25 Effective Ways to Find Customers for Your Business

Here are 25 ways, free and paid, to find new customers for your online or local business, or even to simply attract traffic to your website or social networks. We’ll also look at why you can’t find enough customers, and what tips and tricks you can use to remedy the situation. So, if you’re wondering how to find customers for your business, you’ll find the answer in this article.

• Here's the program
• Introduction
• 25 ways to find new customers or attract traffic
  • 1. Online presence and SEO (Free & Paid)
  • 2. Content Marketing (Free & Paid)
  • 3. Marketing on Social Networks (Free)
  • 4. Email Marketing (Free & Paid)
  • 5. Paid advertising (online and offline)
  • 6. Affiliate Marketing (Paid)
  • 7. Partnerships & Collaborations (Free & Paid)
  • 8. Professional Networking (Free)
  • 9. Press and Public Relations (Free & Paid)
  • 10. Word of mouth and testimonials (Free)
  • 11. Loyalty & Referral Programs (Free & Paid)
  • 12. Influencer Marketing (Free & Paid)
  • 13. Promotional offers and discounts (Free & Paid)
  • 14. Using online forums and communities (Free)
  • 15. Webinars and workshops (Free & Paid)
  • 16. Direct sales and canvassing (Free & Paid)
  • 17. Fairs, Trade Shows and Events (Paid)
  • 18. Guest Publications and Content Exchange (Free & Paid)
  • 19. Local SEO and Local Marketing (Free & Paid)
  • 20. SMS marketing (Free & Paid)
  • 21. Free consultations and demonstrations (Free)
  • 22. Product or service sampling (Paid)
  • 23. Podcasts and Interviews (Free & Paid)
  • 24. Use of Freelance Platforms (Free & Paid)
  • 25. Customer Service Optimization (Free & Paid)
• Understanding and reaching your Ideal Customer
• Essential online tools and services
• Conclusion

Introduction

How do you find customers for your business? Answering this question can be difficult, since the strategy can vary depending on the nature of your business. In this article, I’ll try to provide concrete answers to those who find themselves in one of these 3 cases, and wish to:

• aFind local customers: if you have a physical business or offer a home-based service.
• bFind online customers: if you have an e-commerce store or offer an online service.
• cAttract traffic: If you have a non-commercial site, blog or other form of online content that doesn’t fall into the second category.

I’ll do my best to cover the essentials in a way that’s universal enough for you to be able to draw on relevant information, whatever your specific context. But whether you’re the owner of a small local business or the head of a fast-growing digital startup, the strategy you adopt needs to be both well thought-out and tailored to your target market.

Of course, the basis of any commercial success lies in offering a quality product or service that meets the precise and sometimes unspoken needs of your potential customers. But once this foundation has been laid, how do you ensure that your company stands out from the crowd, attracts and retains customers who are increasingly demanding and in demand from the competition?

The answer lies in a multitude of tactics and strategies, some tried and tested, others more innovative, but all crucial to propelling your business to new heights. The aim of this guide is not only to introduce you to a range of these methods, but also to demonstrate the importance of building a solid base of current, satisfied customers who can become your brand ambassadors through word-of-mouth and referrals.

Finally, attracting customers won’t do much good if you haven’t optimized the conversion phase. This is a crucial aspect which I’ll cover later in this article. But without further ado, let’s get to the heart of the matter.

25 ways to find new customers or attract traffic

We’re going to concentrate on practical, tried-and-tested methods for attracting customers. Here you’ll find a variety of strategies, each with its own specificities, advantages and disadvantages. Note that each of these marketing strategies could be the subject of an article specifically dedicated to it, but to avoid you having to read the equivalent of “War and Peace”, I’ll try to be concise while providing you with all the important information you need to implement them.

Please note, however, that I’ve already written an article on some of the points covered here, and I’ll add a link whenever I can. As for the tools and services I’ll be talking about here, I’ve grouped them together in a specially dedicated chapter, just before the conclusion of this article. Thus you’ll be able to find all the additional information you need there.

1 Online presence and SEO (Free & Paid)

Online presence refers to the way a company or brand is represented on the Internet. This generally involves a website or, more specifically, an online store, as well as accounts on various social networks. Closely linked to this presence is SEO (search engine optimization), which is how Google will notice the content the company has published.

To be effective, SEO uses various techniques such as the use of appropriate keywords, the creation of quality content, and technical optimization of the website. It’s a process that requires both skill and time, and for which you need to be patient, as results can take a long time (several months) to become visible.

How does it generate traffic and customers?

A strong online presence ensures that when potential customers are looking for products or services you offer, they can easily find you. Good SEO brings your site to the top of search results, increasing your visibility and the likelihood that new customers will click through to your site. The higher your site appears in the results—by which I mean organically, without having to pay—the more likely you are to attract qualified traffic interested in what you have to offer.

Implementation

To implement an effective SEO strategy, start by identifying the keywords your target audience uses in their searches. Integrate these keywords strategically into your site’s titles, metadata and content. Also make sure your site is fast, mobile-friendly and easy to navigate to deliver an optimal user experience (UX).

Continue with the regular creation of quality content that addresses the needs and questions of your potential customers. This will help position your site as a reliable and informative resource. In parallel, work on obtaining backlinks (a link from another website pointing to yours, considered a vote of confidence by search engines) from reputable sites to reinforce your website’s authority. This often involves creating partnerships or contributing relevant content to other platforms.

Cost

While the basics of SEO can be managed at no cost, investing in specialized tools or professional SEO services can significantly improve your ranking in search results. The key is to remain constant in your efforts and adapt your strategy in line with the evolution of search engine algorithms and the behavior of your audience. But SEO is a fairly complex discipline, so don’t hesitate to call in a professional who will take care of the various technical aspects that need to be implemented, if you have the budget.

The main SEO concepts to master for an optimal online presence.

2 Content Marketing (Free & Paid)

Content marketing is a strategy in which useful, relevant information is at the heart of the interaction between a company and its audience. Unlike traditional advertising methods, content marketing doesn’t seek to sell directly, but to inform, educate and engage audiences by creating content that matches their needs and interests. This strategy can take many forms, such as blog posts, videos, podcasts or infographics, and has the ultimate aim of establishing your brand’s authority and building trust with your audience.

Done well, content marketing transforms your company into a source of reference for your customers. By providing answers to your audience’s questions, solving their problems or inspiring them, you create value that goes beyond the simple product or service you sell. It’s this added value that builds customer loyalty and attracts new prospects to your brand, encouraging them to discover what you have to offer.

How does it generate traffic and customers?

Content marketing attracts traffic and customers by establishing a direct connection between your audience’s needs and the solutions you offer. Quality, useful and engaging content naturally attracts visitors to your website, improves your visibility in search engines and encourages sharing on social networks. The more your content is shared, the more visibility your brand gains, attracting a steady stream of potential new customers.

