If you just started a small business, you’re probably wondering how to increase traffic and get more customers. There are multiple ways to gain recognition, but focusing on just a few key principles will set you on the path to steadier progress and better results. Whether you’re a brand new business owner or a seasoned expert, these tips will help you to grow and improve your business, even if you’re just getting off the ground.

Set Measurable Goals

You’ll better understand how to boost your business by first deciding what you hope to accomplish in the near future. Set regular, measurable goals, ranging anywhere from finances to customer service. Then make a detailed plan, listing smaller objectives that will help you to reach your goal. For example, if you hope to cut back on spending, design a budget and then record your expenses each month. By tracking your progress, you can adjust your goals and increase your effectiveness.

Talk to Current Customers

Always devote time to building and maintaining client relationships. Current customers are your most valuable asset, as they are most familiar with your work, and thus more likely to continue using your services, especially if you provide them with a positive experience. Communicate with clients regularly, asking questions and giving suggestions as to how you might be able to solve their problems. You can also rely on current customers to give you honest feedback about your services and suggestions on how to improve.

Ask for Referrals

If your customers have a positive experience, ask them for referrals. You can request that they pass your name along to friends whom they think might be interested, or you can ask for the names of specific people to contact yourself. You should also consider asking clients to offer a brief testimonial for your website. Don’t pressure anyone, but politely explain how much they would be helping you. If they were pleased with your services, they should be happy to leave a review, and they might even be more inclined to tell their friends afterwards. Word of mouth is a great way to advertise your business, and it’s free! 

Advertise

Advertising comes in many forms, but some of the most effective marketing can be accomplished right from your computer. Social media is a great way to reach lots of people at once. You can either purchase ad space from a social media platform, or just establish a following and use regular posts and giveaways to expand your outreach. Google ads are another way to get your name out there, and they offer a variety of options. You can even create local search ads, which will target people nearest to you and rank your business above other search results.

Another less traditional way of advertising is to build better relationships with influential bloggers and ask them to write a recommendation for your business. Most will be happy to do so, especially if you offer them free services in exchange for their review.

Improve Your Site’s Google Search Ranking

Enhance your online presence through search engine optimization. By publishing relevant content and updating that content regularly, you will draw potential customers to your website, and by extension, your business. Use keywords while blogging, especially those that potential clients are regularly searching for. The more specific you are, the better your chances of being found through google search engine.

You can boost search optimization even more through link building, a technique in which other websites link back to your page. You can reach out to websites personally, or use a link building site to pair you with other businesses. The more partnerships you build, the higher you will rank in Google search results.

If you are struggling to get revenue for your business, it’s time to test these tips out for yourself. Take your business to the next level as you improve client relationships and invest in digital marketing.