As a business owner, you know the hustle never stops. You're constantly looking for ways to maximize your efforts and get the best results from every resource. But have you ever stopped to wonder if you might be missing out on some simple opportunities to increase your revenue? Sometimes, the keys to unlocking more business growth are right under our noses and we just need to know where to look.

In this blog post, we'll explore some surprisingly common areas where you might be leaving money on the table. From the email addresses and phone numbers you collect every day to the social media platforms you may not be using to their full potential, we're diving into straightforward, practical strategies that can help you engage more deeply with your customers and boost your bottom line.

01 YOUR EMAIL LIST

Props to you if you’re already incorporating email into your customer’s experience with your company. Whether you’re selling online, in-person, or passively, chances are you’re collecting customer information, and if you’re not using it, you’re definitely cheating yourself. 

Email addresses represent a direct line to your customers

and don’t need to feel cheesy, super salesy, or annoying in order to work effectively. By building automation systems, you can send timely (and relevant) personalized messages to your audience. In doing so, you’ll be keeping your company top-of-mind and increase your repeat business and customer trust. 

Want to start? If you’ve never sent an email a day in your life, your first step will be to choose the right platform for your business. There are tons of options out there, some free, but mostly paid (for around $20/mo for most businesses) — take a read of a few of our favorites here. Make sure your first contact to these people who you’ve never reached out to before makes sense — meaning that it’s either a timely offer for your business or maybe even a simple “welcome to my email list, this is what I’m planning to share with you” email.

Once you’ve reintroduced yourself, you can start putting together one-time emails and automated campaigns. Imagine sending a quick, friendly email to remind them of what you offer or celebrating with them on their birthdays with special deals. These little touches can turn a one-time buyer into a repeat customer.

Start simple: sort your contacts into groups like "new customers" or "frequent buyers" and tailor your messages to suit their interests. Remember, a well-timed email can be a game changer in maintaining customer interest and boosting sales.

02 CUSTOMER COMMUNICATION

Similar to email addresses, phone numbers are often underutilized for small businesses. They can be a more powerful (and certainly more personal) communication, made even better for local businesses with an established presence in the community already. it's about bringing a personal touch that emails can sometimes miss.

Begin with a pilot SMS campaign offering a special discount or a reminder for an upcoming sale. Make sure you’re up to speed with regulations to keep your communications smooth and respectful. Most any platform that you’re utilizing to send these messages will make sure you’re in compliance with any regulations or laws.

03 LEVERAGE UNDERUTILIZED PLATFORMS

As business owners, we often stick to one or two familiar social media platforms when we start our businesses, not really paying attention to where we should be. Don’t ignore platforms with valuable niche markets, especially if they are aligned with your business service or product.

Exploring other platforms can open up new demographics and increase your brand awareness, which is never a loss.

Explore additional options like LinkedIn or Pinterest and identify if any new platforms could resonate with your brand. Develop a strategy specific for the platform and give it a go for about a month — make sure to track your engagement and tweak things as you go, but after 60-90 days you should have an idea of whether or not your efforts are paying off. 

04 THE POWER OF POSITIVE FEEDBACK

Many businesses underestimate the power of a good review. Not only do these testimonials build trust with potential customers, they also boost your SEO and enhance your online visibility when used properly throughout marketing. 

But getting those glowing reviews isn’t just luck; it's about encouraging your satisfied customers to share their experiences. Try following up with customers after a purchase and ask them to leave a review if they loved your product or service. Showcasing these reviews on your website or social media can really enhance your reputation and help new customers feel confident in choosing you.

As we wrap up, remember that every touchpoint with a customer is an opportunity to enhance your relationship and boost your business. The strategies we've discussed today are more than just ideas—they are actionable steps that can lead to significant improvements in how you engage with your customers and increase your revenue.

Whether it's through better use of email, making personal connections via phone, exploring new social media landscapes, or leveraging the power of positive reviews, each approach offers a unique way to deepen customer engagement and drive loyalty. The beauty of these strategies lies in their simplicity and the immediate value they can add to your business operations.

At Maker + Made, we're passionate about helping businesses like yours discover and implement these kinds of practical solutions. Our expertise is not just in identifying opportunities but in bringing them to life in a way that aligns with your unique brand voice and business goals. If you're ready to take your business to the next level and tap into these hidden revenue streams, we're here to help. 

Let's connect and make your business not just function, but flourish with creativity and efficiency. Here’s to finding and seizing those opportunities that are waiting just around the corner — let's make magic happen together!