintain customer loyalty in the future, at the start of your business it is more important to entice new customers to join your customer base.A great way to achieve this is to offer first time or new customers special incentives for joining or coming in.This may be a waived fee or membership charge or could even be free services offered the first time it is used.Be creative with what you offer new customers.

There is no book of answers when it comes to establishing a customer base.Getting your customers in the door is not a cut and dry task.Different customers will need different motivation to make that step and come that close to making the commitment of buying.This is why it is so important to market well, be sure to reach your target market, and provide incentives that get people excited.Do whatever you can to raise awareness of the product.