5 Free Ways to Attract New Customers to Your Small Business

Jan. 28, 2010— -- As a small business owner, I know firsthand the pressure to attract new customers in a challenging economic climate, especially on a limited (code for nonexistent) budget.

Fortunately, there are some powerful things you can do today -- without spending a penny -- to tap into the power of the Internet and make it easy for prospective customers to find your small business. That's right: free. All you need is computer access to get started.

1. Create a Facebook Fan Page

Chris Meyer of CM Photographics in Woodbury, Minn., says 60 percent of his photography business now comes from the free fan page he created on Facebook. He uploads photos from the weddings he shoots, and all the guests pictured are encouraged to become fans of his page. Once they're fans, they're automatically updated daily on his work and any special offers. For example, he may post a notice about a free engagement session if you consider booking him for a wedding -- and the majority wind up booking him for their big day.

A clothing store could post photos of new arrivals. A nail salon could ask its customers to become fans -- and then post surveys on the most popular polish colors of the week. There are lots of ways to get creative and engage your customers, and then their friends become your fans and customers too.

Facebook offers a free tutorial on how to get started once you log in. (It's not very difficult. If I could do it, anyone can. Click here to see my company's fan page on Facebook to see what I mean.)

2. Tweet Special Offers or Advice Daily Via Twitter

Sprinkles Cupcakes is just one business that encourages customers in its stores and on its Web site to follow the company on Twitter. Every few days, the company sends out messages such as "Celebrate National Chocolate Cake Day! The first 50 people to whisper "rich" at each Sprinkles receive a free dark chocolate cupcake." That gets people into the shop -- and most times they buy another cupcake and a drink.

Ask your current customers to follow your business on Twitter -- and build from there. A store owner can announce sales or tweet special Twitter-only discounts. A daycare service might post tips on caring for kids -- plus holiday specials. Restaurants post recipes, ask questions about food preferences, and of course share discounts. It's all about engaging your potential customers.

(When you set up your Twitter page, send me the link at Twitter.com/ToryJohnson and I'll try to help you spread the word about your business. Make sure you've done a good job making it appealing.)