How to Get New Customers: Proven Techniques for Scalable Growth

24 min read

The surge in mobile internet usage has revolutionized customer search behavior, with the majority of web traffic now generated via smartphones.

This shift demands a responsive, mobile-optimized digital presence, ensuring businesses are easily discoverable in a sea of online competition. Embrace these insights and techniques to transform your customer acquisition strategy, leveraging the digital landscape to foster growth and reach your target market effectively.

In order to thrive in the ever-evolving digital landscape, businesses need to embrace change and stay ahead of the competition. A well-crafted digital marketing plan is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for any company that wishes to succeed in today's fast-paced world.

Over the past ten years, there has been a remarkable surge in online searches for products and services. This transition from traditional means of gathering information, like phone directories and brick-and-mortar shops, to the digital realm has been propelled by the accessibility of fast and dependable internet connections, as well as the widespread use of smartphones. To navigate this digital surge effectively, explore 'The Ultimate Digital Marketing Workbook for Business Owners and Marketing Executives'.

Key Benefits Of A Digital Marketing Plan

Having a well-crafted digital marketing plan can be a game-changer for businesses. By harnessing the power of SEO and other digital marketing tactics, you can enhance your online visibility and make it easier for potential customers to discover your brand. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Let's dive deeper into the key benefits that a digital marketing plan can offer.

Increased visibility:

By implementing effective SEO strategies and employing various digital marketing techniques, you can significantly enhance your visibility on search engine results pages, thereby increasing your chances of being discovered by potential customers.

Cost-effectiveness:

Digital marketing has emerged as a game-changing strategy, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional marketing methods like print advertising and direct mail.

Targeted advertising:

Digital marketing offers the unique advantage of reaching targeted audiences based on their interests and demographics, guaranteeing a higher chance of success for your advertising endeavors.

Real-time results:

Digital marketing offers a distinct advantage over traditional marketing methods by providing real-time tracking of campaign results. This allows businesses to make timely adjustments to their strategies in order to achieve optimal outcomes.

In today's digital world, your potential customers are actively searching for the products and services they need online. They rely on platforms like Yelp and social media to discover businesses like yours. By implementing an effective digital marketing plan, you can ensure that your business stands out and competes with others in your industry. Don't miss out on the opportunity to be visible to your target audience.

How Do Your Customers Discover You?

In January 2022, Google accounted for 93.25% of the mobile search market in the United States.

As traditional methods of finding businesses, such as print media and phone books, become less relevant, customers are increasingly relying on online search to discover new companies. With the widespread use of smartphones and tablets, it is crucial for businesses to establish a strong online presence that is optimized for mobile devices.

Mobile devices have become one of the primary ways that customers find businesses. The convenience of smartphones and tablets allows customers to easily search for and access information about various companies. Therefore, it is essential for businesses to ensure that their online presence is mobile-friendly in order to capture the attention of these customers.

Google is a dominant force in online search. However, it is important for businesses to consider other platforms, such as YouTube and social media, as part of their online presence. By having content on these platforms, businesses can increase their visibility in internet searches by approximately 6.3%. This number is expected to rise as the average user spends more time on social media platforms, with the typical user currently spending 147 minutes per day on these platforms.

The use of mobile devices, particularly smartphones, to access the internet and search for information is a growing trend. According to the Pew Research Center, 97% of Americans currently own smartphones. This trend is not limited to younger generations, as individuals between the ages of 30-49 have a smartphone ownership rate of 95%, and even individuals aged 50-64 have a rate of 83%. Additionally, seniors are also adopting smartphones, with 61% of individuals aged 65+ having access to the internet through their mobile devices.

Currently, mobile phones account for 60.66% of all website traffic, while desktops and tablets account for 39.34%. Social media platforms also play a significant role in digital media consumption, with 25% of all digital media being consumed on these platforms. Given that social media is predominantly accessed on mobile devices, businesses must optimize their social media presence for mobile to effectively reach their target audience. Maximize your digital media impact with proven strategies from 'The Ultimate Digital Marketing Workbook for Business Owners and Marketing Executives'.

