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Struggling to Get Customers Since Lockdown?

For many of you business has still not improved since the lockdown levels changed. This week's newsletter focuses on how to nurture your current customers, as well as how to gain new ones.

In this week’s newsletter:

- Get more customers - we show you how

- Reasons to join Visa's Small Business Directory- SME Resource: Township business ideas + other

Stay safe and healthy.

Quote of the week 

“People like dealing with others who they feel also have their interests at heart.” – Gerhard Hartman

The following content is paid for by Visa.

Is Your Business Registered on Visa's Small Business Directory Yet?

Visa is connecting South African small businesses with consumers via their online Small Business Directory. The platform allows you to get exposure to a larger client base.Read more here

Apply now to join the Small Business Directory and you automatically stand a chance to win some great prizes including an R60 000 online shopping voucher and a Point-of-Sale device.

Everything You Need to Know to Get More Customers

1. Convert Your Immediate Network into Customers- “Your network is your most lucrative source of first customers because they already trust you,” says Lisa Illingworth CEO and co-founder of Futureproof SA. Find out Illingworth’s 3 ways to convert family and friends into brand ambassadors. Read more

2. Want to Grow Your SME? SMS Your Existing Customers- Research shows that 98% of all SMSes are opened and that, on average, it takes someone 90 seconds to respond to an SMS versus 20% and 90 minutes for email. Read more on why SMS is best. Read more

3. Advice on How to Convert Prospects into Actual Customers and Fans- For potential customers, educate them about your offering and convince them to try it. Once you do, they move up a rung to become prospects. Find out more on how to turn a customer into a raving fan. Read more

4. How to Get More Customers to Buy from You and Not Your Competitors- Give your customers and potential customers a reason to buy from you, says Jannie Rossouw, Head: of Sanlam Business Market. Get practical ideas to consider which, if implemented diligently, may convince more clients to buy from you. Read more

5. Why More SMEs Should be Using Testimonials to Get Customers – We Show You How- A lot of testimonials are non-specific and contain vague niceties about the product.  They don’t get to the heart of the matter and inspire your potential buyer. Find out about how to get the right type of testimonials PLUS we give you examples. Read more

Rethink How You Deal With Your Customers

Collaborating with your customers can give you a competitive advantage, says Mike Jones from Native VML. Here’s his advice:

1. Collaborate to encourage participation

Get your customers involved in all your activities and be willing to give to get.  

2. Focus on the brand experience

Create emotional bonds that add real value to their lives.  

3. Connect emotionally with your consumer

Get that emotional connection by making their interaction with your brand feel personalised for them and their lifestyles. Read more here

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