How To Attract Customers to Your Small Business

Posted on 7:45am Monday 29th Sep 2025

Whether you're a local service, a small business, or an entrepreneur, you want more people to do business with you. Here are some easy ways to get them interested in what you're offering.

Read on to find out exactly how to attract customers to your small business.

Easy ways to attract more people to your small business

Easy ways to attract more people to your small business:

There’s a lot to love about running your own business, but there’s no getting around the fact that it can be pretty challenging at times. When it comes to the success of your business, a lot of elements come into play. You’re going to have to lay your focus thick and wide, concentrating on countless areas to ensure that you keep growing, maintaining customers and generating profit.

As well as having to find ways to get through all your job responsibilities, you have to contend with the fact that you’re not going to be the only player in town. There will be competitors that try to lure the same customers that you’re trying to lure.

Therefore, it’s important that you find ways to draw as many people as possible to your business; the more you draw, the better your chances of success will be. No matter what size your business is, it's always important to find ways to bring in more customers. There are some simple things you can do to attract more people to your small business.

First, identify exactly who it is that you’re targeting

You’re not going to draw everyone to your business - there’s not a single company on earth that appeals to all people! So firstly, it’s worthwhile figuring out who you’re trying to target.

One of the most important things for any small business to do is to identify its target audience. Put simply, to attract customers to your small business, you need to work out who you are targeting and then target them.

You need to find out what their needs are and what they want from your product or services. If you know this, you can create a marketing plan that will make your business more attractive to them. Knowing who your customers are is the key to attracting them. If you know what they want, it will be easier to give it to them.

Finding your target customer will help to direct the language and images in your advertisements and other communications, which will ultimately improve their standards. It’s when these communications are frameless that they get lost in the mix.

Give marketing and market research on the streets a go

It doesn’t matter whether you’re an online or ‘real world’ business; people are the same everywhere. The potential customers you’re trying to target online are the same ones that walk the streets. So why not get rid of the internet clutter and take your marketing to the streets for a few days?

Depending on your business type, you could head out with a clipboard in the name of market research and customer acquisition. If you sell food in a restaurant, then hit the streets with samples and flyers, or you could set up a stall at a market if you have a product you sell.

You’ll need to find ways to get people interested in your stand, of course. One good way to do this is to give away freebies. Free tote bags like bags will attract people to your stand, since everyone loves tote bags. They are useful, and it’s likely people will use them, which will advertise your brand to even more people!

Not only will street marketing help to reach new people, but it can also be a fun way to try new things with your business, too.

Want more marketing tips for your small biz? Here are not one, not two, but 44 ways to market your small business!

Custom Embroidered Business Logo T-shirts

Have a quality website

One of the best ways to source new customers for any type of business nowadays is by having a good website that has all of the information that visitors need for making a purchase. A website is one of the most important marketing tools for small businesses.

It needs to be designed in such a way that it provides valuable information about your company and makes it easy for visitors to find what they are looking for. It also needs to have a clear call-to-action button, so once visitors find what they are looking for on your site, they can easily make a purchase or sign up for your email list.

A lot of businesses rely on their website for customers and engagement nowadays. This is obviously true for solely online businesses, but many brick-and-mortar businesses or in-person services are growing increasingly reliant on their website too. This is the space where people get to know your brand, read reviews, understand your services, and, ultimately, get in touch to secure a deal. If you don't have a high-quality website that can be found on search engines, then you are losing out on new customers.

Make sure to work with website designers with experience in your specific area of specialism. If you work in construction, consider website design for general contractors. If you have a haircare brand, use a web design specialist who has focused on beauty before. They’ll be able to bring their knowledge of what works in your niche and what doesn’t to the table, saving you from making any mistakes.

Create innovative ads that stand out

You can have the best or cheapest product or service in the world, but if nobody knows it’s out there, you’re not going to make any money. You need to make sure that you’re creating and maintaining sustained marketing campaigns that will draw customers in and encourage those actual sales. There are so many ways to go about this, and the best for you will depend on what you’re selling and your target demographic.

From billboards to radio and TV ads, collaborations with social media influencers, email marketing campaigns, direct mail marketing, PPC campaigns and more, chances are, you’re going to have to experiment a little to figure out what best works for your brand.

One problem with ads is that there are so many that it can be hard to get heard. That’s why it’s recommended that you take a few chances with your marketing and try to make it more interesting. An innovative ad can gain a lot of traction! Just be sure to avoid anything controversial, since this approach could end up backfiring!

Even if your product is not yet manufactured, you can use realistic product rendering to create photorealistic images of products that can be used in marketing and advertising. These images look just like photos and can be used on your advertising materials to create a buzz about your product before the launch date.

Minding My Own Small Business Owner Gift Mug

Don't forget, word of mouth is powerful

People trust adverts somewhat, but they trust the words of others much more. If you have a long list of happy clients, then encourage them to spread the good word about your business by leaving reviews. You can also post positive testimonials on your website - it’ll gain credibility for your small business.

Not only will your future potential customers want to read reviews online of your company, but they could already be friends and family of your existing customers. Set up a great refer a friend scheme to encourage your existing customers to spread the word about your company, bringing in new business and new customers for a small reward or a credit towards their next purchase.

Build brand loyalty with your existing customers

As we just touched on, your existing customers are pretty powerful! Their testimonials, reviews and word-of-mouth will help your business grow, so don't forget about keeping them loyal. So many businesses focus so hard on bringing in new customers that they lose focus on maintaining existing customers and encouraging repeat sales through brand loyalty!

Offer the best customer service and products so they won't go anywhere else. Also, offer repeat order discounts to reward loyalty and make customers feel valued. This will encourage them to come back, and it will also incentivise others to become loyal customers too.