Implementation

To implement an effective content marketing strategy, start by identifying your target audience’s most common questions and problems. Then create content that answers them clearly and concisely. Be sure to maintain a regular publication cadence to keep your audience engaged. Finally, don’t forget to promote your content through various channels, such as social networks, e-mail newsletters or influencer marketing, to maximize its reach and impact.

Cost

Content marketing can be largely free, especially if you create and publish content yourself. But investing in content creation tools, distribution platforms or SEO services can increase the effectiveness of your strategy. There are additional costs involved, but it’s a good investment.

3 Marketing on Social Networks (Free)

Social networks are powerful platforms for connecting businesses with their target audience in a direct and personal way. They offer the opportunity to share content, interact with customers and build an engaged community around your brand. Whether through posts, stories, videos or direct interactions, social networks enable you to present your brand in an authentic and dynamic way.

A well-executed social network marketing strategy can not only shine a spotlight on your company while sharing your culture and values, but also establish two-way communication with your audience. Providing relevant and engaging content with your followers will create a relationship of trust that can turn into long-term loyalty, and even word-of-mouth recommendations.

How does it generate traffic and customers?

Marketing on social networks generates traffic and attracts customers by humanizing your brand and making your content accessible and shareable. An active, strategic presence on relevant platforms puts your company in front of the eyes of millions of users, increasing brand awareness. What’s more, engaging publications and meaningful interactions encourage content sharing, amplifying your reach and attracting new customers to your site or point of sale.

Implementation

Developing a presence on social networks starts with choosing the platforms most relevant to your target audience, each with its own demographic and other specificities. Then create a content calendar to organize and schedule regular posts that reflect your brand and engage your audience. Pay close attention to comments and messages to maintain dynamic interaction with your community. Finally, regularly analyze the performance of your publications to adjust and optimize your strategy.

Cost

Marketing on social networks can be virtually cost-free if you manage content creation and audience interaction yourself. However, investing in social network management tools or content creation services can improve the effectiveness of your strategy. You can even hire a Community Manager, whose job is to take care of it for you.

Hootsuite Hootsuite is a very useful online service that allows you to plan your publications on a multitude of social networks.

4 Email Marketing (Free & Paid)

Email marketing is a direct communication channel that enables you to reach your customers and prospects personally. This is essentially done via a newsletter, a kind of information bulletin regularly sent by e-mail to subscribers.

This approach gives you the opportunity to deliver valuable information, special offers, product or service updates, and much more, directly to your recipients’ inboxes. With the right strategy, email marketing can turn your subscribers into loyal customers, which is why it’s so important not to neglect this strategy.

How does it generate traffic and customers?

Email marketing attracts customers by creating a direct, personal link with your subscribers. Well-targeted, relevant newsletters encourage readers to visit your website to find out more, take advantage of special offers, or participate in events. A successful email marketing campaign can lead to high conversion rates, as it speaks directly to people who are already interested in what you have to offer.

Implementation

To get started with email marketing, you first need to build a subscriber list by collecting the email addresses of your customers and prospects. Make sure you comply with all applicable data collection regulations. Next, segment your list to send more targeted messages. Create compelling emails that prompt action, and test different elements (such as subject lines and calls to action) to optimize campaign performance. Finally, analyze the results of each campaign to improve your future communications.

Cost

Email copywriting can be done free of charge, but the use of professional email marketing platforms for campaign automation, tracking and optimization is important and therefore almost unavoidable. Some email marketing platforms offer free packages, so you can get started at low cost.

5 Paid advertising (online and offline)

Paid advertising, whether online or offline, is a fast and effective strategy for reaching a large audience and generating traffic or sales. Online, this includes options such as Google Ads, ads on social networks, or banners on various websites. Offline, this can involve advertising in newspapers, on radio, television, or billboards. Each option offers unique advantages, and allows you to precisely target specific segments of your target audience.

How does it generate traffic and customers?

Paid advertising attracts customers by placing your brand where it is most likely to be seen by your target audience. Online, advanced targeting tools allow you to present your ads to users based on their interests, online behavior, or demographics.

Offline, the right location and timing can expose your brand to a wide audience. When well-targeted and creatively designed, paid advertising can encourage people to visit your store or website, learn more about your brand, and make purchases.

Implementation

For successful paid advertising, start by clearly defining your objectives and understanding your target audience, then choose the platforms or channels best suited to reach that audience. Create eye-catching, persuasive ads that clearly communicate the benefits of your products or services.

For online campaigns, use targeting tools to refine your audience, and test different versions of each campaign (A/B testing) to determine which are most successful. Finally, regularly monitor and adjust your campaigns based on performance to maximize your return on investment (ROI).

Cost

Costs can vary considerably depending on the platforms chosen, the scope of the campaign, the cost-per-click (CPC), and the level of targeting. Paid advertising often requires an initial budget, but effective management can quickly maximize ROI.

Google Ads offers all the tools you need, such as keyword research, campaign tracking, etc., to optimize the impact of your ads.

6 Affiliate Marketing (Paid)

Affiliate marketing is a strategy where companies collaborate with individuals or sometimes even other companies to promote their products or services. Affiliates, often bloggers, social network influencers or website owners, promote these products or services through their channels and receive a commission for each specific sale or action achieved through their efforts. This performance-based model is highly effective, enabling companies to extend their marketing reach without major initial investment, by paying only for concrete results.

This strategy benefits both companies and affiliates. For companies, it opens the door to markets and audiences they might not otherwise have been able to reach, by leveraging affiliates’ credibility and engagement with their audience. For affiliates, it’s an opportunity to monetize their content and audience, by sharing products they value and recommending relevant solutions to their audience. Affiliate marketing thus creates a win-win relationship, fostering a mutually beneficial collaboration between brands and their affiliate partners.

How does it generate traffic and customers?

Affiliate marketing, by leveraging the extensive and specialized networks of affiliates, serves as a springboard for introducing your products or services to new groups of consumers. These affiliates, thanks to their authentic content and trusted relationship with their audience, act as ambassadors for your brand. When they recommend your products, this is not perceived as conventional advertising but as reliable advice from a credible source, which significantly increases conversion rates.

What’s more, this strategy enables precise market segmentation. Affiliates, often specialized in specific niches, can introduce your brand to highly targeted segments, where the relevance of your offer is maximized. In this way, affiliate marketing can not only broaden your visibility, but also align it closely with your ideal customer profile.

Implementation

To get started with affiliate marketing, first identify potential affiliates who share a similar audience to your target audience. This could include bloggers, influencers, review sites or other businesses. Establish a clear agreement on commissions and partnership terms.

Provide your affiliates with the necessary resources, such as tracking links, promotional material and product information. Then track and analyze affiliate performance to optimize strategy and relationships. Finally, note that there are platforms that put companies and affiliates in touch with each other, which can help you get this strategy up and running much more quickly.