When it comes to attracting customers, businesses must understand their needs and preferences. Customers seek reliable information from trustworthy sources to make informed decisions. They also value transparent and responsive customer service, which can be achieved through clear and concise information on websites, availability of a customer service team, and multiple channels for customers to reach out with questions or concerns. Furthermore, customers want to feel that their investment in a product or service is worth it, whether through competitive prices, value-added features or services, or demonstrations of value through customer testimonials or case studies.

To effectively reach customers in the 21st century, businesses must consider their search behaviors. Customers primarily search for businesses through online search engines like Google, but they also utilize social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Additionally, word of mouth recommendations and referrals from friends, family, and colleagues still play a significant role in finding trusted businesses.

To cater to their customer base, businesses should create content that aligns with their specific needs. For example, creating a regular blog that targets strategic keywords can help improve visibility on Google. On the other hand, investing in video content can be effective for businesses with a strong presence on social media platforms. Other types of content to consider include infographics, podcasts, ebooks, and regular social media posts.

Inbound marketing, which involves creating high-quality content that addresses the needs and problems of the target audience, is a highly effective strategy for attracting new customers. To ensure that content ranks highly in search results, businesses should carefully research keywords, create high-quality content, and optimize it for search engine optimization. By following these tips, businesses can position themselves as go-to resources for customers seeking solutions to their problems.

Enhancing Your Online Visibility

It is clear that Google is a dominant player in the world of online search, and having a strong presence on Google can be beneficial for businesses that want to grow. However, it is also important for businesses to consider other platforms, such as YouTube and social media, as part of their online presence.

Having content on these platforms can increase the visibility of a business to internet searches. In fact, having a presence on YouTube and social media can increase the number of internet searches that a business is visible in by around 6.3%. This number is likely to increase as the average user spends more and more time on social media, with the typical user currently spending 147 minutes per day on these platforms.

Mobile Devices: A Growing Trend

The rise in mobile device usage, particularly smartphones, is a significant trend in today's society. With the increasing number of smartphone owners, more and more people are using these devices to access the internet and search for information.

According to the Pew Research Center, 97% of Americans own smartphones currently. This trend is not limited to younger generations but also includes older individuals:

95% of Americans between the ages 30-49 have a smartphone
83% of individuals between the ages 50-64 own a smartphone
Seniors are also joining in on the fun with 61% of the 65+ crowd having the internet at their fingertips.

The Battle of Mobile vs. Desktop: Who Reigns Supreme in Online Searches?

Currently, mobile phones are the primary source of website traffic, accounting for 60.66% of all website traffic. In contrast, desktops and tablets are responsible for 39.34% of website traffic.

Social media platforms play a crucial role in the consumption of digital media, accounting for a significant 25% of all digital media consumed. What's more, social media is predominantly accessed through mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.

This shift towards mobile usage for social media has profound implications for businesses. To effectively reach their target audience, businesses must optimize their social media presence for mobile devices. This may involve creating mobile-friendly content and ensuring that customers can easily engage with the business on their mobile devices.

What are the desires and needs of customers?

What are the specific needs and desires that customers have when they're searching for something? It could range from something as simple as finding the capital city of a country to something more specific like locating a reliable cupcake vendor or an exceptional lawyer in their city.

When customers are making decisions, what factors influence their choices? What are they really looking for from your business?

We've identified the top three needs as:

Solutions

Customers are seeking accurate and dependable information from a credible source to assist them in making well-informed decisions. They want to feel confident that the information they receive is reliable and trustworthy, as it can greatly impact their choices and outcomes. By providing accurate and dependable information, businesses can establish themselves as credible sources and build trust with their customers.

One way businesses can meet this need is by conducting thorough research and providing well-researched content. This includes gathering data from reliable sources, conducting surveys or studies, and analyzing trends and patterns. By presenting evidence-based information, businesses can assure their customers that they are knowledgeable and well-informed in their field.

