Owning a business is hard! There are so many moving parts, it can be difficult to keep track of everything. And in the end, if you're not careful and focused on what’s really important, your time and energy will get sucked up by things that don't provide value or aren’t worth your money. In this post I want to share 4 specific benefits of acquiring the right type of customers when getting your business off the ground.
Think about this…
How much of your time is spent on customers that aren't worth it? Do you spend more time trying to convince them your service or product is worth it, rather than actually selling your product or service? Have you had bad experiences with past clients and their constant complaints and excuse-making?
Or maybe they're just not willing to see the bigger picture and invest into what they need for them to be profitable.
Either way, if any of these sound familiar, here are reasons you should be hyper-focused on acquiring the right customers so you avoid the pitfalls of a bad customer. Landing the right customers from the start will save you from frustrations and headaches in the long run.
Get Feedback On Your Product Or Service
Feedback is a great way to know what you are doing right and where you need to improve. You can get feedback on your product or service by reaching out to your customers, surveying them, and talking with industry experts.
Create buzz about your product or service by using the feedback you get. Save yourself time and energy investing in a good idea because it's already been validated. Help others help you with their thoughts on your product or service, even when they're not paying for it.
Open the feedback loop, gather data, then close the loop with insight from your target market so you’re able to make informed decisions moving forward.
Understand What Potential Customers Like & Don't Like
Your current customers are the backbone of a valuable feedback mechanism. However, when starting off, surveying and gathering data from the target market is just as valuable. Buyers know what they want, so you need them on your side when trying to expand or improve your business. But how do you know exactly what they're thinking or desiring?
When talking with customers, make sure that you ask open-ended questions. This way, their answers will be more insightful because there is less chance of having a “yes” or “no” answer. Make sure not to just include people who think positively about your service as this can skew the data results.
It's also important to note that customer feedback should always be taken politely and graciously; never lash back at someone if they have negative feedback about something you did wrong or your competitors have done that you might be guilty of by association. Take the criticism gracefully and thank them for the feedback. After all, it's not personal.
Customer satisfaction is key to understanding the marketplace. Focus your attention to intimately learning about your target market, then allow the data to steer you in the right direction.
Your Marketing Is More Effective When You Know Who To Target
It's important to reach out and connect with those potential customers instead of simply trying to sell them on your products. With targeted marketing, you know the type of people that would be interested in learning more about what you have to offer rather than trying to convince them to listen. You can focus more on those customers and less on others.
It can be difficult for companies just starting up since they do not have a pool of current clients. But with proper market research, you’re able to learn what moves your target audience and then you can use those messages to speak directly to their needs. Having a plan is key when trying to execute this part of the process.
Learn how to use different platforms and find your target audience there. Then engage with them through questions, comments, and polls. As you listen better and ask better questions, you’ll be able to gather feedback that can be repurposed into compelling marketing material to attract the right prospect. And that is who you want to ideally work with.
Build A Stronger Customer Base For Future Growth
There is never a better time to scale up than when the market conditions are favorable for your industry. When you're ready to start growing, make sure to take advantage and not miss the boat. With a healthy base of engaged and supportive customers, it will make the scaling process more streamlined. Potential customers who want what you have to offer will be a mirror of your best clients and therefore easier to target.
When the time is right, you will have the chance to launch campaigns to your target audience and begin building with the data provided from your established clientele. There will be an endless pool of prospects to market to and grow.
The Right Initial Base Of Customers Will Set You Up For Long Term Success
A strong customer base is the best way to ensure longevity. By establishing an audience of raving fans, this will decrease trial and error and increase your market viability. Keep this bullet point list handy as you think through why you need the right first customers.
- Gives you a huge head start
- Takes your business to the next level
- Provides deep insight into customer needs/wants
- Learn about your target market
- Build a community around your product
- Find out how to make marketing more effective
What has been your experience with acquiring the right customers? And the wrong customers? Have you seen a stark difference in how smoothly your business operates with the right customers?
Author Bio:
Rob Pene left the polynesian islands to pursue his dream of higher education and entrepreneurship. He is a former professional baseball player, spent 6 years as a public school teacher, and has over 12 years of experience in sales and marketing. When Rob isn’t optimizing a website for conversions, he’s either hanging out with family, cooking & washing dishes, or on zoom teaching or coaching. Connect directly with Rob at his growth marketing website or on Facebook.
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