For any business to be successful, the first step that the business owner must embark on is promotion and marketing. Whether you choose to outsource business advertising and promotion to affiliate marketers or set up a marketing department, just ensure you are taking promotion serious from the onset of your business.

Then, the second most important step in business is retaining the customers you have attracted to your business through advertising and promotion. The truth is, attracting and retaining customers is not always an easy task. However, by adopting some proven and systematic strategies, you can sail through the hurdles. Keep reading to learn more.

Step #1: Dedicate Time and Resources to Online Marketing

As you probably know, online marketing is the in-thing these days because of the outstanding results that come from online business advertising. Therefore, while you should not completely abandon traditional advertising, you should pay more attention to online marketing by keeping a versatile and active website.

You should also get serious with social media marketing on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. The best part is that you will spend far less promoting your business online than advertising your business traditionally. Most people have found out that it is better to outsource social media marketing for the best possible outcome.

Step #2: Put a Noticeable Signage on Your Storefront

As mentioned earlier, you don’t have to kick out traditional advertising – it is still effective when it comes to pointing both existing and potential customers to your business. People passing by will notice and recognize your business and what you offer. So, you should put a noticeable signage in your storefront.

Step #3: Offer Incentives

Offering incentives is one of the great ways to attract and retain customers. The incentives can come in different forms such as offering a discount to a customer who visit your business or refer others to your business. Another form of incentive that can attract and retain a customer is to run a special or a time-sensitive sale.

Tip #4: Network

You should also consider networking with professional organizations in your locality. The essence is to build year-round leads referral system. This can also be a great way to generate customers to your business.

Tip #5: Consider Print Ads

As mentioned earlier, traditional ads such as print advertising, radio and TV ads are still helpful ways to generate customers. However, these are usually cost-intensive, especially for a start-up or small business. On the other hand, online advertising is both cost-effective and more result-oriented.

Finally, the major way to retain the customers you have generated to your business is to offer them quality customer service. For the best possible outcome, most companies and businesses outsource customer service.

Daven Michaels is a New York Times Best Selling Author and CEO of premiere global outsourcing company, 123Employee. The company employs hundreds of young bright individuals on three continents. His International event, Beyond Marketing Live! Inspires entrepreneurs to build & grow their business with revolutionary new theories and systems allowing them to design the business and personal lifestyle of their dreams