How to Get More Business for a Small Business: Proven Strategies to Boost Growth
Running a small business is like keeping a bicycle balanced—you have to keep moving, or you’ll tip over. Customers come and go, competitors rise, and what worked yesterday might not work tomorrow. If you’re not finding new ways to attract customers and increase sales, growth stalls.
The good news? Growing a small business isn’t about luck or expensive advertising. It’s about using the right strategies at the right time. Whether you’re struggling to get noticed, looking for better ways to market, or simply need more customers, the solution is closer than you think.
This guide breaks down proven, cost-effective ways to get more business, from SEO and social media marketing to word-of-mouth referrals and automation. Each strategy is simple enough to start today but powerful enough to make a lasting impact.
1. Optimize Your Business for Local and Online Visibility
If customers can’t find your business online, they’ll find someone else. A strong digital presence helps people discover, trust, and choose you. Here’s how to stand out.
Focus on Google Business Profile (GBP) for More Local Customers
Your Google Business Profile is often the first thing people see. A complete and active profile can bring in more calls, visits, and customers.
Claim & Verify – Go to Google Business Profile, claim your listing, and verify it. Without verification, your business won’t rank well.
Keep NAP Consistent – Your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) must match across your website, Google, and other listings. Inconsistent details hurt trust and rankings.
Upload Quality Photos & Videos – Clear images of your storefront, team, and services make your business look more professional. Videos add an extra layer of credibility.
Post Updates & Promotions – Regular updates keep your profile fresh and help with rankings. Share special offers, new products, or seasonal deals.
Encourage & Respond to Reviews – Reviews build trust. Ask happy customers to leave feedback and reply to all reviews, good or bad.
Pro Tip: Businesses with recent reviews rank higher, so keep them coming!
Rank Higher on Search Engines with Website’s SEO
A good website works 24/7 to attract customers. Make sure yours is easy to find and use.
Use the Right Keywords – Think about what customers search for. Include those terms naturally in your titles, headers, and content without stuffing them.
Write Clear Meta Titles & Descriptions – Your title and description appear in search results. Make them click-worthy and under 60 and 160 characters respectively.
Make Your Website Mobile-Friendly – Most searches happen on phones. If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, visitors will leave. Test it with Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test.
Speed Up Your Site – Slow websites drive customers away. Compress images, remove unnecessary plugins, and check your speed with GTmetrix.
Create Helpful Content – Write blog posts or FAQs that answer common customer questions. Example: “How to Choose the Best [Your Service] in [Your City]”
Leverage Local Business Listings and Directories
More listings = more visibility. Customers trust businesses they see across multiple platforms.
List on Major Directories – At a minimum, claim your business on:
Google Business Profile (a must-have)
Yelp (great for service businesses)
Bing Places (Microsoft’s version of GBP)
Better Business Bureau (BBB) (boosts trust)
Facebook Business Page (social proof)
Ensure Details Match Everywhere – Any mismatch in business name, address, or phone can confuse search engines and customers.
Ask for Reviews on Multiple Platforms – Google is important, but Facebook, Yelp, and industry-specific directories can bring in more customers.
2. Utilize Social Media to Drive Engagement and Sales
Social media isn’t just for fun—it’s a powerful tool to attract customers, build trust, and increase sales. But without a strategy, it’s easy to waste time and money. Here’s how to use it effectively.
Choosing the Right Social Media Platforms for Your Business
Not all platforms are worth your time. Focus on where your customers already are:
Facebook – Best for local businesses, ads, and community engagement. Great for service-based businesses.
Instagram – Works well for visual industries (fashion, food, fitness). Ideal for short videos and influencer partnerships.
LinkedIn – Best for B2B services, networking, and thought leadership.
TikTok – Great for brands targeting younger audiences. Short, engaging videos perform best.
Pro Tip: Instead of being everywhere, master one or two platforms where your audience is most active.
Creating High-Engagement Social Media Content
Posting random content won’t get you customers. Instead, mix these types:
Educational – Tips, tutorials, FAQs (Ex: "5 Signs You Need a New Roof")
Promotional – Special offers, discounts, product features
Interactive – Polls, Q&A, behind-the-scenes content, giveaways
Video Content – Short-form videos (Reels, TikToks) and long-form videos (YouTube, IGTV) generate more engagement than text alone.
Engage Daily: Reply to comments, DMs, and mentions. The more active you are, the more the algorithm favors your content.
Running Targeted Social Media Advertising
Organic reach is limited, but paid ads put you in front of the right customers fast.
Start with Facebook & Instagram Ads – They offer the best targeting options for small businesses.
Define Your Audience – Target based on location, age, interests, and behavior to ensure the right people see your ads.
Use Retargeting – Show ads to people who visited your website but didn’t buy. Retargeting increases conversions and lowers ad costs.
