3 Steps to Finding More Customers

For those who sell a product or service, your main goal is obviously to make more sales. One way to do this is by finding more customers.

Step one: Knowing your Customer

To find the ideal customer, you first have to know them. You already know your future customer is going to be interested in your products or services, however, what else do you know about them? Ask yourself some of the following questions:

1. What hobbies do your customers have?

2. Do they have children?

3. Do they prefer buying online or offline?

4. What are their fears/concerns?

5. What makes them happy?

By filling out a profile of your "perfect customer", you should have a better understanding of who they are.

Step two: Finding Your Customers

Once you have a better understanding of who your potential customers are, you'll want to go find them. Message boards or forums, email group (such as Yahoo groups), chat rooms, and blogging communities are great places to start. For example, if you sell a baby product, your customer should have kids or grandkids. Therefor you would want to look for a parenting or grandparent group of some sort.

Step three: Discover Your Own Interests

Take a minute to jot down your own hobbies and interests. Do you like to read, and sell coffee or candles? Join a message board that talks about books and get to know others there. Make sure to put your business in your signature line! Use a creative ad such as "Relax with a cup of (your company's name) coffee and a good book", or "Relax with a (company name) scented candle and a good book". Try and get as creative as possible so your signature line really stands out and makes viewers want to click.

Also, be sure to ask yourself why you joined this particular business to begin with (aside from the money, of course). Sometimes this will give you an idea of where your customers could be. For example, if you joined a bath and body company because of your concern for the use of store brand soaps on your children, you may consider seeking out a group or message board of other mothers that share your same concern. Again, be sure to use targeted signature lines!

Remember though, if you decide to get involved with a new community, be respectful to the current members. Don't just place ads and leave! Get to know those in the community, and share your own advice. Follow the rules as you should within any community - don't post with the assumption everyone will automatically buy from you. Build relationships, be helpful, and the sales will follow.