How to find more customers in 2018

Written on 30 January, 2018 by Iona Yeung
Categories Marketing

The beginning of the year is a great time to set new goals and kick off new campaigns. There’s no better time to start fresh. If you’ve set big goals for your business this year, we’ve rounded up five simple ways to find more customers in 2018.

1. Improve existing campaigns

Those who take a ‘set and forget’ approach to advertising campaigns may be leaving money on the table. Algorithms and customer preferences are always changing. With ads working in real time, it’s important to monitor what’s working and what you need to improve. If you are using Google AdWords, you could look into adding new keywords to bid on.  If you’re using Facebook advertising you may be aware that major changes to the algorithm may mean an increase in ad costs for businesses. To make the most out of your advertising dollars, you’ll need an adjustment in strategy.

5 things you can do to improve existing campaigns:

  • Test new ad creative and copy
  • Pause under performing ads and keywords
  • Test new audiences
  • Add new keyword groups to your campaigns i.e. mispelling of brand terms
  • Tweak your landing pages i.e. review layout, creative and copy

2. Explore other ad formats

Regardless of the platform you use, there are many ways to reach new customers. If your paid ads are generating consistent results, you could maintain your paid campaigns i.e. Google AdWords while looking for ways to create organic traffic. Look into a long term play with long term gains. SEO (search engine optimisation) is an example of a marketing channel that delivers long term results. To understand the basics of SEO, read: A short guide to SEO basics.

[Understand the difference between PPC (Google AdWords) and SEO]

3. Don’t neglect traditional media

Many say print is dead but this doesn’t apply to all industries. For some businesses, local advertising in a community paper or radio station can be cost effective and deliver the local reach your business needs. Always test your ideas.

4. Use your own database

If you collect email addresses from your customers, you can use your database to generate consistent income. Set up referral programs or two for one deals. If someone has sign up to your mailing list, it means that they’ll likely be more receptive to the promotional messages you send. Email marketing is a cost effective channel. Unlike Facebook ads and Google AdWords, your list is an owned asset where paid platforms are borrowed.

5. Optimise your website

Quality traffic won’t matter if you don’t have a website that converts well. For example, your current website may attract 100 visitors a day. Out of those 100 visitors, two people may phone you or make a purchase. That leaves you with a conversion rate of 2%. If you made improvements to your site to create a better user experience, your conversion rate could double. This means that instead of two conversions, you’d have four with the same amount of traffic. If you’d like to know how your website is performing, sign up for a free website health check.

Also read: 5 elements of an effective website

Now is time to evaluate your website to ensure it is user friendly and that all your pricing and product offering is up to date. If you need a website health check, book one with our team- no strings attached.

 

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