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How to increase sales for your small business

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Successful small business owners are always looking for ways to increase sales. The amount of sales that you do will be the determining factor as to whether you stay in business or quietly shut your doors. However, many times small business owners feel overwhelmed when they are trying to determine the best way to increase sales. This often leads them to panic and begin trying methods that are not always effective or profitability.The good news is that there are some simple tips that will help you to accomplish this. Here is what you need to know about how to increase sales for your small business-

- Market more effectively to the customers you already have-It is important to keep in mind that up to 80% of your sales is happening with the customers that you already have. This makes it crucial that you keep in touch with your current customers. Inexperienced small business owners often make the mistake of focusing only on finding new customers. While you should certainly always be looking to expand your customer base you should not overlook the customers you already have. Ask yourself-Are there ways that you could communicate better with your current customers? Do they need to know about what you can offer them in a new and different way? Is there a product or a modification to a current product that could increase sales with your current customers? Does your current customers feel appreciated and acknowledged?All of these questions can give you information about the way you can attract your current customers to come back and buy more from you.
- Market to new customers-As mentioned above as you market to your existing customers you also need to be searching to expand your customer base. Keep in mind that while your existing customers already know what you can offer them potential customers won't. That means that you will have to position your marketing in such a way as to educate your potential customers. You will need to clearly communicate to your potential customers what the benefits are for purchasing from you rather then your competition. Your marketing needs to be fresh, exciting, and able to stand out from your competition.
- Use your customers to help you-One of the most effective ways to increase sales is by using something that you already have-your customers. You can offer incentives to your current customers to help you spread the word about what your company can offer. Whether you ask for referrals and recommendations or give your customers an incentive for bringing someone in to buy from you, your customers can function as a supplemental sales force. You shouldn't hesitate to ask your customers to recommend you to their family and friends.
- Look for another niche market-Many time's small business owner's focus exclusively on a particular niche market. This can often limit the opportunity that you have for making sales. Many times going back and looking closely at the niche market that you are targeting can give you ideas as to where you can expand your marketing. Often times there will be a nearby niche market that may be just as interested in your product as your current niche market. This can be a way to quickly expand your sales into a population that you may not have even been considering.
- Always be networking-You should never overlook an opportunity to talk about your small business. Whether you are waiting in line at the bank or attending a Business Alliance meeting you should always have plenty of business cards on hand and be willing to be talking about your small business. This can be one of the most effective ways to find new customers and key contacts that can increase your sales.

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