A smart social media strategy brings in leads, builds trust, and increases sales without spending a fortune. Pick the right platforms, post engaging content, and use ads to reach more customers.
3. Cost-Effective Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses
Big budgets aren’t required to get more customers. Some of the best marketing strategies cost little to nothing but create a huge impact. If you’re smart about how you promote your business, you can attract new customers without draining your bank account. Let’s get into it.
Guerrilla Marketing and Free PR Tactics
Sometimes, the best way to get attention is to be creative, not expensive. Guerrilla marketing uses low-cost, high-impact strategies to grab people's attention.
Flash Sales & Giveaways – Create urgency with limited-time offers or contests. Example: “First 10 customers today get 50% off!” This drives foot traffic and online engagement.
Unexpected Advertising – Hand out free branded stickers, t-shirts, or car magnets that turn customers into walking billboards.
Sidewalk & Pop-Up Ads – Chalk messages on sidewalks, place eye-catching signs in unexpected places, or partner with other businesses for pop-up booths.
Free PR Opportunities: Local media outlets and online blogs love good stories.
Send a press release about a unique promotion or community initiative.
Contact local reporters and offer expert advice on industry trends.
Use HARO (Help a Reporter Out) to get featured in articles without spending a dime.
Pro Tip: Small, unexpected actions get people talking—and word-of-mouth spreads fast.
Community Involvement and Local Outreach
People trust businesses that support their local community. The more involved you are, the more customers recognize your brand.
Sponsor Local Events – Even a small sponsorship gets your name on flyers, social media, and event banners.
Host Free Workshops – Teach something valuable related to your business. A bakery could offer a "Cake Decorating 101" class, while a mechanic could host a “Car Maintenance for Beginners” workshop.
Partner with Local Influencers – Instead of spending on big names, connect with micro-influencers (people with 1,000-10,000 followers in your area). A local food blogger reviewing your restaurant costs way less than an ad but brings real customers.
Pro Tip: Customers love businesses that give back. Find ways to support schools, charities, or local causes—it builds trust and goodwill.
Word-of-Mouth Marketing and Referral Incentives
Happy customers are your best salespeople. The more they talk about your business, the more new customers you get.
Create a Referral Program – Offer rewards for customers who bring in friends. Example: “Refer a friend, and you both get $10 off!”
Encourage Reviews & Testimonials – People trust recommendations more than ads. Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews on Google, Facebook, or Yelp.
Loyalty Discounts – Reward repeat customers. A simple punch card (“Buy 5, Get 1 Free”) or a digital rewards program keeps people coming back.
Pro Tip: People love recognition. Shout out loyal customers on social media, feature their reviews, or send thank-you emails. A little appreciation goes a long way.
4. How to Use Urgency to Boost Sales
Getting more customers is great, but turning them into repeat buyers is where real growth happens. A strong sales strategy ensures that people don’t just show interest—they take action. Let’s go over simple but powerful ways to boost sales and bring in more leads.
Proven Sales Strategies to Convert More Customers
You don’t need aggressive sales tactics to close deals. A few smart strategies can increase your revenue without extra effort.
Use Upselling and Cross-Selling
Upselling – Offer a better version of what the customer already wants. Example: A coffee shop suggests a larger size for just 50 cents more.
Cross-selling – Suggest related products. A shoe store can offer socks at checkout.
Pro Tip: The key is helping, not pushing. Customers buy more when they see value.
Create Urgency and Scarcity
Limited-Time Offers – “This deal expires in 24 hours!” creates urgency.
Low Stock Alerts – “Only 3 left!” makes customers act fast.
Exclusive Deals – Reward loyal customers with special discounts.
Improve Your Sales Pitch and Follow-Ups
Make it about the customer’s needs, not your business.
Keep it short and simple—explain how your product solves their problem.
Follow up without being annoying—send a reminder, offer extra help, or sweeten the deal with a bonus.
Pro Tip: Many customers need 2-3 touchpoints before buying. A quick follow-up can turn a "maybe" into a "yes."
Lead Generation Tactics for Small Businesses
A steady stream of new leads keeps your business growing. The best part? You don’t have to rely on expensive ads—these methods bring in leads naturally.
Use Lead Magnets and Email Opt-Ins
Offer something valuable for free—a discount, guide, or free trial.
Example: A fitness coach gives away a "7-Day Meal Plan" in exchange for an email.
Use pop-ups, landing pages, or social media to collect leads.
Leverage SEO and Content Marketing
Write blog posts, FAQs, or guides that answer real customer questions.
Example: A plumber writes "5 Signs You Need a New Water Heater"—people searching for that problem will find their business first.
SEO takes time but brings in leads for years without extra cost.
Network and Form Partnerships
Attend business meetups, trade shows, and local networking events to make direct connections.
Partner with complementary businesses—a photographer can team up with a wedding planner.