Another way to meet this need is by providing clear and concise information. Customers appreciate content that is easy to understand and digest. Businesses should avoid using jargon or complex language that may confuse or intimidate their audience. Instead, they should strive to communicate their message in a straightforward and accessible manner.

Businesses can enhance their credibility by showcasing their expertise and experience. This can be done through case studies, testimonials, or success stories that demonstrate their track record of delivering reliable and accurate information. By providing real-life examples and showcasing their accomplishments, businesses can instill confidence in their customers and position themselves as trusted authorities in their industry.

Customers have a strong desire for accurate and dependable information from credible sources. By conducting thorough research, providing clear and concise content, and showcasing expertise and experience, businesses can meet this need and establish themselves as reliable sources of information. This, in turn, can build trust and loyalty with customers, leading to long-term success.

Customer Service

Customers are looking for businesses that prioritize transparency and responsiveness to their questions and concerns. To provide excellent customer service, it is important to offer clear and concise information on your website. Additionally, having a dedicated customer service team available to answer questions and providing multiple channels for customers to reach out with their concerns can go a long way in building trust and loyalty with customers.

Customers appreciate businesses that value their feedback and are responsive to their needs. This can be achieved by implementing a customer feedback system where customers can easily provide their opinions, suggestions, and concerns. By actively listening to their feedback and promptly addressing any issues or concerns, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to customer satisfaction.

Businesses can enhance their customer service by offering various channels of communication. This could include a live chat feature on the website, a dedicated customer service email address, or a phone line with knowledgeable representatives ready to assist. The availability of multiple communication channels ensures that customers can reach out in their preferred method and receive timely assistance.

It is also crucial for businesses to provide clear and concise information on their website. This includes detailed product descriptions, pricing information, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) sections. By proactively addressing common customer queries and providing comprehensive information, businesses can alleviate any potential confusion or uncertainty.

Businesses should strive to maintain transparency in their operations. This could involve openly communicating about their company policies, return and refund procedures, and any potential limitations or restrictions. Customers appreciate businesses that are upfront and honest about their practices, as it helps them make informed decisions and builds trust.

Prioritizing transparency and responsiveness is key to delivering excellent customer service. By offering clear and concise information, establishing multiple channels of communication, actively listening to customer feedback, and maintaining transparency in operations, businesses can build trust and loyalty with their customers. This, in turn, leads to customer satisfaction and long-term success.

Value

To ensure that customers feel their investment in a product or service is worthwhile, businesses must go beyond simply offering competitive prices. They need to provide value-added features or services that set them apart from their competitors. This could include offering additional benefits, such as extended warranties, free shipping, or personalized customer support.

Showcasing the value of the product or service through customer testimonials or case studies can significantly influence customers' perception of its worth. By highlighting real-life experiences and success stories, businesses can demonstrate the tangible benefits and outcomes that customers can expect.

Customer testimonials are a powerful tool for building trust and credibility. When potential customers see positive reviews or hear about others' positive experiences, they are more likely to believe in the value of the product or service and make a purchase.

Case studies are another effective way to showcase the value of a product or service. By presenting detailed examples of how the product or service has benefited real customers, businesses can provide concrete evidence of its value. This can be particularly impactful in industries where customers may have concerns or reservations about the effectiveness or usefulness of a product or service.

Businesses should strive to not only offer competitive prices but also deliver additional value that exceeds customer expectations. By demonstrating the value through customer testimonials and case studies, businesses can effectively communicate the benefits of their products or services and convince customers that their investment will be worthwhile.

How Customers Are Discovering Your Products and Services

Customers are looking for businesses in different ways, and these ways are directly tied to their needs. You can figure these things out by using customer insights. Here are the three main ways that customers are searching for businesses in the 21st century:

Online search:

Nowadays, an increasing number of customers are relying on online search engines like Google to discover businesses that can fulfill their needs for solutions, exceptional customer service, and valuable offerings.