Cost

Affiliate marketing can be relatively inexpensive to set up, as costs are often performance-based. You pay commissions on sales (or other actions taken), so it doesn’t cost you anything until you have a sale, which minimizes the risk of unnecessary expenses.

7 Partnerships & Collaborations (Free & Paid)

Partnerships and collaborations are essentially strategic alliances in which two or more companies join forces. The idea is to pool their resources, expertise and networks to achieve objectives that would be difficult to achieve independently. This synergy can take many forms. For example, in co-branding, two brands combine their names to launch a joint product, capitalizing on their respective reputations.

Joint events, such as webinars or workshops, enable knowledge to be shared while reaching a wider audience. Service exchanges, meanwhile, offer an opportunity to benefit from skills or products without direct financial exchange

The major advantage of these alliances is that they not only broaden your audience and increase your visibility, but also bring unique added value to your customers, by combining the best of what each partner has to offer.

How does it generate traffic and customers?

Partnerships and collaborations generate traffic and customers by leveraging the strengths and audiences of each partner. For example, when co-branding, each company can introduce its products or services to the other’s customers, offering exposure to a new market. Similarly, joint events or cross-promotions can attract the attention of both audiences, stimulating interest and curiosity, and encouraging potential new customers to visit your platforms or outlets.

Implementation

Start by identifying potential partners whose values, target audience and business objectives are in alignment with yours. This could even be a direct competitor. Then establish clear objectives for the partnership and agree on the terms of the collaboration, including the sharing of resources, responsibilities and profits. Create an action plan for joint promotion, product distribution or events. Make sure there is constant and transparent communication between you and your partner to ensure a successful collaboration.

Cost

The costs of partnerships and collaborations vary greatly depending on the nature and scope of the collaboration. It won’t cost the same whether you develop a product together or just organize a joint event. However, these costs can be optimized if both parties contribute equally in terms of resources and promotion.

8 Professional Networking (Free)

Professional networking is the art of creating and maintaining relationships with other professionals, companies or organizations in your sector. It can take place in a variety of contexts, such as conferences, professional meetings, networking events, or even virtually on professional online platforms. The aim is to build a solid network that can offer opportunities for partnerships, advice, referrals and growth.

Professional networking puts you in direct contact with individuals who can become customers, partners or ambassadors for your brand. Building strong, trusted relationships with other professionals creates a channel for recommendations and advice, often leading to new business opportunities.

How does it generate traffic and customers?

Professional networking can be a powerful tool for attracting customers and generating traffic in a very direct and personal way. When you build relationships with other professionals, you create a network of people who know your business and what you offer. If they trust you and your product or service, they’re likely to recommend you to their own contacts. These personal recommendations are invaluable, as people often trust suggestions coming from someone they know and respect.

What’s more, the partnerships or collaborations that result from networking can open up new avenues for reaching customers and markets that were previously out of reach, as we saw in the previous section.

Implementation

To start building a strong professional network, first identify the places and platforms where you’re most likely to come across people who can have a positive impact on your business. This could be industry-specific events, local professional groups or even online forums and social networks such as Facebook or LinkedIn. Once you know where you need to go, prepare a concise presentation of your business.

This presentation should summarize what your company does, what makes it unique, and what you’re looking to achieve from these interactions. When you’re in these networking spaces, engage with others authentically and sincerely. Show a genuine interest in what they’re doing, and be ready to share your own experiences and ideas.

Then consider joining or creating mastermind groups. These groups bring together motivated, goal-oriented professionals, offering an opportunity to learn from each other, receive feedback, and support mutual development through ideas, resources and encouragement.

Cost

Networking is generally free, as in the case of informal meetings or online groups. Note, however, that some conferences or professional events may charge a participation fee.

LinkedIn hosts a multitude of different groups, all of which offer opportunities to expand your professional network.

9 Press and Public Relations (Free & Paid)

Press and public relations encompass all activities designed to manage the way your company is perceived by the public. This includes talking to the media, creating press releases, and organizing events that draw attention to your company. The idea is to build a positive image and maintain a good reputation with your audience. This process often involves working with journalists and influencers to share stories that reflect your brand’s values and achievements.

These efforts aim not only to inform the public of your latest news or offers, but also to shape public opinion and reinforce your company’s credibility. When properly executed, PR and press efforts can transform the way current and potential customers perceive your brand.

How does it generate traffic and customers?

PR and press attract traffic and customers by putting your brand in the spotlight. Positive media coverage or a well-placed article can instantly raise your company’s profile and encourage people to find out more about you. It’s a form of third-party validation—when customers see that reliable sources are talking positively about your company, their trust in your brand increases, making them more inclined to buy your products or services.

Implementation

Develop a public relations strategy by identifying the stories and unique aspects of your brand that might interest the media. Create captivating press releases and target the right media channels and journalists specialized in your field. Organizing media events or participating in interviews can also be an effective way of generating interest. To implement an effective PR strategy, you need to clearly define your message and objectives.

Build relationships with the media by regularly providing them with relevant and interesting information about your company. This could be a local radio station or a national news site, depending on your company’s size and profile.

Prepare press releases for major announcements and consider organizing events to attract the attention of the media and influencers. Stay proactive and reactive in your interactions with the media to build long-term relationships.

Cost

Public relations management can be relatively inexpensive if carried out in-house, but you also have the option of working with specialized agencies or buying advertising space to boost your communications. There are additional costs involved, but it can be very worthwhile in your case. The choice is yours.

10 Word of mouth and testimonials (Free)

Word-of-mouth and testimonials are among the most authentic and powerful forms of marketing. When customers are satisfied with your product or service, they naturally tell others about it. These personal recommendations have immense value, because they come from a trusted source.

Testimonials, whether posted on your website, in your brochures or on social networks, serve as social proof, showing your prospects that other customers have had a positive experience with your company. It’s one of the most effective strategies, and it’s free!

How does it generate traffic and customers?

Word-of-mouth and testimonials attract customers by building trust and credibility. People are more inclined to try a new product or service if they hear positive feedback from people they know or from authentic online testimonials.

Implementation

To encourage word-of-mouth and get testimonials, start by offering an exceptional customer experience. This may mean offering excellent quality products or services, fast delivery, efficient after-sales service, etc.

Next, encourage your customers to share their experience. This can be done by asking for feedback after purchase, offering incentives for reviews, or simply reminding customers that they can help by sharing their experience. Be sure to highlight testimonials received on your marketing platforms and website.

Cost

This strategy is generally free of charge, but certain incentives offered (discounts, gifts, etc.) for testimonials or reviews may come at a cost.

Here are three examples of notable business successes attributed to effective word-of-mouth campaigns.

