We micro and side hustle business owners often need or want more sales. But, we don’t have the eye-watering marketing budgets of the ‘big boys’ at our disposal (just think how much the John Lewis Christmas TV ad must have cost!)
However, we do have one, distinct, marketing advantage that the bigger companies would kill for.
What is it?
It’s direct, personal access to our customers.
Get More Sales by Selling to People You Already Know
As ultra small businesses one of our massive advantages is that we tend to be the person at the other end of the phone line when they ring, or the one who directly answers their emails.
This means we have got all kinds of useful information that tell us exactly how to make the people who buy from us feel heard and happy.
There’s also no need for us to go through faceless departments or complete trails of paperwork to find or use that information, as it’s right at our own fingertips.
And not only that.
We are better able to respond quickly to new trends or sudden changes. I probably don’t have to tell you how huge a benefit that is.
All we’ve got to do now is create some quick, simple, and easily repeatable systems to help us make the most of our massive marketing advantage.
So, what I thought I would do is pull together five really simple things you can do in the next five days that will help you understand your customers a little bit more and make more sales.
Day 1: What Do Your Customers Want?
The worst thing we can do in business (of any shape or size!) is to assume we know what our customers want.
We’ve got to ask them, instead.
This doesn’t need to be complicated. Even a simple, one-question survey, using a tool such as Survey Monkey, will provide you with heaps of useful information, as well as letting your customers know you’re there, listening to them.
(In a year such as we’ve all just been through, an effort like this is bound to be appreciated.)
Day 2: Time to Review!
If you want a successful business, then your products and services need to be working hard for you.
That means understanding exactly what sells, who to, and how often.
Your review could involve making tough personal decisions, such as discontinuing something you love, but doesn’t sell.
Try to console yourself with the fact that you’re creating space for something new and exciting… something you AND your customers will love.
(Let’s proceed to Day 3 to find out how you’ll do that!)
Day 3: Start Getting Creative
Now you know what your customers want, and what they’re buying the most of, you can start thinking about what could boost your sales even further in 2021.
Creative ideas include seasonal ranges, or maybe developing a premium version of a product or service… could you create a VIP, invitation-only offer, for example? Is there anything you can do to entice previous customers to return?
Don’t be afraid to think big!
Day 4: Add Value
Relax… I’m not talking about spending lots of money, or making huge changes to anything you already offer.
Adding value is simply about finding ways to strengthen loyalty and help customers feel appreciated, so they’re encouraged to come back.
This could involve an exclusive discount for people who sign up to your email list, a period of free delivery, or adding personal touches, such as handwritten ‘thank-you’ notes.
Day 5: Nurture Your List
If you’re not regularly reviewing and nurturing your list, you’re missing out on business.
Your list is made up of people who buy from you, or have bought from you in the past. It also includes people you’ve met and engaged with, and those who have expressed an interest in what you do.
Keep the people on your list engaged by connecting with them. Send a regular newsletter, encourage conversations on social media, and ask them to participate in feedback or surveys, so you can give them more of what they love!
You could start by setting out your intentions for 2021, sending everybody on your email list a message that explains how much you value them, and when and how they will hear from you in future.
Next Steps
My website is packed with tips, tools, and advice on how to make your micro or side hustle business stand out in the crowd… or why not arrange a complimentary, half-hour Breakthrough Session to discuss your 2021 strategy further?
Just pick your favourite date and time, and I’ll take care of the rest.