Small Business Your Order Made My Day Cards

Offer free trials and discounts

Offering a free trial is an excellent way to attract new customers. It will allow them to try your product before they decide to buy it, and if they like it, then you will have the opportunity to sell them more products in the future.

Offering discounts is another way that can help you attract more people to your small business. In order for discounts to be effective, you should offer them at opportune times, such as during sales or during the holiday season, when there is high demand for products and services.

You're a walking advert for your small business

Finally, remember that you’re the best representative for your company, so be sure to open your mouth whenever you get a chance! You never know who you might draw to your business when in conversation with others, helping to take your business to the next level. Make sure you’re acting as your company’s biggest cheerleader as you go about your daily business, and keep some flyers or business cards in your wallet at all times.

Small Business Owner Definition Print: Entrepreneur Office Decor

Use social media to showcase your brand

One of the quickest ways to get more customers for your business is through social media. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn allow small businesses to showcase products and services directly to their target audience. Posting engaging content such as behind-the-scenes videos, customer testimonials, and short tutorials helps to build trust and attract new clients.

The key is consistency. A one-off post won’t bring lasting results, but a steady stream of useful, entertaining, or inspiring content will gradually draw more followers and convert them into customers. Paid social media ads are also highly effective because you can target people based on their interests, location, or demographics, ensuring your marketing budget works harder.

For many small businesses, social media has become the main way to attract customers, especially younger audiences who discover most brands online.

Personalised Business Cards

Optimise for local search

If you run a small business with a physical location, local SEO is essential. Many people searching “how do I get customers for my business” are hoping to attract local clients. Optimising your Google Business Profile ensures your shop or service appears when people in your area search for what you offer.

Encourage happy customers to leave reviews on Google, since strong ratings not only attract more business but also boost your chances of appearing in the top search results. Make sure your business details — such as phone number, opening hours, and address — are always up to date.

Adding your company to local online directories or community websites can also help you reach nearby customers who are already looking for small businesses like yours.

Collaborate with other small businesses

One powerful way to bring more customers to your business is through partnerships. By collaborating with another small business that complements yours, you can both attract new clients. For example, a café could team up with a local bookshop to offer a joint discount, or a fitness trainer could partner with a nutritionist for package deals.

These partnerships increase your visibility without requiring a large budget. They also build community goodwill, which can make people more likely to support your brand. Working with like-minded businesses helps you gain more exposure and reach people you might not access otherwise.

Custom Business Logo Stamp

Run engaging events or workshops

Hosting a workshop, demonstration, or small event is a great way to get people interested in your business. Customers love hands-on experiences where they can try before they buy. If you run a bakery, host a cupcake-decorating evening. If you sell handmade products, hold a craft workshop. If you’re in services, run a free webinar that shares valuable tips.

Events help you build relationships with potential clients in a way that traditional advertising cannot. They also give people a reason to visit your business in person, increasing your chances of converting them into paying customers.

Create a referral programme that works

While word of mouth is already powerful, setting up a structured referral programme gives your existing customers an incentive to spread the word. Offer discounts, small rewards, or free products when someone brings in a new client.

Not only does this help you attract customers to your small business, but it also keeps your current customers engaged and loyal. A well-designed referral scheme can significantly increase your customer base without huge marketing spend.

Thank You Supporting My Small Business Stickers

Thank You For Supporting My Small Business Stickers

Use content marketing to build trust

Customers are more likely to choose businesses that educate and inspire them. Blogging, video tutorials, podcasts, and downloadable guides all serve as ways to attract new clients for small businesses. For example, if you run a gardening service, write blog posts on seasonal lawn care tips. If you’re a beauty brand, create videos showing how to use your products.

Content marketing not only improves your online visibility but also positions you as an expert in your industry. When people trust your knowledge, they are far more likely to buy from you.

Offer excellent after-sales care

Attracting customers is only part of the journey — keeping them happy ensures repeat business. Excellent after-sales care encourages clients to return and recommend your company to others. Simple gestures like follow-up emails, thank-you notes, or quick problem resolution make a big difference.

Happy customers often become your best marketing tool. By showing that you care about their experience beyond the sale, you can bring more customers to your business in the long run.

Final word on how to attract customers to your small business

Small businesses often have a hard time competing with larger companies because their advertising budgets are typically smaller than their competition's. But this doesn't mean that small businesses don't have any options when it comes to attracting customers.

In fact, there are many ways for small business owners to get creative with their marketing and advertising efforts to make themselves stand out from the pack and attract more potential customers.

Hopefully, you won't be struggling for customers for your small business, and you can use the above tips to successfully grow your existing customer base.

Quick roundup of ways to attract customers to your small business

If you’re wondering how to get more customers for your small business, here’s a summary of the key strategies covered:

Identify your target audience – Know exactly who you want to reach and tailor your approach to them.
Use local and street marketing – Meet potential customers face-to-face and bring your brand into the community.
Invest in a quality website – Make sure your site is clear, helpful, and easy to navigate.
Create innovative ads – Stand out with unique, creative campaigns across multiple platforms.
Leverage word of mouth and referrals – Encourage reviews, testimonials, and reward loyal customers.
Build loyalty with existing clients – Repeat sales and happy customers will fuel long-term success.
Offer free trials or discounts – Give people a low-risk way to try your product or service.
Promote through social media – Share consistent, engaging content to attract new followers and clients.
Optimise for local SEO – Keep your Google Business Profile updated and encourage local reviews.
Collaborate with other businesses – Form partnerships that expose you to new audiences.
Run workshops or events – Let people experience your product or service first-hand.
Share valuable content – Blogs, guides, and videos build trust and authority.
Provide excellent after-sales care – Happy customers often bring you more business.

By mixing these approaches, you’ll be able to attract more people to your business while keeping your current customers engaged and loyal.