11 Loyalty & Referral Programs (Free & Paid)

Loyalty and referral programs are designed to reward customers for their ongoing commitment and to encourage referrals. On the one hand, loyalty programs offer benefits, discounts or gifts to repeat customers, recognizing their loyalty and encouraging repeat purchases. The most common example is the loyalty card: buy 10 products and you’ll get the 11th one free, or the loyalty card that offers a 10% discount on certain items.

Referral programs, on the other hand, give your customers benefits when they introduce new customers to your company. This turns your satisfied customers into active promoters of your brand, helping to expand your customer base and strengthen your company’s reputation.

As you’ll probably have noticed, the principle is similar to that of affiliate marketing I mentioned earlier, except that in this case sponsorship directly involves your existing customers recommending your products to their personal circle.

How does it generate traffic and customers?

Loyalty and referral programs generate traffic and attract customers by creating a system of incentives. Customers are motivated not only to return to enjoy their benefits, but also to share their positive experience with friends and family. This in turn generates new customers, themselves motivated by the same benefits.

Implementation

To set up these programs, first determine the types of rewards or benefits that will be most attractive to your customers. Make sure the points, rewards or discounts system is easy to understand and use.

For referral programs, offer incentives to both the sponsor and the referral to encourage participation. Communicate clearly about these programs across your marketing channels, and be sure to track and analyze their performance for continuous improvement.

Cost

These programs can be set up on a limited budget, but offering attractive rewards and managing the system can be costly. Digital solutions for managing loyalty or sponsorship programs may also require investment.

12 Influencer Marketing (Free & Paid)

Influencer marketing capitalizes on the notoriety and credibility of influential individuals on social networks or in certain communities to promote your products or services. These influencers, thanks to their engaged and loyal audience, can present your brand in a way that resonates authentically with their followers. This method is particularly effective because it builds on the pre-existing trust between the influencer and his or her audience, which can lead to high engagement rates and, ultimately, conversions.

How does it generate traffic and customers?

Influencer marketing generates traffic and customers by placing your brand in the daily lives of the influencer’s audience. When an influencer shares a product or experience, their audience perceives it as a trusted recommendation rather than a traditional advertisement. This approach can quickly increase your brand’s visibility, drive traffic to your site and boost sales, especially if the message is well aligned with the interests of the influencer’s audience.

Implementation

Start by identifying influencers whose style, values and audience align with your brand. Build authentic relationships with them and propose a collaboration that brings added value to their subscribers.

Provide them with the information they need about your products, and let them share their experience in a natural way with their audience. Track and analyze the impact of these collaborations to measure their effectiveness and adjust your strategy according to the results.

Cost

The costs associated with influencer marketing can vary. Collaborations with micro-influencers can be relatively affordable or even free, while partnerships with high-profile influencers may require a more substantial budget.

Upfluence Upfluence is one of the many platforms available on the web to connect influencers and entrepreneurs/marketers.

13 Promotional offers and discounts (Free & Paid)

Promotional offers and discounts are highly effective ways of attracting customers’ attention and boosting sales. Whether seasonal discounts, coupon codes, flash sales or gifts with a purchase, these strategies create a sense of urgency and value, encouraging customers to make a purchasing decision. Properly executed, these offers can not only increase short-term sales but also introduce new customers to your brand.

How does it generate traffic and customers?

Promotional offers and discounts attract customers by creating an attractive value proposition. Consumers are often motivated by the opportunity to save money or get more value for their purchases.

This tactic can quickly generate traffic to your site or store and, if the offer is attractive enough, it can spread quickly through word-of-mouth or social network shares, attracting even more potential customers.

Implementation

Plan your promotional offers, aligning discounts or gifts with the interests and preferences of your target audience. Make sure promotions are clearly communicated and easily accessible.

For flash sales, create a sense of urgency by limiting the time or quantity available. For discount codes, make them easy to use during the checkout process. Finally, track the performance of your promotions to understand what works best, and adjust future offers accordingly.

Cost

Although discounts reduce the profit margin on products sold, they can be offset by an increase in sales volume. The costs associated with promoting offers must also be taken into account.

14 Using online forums and communities (Free)

Using online forums and communities is an effective way of establishing a presence in spaces where people with common interests gather. These platforms are places for discussion and exchange between enthusiasts, where you can share your expertise, answer questions and propose solutions.

By regularly engaging with well-chosen communities, you gradually build trust and recognition for your brand. It’s a valuable opportunity to understand first-hand the needs and concerns of your target audience, enabling you to fine-tune your offering and communication. This open dialogue can also inspire new ideas for products or services, fuelled by feedback and suggestions from community members.

How does it generate traffic and customers?

By offering useful tips and participating in discussions on Facebook or LinkedIn groups, online discussion forums, Q&A sites such as Quora, etc., you naturally draw attention to your brand. Community members who appreciate your contributions may visit your site to find out more, and even recommend your services to others. What’s more, some platforms allow you to share links to your site, which can directly increase traffic.

Implementation

Identify forums, groups and other online communities where your target audience is active. Create an authentic profile and start interacting by sharing relevant knowledge and answering questions. Make sure your contributions provide real value and avoid overly direct promotions, as these could be perceived as spam. Follow the rules of each community and use these platforms to build relationships, rather than to sell aggressively.

Cost

This strategy is generally free of charge, although it does require an investment of time to participate actively and meaningfully.

Quora is undoubtedly the most famous Q&A platform on the web.

15 Webinars and workshops (Free & Paid)

Webinars and workshops are extremely effective ways of connecting directly with your audience. Webinars are online presentations, workshops or seminars that allow people to connect, learn and interact in real time, without the constraints of geography. They’re perfect for presenting complex topics, sharing the latest industry trends, or even training customers on how to use your products or services. Thanks to video, screen sharing and live chat functionality, webinars offer an immersive and engaging experience.

On the other hand, workshops are often more interactive and hands-on. They usually take place face-to-face, although they can also be adapted to an online format. In a workshop, participants are usually invited to participate actively, whether through practical exercises, case studies, demonstrations and so on. It’s also an opportunity for them to apply new skills or techniques in a safe environment.

It’s the perfect opportunity to help them strengthen their skills, deepen their product knowledge and forge more personal links with your customers. Workshops can be particularly beneficial for introducing new products, providing detailed training or gathering valuable feedback directly from your customers.

How does it generate traffic and customers?

Webinars and workshops attract potential customers by offering value in the form of educational content or hands-on training. By offering these sessions free of charge or at an attractive price, you can attract a wide audience interested in your field.

Participants have the opportunity to get to know you and your products or services, which can lead to purchases or referrals. What’s more, recordings of these sessions can be used as marketing content to attract an even wider audience after the event.

Implementation

Identify the topics that interest your target audience and highlight your expertise. Plan and organize your webinars or workshops, choosing the right format, the right online delivery tools and promoting the event on your communication channels.

