At the start of a new business venture, a lot of planning is required. That is why it is always advisable that small businesses have a business plan before they even start. A business plan helps you identify all the opportunities that you would possibly overlook had you not taken the proper time to plan. Remember what they say: “Failing to plan, is planning to fail.”
Read also: Strategic Business Planning for the Year 2024
An important part of your business plan, in addition to funding, operations, general management, competitor analysis, and customer analysis, is how are you going to get customers. This forms part of your marketing plan.
While your marketing plan looks into how you intend to spread the message and get customers to know about your products or services an important part that most business owners tend to overlook is the customer acquisition plan which includes important considerations like having a clear idea of who your customer is and how you are going to get them to buy your product or service.
Marketplaces are quickly growing as an easy and innovative alternative for small businesses looking to reach their target market and get customers cheaply and quickly.
Read also: Guide to Selling On an Online Marketplace
Find out everything you need to know about customer acquisition and how marketplaces can help you get more customers.
What is a customer acquisition strategy?
Smart Insights cites that a customer acquisition strategy is the best mix of media and engagement tools used together to get new customers. This can be achieved through the use and implementation of different customer acquisition channels, both paid and inbound.
Why is customer acquisition important?
For your business to grow, you need to keep attracting new customers and converting them into returning customers. Customer acquisition also helps when you are looking for investors. When investors can see that your business keeps getting more customers, they are more likely to invest in your business. Customer acquisition also builds loyalty and brand awareness.
Here are four customer acquisition channels that small businesses with little to no budget can start implementing today:
Blogging
Blogging is a great way to position your business as an expert in your category while building trust with your customers. Blogging offers you the opportunity to reach and engage with your customers through infographics, educational blog posts and compelling content. If your business has a website, you can start creating blog posts on your website and ensure that you direct your visitors to all the right landing pages on your website.
Social Media
Social media is a great place to find your customers and build a relationship with them. You can share content that you have published on your website blog, increase brand awareness and position your business as a leader in the market. You must identify where your customers spend their time on social media and join those social media platforms.
Email marketing
One of the best tools for B2B businesses is email marketing. With email marketing, you can engage with the customers and convert them into paying customers. A while back, social media had dominance, however, email marketing remains one of the best marketing tools you can use. Everyone has an email address and you can connect with them. Start building your email marketing database and start sending emails that can convert today.
Marketplace
Joining a marketplace is one strategy that small businesses can use to market their business. An online marketplace is a platform where small businesses can list their products and services to meet customers. Registering on a marketplace requires little to no budget. All you need to do is register your business, budget every month how much you are willing to spend to buy leads and start your journey towards getting customers.
Read also: How to Promote Your Business Through Online Marketplaces
On Serv, our goal is to help small B2B businesses. Serv connects B2B service providers with businesses seeking professional services, including accounting, marketing, IT, web development and business consulting services. By listing on Serv, small businesses can gain access to markets, expand their digital presence, as well as secure qualified B2B customers.
How Serv B2B Marketplace Can Help Your Small Business
Are you a B2B SME looking for leads? Join Serv today for as little as R125 per month and start getting leads straight to your inbox. Using Serv, small B2B businesses can market themselves, save money, and start competing with big businesses.
SMEs looking for B2B Service Providers can also easily and quickly find a local B2B Service Provider. Whether you are looking for an accountant, web developer or business consultant, explore Serv today and find a trusted service provider.
Learn more about Lead Generation and Serv B2B Service Marketplace on our FAQ Page.
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