More and more people have decided to set up their own businesses in recent years. As many of us look to achieve a healthier work-life balance and take control of our schedules and finances, launching a home business is an attractive proposition.

In this guide, we’ll explore innovative ways you can expand your customer base and boost sales once you’re up and running. 

Attracting attention online

The pandemic has triggered a surge in online sales and changed the way we shop and find products and services. As a home-based business owner, you can attract new customers and get your brand name out there by making waves online.

Ensure that you have a functional, aesthetically pleasing website, spread the word on social media and utilise digital marketing techniques such as search engine optimisation (SEO) and paid ads to divert traffic to your site.

Optimise content for keyword searches related to the products and services you sell and make sure your homepage, landing pages and product pages are packed with useful information and eye-catching visual content.

Make it easy for shoppers to make purchases and find answers and include a clear call to action on every page.

Add an FAQ section and the option to get in touch online. This will help to reduce cart abandonment rates.

Use social channels that are popular among your target demographic and take the opportunity to showcase your products, tell people about your brand and engage with followers. 

Promotions and giveaways

Promotions and giveaways are a great way to get people talking about a new brand or celebrate a new product launch or a flash sale.

Running a social media competition can boost follower numbers and encourage people to look at content you’ve already posted and continue interacting with your posts long after the competition deadline has passed.

Use the giveaway to urge friends and followers to share posts to keep people interested after the closing date.

Feature the winner and drop a hint as to when the next promotion will launch.

You can also use promotions to increase sales. Think about offering a discount code for every purchase or up-selling specific items by offering a freebie.

If you sell food and drink, for example, you could give away printed reusable cups with every hamper. If you have an active wear or sports brand, you could give customers a branded water bottle or drawstring bag with every gym set or tracksuit.

Choose promotional items that are relevant to the product and brand and think about what your ideal buyer would like.

Branded products are ideal because they will continue to connect people with your business for years to come. Every time that customer takes their gym bag or their reusable coffee cup out with them, people will notice your logo or brand name. 

Reviews

Did you know that around 90% of consumers now check reviews before buying?

A high rating can make the difference between closing a sale and missing out to a rival.

Go the extra mile to impress customers and encourage positive reviews by prioritising customer service, offering value for money and adding a personal touch.

Engage with customers, reward loyalty and use emails and social media to keep in touch. 

I used to proudly display all my customer feedback on a dedicated feedback page so other customers had confidence in me when I ran an online fashion accessories shop on this website.

If you run a home business, you may be looking to boost sales and get your brand name out there. Take these tips on board to expand your reach and attract new customers.