During the event, engage with your audience, answer their questions and make sure you provide high-quality content. After the event, follow up with attendees and provide them with additional resources or incentives to encourage them to become your customers.

Cost

Costs can vary depending on the platform used for online hosting, promotional tools and any external speakers. Free events can attract a wider audience, while paid events can generate direct revenue.

16 Direct sales and canvassing (Free & Paid)

Direct selling and canvassing are more traditional but still effective marketing methods. They involve personal interaction with potential customers, whether face-to-face, by telephone or by other direct means. This approach enables personalized communication, and can be particularly effective for providing detailed explanations of complex products or services, answering customer questions directly, and responding to sales objections in real time.

By adopting this strategy, you have the opportunity to build a more personal and engaging relationship with your customers. Not only does it enable you to better understand your prospects’ needs and preferences, it also enables you to personalize your offer to meet their exact expectations. Although direct sales and canvassing require an investment of time and resources, they can be extremely profitable in terms of customer loyalty and long-term value creation for your company.

How does it generate traffic and customers?

Direct selling and canvassing attract customers by creating a personal bond and specifically addressing their needs and concerns. Direct contact allows for more effective persuasion and immediate adjustment of your message based on the customer’s reactions. This can lead to a faster buying decision and better conversion, as you can directly guide the customer through the sales process.

Implementation

If you have the budget, you can start by hiring a team of marketers, then prepare them with in-depth training on your products or services and on communication techniques. Develop a sales script that highlights the benefits of your offer and can be adapted to different situations. Identify your target market and plan your canvassing strategically. After each interaction, analyze what worked and what didn’t, and refine your approach accordingly.

Alternatively, you can start with just a sales rep or telemarketer, and see what happens. It’s a fairly time-consuming activity that requires certain communication and persuasion skills, which is why it’s a good idea to entrust this mission to qualified people.

Cost

If you have the skills and the time, taking on this task yourself will cost you next to nothing. But it’s often better to invest in a good, qualified and efficient team, for fast and significant results. Note that there are specialized canvassing agencies that can cost you less than hiring your own team. It’s up to you to decide, depending on your budget.

Here’s how effective door-to-door selling works.

17 Fairs, Trade Shows and Events (Paid)

Fairs, trade shows and similar events provide an exceptional stage for showcasing your company. They bring together people with a specific interest in your sector or niche, providing an audience ready to discover what you have to offer. It’s the ideal place to showcase your products, share your services and tell your brand story. These events are also meeting places, where you can interact with industry professionals, decision-makers and influential media.

This type of event is usually held in convention centers or dedicated areas where stands, exhibition spaces and conference rooms are set up to encourage interaction and presentations. The aim is to create an environment conducive to professional exchanges and the discovery of new trends and solutions.

By taking part, you can benefit from targeted networking opportunities, meet potential suppliers, and even take a close look at what your competitors are doing. But above all, it’s a great opportunity to engage in face-to-face discussions with prospects, understand their needs and get instant feedback on your products or services.

How does it generate traffic and customers?

As I said, the biggest advantage of trade shows is that they attract customers who are already interested in what you have to offer. It’s a unique opportunity for them to experience your products first-hand, see them demonstrated and appreciate their finish and functionality.

All these factors can have a major influence on their purchasing decision. What’s more, these events offer the perfect opportunity for direct exchanges, enabling prospects’ questions to be answered immediately and creating a lasting impression that can translate into subsequent sales. So it’s a strategy worth seriously considering — if it can be applied to your sector, that is.

Implementation

To find the right trade shows and events for your business, start by searching online for industry-specific event calendars. Consult trade associations, chambers of commerce and exhibition websites for information on upcoming events. You can also subscribe to industry newsletters and join professional groups on social networks to keep abreast of the latest networking opportunities.

Once you’ve selected the right events, prepare thoroughly for your participation. Organize your stand to be visually appealing and functional, highlighting your products or services. Prepare attention-grabbing demonstrations and promotional material that will be noticed from afar. Train your team, if you have one, to engage visitors in a professional and informative way.

Plan strategic meetings before or during the event to maximize your networking opportunities. And, crucially for building lasting relationships, make sure you follow up effectively with the contacts you’ve made during the event, by sending them personalized emails or arranging new meetings, for example.

Cost

Taking part in trade fairs and shows certainly requires a certain budget, especially when you consider the costs of reserving a stand, hiring and training sales staff, traveling, organizing on site, and preparing all the promotional material. But the investment is often well worth it. Because if all goes well, you could not only boost your sales at the time, but also forge links with partners who could be invaluable to you in the long term.

18 Guest Publications and Content Exchange (Free & Paid)

Here’s a strategy that will help you generate traffic to your website, but traffic means potential sales. Guest posting and content exchange involves collaborating with other bloggers, influencers or website owners. On your side, you create content (blog posts, videos, podcasts, etc.) for their platforms and, in return, they write for yours or share your content.

It’s an effective way of reaching a new audience, building professional relationships and improving your site’s SEO thanks to backlinks from sites with a good reputation in the eyes of Google and other search engines.

How does it generate traffic and customers?

By publishing on platforms other than your own, you expose yourself to a wider audience who might not otherwise know about you. If your content is engaging and offers value, readers are likely to click through to find out more about you, increasing traffic to your site.

What’s more, inbound links from respected sites can improve your SEO, making your site more visible on search engines. And if you sell a product or service, you can create content directly related to it, and slip in a link or two to your sales page.

Implementation

Identify potential partners whose audience is complementary to yours. Propose content topics that bring value to their audience while subtly highlighting your expertise, product or service. Make sure the content is of high quality and reflects your brand. After publication, promote the content on your own channels to maximize its reach.

Cost

This strategy can be free if you exchange content at no cost. However, some partnerships are not free, and promotional campaigns can involve costs.

Medium is an online publishing platform where users can read and share articles on a variety of subjects. Writing articles on Medium can attract customers by increasing your visibility and credibility through quality content that targets your audience and demonstrates your expertise in your field.

19 Local SEO and Local Marketing (Free & Paid)

Local SEO and local marketing are extremely useful for businesses looking to attract local customers. This strategy optimizes your online presence to appear in local searches, which is essential for physical stores, restaurants or any service based in a specific region.

To significantly increase your visibility to local customers, you need to improve your profile on platforms like Google My Business, integrate local keywords into your content and make sure your contact information is consistent across the web.

How does it generate traffic and customers?

Local SEO attracts customers by ensuring that your business appears in search results when people nearby are looking for products or services you offer. This increased visibility can lead to more in-store visits and higher sales. What’s more, positive reviews and an active presence on local platforms strengthen your reputation and encourage more customers to choose your company over those of your competitors.

Implementation

Make sure your business is listed on relevant platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, and other local directories. Optimize your listings with accurate descriptions, relevant keywords, and quality images. Encourage your customers to leave positive reviews, and actively respond to all comments. Integrate a local content strategy into your website and marketing campaigns.

