How Asheville Businesses Can Expand Their Market and Attract New Clients Post-Storm
Rebuilding Your Client Base After Hurricane Helene: Expanding Your Market and Attracting New Customers in Buncombe County
Hurricane Helene has forced many businesses in Asheville and Buncombe County to rebuild not only their physical spaces but also their client base. With many customers having relocated or gone out of business, the challenge of finding new clients and expanding into new markets has become urgent for businesses across the region. Here are some actionable steps you can take to attract new customers and grow your market in Buncombe County and Western North Carolina (WNC).
1. Leverage Digital Marketing to Reach a Wider Audience
Digital marketing is one of the most effective tools for expanding your client base beyond your immediate community. If you haven’t already done so, invest in search engine optimization (SEO) for your website to help potential clients find you more easily online. Focus on local SEO strategies, such as incorporating keywords like “Asheville business recovery” and “Western NC services” into your website’s content and metadata.
Consider running targeted social media ads on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, focusing on local demographics within Buncombe County and WNC. Utilize platforms like Google Ads to target customers searching for services that your business provides in nearby areas.
2. Tap into Local Business Networks
Many local business organizations are actively working to support the recovery of small businesses in Asheville and surrounding areas. Joining local networks like the Incredible Towns or Mountain BizWorks can help you connect with other business owners, exchange referrals, and reach new customers through shared promotional efforts.
Attend local networking events, business meet-ups, and workshops to get your name out there. The Asheville Independent Restaurant Association (AIR) and River Arts District Artists (RADA) regularly host events where you can collaborate and cross-promote with other businesses
3. Collaborate with Complementary Businesses
Look for opportunities to partner with businesses that offer complementary services. For instance, if you own a retail store, you could team up with a local artist to host a gallery night, combining foot traffic from different customer bases. Collaborations help you reach a broader audience, share marketing costs, and establish goodwill within the community.
Another idea is to offer joint promotions, such as bundling products or services with another business. For example, a restaurant could partner with a nearby gallery or theater to offer a dinner-and-show package, enticing new clients who might not have been familiar with either business before.
4. Focus on New Market Segments
If your core client base has been disrupted, now may be the time to explore new market segments. Look into offering products or services tailored to different age groups or professions, or adjust your pricing to appeal to a broader audience. Consider creating service packages specifically for remote workers, a growing demographic in Asheville, or offer tailored experiences for tourists who may be visiting for shorter stays.
For example, if you run a health and wellness business, offer services catered to Asheville’s remote worker population, such as lunchtime yoga sessions or stress-relief packages that appeal to a clientele balancing work and post-storm recovery.
5. Emphasize Local and Regional Tourism
Asheville is a top destination for tourism in the Southeast, and with travel picking up again, focusing on the tourist market can be a great way to bring in new customers. Connect with local tourism agencies like Explore Asheville to promote your business as part of the local experience. You can also use platforms like Airbnb and VisitNC to list your products or services as “local experiences.”
Develop packages or experiences that are attractive to tourists, such as art classes, guided tours, or exclusive tastings. Tap into the sustainability tourism market by promoting eco-friendly and disaster-resilient aspects of your business.
6. Use Customer Testimonials and Success Stories
Now more than ever, potential clients need to know that your business is resilient and reliable. Sharing customer testimonials, particularly stories about how your business helped customers during or after the storm, can build trust and attract new clients. Highlight these testimonials on your website, social media, and in email newsletters.
Also, consider featuring success stories from your recovery efforts, showing how your business is bouncing back stronger and more committed to serving the community. This transparency can build rapport with new clients who are looking for businesses they can trust in the post-storm environment.
7. Host Community-Focused Events
Bringing people together through community-focused events can not only help your business but also boost the entire local economy. Consider hosting fundraising events for storm recovery efforts, where proceeds go toward helping other businesses or individuals still in need. This demonstrates your commitment to the community and gives potential clients a reason to engage with your business.
Community events like rebuilding block parties or business showcase days can introduce you to new customers. Promote these events through local media, social media platforms, and community boards, ensuring broad reach across Buncombe County.
Looking Ahead
Rebuilding your client base after Hurricane Helene requires creativity, collaboration, and persistence. By leveraging digital marketing, expanding into new market segments, and participating in local business networks, Asheville businesses can not only recover but also grow. The road ahead offers new opportunities to reach a wider audience, tap into regional tourism, and build stronger connections with the community.
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