Finding customers is our speciality. Here’s our proof: Google says its search index covers hundreds of billions of webpages. Out of all of those, you found this one.
Below are the main ways new UK businesses win customers, online and offline. You don’t need all of them. Pick two or three that suit how your customers buy, and give them a few months.
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Ways to find customers
Online marketing
Be easy to find when people search, scroll or check their inbox. Start with one or two channels you can keep up every week.
Offline marketing
Flyers, cards, signs, local press and showing up in person still work, especially for local services and trades.
Local networking & events
Local business groups, markets, fairs and community events put you in front of people face to face. Pick a few and go regularly so people get to know you.
Referrals from customers
Happy customers are your best sales team. Ask at the right moment, make it easy to pass your details on, and always say thank you.
Referrals from businesses & partners
Businesses that serve the same customers, but don't compete with you, can send work your way, and you can return the favour.
Reviews
Reviews help new customers choose you. Ask every happy customer, reply to every review, and never buy or fake them.
Email & staying in touch
Most customers won't buy the first time they find you. A simple, permission-based email list keeps you in mind until they're ready.
Offers that win the first sale
An introductory offer can get people to try you, but it has to make sense for your profit.
Finding customers in 67 seconds
A quick tour of the main ways to win customers, online and offline.
Read the transcript
Out of the hundreds of billions of webpages out there, you found this one.
That's our speciality: helping people find the right business. Now, let's help customers find yours!
Online, start where people are already looking. Your Google Business Profile, a clear website, social media you can keep up with, and a simple email list.
Offline still works too. Flyers and business cards, local networking, markets and events. Show up regularly, and people get to know you.
Then there's word of mouth. Ask your happy customers to pass your name on, make it easy for them, and always say thank you.
Team up with businesses that serve the same customers but don't compete with you. Send work their way, and they can send work to yours.
And ask every happy customer for a review. Reply to every one, and never buy or fake them.
You don't need to do it all. Pick two or three, and give them a few months. Finding customers, free, from New Business HQ.
Where to start
- Write one sentence about who you help, with what, and where.
- Pick one online channel and one offline or referral channel.
- Ask every happy customer for a review and a referral.
- Check what’s working each month and drop what isn’t.
Got a way of finding customers we should cover? Suggest it or email hello@newbusinesshq.co.uk.