Having people who love and support your brand or startup is a good way to succeed. That is because they are a great asset for any startup, and it is crucial to treat and regard them as such. Many startups have seen tremendous growth and recognition in recent years due to a loyal fanbase. If you have been wondering how to build your fanbase for your startup, here are six practical ways to help you.
Know your niche and stick to it
While building a loyal fanbase for your startup, knowing and sticking to your niche is vital, as deviating might not serve you well. That is because your fan base was attracted to your niche, which is why they became fans in the first place. You can easily lose them if you introduce things they are not interested in. The key is to consider focusing on your niche and improving on it to establish you as an authority and make you the go-to person for information and valuable insight. Also, it will keep you consistent and help you target your audience effectively instead of looking in all directions. Finally, you are more likely to be recommended by your fan base when considered an expert in a niche.
Reward loyalty
Rewarding loyalty is a good way to appreciate your customers. It is also an excellent way to keep them loyal and satisfied with your brand or business. It can also create a long and positive relationship where they feel like a part of your business. In turn, they will become ambassadors of your brand and pitch your startup to everyone they know. That could lead to repeat business and a stronger fanbase. Rewards can come in many forms, like a referral program, custom notes, loyalty cards, or even premium branded seed packets.
Utilise social media
The influence of social media cannot be underestimated. It has become easy to reach a wide audience on various platforms, and the best part is it costs little to nothing. There is also a variety of platforms to choose from. Consider setting up accounts on several of them to reach your target audience. Also, remember to invite everyone you know and encourage them to help spread the word by sharing your page. Once this is done, consistently give creative, educational, inspirational, and relevant content. That will generate more likes and shares and entice people to view your business page. Avoiding sensitive topics that could offend your brand or followers is also important. Remember to allow your fanbase to communicate with you by creating engaging posts and responding to them.
Predict your customer’s needs
By predicting and fulfilling their needs, you can make your customers feel heard, seen, and catered to. It will build a loyal fanbase and prove you are committed to providing quality, unique goods and services. You can create polls, and quizzes, give them a sneak peek into your latest product or service, and ask for their feedback. Doing this will help you know and understand what they truly need. When you are done, compile samples and have them test them out. The effort and acknowledgement will urge them to stay devoted to you.
Focus on customer service
Poor customer service can put your startup in a bad position. How you treat your customers can determine if they stay and become loyal to you or tell their loved ones never to purchase your goods or pay for your services. You must provide top-notch customer service on your social media platforms or in traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Ensure you respond to any query or complaint promptly and professionally and train your team to handle customers properly. If you find it challenging to keep up with this, you can hire a professional or chatbot to help you. This way, you can prove that you are a brand or startup your customers can lean on. You can also create personalised experiences by entering their data and remembering their names.
Follow up
When customers buy a product or engage in your startup’s services, it is vital to follow up. This step helps you gain insight into your business and what you can do better. It also makes the client feel like you are more interested in them than just their money. Consider sending a thank you note and asking them to reach out for more information or questions.
It’s no secret that people are the lifeline of any business. Building a loyal fan base takes time, consistency, and dedication. With these tips, you can steadily achieve this and grow your business.
