Acquiring potential customers is an important part of the sales process. Sellers need to be able to acquire customers through different methods, online and offline. Depending on your business, you would like to be able to collect real addresses or email addresses. Read on and you will understand how to acquire potential customers.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Online acquisition
Step 1. Create a website to acquire customers
The site must be easy to navigate and must contain useful information about your business and your products. You could collect information about customers via a form that asks them questions about their needs. A form to request a quote is a good method, you will receive an email with the information of the potential customer.
Step 2. Set up an auto-responder
To sign up for an auto-responder, the customer simply has to enter their email address. Depending on the service you use, the customer may have to confirm his email address by clicking on a specific link. You can incentivize customers to sign up by offering them a discount or a free product.
Step 3. Use a "tell a friend" script
With a special code on your site, customers can report your company to their friends by entering their email address.
Step 4. Promote your business on social networks
On these sites, people connect with other people. You can create a company page on social networks to promote your business. When someone becomes your "fan", all their contacts will know about your company.
Step 5. Promote your business on news sites
Publish articles on these sites, write something interesting that is happening in your company, for example: the arrival of a new director or your presence at a fair.
Method 2 of 2: Offline capture
Step 1. Promote your company at a trade show
Create a stand at a trade show in your industry, customers will have a clearer idea of your business. You can acquire potential customers by having them fill out a specific document.
Step 2. Acquire potential customers by advertising yourself
You can post ads in local newspapers, radio or bulletin boards. These ads should entice people to call you or visit your website. You can get more customers if you offer them a discount when they name the advertisement.
Step 3. Use the mail to attract customers
Traditional mail still works for many businesses. You can buy a list of addresses based on specific information, for example: the neighborhood of residence, the level of economic income, etc. Make sure you contact people who may be interested in your product. The more precise your target is, the more responses you will receive.
Advice
- In many cases, it is easier to acquire customers over the internet. If your budget is tight, try the online methods first.
- Remember to get in touch with the customer immediately after acquiring their information. An auto-responder email is the best method as it is an automatic process.
