How to build a customer base for your small business

Customer service is the foundation of any successful business. This is especially true for small businesses,who can often survive tough economic times, by providing better customer service then their larger competitors. Savvy small business owners understand that without customers you have no business! It is important to realize that if you can find a group of people who will buy your product you are well on your way to being a business success, but building a customer base can definitely be a different kind ofchallenge. In addition, building a customer base is part of cultivating return business. You need to focus on running your business in such a way, that the customers that you do have keep coming back for more!

However, you should understand that before you can hope to attract a large number of customers, you have to know who your customers are. Do not make the mistake of many small business owners, who do not bother to get to know who their customer is,and instead rely solely on their product to carry them through. The first step is to clearly identify who your target market really is. Then, in order to advertise effectively, you need to keep close tabs on your target market,and be sure that whatever you do, you are providing them with a product that solves a problem that is specific to them.

The first step in determining who your target market will be, is understanding that your target market will have certain common characteristics. These similarities are often the motivation behind buying your product or service. Once you have a better understanding of your customers, you can start building a wider customer base by appealing to the wants and needs of this group of people.

Basic information you should know about your customer base, when determining your target market is:

• The average age of your customers or age range that most of your customers fall into


• What are the common traits of your customers? Is there any common factor that they all seem to share?


• The gender of your target customers


• You should know what makes your customers happy, what they do when they have free time, and what activities they find enjoyable.


• You should know what sorts of things would upset your customer or what they might fear or be apprehensive about,as it pertains to their consumer behaviors.


• You should have some idea of the level of income of your potential customers


• Their education level


• What customer problem can you solve?


• The last factor on the list is particularly pressing, in that if you know how,you can solve a problem that exists within your customer base, you can then form your business around how to solve that one problem. Best of all you can then present that solution to your customers.

It is important to be patient when trying to build a customer base. This is a process that will take time. Remember that through this process you are finding ways to reach your potential customers, and then sell them a product or service, that they will return for, over and over again. Make it a priority to cater to the needs of your customer,and continue providing them with solutions,they will come back to your business for. If you take care of your customers, they will take care of you through referring their friends to your business,and doing your marketing for you through word-of-mouth. It is crucial to remember that although acquisition of new customers is vital to the long-term growth of your business, you should never forget those loyal customers who provide you with valuable target market information, constructive criticism and hopefully compliments.