Cost

Local SEO can be largely free, especially if you personally add and maintain your company’s information on these various online platforms where businesses are listed, and create your own content. However, while elements such as paid local advertising or the use of professional SEO services do incur expenses, they are an investment that can prove very fruitful in both the short and long term.

20 SMS marketing (Free & Paid)

How does it generate traffic and customers?

SMS marketing is a widely used method of reaching customers directly on their cell phones. It’s a personal strategy for sending targeted text messages, whether about promotions or other important information about your products or business. With high open rates, SMS marketing can be a powerful way to engage your customers immediately.

The key to success with SMS marketing lies in the relevance and personalization of messages. Customers appreciate information that provides value without being intrusive. A good SMS message should be concise, clear and offer something useful to the customer, such as a special offer, a useful reminder, etc.

Implementation

Messages sent by SMS are read almost instantaneously, increasing the likelihood of a rapid response, whether to take advantage of an offer or to visit your website. Incorporate compelling calls to action and target your messages strategically, encouraging customers to take action and increasing traffic to your point of sale or website.

Cost

To implement an SMS marketing strategy, start by building a database of telephone numbers of customers who have given their consent. To do this, you can integrate registration forms into your website, your social networks, or even directly into your physical point of sale. Be sure to include a clearly marked checkbox for consent to receive SMS marketing messages.

You can also offer an incentive, such as a discount or exclusive content, to encourage sign-ups. It’s crucial to comply with current regulations on consent and data protection, ensuring that customers can easily unsubscribe at any time.

Register on a platform offering this kind of service and create relevant messages that bring value to your customers and respect character limits. Plan and send your messages at strategic times. Measure responses and conversion rates to assess the effectiveness of your campaigns and adjust them according to feedback.

Cost

Although sending SMS messages can be relatively economical, costs can vary according to the volume of messages sent and the platform used to manage and send them. However, you should be aware that some platforms offer their services free of charge, but with a limited number of messages or contacts.

CM is one of the many marketing platforms that allow you to send commercial SMS messages to your customers.

21 Free consultations and demonstrations (Free)

Offering free consultations and demonstrations is a great way to show off what you’ve got in the bag without your customers having to pull out their wallets right away. It’s like giving a taste of your products or services, allowing potential customers to try them out for themselves. This approach can not only help to dispel doubts, but also build confidence in your offering.

How does it generate traffic and customers?

By offering free consultations or demos, you attract people who are already more or less interested in what you have to offer. Once they’ve had a chance to see what it’s all about, they’re often much more inclined to make a purchase, especially if they’re impressed, or simply convinced, by what they’ve seen or experienced. It’s also a great way to collect contact info for follow-up, which can help you keep in touch with them and convert them into paying customers later on.

Implementation

To begin with, identify the products or services in your range that would benefit most from a demonstration or consultation. For example, a complex or technologically advanced product might need a demo to demonstrate its full functionality. Or, if you offer a service, an initial consultation could help tailor the offering to the customer’s specific needs. Make these experiences interactive and informative, focusing on how your offering can solve your customers’ problems or improve their lives.

Next, organize these demonstration or consultation sessions so that they are accessible and convenient for your customers. If you have a physical store, you could organize on-site demonstrations where customers can try out the product for themselves. Alternatively, for a service, you could offer consultations at the customer’s premises or in your offices. If your audience is larger or geographically dispersed, consider online demos or consultations via video conferencing tools.

After each session, be sure to follow up with participants, perhaps with a call or an email, to answer any further questions and subtly guide them to the next step, whether that’s a purchase or a second appointment.

Cost

Consultations and demonstrations cost little or nothing. They may cost time and resources, but if they lead to sales, the investment is well worth it.

22 Product or service sampling (Paid)

Product or service sampling is a proven method of attracting the attention of potential customers by offering them first-hand experience of what you have to offer. Whether you’re handing out free samples in a public place, at an event, or offering a free trial of your online service, or even a restricted version of your SaaS (service as a software), this strategy allows customers to test and evaluate your offering before making a purchasing decision.

The big advantage of this strategy is that it reduces uncertainty and boosts customer confidence. It’s a particularly effective approach for new businesses or innovative products that need to get their name out there. Samples can encourage customers to tell their friends and family about your brand, creating positive word-of-mouth.

How does it generate traffic and customers?

By offering free samples or trials of your products or services, you attract customers who may be reluctant to make a purchase without first testing the offer. This first positive interaction can lead to concrete sales, as direct experience can convince the customer of the value of your offer. What’s more, satisfied customers are often willing to share their positive experience, attracting more potential customers to your company.

Implementation

Determine which products or services lend themselves best to sampling. This could be a miniature version of your product (e.g., miniature bottles of perfume or alcohol), a trial version of your online service, or “freemium” software that combines free access to basic functionality with the ability to pay to unlock advanced or premium features.

Then identify the most appropriate channels for distribution. Make sure samples reflect the quality and value of your complete offering. Plan and organize sampling sessions or free trials strategically, targeting events or online platforms where you’re most likely to meet your target audience. Monitor customer feedback to assess the effectiveness of this strategy, and adjust your approach accordingly.

Cost

Although providing free samples or trials involves a potentially high initial cost, this investment can generate a significant return in terms of conversions and word-of-mouth.

This technique is widely used in the cosmetics and perfume industries. Photo: Laura Chouette

23 Podcasts and Interviews (Free & Paid)

Podcasts and interviews offer a trendy and dynamic way to share your expertise, discuss your industry and talk about the specifics of your products or services. By participating in popular podcasts or arranging interviews with respected figures in your industry, you can reach an engaged audience and extend your brand’s reach. These audio formats are particularly popular for their practicality, as listeners can listen to them while doing something else, such as driving or playing sport.

This strategy can help you position your brand as a reference in your field. It’s an opportunity to share stories, experiences and insights in a more personal and engaging way. The conversational aspect of these formats creates a stronger connection with your audience, reinforcing trust and loyalty towards your brand.

How does it generate traffic and customers?

Podcasts and interviews can generate traffic and customers by increasing brand awareness and establishing credibility. Listeners interested in what you have to say can be encouraged to visit your site to find out more about you and your offers. Furthermore, mentioning special offers or promotions during the podcast can encourage immediate action from listeners.

Implementation

To integrate podcasts and interviews into your marketing strategy, identify relevant podcasts in your sector and suggest interesting topics that might captivate their audience. Prepare carefully for these interviews by planning the key points to be covered. If you’re launching your own podcast, plan a series of engaging content and make sure you have the right equipment for optimum audio quality. You can then promote your podcast appearances and interviews on your networks to attract a wider audience.

