Have you ever wondered who will fall in love with your product, and once they do, how you can keep them delighted? Whether you’re in the brainstorming phase of a new business idea or already looking to expand your established enterprise, finding the right market and customers can feel like searching for the perfect puzzle piece.
But it doesn’t have to be.
To guide you in identifying and understanding your ideal customer, reaching the right audience, and growing your business, here are some strategic steps you can take:
Know Your Product Inside Out
Before you can find your customers, you need to be intimately familiar with your product. Ask yourself: What does it do? Who needs it? What sets it apart? Be honest; knowing its strengths and weaknesses will help you sell it better.
Understand Your Ideal Customer
Think of finding the right customer as creating a character in a story. Who is the person most likely to buy your product? Imagine your perfect customer. Who are they? What do they like? What problems do they have? Knowing your customers helps you tailor your message just for them.
The key is empathy—put yourself in your customer’s shoes. What do they care about? What challenges do they face? How does your product fit into their life? Understanding your customer’s mindset is crucial for crafting a message that resonates.
Check Out the Competition: Know the Other Market Players
Consider market research as scouting the terrain before a big game. To succeed, you need to know who else is playing. Start by identifying both your direct and indirect competitors. See who else is selling similar products. Learn from their strengths and weaknesses. This will help you find your unique selling point.
Test and Learn
It’s one thing to have a theory about who your market is; it’s another to prove it. Don't just guess. Start small and validate your ideas before going all-in. Try selling your product to a few people first. Get feedback and make changes based on what they say.
Expand Your Market Reach
Once you’ve found your market and validated your product, it’s time to think about expansion. You might look at entering new markets locally, such as targeting a different city or region in Kenya. Alternatively, consider international opportunities, especially in nearby East African countries where your product might have appeal.
Tips for Keeping Kenyan Customers Happy
Connect with them personally: Building a strong relationship takes time. Show you care by sending cards or gifts on special occasions.
Provide fast and helpful support: No one likes waiting on hold. Have a dedicated support team ready to help and give them the tools they need, like video calls and remote assistance.
Ask for referrals and reward them: Happy customers can bring in new business. Offer incentives for referrals to encourage word-of-mouth.
Be understanding: Customers appreciate it when you understand their problems. Put yourself in their shoes and show empathy.
Use positive language: Avoid negative words and focus on solutions. A positive attitude can go a long way in making customers feel good.
Manage expectations: Be honest about what you can do. Avoid overpromising and underdelivering. Keep customers informed throughout the process.
Personalize interactions: Remember details about your customers, like their names or recent purchases. A personal touch can make them feel valued.
Offer a self-service knowledge base: Help customers find answers themselves with a helpful online resource. Keep it up-to-date and easy to use.
Reply to emails quickly: Customers expect a timely response. Aim to reply to emails within the same day.
Partner with DHL
A reliable shipping partner like DHL can make all the difference. With DHL, customers receive their orders promptly, which builds trust and keeps them happy. Also, you can navigate the complexities of shipping and customs, ensuring that your product reaches new markets quickly and efficiently. By opening an account with DHL, you’re not just moving goods—you’re opening doors to new opportunities for growth.