Referral partnerships work because people trust personal recommendations.
5. Offer Exceptional Customer Service to Build Brand Loyalty
Great products attract customers, but great service keeps them coming back. People remember how a business makes them feel. If you want repeat buyers, referrals, and positive reviews, focus on personalized service, quick problem-solving, and genuine appreciation for your customers. Let’s break it down.
The Power of Personalized Customer Experience
Customers don’t want to feel like just another sale. Small touches can turn a one-time buyer into a loyal customer.
Use Names & Past Interactions – Address customers by name, remember what they purchased, and offer recommendations based on their history. Example: A barber remembering a client’s preferred haircut creates instant loyalty.
Listen & Adapt Based on Feedback – Customers will tell you what they love (or hate) about your business—use that information. Send quick surveys, ask about their experience in person, and adjust based on what they say.
Make Service Personal, Not Scripted – People can tell when you’re reading a script. Treat conversations like you would with a friend—friendly, helpful, and real.
Pro Tip: A small thank-you card or a personalized follow-up email can turn a casual buyer into a long-term customer.
Encouraging and Managing Online Reviews
Online reviews influence buying decisions more than ads. The more positive reviews you have, the easier it is to attract new customers.
Ask for Reviews the Right Way
Happy customers are usually willing to leave a review—they just need a little nudge.
The best time to ask? Right after a great experience.
Keep it simple: “We’d love your feedback! It helps us grow and improve.”
Respond to All Reviews—Even Negative Ones
For positive reviews: A quick “Thank you! We appreciate your support!” goes a long way.
For negative reviews: Stay calm. Apologize for their experience, offer a solution, and take it offline if needed. People trust businesses that handle issues professionally.
Pro Tip: Businesses with recent reviews rank higher in searches, so keep collecting them!
Customer Retention Strategies for Long-Term Growth
Keeping an existing customer is cheaper and easier than finding a new one. Small rewards and personal attention can turn casual buyers into loyal fans.
Loyalty Programs That Keep Customers Coming Back
Offer rewards based on repeat purchases—“Buy 5, Get 1 Free” works well for coffee shops, salons, and other small businesses.
Use digital loyalty programs like Punchpass, Square Loyalty, or Smile.io to keep it hassle-free.
Follow Up with Past Customers
Send a quick “We miss you!” email with a small discount or special offer.
Birthdays, holidays, or anniversaries are perfect times to reconnect and offer something extra.
Make Every Customer Feel Valued
A simple “Thanks for your support” message after a purchase can build stronger relationships than expensive marketing campaigns.
Pro Tip: A loyal customer spends 67% more than a new one. Keep them happy, and they’ll keep coming back.
6. Expand Your Business Network and Partnerships
Running a small business doesn’t mean doing everything alone. The right connections can open doors to new customers, bigger opportunities, and steady growth. Whether it’s meeting like-minded entrepreneurs or teaming up with complementary businesses, expanding your network can increase visibility and boost sales. Let’s get into it.
Joining Local Business Groups and Networking Events
People like to do business with those they know and trust. Networking helps you get referrals, find business opportunities, and learn from others.
Where to Network
Chambers of Commerce – Great for meeting local business owners and potential customers.
Industry Meetups & Conferences – Stay updated, gain insights, and connect with valuable contacts.
Co-working Spaces & Business Workshops – Casual settings often lead to meaningful conversations.
How to Build Meaningful Business Relationships
Listen More Than You Talk – People remember those who show genuine interest in them.
Offer Value First – Instead of immediately pitching your business, see how you can help others.
Follow Up – A quick message or coffee invite can turn a simple introduction into a lasting partnership.
Pro Tip: Don’t just collect business cards—build relationships that actually benefit your business.
Strategic Partnerships with Complementary Businesses
Teaming up with the right businesses lets you reach more customers without extra advertising costs.
Finding the Right Business Partners
Look for businesses that serve the same audience but aren’t direct competitors. Examples:
A real estate agent partners with a moving company.
A gym teams up with a nutritionist for a wellness package.
A coffee shop and bakery promote each other’s products.
Smart Ways to Collaborate
Cross-Promotions – Share each other’s services through social media, email lists, or business flyers.
Bundled Offers – Create a special package that includes both services for a discount.
Referral Agreements – Offer small incentives for sending customers to each other.
Pro Tip: A strong partnership benefits both sides and keeps customers happy.
7. Automate Marketing and Sales for Scalability
Growing a business takes time, but automation helps you do more with less effort. Instead of manually handling emails, follow-ups, and customer support, the right tools can streamline your workflow, save time, and increase sales—all while you focus on running your business.
Using CRM and Email Marketing Automation
Manually tracking leads and following up with every customer is impossible as your business grows. That’s where automation comes in.
Why Use a CRM?