Cost

Launching your own podcast may require an initial investment in equipment and promotion. Note that there are specialized platforms that put all the necessary tools at your disposal, for a reasonable price. Otherwise, if you’re the one participating in existing podcasts, it’s usually free.

24 Use of Freelance Platforms (Free & Paid)

Freelance platforms are excellent resources for finding specialized skills tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for a graphic design expert to bring your ideas to life, a digital marketing specialist to boost your online presence, or a talented copywriter to hone your content, these platforms offer direct access to a wide range of qualified professionals. They represent a flexible, efficient and often more cost-effective solution for outsourcing specific tasks without the constraints associated with recruiting and managing a full-time team.

The advantage of freelance platforms lies in their ability to connect companies with professionals from all over the world. You can select freelancers based on their skills, experience and rates, and hire them for projects of any scale. This allows you to concentrate on other important tasks while entrusting specific assignments to experts, optimizing the management of your time and resources.

How does it generate traffic and customers?

This option is not really a strategy, but rather a complement to all those mentioned above. Hiring freelancers can be an effective way of attracting customers and traffic in many different ways. For example, hiring an SEO specialist can improve your site’s search engine ranking thus attracting more visitors. A digital marketing expert can develop targeted campaigns to promote your products or services to a wider audience. By entrusting these tasks to professionals, you can maximize the impact of your marketing efforts while freeing up your time to concentrate on other strategic aspects of your business.

Implementation

Implementing this strategy starts with choosing the right freelance platform. Sites like Fiverr, UpWork, Toptal, PeoplePerHour or ComeUp offer a wide range of professionals. Clearly define your objectives and what you expect from freelancers. Clear communication is essential to ensure that the results match your expectations (I sometimes write a whole page containing my instructions when I call on a freelancer).

And if you don’t go through a freelance platform, remember to clearly define the terms of the collaboration, including deadlines, work elements to be provided, payment amount and conditions, etc. This ensures mutual understanding, as well as a smooth and lasting collaboration.

Cost

The costs associated with using freelance platforms can vary considerably, depending on the nature of the project and the expertise required. Some freelancers may offer competitive rates, while others with greater experience and specialization may charge higher rates.

It’s important to assess value for money, and to see this investment as a means of propelling your business forward. Don’t forget that paying for quality services can generate a significant return on investment, in terms of traffic, customers and brand awareness.

Before committing yourself to a large-scale project with a freelancer, it’s best to start by entrusting them with a smaller task. This approach allows you to assess the freelancer’s work quality, reliability and communication skills without taking any major risks. It also gives you the opportunity to establish a working relationship and ensure that the style, approach and results match your expectations. Once you’re satisfied with this initial phase, you can consider taking on more ambitious projects with greater assurance of quality and delivery.

Finally, don’t always rely on the ratings and comments left by other platform users. Because, while these ratings can provide valuable clues about a freelancer’s performance and reliability, they don’t always tell the whole story. Some reviews may be biased or fail to accurately reflect the context of the project.

Take the time to examine the freelancer’s portfolio, discuss previous experience and, if possible, ask for references or examples of previous work. This will give you a more complete perspective and help you in your decision-making.

Fiverr is a freelance platform where you can find various services (marketing, social networking, website creation, etc.) starting at 5 dollars.

25 Customer Service Optimization (Free & Paid)

Optimizing customer service is fundamental for any company aiming to satisfy and retain its customers. This means not only responding effectively to customer requests and concerns, but also anticipating their needs and delivering an exceptional experience with every interaction. Yet this is an aspect that is often neglected by companies, and is even one of the reasons why start-ups fail.

How does it generate traffic and customers?

Invest in training your team, integrate high-performance customer support systems, and adopt a proactive approach, because optimized customer service can turn into a formidable engine of growth for your company. Satisfied customers are more likely to return, buy more and recommend your company’s products or services to others.

By offering an exceptional customer experience, you not only create satisfaction, but also acquire brand ambassadors who share their positive experiences, thus attracting new customers. What’s more, by listening carefully to your customers, you can gather valuable information to improve your offering and better target your marketing efforts.

Implementation

Start by assessing the current state of your customer service. Identify the strengths you can build on, and the areas that need improvement. Invest in training your team to ensure they have the skills and tools they need to deliver quality service. Integrate technologies such as ticketing systems, live chat, and other CRM (Customer Relationship Management) solutions to effectively manage customer interactions.

Finally, instill a culture of listening and continuous improvement, taking into account customer feedback to fine-tune your service. A very good way of collecting customer feedback is to offer a satisfaction form on your website or by email to your customers. By doing so, you’ll transform your customer service into a powerful tool for loyalty and growth.

Cost

While some aspects of customer service optimization can be implemented at little cost, such as in-house training and the adoption of best practices, others such as the integration of advanced customer support systems, can represent a more substantial investment. However, the benefits in terms of customer satisfaction, loyalty and positive word-of-mouth can more than offset these costs.

Understanding and reaching your Ideal Customer

Before we move on to tools and services and then close this article, it’s essential that you assimilate certain notions that must accompany any strategy I’ve developed in this article. Attracting potential customers isn’t always enough to lead to a sale, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with notions such as “USP”, “MVP”, and other techniques aimed at customer conversion.

Of course, I can’t go into detail on every point raised here, as this article is already long enough, but I’ll try to explain it briefly so that you understand what it’s all about. I’ll soon be writing an article entirely dedicated to this subject. By the way, I cover some of these points in my article on how to find a good marketing niche.

Identify your Ideal Customer

The key here is to understand who your ideal customer is. Imagine him as a character in a novel, with his own needs, desires and problems or frustrations. Use data, surveys and interviews to build an accurate picture. This groundwork will help you align your product or service with real market expectations.

USP (Unique Selling Proposition)

Your USP is what sets you apart from the competition, the unique promise you make to your customers. It’s the reason why a customer would choose your product or service over that of another. Clarifying your USP is essential, as it influences your entire communication and marketing strategy.

MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

The MVP concept is particularly useful in the early stages of product development. It’s the simplest version of your product that can be launched on the market. The MVP allows you to test, learn and improve your product based on real user feedback, without investing significant resources in non-essential features.

Building customer loyalty

A loyal customer is a valuable asset. Loyalty programs, exclusive promotions, or even careful customer communication can turn an occasional buyer into an ambassador for your brand. Don’t forget the importance of active listening: feedback from your customers is a treasure trove of information that can help you continually improve your offering.

Conversion Techniques

Attracting visitors to your site is great, but turning them into customers is even better. Optimize your pages for conversion by using clear calls to action, irresistible offers, or reassuring guarantees. Test different approaches and measure their impact to understand what works best with your audience.

So that’s it for this quick overview of the concepts that you really need to take the time to assimilate, if you haven’t already. By mastering them and integrating them into your overall strategy, you’ll be better equipped to get your project or business off the ground.

