Attracting clients isn't just a matter of luck. Some people think that opening a shop, launching a website, or throwing some money into ads will magically bring customers in. If only it were that easy, right? But the truth is, getting real clients (the kind who pay, come back, and recommend you) takes strategy, patience, and above all, a clear understanding of who you're targeting.

In this article, we’ll show you how you can attract more clients to your business using proven techniques, whether you’re starting from scratch or you’ve been around for a while and feel like things have stalled a bit. Ready?

Understand your ideal client before getting started

Before doing anything else, we need to pause for a moment and answer this question: Who exactly do you want to sell to?

“Everyone” or “anyone who wants to buy” doesn’t cut it. The more defined your target audience is, the easier it will be to connect with them and offer something they truly care about.

Ask yourself these questions:

• What problem does this person have that you can solve?

• Where do they spend their time (online and offline)?

• How do they research before buying?

• What motivates them? What frustrates them?

Create what’s called a buyer persona, a semi-fictional representation of your ideal customer. You can even give them a name, age, profession, and a photo if it helps. It may seem a bit geeky at first, but it gives you clarity to focus your entire strategy.

Create an irresistible value proposition

Alright, now we know who we're talking to. Time for the next big question: Why should they buy from you instead of someone else?

This is where your value proposition comes in. It’s not just what you sell, but the real benefit you offer and how you do it differently or better than others. It’s not about being the cheapest — it’s about being the most relevant.

Examples:

• “Homemade takeaway food, ready in 10 minutes and made with local ingredients.”

• “Tax advice for freelancers, no fine print and support via WhatsApp.”

A strong value proposition is obvious the moment someone lands on your website, walks into your store, or visits your social media. It’s not an empty slogan. It’s a concrete, useful promise.

Effective techniques to get more clients

Once you know who you're targeting and what you offer, it’s time to take action. Here are a few practical strategies you can start using right away.

Content marketing: educate and connect with your audience

Content is a fantastic way to attract potential clients without sounding salesy. You can write a blog, shoot videos, go live on Instagram, or even launch a podcast.

The key is to offer useful content that answers your audience’s questions and positions your brand as an authority in your niche. If you help your customer before they buy from you, they're much more likely to trust you when the time comes.

Examples:

• A flower shop could write about “how to keep your flowers fresh longer.”

• A bike store could create videos about “basic maintenance for beginner cyclists.”

Online advertising and social media: make yourself visible

Let’s be honest: organic reach on social media is getting smaller and smaller. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t work. On the contrary. With a good strategy using targeted ads on Facebook, Instagram, or Google, you can reach the people who are actually looking for something like what you offer.

Also, keeping up with your social media (without obsessing over it) helps build a sense of community and connection. Post regularly, reply to comments, and don’t be afraid to show a bit of behind the scenes. People like to know who’s behind the business.

Referral programs: turn your clients into promoters

Word of mouth is still incredibly powerful. If you’ve got happy clients, encourage them to recommend you. Offer a discount, a gift, or even a free service for every new customer they bring in.

It’s simple, inexpensive, and super effective. And the best part: referred clients already come with a positive view of your business.

How to boost your local business visibility

If you have a physical store, there are a few basic things you can do to make it easier for people to find you:

• Create and optimise your Google Business Profile. Add photos, updated opening hours, descriptions, and always reply to reviews.

• Get listed in local directories, neighbourhood forums, or platforms like TripAdvisor, Yelp, etc.

• Ask satisfied clients to leave positive reviews. Reviews are gold.

And of course, make sure your website is well optimised for local search, including keywords with your city or area.

Common mistakes that drive customers away (and how to avoid them)

This one might sting a bit, but we have to say it: sometimes it’s not that there are no customers, it’s that we’re unintentionally driving them away. Some common issues we see:

• A slow or hard-to-navigate website

• Abandoned social media accounts or outdated content

• Unclear or confusing pricing

• Poor customer service or no response to messages

If you spot any of these in your business, don’t worry. We’ve all made these mistakes at some point. The key is to identify them and fix them quickly.

Track your results and fine-tune your strategies

No marketing strategy is perfect from day one. That’s why we need to measure what works and what doesn’t. Here are some basic tools:

• Google Analytics (to see where your visitors come from)

• Meta Business Suite (to monitor how your posts and ads perform on Facebook and Instagram)

• Client surveys or feedback forms

When something works, do more of it. When something doesn’t, pivot. It’s that simple.

Conclusion: the path to growing your business with new clients

Attracting clients to your business isn’t magic. It’s a process that takes patience, strategy, and a willingness to learn. But here’s the good news: it’s totally doable. When you know your audience well, offer real value, and stay consistent, you can go much further than you might think.

And if you’re feeling a bit lost or unsure where to begin, that’s okay. You can always turn to Business in Spain, where you’ll find resources, ideas, and even real opportunities to invest in a business in Spain.

In the end, it’s all about people. About connecting. And offering something that’s truly worth their time. So... are you ready to take the next step?