10 Ways to Get More Customers and Sales in a Tough Economy

Posted by Laddie Blaskowski on Jul 02, 2008

1. Ask your current customers for referrals. Many times, they would be willing to provide referrals but have never been asked.

2. Be sure you understand the value of the product or service you are providing and do not sell below that value point. Take care of your customers but don’t give away the store. Also, remember that the price does not really have to do with the cost; it has to do with the value the customer receives.

3. Consider unusual places to advertise, such as church newsletters, homeowners’ association newsletters, and community newsletters or magazines.

4. Barter for goods and services.

5. Find ways to determine your return on an advertisement. Advertising can be a black hole for many companies because they do not take the time to tie a specific offer to the advertisement that would allow them to track its results. Examples of tracking methods include coupons, customer specials, trial offers, giveaways, and exclusive offers.

6. Every customer is different. Listen to your customers and address their needs.

7. Treat your customers with the greatest levels of respect. This suggestion and Item #6 might sound obvious; however, when you consider the levels of service frequently received today, you realize how few people really take customer service to heart.

8. Buy unused advertising. Many times a newspaper, radio station or TV station will have unused space they need to fill. Let them know that you’re interested in knowing when this space is available and prepare ahead of time for when you might get called.

9. If you do service work at homes or businesses, ask the owners for permission to put a sign on their front lawn.

10. Give your commercial customers a discount for their employees.

Watch for more great strategies for surviving tough economic times in coming weeks!