How to Find Clients After Your Small Business Launch Falls Short: 5 Proven Strategies

Sep 5

Congratulations on launching your new small business! 🎉 If your anticipated clients and sales aren’t rolling in as expected, you’re not alone. Whether you’re staring at an empty storefront or checking your Shopify site with no purchases, it’s easy to feel discouraged.

If your launch hasn’t gone as planned, don’t worry—you haven’t failed. It’s possible you overestimated your ability to attract clients without a comprehensive marketing strategy. And no, I’m not talking about just posting more on Instagram or tagging friends and family on Facebook. Your clients are out there; you just need a strategic approach to find them. Here are five proven methods to help you attract clients and boost your business.

1. Outline Your Sales Funnels

Are you relying on a single method of finding clients (ex. posting on social media, or hoping your friends and family will be repeat purchasers)? 

If the answer is yes, the great news is that there’s so much more you can do. 

On their own, “selling to friends and family” or “posting to Instagram” are not strategies. If you’re relying solely on building an organic social media following or you’ve built your cousin’s 6th repeat purchase into your pro forma, it’s time to build a strategic marketing plan with defined sales funnels. Here are some you can use:

• Lead Magnet Funnel: Offer a valuable free resource (e.g., an e-book or other download ) in exchange for contact information, which you can then use to build an email list (see below)

  Email Funnel: Build the aforementioned email list and use automated emails to nurture leads into customers.

• Tripwire Funnel: Use low-cost offers or free trials to build trust and create upsell opportunities.

• Webinar Funnel: Host a free webinar to showcase your expertise and promote your products or services.

• Product Launch Funnel: Generate excitement and demand with targeted content and pre-launch offers.

2. Build Your Network

Networking isn’t just about collecting business cards. It’s about building genuine connections with people who can help you grow. Focus on power partners—individuals in adjacent industries who can offer strategic collaboration and referrals. To find them, attend professional associations, workshops, seminars, and local chamber of commerce events. If in-person networking isn’t feasible, leverage online platforms like LinkedIn, industry-specific Facebook groups, Instagram hashtags, and even TikTok to connect with potential partners and clients.

3. Consider Strategic Freebies

Offering complimentary products or services in exchange for reviews and referrals can build trust and enhance your online presence. Be clear about your expectations from the outset and ensure you manage this carefully to avoid undervaluing your offerings. Positive reviews can boost your SEO and attract more clients.

4. Benchmark Your Competitors

Please note: I did NOT say copy. Your offering should be your own and so should your marketing plan. Copying will not get you anywhere but behind the brands in the lead. And you want to lead, not chase! Rather, the goal is to learn from them. Analyze where successful competitors are advertising, how they are messaging their brand, and what they’re offering. Use this information to refine your marketing approach and differentiate your business.

5. Seek Feedback

Feedback is a valuable tool for improvement. Ask customers what went right and what could be better. If customer feedback isn’t readily available, reach out to family and friends for their honest opinions on your product, service, and marketing efforts. Use their insights to make necessary adjustments.

BONUS: Ask for Reviews
Yes, asking for reviews can be uncomfortable, but it’s worth it. Positive reviews offer social proof and can significantly enhance your website’s SEO.

Whenever I encounter an unexpected lull in my business, my first step is always to review my marketing strategies and make some quick adjustments. It’s amazing how a few tweaks can get things back on track. Challenge yourself to implement one or two of these strategies over the next week and see how they impact your business. Let me know how it goes!