Social media:

Customers are turning to popular social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to discover businesses and gain valuable insights into the products and services they provide. These platforms offer a unique opportunity for businesses to connect with their target audience and showcase the value they offer. By leveraging the power of social media, businesses can effectively reach and engage with customers in a way that resonates with them.

Word of mouth:

Customers continue to depend on the recommendations and referrals of their trusted social circle, including friends, family, and colleagues, when searching for businesses to establish trust and engage in transactions with.

Discovering the Perfect Content for Your Target Audience

The type of content that will resonate best with your customer base depends on the unique needs of your business. For instance, if your goal is to improve your ranking on Google, creating a regular blog that strategically targets keywords can help you dominate search results for those specific terms.

On the other hand, if you have a strong presence on social media, investing in video content can be a powerful way to engage with your audience and differentiate yourself on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

In addition to blogs and videos, there are many other types of content that can be effective for reaching your customers. Here are some ideas to consider:

Infographics: These can be a great way to present information in a visual and easy-to-understand format.
Podcasts: Podcasts are becoming increasingly popular, and they can be a great way to reach a specific audience.
Ebooks: Ebooks can be an effective way to provide in-depth information about a topic that is relevant to your business.
Social media posts: Regularly posting on social media can help you engage with your audience and keep them up to date on what your business is doing.

In the end, the secret lies in discovering the content formats that truly resonate with your customers and align with your business objectives. Be bold and try out various formats to determine what works best for your unique business.

The Art of Crafting Compelling Content for Inbound Marketing

Inbound marketing is a powerful strategy for attracting new customers. By creating valuable and high-quality content that addresses the specific needs and challenges of your target audience, you can establish yourself as a trusted resource for the solutions they are searching for. This is especially important in the business world, where many customer relationships begin with a simple online search.

For instance, picture a customer in Alexandria, VA, who has a malfunctioning dishwasher and is seeking a solution. They may input a search query like "fix broken dishwasher Alexandria VA" into a search engine like Google. Within seconds, they will be presented with a list of websites, videos, and blogs that rank highly for those relevant keywords. From there, they can explore the different content options available, looking for information that will assist them in repairing their dishwasher.

As a business owner, you want to be one of the options that appears at the top of that search results page. After all, 75% of users won't go beyond the first page of Google, so showing up on the first page is crucial if you want to attract new customers. But with so much competition out there, how can you make sure your content ranks highly for the keywords you're targeting?

Here are a few tips to help you create content that will rank well in search results:

Research your keywords carefully.

Make sure you're using the right keywords to attract your target audience. Use tools like Google's Keyword Planner to see how often people are searching for those keywords and how much competition there is for them.

Create high-quality content.

Search engines like Google want to provide their users with the best possible results, so they'll rank content that's well-written, well-researched, and provides real value to the reader. Make sure your content meets these criteria, and you'll be more likely to rank highly.

Optimize your content for search engines.

This means using the right keywords in the right places, including in your title, your headings, and your meta description. It also means using formatting techniques like bullet points and bold text to make your content more readable and engaging.

Promote your content.

Once you've created great content, it's important to let people know it exists. Share it on social media, include it in your email newsletters, and use other marketing channels to get the word out. The more people who see your content, the more likely it is to rank well in search results.

Make sure your website is mobile-friendly.

As the number of smartphone users accessing the internet continues to rise, it is imperative that your website is optimized for mobile devices, ensuring effortless navigation and user-friendly experience.

Use a mix of organic and paid growth strategies

This strategy will boost the online presence of your website and significantly enhance the chances of potential customers discovering your offerings when they search for relevant products or services.

The Power of Social Media to Forge Stronger Customer Connections

Social media serves as a powerful platform for fostering meaningful interactions with your customers. It allows them to ask questions, provide valuable feedback, and engage with your brand on a deeper level.

Establishing a strong social media presence can greatly enhance your online reputation and boost your search engine ranking. This creates a seamless pathway for potential customers to discover your business and gain insights into the valuable products and services you offer.

