Expanding your client base

Every successful company knows that a good marketing plan starts with expanding your client base. Everyone wants to have a broad customer base that will keep them in business for a long time. How can you expand your customer base? Here are some easy tips to follow:

Tip # 1 - Think of your customers
Whenever you design a new product, think of what information your customers need. How will they understand the message you are trying to convey? Every brochure you send out, every phone call you make, and every product you design must focus on your customers. When you put your customers first, you are showing them that you care about their opinion. The advertisements need to speak directly to your customers, which can be hard in a society that is overwhelmed with hundreds of different advertisements each day.

Tip # 2 - Surveys
A great way to expand your customer base is to contact your current customers and ask for their opinion. You can easily do this by talking to your customers when they call to order a product or when they are in your store. Then there is always the direct mail pieces that can help you gain some feedback. Several stores have set up online feedback forums for their customers to participate in surveys using a special code. When you use a survey, you need to ask your customers what they think about your products and your company. Ask them what they like about your company and products and what they would change.

Tip # 3 - Define your target market
When you know what your current customers think about your company and their demographics, it will be easier to start targeting new customers. You need to have your market clearly defined for specific products. If you want a new customer base, find out what type of products or services that customer base would be interested in. Try to reach this new target market for at least 12 months before you give-up on them. Sometimes it will take target markets at least a year to respond. Make sure you haven't tapped out the market before you start advertising to them. Small markets are easy to tap out and you will be wasting thousands of dollars that should be put towards a new audience. One way to start targeting different markets is to send out small mailers to a broad spectrum of people. If you target about 10 percent of the total audience and you get good feedback from them, you can easily start evaluating if you should send out larger mailings.

Tip # 4 - Follow-up
The follow-up rule will apply to new and current customers. Since you have already sent out surveys to your current customers, you only need to focus on the new customers. Ask them about their experience with your company and make sure you express genuine interest in their opinion. You want your customers to think of your company like their family so that they will continue to come back and purchase your products. Always get back with your customers within 48 hours if they have a problem or general question about your product. Bad customer service skills are the downfall for several companies and it is sure to leave a bad taste in your customer's mouths.

Tip # 5 - Partnerships
One of the best ways to attract new clients is to partner with another company. Make sure this company does not compete against your company in any way. Exchange advertising with them by offering them space in your office to place a small marketing piece and start splitting the size of your ads. Partnerships are a great way to expand your customer base and build your sales.