Struggling with getting new customers? Here's the fix

Are you aware that a staggering 65% of small businesses name getting new customers as their number one challenge? In our fast-paced, crowded world, the old methods just don’t cut it anymore. Today, we’ll reveal 10 easy, proven ways to grow your business and finally start seeing new faces walk through your door. If you’re ready for practical solutions that really work, keep reading to find the fix you’ve been searching for!

A Surprising Fact: Why Getting New Customers Is Harder Than Ever

Did you know that 65% of small businesses say their biggest problem is getting new customers? In today’s world, there are many similar businesses offering products or services online and locally, making it much harder for a small business owner to stand out. With so many choices, potential customers are pickier, making building a strong customer base a real challenge. That’s why having smart tactics and a strong online presence matters now more than ever. If you want to keep your business growing and see happy, satisfied customers coming back, you’ll need to take a fresh approach and focus on what really works in today’s market.

What You'll Learn about Getting New Customers

• 10 proven ways to attract customers and grow your business
• How small businesses can strengthen their customer base
• Actionable online presence tactics for getting new customers
• Unique insights on the 3 3 3 and 10 5 3 rules in attracting customers

Table: 10 Ways to Attract Customers — Ranked

10 Powerful Strategies for Getting New Customers

1. Leverage Social Media to Attract Customers

Social media is one of the best ways to attract customers and grow your small business. With platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, you can reach hundreds, even thousands of potential customers who are ready to buy and looking for products or services just like yours. By making daily posts that showcase what makes your business special, running targeted ads, and communicating in a friendly way, you show that you care about helping people. This helps build your customer base quickly and at a low cost. Remember, 97% of consumers turn to online media before visiting a store (Forbes). This means your social channels are a make-or-break part of your marketing plan, and keeping them lively, creative, and helpful will set you apart quickly.

"97% of consumers turn to online media before visiting a store" – Forbes

• Daily posts highlight product or service
• Run targeted ads to reach potential customers

When you combine engaging photos, helpful videos, and interactive stories, potential customers begin to see your brand as trustworthy and likable. That “like” or “follow” today often leads to a visit or purchase tomorrow. If you haven’t set up business profiles or you post only rarely, start today and see how social media can change the game for getting new customers.

For even more actionable ideas on how to boost your retail marketing efforts and attract more foot traffic, you might find these retail marketing tips and hacks especially useful. They offer practical strategies that complement the customer acquisition tactics discussed here.

2. Encourage Online Reviews to Build Your Customer Base

Online reviews are vital for small businesses and greatly influence the decision of a potential customer. When your business receives more positive reviews, new customers feel confident in visiting, knowing others had great experiences. To get more reviews, make it easy—send follow-up emails after a sale, put links on your website, and thank every reviewer. Good reviews act as social proof and help your customer base grow. Not only do they build trust, but positive words from a satisfied customer make your products or services stand out among competitors.

Remember, people want proof before they buy. When they see others praising your business, it reassures them and makes them more likely to choose you instead of a competitor. Keep track of your review sites and always respond kindly to feedback—good manners go a long way in the digital world, too!

3. Enhance Your Online Presence for Getting New Customers

Your online presence is like the front door to your small business—and it needs to shine to attract new customers. Update your website with fresh, accurate information and make it easy for visitors to find what they need. Use search engine optimization (SEO) by targeting keywords like “getting new customers” and “ways to attract” customers in your website’s text. Blogs, FAQs, and helpful resources rank you higher in searches and make people stay longer on your site. The easier it is for someone to contact you, buy online, or book a service, the more likely you are to gain a new customer.

Professional design, clear service or product details, fast-loading pages, and mobile-friendly menus all help your business look inviting and modern. Add testimonials, share success stories, and ensure your brand’s voice is consistent everywhere online. When your online presence is strong, you bring in new customers naturally!

4. Activate Referral and Friends and Family Programs

• Reward referrals from current customers
• Offer discounts to friends and family for spreading the word

Your best “sales team” might be your current customers, friends, and family. Reward people for telling others about your business with refer-a-friend deals or “bring a friend, save” specials to encourage word-of-mouth. When a satisfied customer shares your business with someone new, trust is already built in—making it much easier for that person to try your products or services. Referral incentives help your customer base grow organically. By making it fun and beneficial for your supporters to share your business, you quickly expand your reach, bringing in new and loyal faces to your storefront or website.

5. Engage with Local Communities to Attract New Customers

Become a familiar face in your community! Attend or sponsor local events—farmers’ markets, charity runs, or school fairs—and work with nearby businesses or organizations. This not only raises your business’s profile but also helps you earn trust from neighbors and build relationships that last. Community engagement shows you’re invested in your town or city, making your small business a popular choice for locals seeking new products or services. By being present and helpful, you attract customers who want to support people they know and like, growing your customer base.

Plus, people that see your logo at a neighborhood event are reminded of your products or services, increasing the chance they’ll choose you next time they need what you offer. Don’t underestimate the value of local loyalty!

6. Upgrade Marketing Materials for a Professional Edge

Eye-catching marketing materials help customers remember you and understand what makes your product or service special. Crisp, modern business cards, bright flyers, and informative brochures—these tools tell your story even when you can’t. Carefully designed marketing materials show your business is professional and trustworthy, making it easier for people to decide and act. Include your phone number, address, website, and social media—make it as easy as possible for a new customer to reach you or learn more about what you do.

Consider a refresh: update your logo, use clearer fonts, and include a call to action on every piece of material. The more polished your brand looks—online and offline—the more likely you are to attract the right customers to your small business.

