Let’s be real: building a business is hard enough without feeling like you’re talking to an empty room. You pour your time, energy, and passion into your work, but if the right people aren’t seeing it, it can feel like shouting into the void. This makes knowing how to reach new customers a priority.
Finding your audience is about increasing sales to some degree…sure…but in the first place, it’s about connecting with the people who truly need what you offer.
If you’re wondering “Why am I not getting customers?”, I’ve got some good news for you: there are some clear, practical ways to figure out who they are and how to reach them.
I’ve tried these strategies myself. Once I realized how to promote my business online, I felt like I had to share these strategies with you guys. This is what has worked for me:
1. Get Clear on Who You’re Talking To
Before you can think about how to reach new customers, you have to know who they are. Think of your ideal customer: What do they need? What problems are they trying to solve? Where do they spend their time?
Ask yourself:
- What problem/challenge does my product or service fix?
- What interests or values do my customers have?
- Where are they hanging out online (or in person)?
A little research goes a long way. The more you understand your audience, the easier it is to speak directly to them in a way that feels natural and meaningful.
2. Check Who’s Already Engaging With You
Your current audience holds clues about who’s most interested in what you do. Take a look at your social media followers, website visitors, and past customers. Patterns will start to emerge.
Use analytics tools, customer feedback, and even casual conversations to see who’s already paying attention. If you notice a specific group engaging the most, you might have just found your core audience.
3. Meet Them Where They Are (a.k.a. Social Media)
The actual answer to how to reach new customers can be quite simple: it’s all about knowing how to use social media to find customers.
Social media isn’t just for scrolling past cat videos (though, let’s be honest, we all do it). It’s one of the best ways to find and connect with your audience.
Instead of trying to be everywhere, focus on the platforms where your ideal customers actually spend time.
Is your audience full of professionals? LinkedIn is your spot. Are they DIY enthusiasts or busy parents? Pinterest or Instagram might be a better fit.
And don’t just post. Engage. Reply to comments, start conversations, and create content that speaks directly to their interests.
4. Join the Conversation in Online Communities
People love to talk about their interests, challenges, and wins (especially in niche online spaces). This could be a Facebook group, a Reddit thread, or a LinkedIn discussion. Being active in these communities helps you connect with potential customers in a genuine way.
No need for hard sells. Just show up, be helpful, and add value. When people see you as a go-to resource, they’ll naturally start checking out what you offer.
5. Do Some Good Old-Fashioned Market Research
Guessing who your audience is? Super risky. Gathering real data? That’s smart.
Surveys, focus groups, and industry research can give you direct insights into what your audience needs and how they make decisions. Tools like Google Trends and competitor analysis can also help you see where there are gaps in the market that you can fill. You can find some more detailed info on how to do market research (plus helpful templates) here.
6. Partner with the Right People
Sometimes, the fastest way to reach your audience is through someone who already has their attention. Collaborating with influencers or industry experts can help introduce your brand to the right people. All without you having to start from scratch.
The key is to find influencers whose audience aligns with yours. Authenticity matters, so choose partners who genuinely connect with their followers.
7. Make Sure Your Message Hits Home
Once you know how to reach new customers and who your audience is, it’s all about how you talk to them. Your messaging should feel like a conversation, not a sales pitch.
Instead of going with an “Our product is the best” approach, try: “Here’s how we can make your life easier.” Show them you understand their struggles and how you can help. This is because people don’t just buy products, they buy solutions.
8. Keep an Eye on the Competition
Your competitors have already done some of the work in finding a similar audience. Pay attention to how they engage with their customers. What’s working for them? What gaps can you fill?
You don’t want to copy them, of course. It’s about learning. See what resonates with their audience, then find a way to make it your own.
9. Build a Direct Line to Your Audience (Email Lists!)
Social media algorithms change, but an email list? That’s yours to control.
Offer something valuable (a discount, a free resource, exclusive content) in exchange for an email sign-up. This gives you a direct way to stay in touch with your audience and build relationships over time.
10. Test, Adjust, and Keep Going
When wondering how to reach new customers, you should know one thing: it isn’t a one-and-done process. It’s something you fine-tune as your business grows.
Pay attention to engagement, customer feedback, and sales trends. If something’s working, do more of it. If something’s not, tweak your approach. Flexibility is key.
This Is How I Learned How to Market My Business Online and How to Reach New Customers
Building customer relationships isn’t about reaching everyone. It’s about connecting with the right people.
Once you focus on those who truly need what you offer, everything becomes easier: marketing feels more natural, engagement grows, and your business starts to build a loyal community.
If you yourself know a bit about how to reach customers, how to attract loyal customers, and how to improve audience engagement, consider sharing your knowledge and experiences on our Interview My Business series. It’s a chance to showcase your journey, inspire others, and be part of a growing network of entrepreneurs. And if you ever want to chat about strategies to reach your ideal audience, let’s connect. I’d love to help.
Your audience is out there. You just need to meet them where they are.
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