So you’ve decided to launch your own business, or you already have an established company. Regardless, having your own business certainly has its benefits, from growing a loyal customer base to offering a product or service that helps people solve a problem in their lives. Either way, chances are you’ve considered who your customers are, or you’ve already started to build up a customer base.

Now the fun part starts. How do you keep those customers coming back? Expanding a business can be a scary yet exciting time for any entrepreneur. But as any business owner knows, increasing your customer base is more challenging than you think. In an ideal world, your business has enough start-up funds to market your product or service enough to increase revenue. You would have the funds to spend more on offline direct-mail advertising, or you could try e-commerce with online digital marketing.

Unfortunately, if you’re like most small businesses and even some larger establishments, you may feel like you have more great ideas circulating than funds to back them up. Suppose the latter sounds like your company. Then you’re probably already wondering where to begin when looking for more customers. From better networking to strategic digital marketing, check out these hot tips to grow not only your customer base but also your business’s revenue.

1.Leverage your existing network

Believe it or not, your existing network is one of the best places to start if you’re thinking about expanding your customer base. Hiring direct mail services can help you reach more of your existing customers, especially in different cities, states, or countries. Their word of mouth can go a long way in promoting your business and directing new customers to your product or service. Add a special touch to your mailout campaign with laminated postcards and consider offering your customers discounts or free shipping on their next order.

2.Ask for referrals

After you’ve reached out to your existing customers, the next handy step is to ask your customers for referrals. This step does require a little finesse. Many of us don’t have the luxury of calling up customers and flat out asking them for any business contacts who would be interested in your product or service.

3.Build a “Relationship Map”

A relationship map is a concept of pairing your most substantial relationships with respective areas that demonstrate a higher demand for your product or service. Your map can also outline where you should be turning your attention to optimize connecting with a new customer base.

4.Host virtual events or speak at industry gatherings

Since you started your business, you’ve probably become an expert in your field. Why not share some of this information with your community? When you share your expertise and experience with the community and take the time to get involved in the industry, you are laying the foundation for growing your contact list.

If you’ve ever been invited to a virtual event, then you know gaining access to those spots can sometimes feel like winning the lottery. Not only will those participants be more inclined to support your product or service, but they have a higher rate of referral for your business as well.

5.Add calls to action

If your business requires fast results, there are many helpful strategies you can take advantage of, like plastic postcard mailers. They are excellent ways to showcase your product or service while also providing your clients with a reason to use it. Adding a call to action on every piece of direct mail advertising you send out increases your overall engagement. Laminated postcards are another way to ask for their opinion, provide them with a specific hashtag they can add to their social media posts, or simply give them a way to join your email list.

6.Generate lead sales

The list of tried and true sales techniques for increasing sales can seem overwhelming when you’re starting. But thanks to technology, there are newer tools available to help improve your sales and customer base, aside from cold-calling, networking, and developing a winning product. Your business would benefit from creating champions of your product who will be the cheerleaders of your brand and take your business online to reach a wider audience. Another great way to generate more leads is through social media. No need to spread yourself thin trying to keep up with posting on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. With so many advancements online, there are several excellent sites to post across multiple social media platforms at once.

7.Sell more to existing customers

A common misconception among business owners is that the only way to increase sales is to acquire new customers. However, many studies show that this strategy is not only a way of the past; it also eliminates the potential to increase your revenue via existing customers. By offering your clients bundles or upselling them on products and services, you increase your companies’ value and worth in their eyes. What customer doesn’t love a great deal? Whether it’s free samples, offering a rewards program, or providing them with more information about a product they have been eyeing, customers appreciate the value of a deal.

Hopefully, by now, you can see there is a lot you can do for your business that doesn’t require a lot of time or effort. What’s most important is that you saturate the market with your product and services in a way that won’t alienate your customers. You never want your customers to feel you are trying to squeeze a sale out of them. The best way to keep them coming back or bringing more customers to your business is by making them feel valued and appreciated. Connecting to your new and existing customers through offline and online strategies will not only help keep your brand relevant but the more promotional material you have circulating, the more brand recognition your company will have. This sounds like a win-win solution.