A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool keeps track of leads, past conversations, and customer details in one place. No more forgetting to follow up or losing potential sales. Popular CRMs: HubSpot, Zoho, and Salesforce.
Automating Email Marketing for More Conversions
Set Up Drip Campaigns – These are pre-written emails that send automatically over time. Example: Someone signs up for a free guide, and over the next week, they get emails introducing your services and leading them to a sale.
Segment Your Audience – Send different emails to new leads, past customers, and inactive buyers for better results.
Follow Up Without Effort – Send reminders, offers, and thank-you emails automatically.
Pro Tip: Businesses using email automation convert more leads because they stay in touch without extra work.
Implementing Chatbots and AI for Customer Support
Customers expect quick responses, but answering the same questions over and over wastes time. Chatbots handle FAQs, schedule appointments, and direct customers to the right information instantly.
How Chatbots Help Small Businesses
Instantly Answer Common Questions – Instead of waiting for a reply, customers get quick answers about pricing, hours, and services.
Capture Leads 24/7 – A chatbot can collect customer details even when you’re offline.
Free Up Your Time – Focus on high-value tasks while chatbots handle basic inquiries.
AI-Driven Customer Insights
AI tools analyze customer behavior, purchase history, and engagement, helping you improve service and marketing strategies. If a customer regularly visits your website but hasn’t bought yet, an automated message or special discount can turn them into a buyer.
Pro Tip: Simple chatbot tools like Chatfuel, ManyChat, and Drift make setup easy, even for small businesses.
Why work harder when you can work smarter? Automating sales, email marketing, and customer support lets you grow without extra stress.
8. Utilize Paid Advertising Beyond Social Media
Social media ads are great, but they’re not the only way to attract customers. If you want to reach people actively searching for your services, Google Ads and retargeting campaigns can bring in high-quality leads without wasting money. Let’s dive in.
Google Ads and Pay-Per-Click (PPC) for Small Businesses
When someone searches for “best plumber near me” or “affordable car repair,” they’re ready to buy. Google Ads places your business at the top of those search results, putting you in front of customers exactly when they need you.
Why PPC Works for Small Businesses
You only pay when someone clicks—no wasted budget.
Targets high-intent customers already looking for your product or service.
Fast results—unlike SEO, which takes months, PPC brings traffic immediately.
How to Set Up a Budget-Friendly Google Ads Strategy
Start with Local Targeting – Focus on your city or service area to avoid wasting money on irrelevant clicks.
Use the Right Keywords – Target phrases with buying intent, like “best cleaning service near me” or “affordable home remodeling.”
Write Clear, Compelling Ads – Keep it simple: Highlight your service, mention a key benefit, and include a call to action (Ex: "Call Now for a Free Estimate!").
Set a Small Daily Budget – Even $5-$10 a day can bring in leads. Increase spending once you see results.
Pro Tip: Use Google’s free Keyword Planner to find search terms your potential customers are already using.
Retargeting Ads for Higher Conversions
Ever visited a website, then seen ads for that same business later? That’s retargeting—a simple way to bring back potential customers who didn’t buy the first time.
Why Retargeting Works
Most people don’t buy on their first visit—retargeting reminds them.
Keeps your business top-of-mind while they decide.
Works on multiple platforms (Google, Facebook, Instagram).
Best Practices for Google & Facebook Retargeting Ads
Show Special Offers – Bring people back with a discount or limited-time deal.
Use Attention-Grabbing Messages – “Still thinking about it? Get 10% off today!”
Target Abandoned Carts & Page Visitors – If someone looked at your service page but didn’t contact you, retarget them with a reminder.
Pro Tip: Retargeting ads are cheaper than regular ads because they focus only on people who already showed interest in your business.
Final Verdict: The Smartest Way to Grow Your Small Business
Running a small business is a constant balancing act. You’re juggling marketing, sales, customer service, and operations—all while trying to grow. But here’s the truth: growth isn’t about working harder; it’s about working smarter.
The strategies outlined here aren’t just theories. They work. When applied consistently, they help businesses attract customers, build trust, and increase revenue without burning through cash.
Success comes down to three key things:
Visibility – If people can’t find you online, they’ll find your competitor. A strong Google presence, social media strategy, and local SEO ensure your business shows up where it matters.
Engagement – Customers don’t just buy products; they buy experiences. Personalized service, quick responses, and relationship-building keep them coming back.
Automation & Strategy – The right tools and partnerships cut down wasted time and allow you to scale without adding stress.
The businesses that grow aren’t necessarily the biggest or the cheapest—they’re the ones that adapt. The digital world is always shifting, and staying ahead means keeping up with customer behavior, search trends, and smarter marketing strategies.
So, what’s next? Take action. Start with one or two strategies from this guide, refine them, and build momentum. Small, consistent efforts lead to massive long-term gains.