To better target your customers you’ll need to create a persona (or customer avatar), a fictional, detailed representation of your ideal customer, based on real research and data, that helps personalize and target your marketing efforts more effectively. I invite you to read my article how to find a good marketing niche to find out more.

Essential online tools and services

So as not to weigh down the list of ways to find customers or attract traffic, and because certain tools and services can be relevant at several levels of your strategy, I’ve chosen to group them together here. This section gives you an overview of valuable resources, each with its own particularities, to boost the effectiveness of your marketing strategy.

Freelance platforms

• Fiverr: A diverse and very popular platform where you’ll find a wide variety of freelancers at sometimes very competitive prices.
• UpWork: Ideal for projects requiring specific expertise, Upwork connects you with highly qualified professionals and enables detailed management of each project.
• Toptal: Specializing in high-end talent, Toptal is ideal for companies looking to hire freelancers in fields such as software development or product design.
• ComeUp: Similat to Fiverr, ot offers a wide range of freelance services and flexible project control.

Tools for finding the right keywords

• Google Keyword Planner: A tool that provides search volume data and keyword suggestions to optimize your SEO content and advertising campaigns.
• SEMrush: A leading tool in the world of SEO, extremely versatile for SEO analysis, keyword research and position tracking, helping to fine-tune your content strategy and online visibility.
• Ahrefs: An excellent tool for backlink analysis, keyword research and competitive analysis, Ahrefs is a must-have for optimizing your SEO strategy.
• Moz: Known for its Domain Authority metric (the trust rating assigned to each website), Moz offers keyword research tools and SEO insights to improve your search engine rankings.

Analysis tools

• Google Analytics: 100% free tool that provides in-depth information on your site’s traffic and visitor behavior, essential for understanding and optimizing your online presence.
• Hotjar: Enables you to understand the user experience through heat maps (the areas of your website that catch your visitors’ eyes the most), session recordings and surveys, ideal for optimizing the interface and engagement on your site.
• Mixpanel: Offers advanced analytics focused on user engagement and retention, with an emphasis on mobile and web data.

Marketing platforms

• HubSpot: An all-in-one system for marketing, sales and customer service, with powerful tools for marketing automation and lead management.
• Marketo: Provides a comprehensive platform for marketing automation, offering personalized solutions for customer engagement at every stage of the buying journey.
• ActiveCampaign: Combines email marketing, marketing automation and CRM functions for optimal campaign management and in-depth personalization.

Managing social networks

• Hootsuite: Manage and schedule your posts across multiple social networks, while tracking analytics to measure the impact of your content.
• Buffer: An intuitive tool for scheduling posts, tracking content performance and managing all your social accounts in one place.
• Sprout Social: Offers advanced features for social network management, user engagement and performance analysis, suitable for companies of all sizes.
• Later: Specializing in visual planning for Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter, Later helps create, plan and analyze your posts to maximize engagement.

CRM tools

• Salesforce: A robust solution for customer relationship management, offering unrivalled customization and integrations to meet all business needs.
• Zoho CRM: Offers an intuitive platform for sales, marketing and customer support management, with excellent tool integration and customizable automation.
• HubSpot CRM: Free and easy to use, HubSpot CRM offers essential functionality for managing leads and organizing sales pipelines.
• Pipedrive: A CRM tool designed for sales teams, with a clear visual interface for tracking transactions and optimizing sales processes.

Affiliate marketing platforms

• ShareASale: A vast network of affiliate programs to connect advertisers with affiliates in various sectors.
• ClickBank: deal for digital products such as ebooks, online training courses and webinars, offering an easy marketplace for affiliates and product creators.
• CJ Affiliate: A leader in affiliate marketing, offering advanced solutions to maximize program performance.

Visual content creation

• Canva: Create professional visuals easily, even without design skills.
• Adobe Express: A versatile tool for creating professional-quality videos, graphics and web pages.

Creating written content

• Koala: A tool that lets you create high-quality, SEO-optimized articles in just a few minutes. Koala is powered by ChatGPT (GPT-4) and uses real-time SERP data analysis to generate content capable of ranking highly on Google.
• Jasper: An AI-assisted copywriting tool that helps generate creative, SEO-optimized texts suitable for a variety of content formats.
• SurferSEO: Complementing Jasper, SurferSEO offers advanced content analysis to align your copywriting with SEO best practices and maximize your online visibility.

Planning tools

• Trello: Organize your tasks and collaborate interactively with your team.
• Asana: Manage your tasks and projects efficiently, with detailed progress tracking.
• Monday: A visual project management tool that helps you organize and track all your team’s work.

Emailing platforms

• Brevo (formerly SendinBlue): Combine email marketing, SMS and chat with advanced automation features.
• Mailchimp: A user-friendly email marketing tool with campaign management, automation and analysis functions, ideal for communicating directly with your audience.
• GetResponse: A reliable email marketing service with effective analysis and content creation tools.
• MailerLite: Offers simple tools for newsletter creation, marketing automation and much more.

Advertising platforms

• Google Ads: Attract customers with ads on the most popular search engine.
• Facebook Ads: Precisely target your audience and optimize your reach on one of the biggest social platforms, as well as on Instagram.
• LinkedIn Ads: Reach professionals and businesses with advanced targeting options on the professional social network.

These tools and services represent a fraction of what’s available, but each can play a crucial role in the development and execution of your online marketing strategy. Explore, test and find the combination that works best for your specific objectives.

HubSpot is a true Swiss army knife, enabling you to manage all your marketing, sales and customer service activities, including marketing automation, customer relationship management (CRM), email campaigns and web content creation.

Conclusion

So much for this very comprehensive and lengthy article (the longest I’ve written so far, I think). So we’ve seen the full range of strategies and tools that exist to help you attract customers and generate traffic. From online presence and SEO, to content marketing, to the clever use of social networks and freelance platforms, each method has its own potential to propel your business to stratospheric heights.

But remember, the key to success lies not in the isolated use of these strategies, but rather in their judicious combination. Like pieces of a puzzle, they fit together to form a complete picture of your marketing success. For example, a content marketing campaign supported by a solid SEO strategy can attract qualified visitors to your site, while effective CRM and customer service techniques can convert them into loyal, committed customers.

So take a moment to think about how you can integrate these strategies into your own marketing plan. Test, measure, and don’t be afraid to adjust your approach based on the results. With perseverance, creativity and constant commitment, you’ll be well equipped to attract, engage and retain your customers.

Finally, never forget that behind every strategy, there are people. Listen to your customers, understand their needs and desires, and respond with authenticity and passion. It’s by forging strong, meaningful bonds that you’ll build not just a customer base, but a loyal community around your brand.

Please let me know what you think in the comments section. And if you have any other interesting points to add to this list of ways to find customers for your business, let me know, and I’ll be happy to do so. It took me several days to write this article, so your comments will be my greatest reward 😘