7. Make It Easy for New Customers to Reach You

• Clear website contact info
• Accessibility across devices

Make it easy for every potential customer to contact you! Place your phone number, email, and address in clear spots on your website and in all your marketing materials. If your website is confusing, slow, or broken on phones, people won’t stay—they’ll move on to a competitor who makes it simple and quick to buy. Good customer service means answering fast and being available where your clients are—phone, text, chat, or even social media. The easier it is for people to reach you, the more likely they are to become a customer.

Test your tools as if you were a new user. Is your online form short and easy? Do your social links work? Do you answer messages quickly? Every second counts when someone is ready to buy, so make it as simple as possible to connect and convert!

8. Offer Value-Driven Promotions for Small Businesses

Everyone loves a great deal! Limited-time discounts, buy-one-get-one-free offers, and special deals just for new customers are proven ways to attract attention and encourage first purchases. Start a loyalty program that rewards people for coming back or referring friends and family—little bonuses keep your customer base growing. Promotions don’t have to break the bank—sometimes, a free add-on or small gift sets you apart.

Always make your offer clear, simple, and easy to redeem so potential customers can immediately see the value. A well-timed special offer can be the nudge someone needs to try your small business instead of another.

9. Network Strategically to Expand Your Customer Base

Step out and meet others in your industry! Attending conferences, trade shows, and networking events lets you connect with people who might become potential clients, partners, or even helpful mentors. Build relationships with other small businesses or complementary businesses (like a florist teaming up with a bakery). Cross-promotions let you share customer bases and give each partner a boost. Strategic networking is a great way to increase visibility and bring in new customers through trusted recommendations and shared resources.

Sometimes, the path to getting new customers is through alliances, not just ads. Find people who serve the same clients but don’t compete with you—you’ll all grow together and learn new ways to attract business!

10. Listen to Current Customers for Continuous Improvement

Take advice from the people who matter most: your current customers. Regularly ask them what they like, what could be better, and how you can serve them best. Use quick surveys, feedback cards, or friendly conversations to gather ideas and spot patterns in their suggestions. When you listen and act on their tips, your business gets better, your reputation grows, and you naturally attract new customers through positive word of mouth. Remember, every satisfied customer is a powerful ambassador for your business!

Showing you care about feedback helps existing customers feel valued and makes it more likely they’ll spread the word, bringing in similar customers ready to enjoy your products or services.

Compilation of diverse real-life small business owners in interviews and b-roll, sharing their success stories and actionable advice on getting new customers; footage showing storefronts, customer interactions, behind-the-scenes moments, and celebratory team meetings. (Directors’ note: Focus on authenticity, natural lighting, and a warm narrative tone.)

Watch how other small businesses tackled the challenge of getting new customers and what you can learn from their journeys.

People Also Ask about Getting New Customers

How to attract new customers?

Attract new customers by becoming active on social media, encouraging more online reviews, providing referral incentives to your current customers, and improving your online presence so people can find you quickly and easily. Focus on making your business discoverable and approachable—these are the foundations of growing your customer base and encouraging potential clients to choose you over competitors.

What is the 3 3 3 rule in sales?

The 3 3 3 rule in sales helps you communicate clearly: cover three key points, in three minutes, focusing on three core needs of your potential customer. This simple approach ensures you stay focused and meet the main needs of people interested in your products or services, making it easier to get new customers without overwhelming them.

What are the 5 C's customers?

The 5 C’s in customer service are Character, Competence, Commitment, Connection, and Communication. These qualities build trust, turn first-timers into loyal, satisfied customers, and ensure they come back again and again. When your team uses all five C’s, you’ll attract new customers and strengthen your brand’s reputation.

What is the 10 5 3 rule in customer service?

The 10 5 3 rule is a simple way to make guests feel welcome and boost sales. When a potential customer is 10 feet away, make eye contact and smile. At 5 feet, say a friendly “hello.” At 3 feet, engage with a warm greeting or question. This approach helps staff create strong first impressions and ensures new customers feel valued and comfortable—which encourages them to stay, browse, and buy.

Quick-Reference List: Top Ways for Small Businesses to Attract Customers

1. Getting new customers via social media
2. Boosting online reviews
3. Referral incentives from current customers
4. Community outreach
5. Streamlined marketing materials

Expert Quotes on Getting New Customers

"Customer acquisition is not about more tactics, but better connections." – Marketing Strategist

FAQs: Getting New Customers for Small Businesses

• How can small businesses improve their online presence for customer attraction?
  Small businesses can improve their online presence by updating their website, using local keywords, creating valuable blog content, and being active on social media. Having clear, consistent, and helpful information helps potential customers find and trust you.
• What makes online reviews critical for getting new customers?
  Online reviews provide social proof, showing that others trust your business. Good reviews attract new customers by making them feel confident they’re choosing the right product or service.
• Which promotions work best for local small businesses?
  Local small businesses benefit most from special offers like “new customer discounts,” “bring a friend” deals, and limited-time deals—these prompt quick action and give newcomers a simple reason to try your business.

Key Takeaways on Getting New Customers

• Diversify your approach—no single tactic works for all
• Build genuine relationships for lasting customer base growth
• Regularly review and adapt your strategies

Next Steps: Learn More About How You Can Get More Customers

Ready to jumpstart your customer growth in 2026? Learn More About how you can get more customers in 2026: https://smallbusiness.douglasdigitalagency.com/home-local-visibility-reset

If you’re eager to take your customer acquisition to the next level, consider exploring the broader world of social media marketing strategies for small businesses. By understanding the latest trends and advanced techniques, you can amplify your reach, foster deeper engagement, and build a loyal community around your brand. The journey to sustainable growth is ongoing—so keep learning, experimenting, and adapting your approach. Your next breakthrough in attracting new customers could be just one innovative strategy away.