Someone in China searched “how can we get more business” and landed on our site. It’s a simple question that every business owner asks.
Let’s start with the free stuff – the options that only require time, not money.
Discussion Groups and Forums 💬
Before social media meant TikTok and Instagram, it was discussion groups and online forums. They still exist, and people still hang out there.
The same rule applies now as it did then: don’t spam people with links. Be helpful and active without ever trying to push anything. You’ll be surprised how many leads you get by simply showing over time that you’re knowledgeable in your field.
This is mainly how we built our business – through word of mouth and being helpful without pushing services on anyone. It’s also why we have clients who’ve been with us since 2007.
Building trust takes time. Destroying it takes seconds.
Social Media 📱
Careful marketing through social platforms can generate many leads – without ever pushing your services on anyone.
The key is providing value. Share insights, answer questions, be genuinely helpful. People notice when someone actually knows what they’re talking about.
Press Releases 📰
Sending out generic press releases about your “amazing” new product that nobody cares about won’t get you anywhere.
But coming up with something genuinely interesting – even if it’s unrelated to your core business – might get a journalist interested enough to investigate.
Spend time being creative. A brochure wrapped as a “press release” is a waste of everyone’s time.
Word of Mouth 🗣️
By far the most effective marketing – still true today.
Why not call your existing customers and simply ask if they know someone else who might benefit from your product or service? The worst they can say is no.
Paid Marketing 💰
If you’re going to spend money on ads, test before you commit. What works varies by industry and audience.
Google Ads has performed well for many of our clients. Other platforms have been hit or miss. The only way to know what works for your business is to test with small budgets first.
Your Website 🖥️
Almost forgot the obvious one.
Have you looked at your own website lately? Does it make you proud?
If the answer is no, fix it before spending money to send people there. Your website is you as far as potential clients know. A poorly made site signals what they can expect if they become your client.
The Bottom Line
Getting more business isn’t complicated:
- Be helpful where your potential customers hang out
- Build trust over time (don’t push)
- Ask existing customers for referrals
- Make sure your website doesn’t embarrass you
- Test paid marketing before going big
Most of this is free. It just takes time and consistency. 🎯