There are a few ways to ensure that your customers can find you on social media:

Claim your business name on all relevant social media platforms. This will help prevent someone else from using your business name and potentially confusing your customers.
Consistently use the same business name and profile picture across all your social media accounts.
Use keywords in your social media bios and posts that are relevant to your business.
Include links to your social media accounts on your website and other online platforms, such as your email signature.

How to Leverage Great Customer Service To Increase Visibility Online

Providing exceptional customer service should be a top priority for businesses. In today's competitive market, consumers are seeking out companies that genuinely care about their needs and satisfaction. By prioritizing great customer service, businesses can create a positive reputation and establish strong connections with their customers.

Here are some ways you can offer the best possible experience for your customers online:

Be responsive

Actively interact with your audience by promptly responding to reviews and engaging with comments on social media. This demonstrates that your company is attentive and compassionate, rather than distant and uninterested. You may want to consider hiring someone to handle these interactions on a regular basis, ensuring that your customers receive the best possible experience online.

Engage with reviews, both positive and negative

Make it a priority to address every review, regardless of whether it's positive or negative. This conveys that you value your customers' feedback and are genuinely invested in their experiences.

Use Targeted Content

To produce compelling content that resonates with your audience, it is essential to have a deep understanding of their interests. For instance, if you are a handyman, posting about knitting a sweater would not be relevant. Instead, focus on sharing valuable information about common household repairs that your customers would find interesting. By tailoring your content to their needs, you can establish a strong connection and provide them with the valuable insights they are seeking.

An effective way to tailor your content to your target audience is by utilizing the data you gather about your customers. For instance, if you own a beauty salon and your typical customer falls within the age range of 30 to 50, you can create a "customer persona" and shape your content to align with what this individual would find appealing. This approach allows you to establish a strong connection with your audience and provide them with the valuable insights they are seeking.

85% of potential consumers are more likely to respond positively to personalized marketing like targeted email campaigns.

Quality Trumps Quantity

No amount of personalized content and exceptional customer service can compensate for subpar products or a poorly designed website. Customers prioritize quality and value, and if your business can deliver on these fronts, they will be more inclined to choose you over your competitors.

It’s crucial to have a professional image, both online and offline. This includes having a well-designed website that is easy to navigate and mobile-friendly, as well as presenting your products or services in the best possible light.

In addition, you must ensure that the quality of your goods or services matches their cost. While it is important not to undervalue yourself, it is also important not to set prices that are unattainable for your customers. 85% of people shop around to compare prices, so if your prices are too high, they may choose to go with the competition.

Conclusion:

As we conclude this exploration of acquiring new customers in the digital era, it's crucial to recognize the transformative power of a robust online presence and a well-executed digital marketing strategy. In a world where your potential customers are continually online, navigating through a plethora of options, standing out is not just about being visible; it's about being memorable. Your digital footprint should not only lead customers to you but also create an engaging journey that turns first-time visitors into loyal advocates for your brand.

Embrace the digital domain as your primary battleground for customer acquisition. Utilize the vast array of tools and platforms at your disposal – from SEO to social media marketing, and from content creation to targeted advertising. Each element of your digital marketing plan should work in synergy, creating a cohesive and compelling narrative about your brand and its value proposition. Remember, in the digital age, every click, every search, and every social media post is an opportunity to attract and captivate a new customer.

Ultimately, the journey to acquire new customers in the digital landscape is about connecting with your audience where they are and leading them to where you want them to be. By understanding their needs, preferences, and online behaviors, and by crafting a digital strategy that resonates with these insights, you position your business not just as a provider of products or services, but as a solution to their needs, a partner in their journey, and a brand worth their loyalty and advocacy. So, harness the power of digital marketing, and turn the vastness of the online world into a landscape of endless opportunities for growth and customer engagement.

Begin your journey to digital mastery today with 'The Ultimate Digital Marketing Workbook for Business Owners and Marketing Executives'.