Wondering how to get customers for your small business in 2021? It is not news that in Africa, SMEs contribute over 30% of their nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) while online businesses are now forming a large part of these numbers.

To grow customers online, you do not need a huge bank loan from the Bank of Industry.

However, what you need to understand is the rules of marketing online as a starter to run your business when low funds to start.

It has already been established; that running a business even online can be costly without the right tactics in place. Businesses that can run low on marketing and still garner results can survive easily.

The following are options you can leverage:

Host a webinar:
Hosting one is a great way to get brand engagement and recognition by potential businesses and customers. It allows you to educate and inform people on a particular conversation or trending topic. Today, if you use an Apple; you can leverage Club House, which is the only audio application for conversations.

Create a referral program
Informing other people is still the cheapest and fastest way to create trust and grow your business. Referrals are options given to customers who bring other people to your business.

Referrals do not have to be monetary. For example, you can offer them 2% off their next purchase for referring other customers.

Business Cards
We think business cards have gone out of fashion. A well-designed card can prove a good deal when well thought out. In your business card, do well to include your Instagram page, LinkedIn page, Facebook Page, websites, phone number, and even QR codes if possible.

Use Facebook Ads
Facebook is one of the cheapest ways to advertise and get your products to a potential customer. Advert can start from as low as N500 or $1.

However, because of the exchange rate, it may cost slightly higher or lower.

Blog
Blogging helps increase your SEO (search engine optimization). When you create relevant content for your audiences, it increases your reach to generate new customers.

It is free, and you can sign up on WordPress. For instance, If you are a Chef, you can consider sharing recipe tips on your blog.

Google My Business
Google is one of the biggest tech supporters of small businesses in Nigeria. Google My Business allows customers to find you on google map, connect with your customers, post updates about your business, and see how customers interact with your business. It is free.

Email Marketing
There are many free email marketing applications that you can utilize even without their premium offers, and many offering free ready-to-use templates for growth.

In 2019 alone, email accounted for a large number of sales than physical.

As small business owners and entrepreneurs with challenges of electricity, road networks, and available resources, Less is good so you can focus on other aspects of scaling your business in 2021.
Finally, the budget for your marketing goals can be as little as N5,000; which can generate N10,000 when the right tactics available for your business.

To get more information on scaling your business through marketing, stick to our marketing feature page.
Go to www.sme360.ng to read more!