Starting a business is an exciting journey, but one of the greatest challenges entrepreneurs face is not just launching, but continuously attracting new customers. In today’s fast-paced market, trends shift quickly, and customers are constantly drawn toward what’s new and popular. For any entrepreneur, staying relevant while building a strong customer base is the key to long-term success.
The First Circle of Customers
For many entrepreneurs, especially in categories like food & agro, handloom & handicrafts, and household supplies, the first set of customers usually comes from familiar circles. Family, friends, and neighbours often become the earliest buyers and supporters. Their feedback not only validates the product but also gives the confidence to step into the local market.
However, entering the local market is not always easy. Success requires more than just a good product, it demands competitive pricing, attractive packaging, and clear strategies. Without these essentials, many businesses fail to expand beyond their initial circle of customers.
How WeAct Supports Women Entrepreneurs
At WeAct, we understand that this stage can make or break an enterprise. For rural women entrepreneurs, visibility and trust are often harder to build due to limited resources and exposure. That’s why WeAct provides guidance and support in:
- Packaging – Making products market-ready and visually appealing.
- Costing – Pricing products competitively while ensuring profitability.
- Strategy – Designing sales, marketing, and outreach plans.
- Market Access – Exploring both online and offline channels.
The journey often begins with simple but crucial steps such as creating a professional enterprise email ID and setting up dedicated social media accounts. These give businesses credibility, improve visibility, and establish a strong brand identity.
Moving Beyond Physical Stores
Traditionally, setting up a physical store required significant investments in rent, infrastructure, and manpower, while reaching local markets often remained a challenge. Today, digital platforms empower entrepreneurs to connect with new customers daily, without these additional costs. A strong online presence ensures that products are accessible to customers anywhere, breaking geographical barriers.
WeAct actively supports entrepreneurs in building and sustaining a digital footprint. For Instance when a rural woman entrepreneur lists her handmade products online, she is no longer limited to her neighbourhood market. With the right strategy, her products can reach across cities, states, and even international markets.
Why Attracting New Customers is Crucial
Studies show that 20% of businesses close within their first year, often because they fail to attract and retain customers. New customers are the lifeblood of any business, they bring revenue, create opportunities for referrals, and help strengthen a brand’s presence in the market.
Through mentoring, resources, and market access, WeAct helps rural women entrepreneurs overcome this hurdle and steadily expand their customer base.
Here are a few proven WeAct ways to reach and retain new customers:
Leverage Social Media
WeAct supports entrepreneurs in onboarding onto e-commerce platforms and using Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp to showcase products, share stories, and run promotions.
Join Exhibitions & Events
WeAct actively encourages and provides opportunities for entrepreneurs to participate in local and corporate exhibitions as well as events. These platforms offer direct customer exposure and help in building valuable networks.
Encourage Word-of-Mouth
Satisfied customers are the most effective marketers. WeAct motivates entrepreneurs to leverage positive customer experiences and recommendations to expand their customer base.
Improve Packaging & Branding
With WeAct’s guidance, entrepreneurs enhance their packaging and branding to make products more attractive and professional. Strong branding ensures that products stand out both online and offline.
Final Thoughts
Getting new customers is not about chasing trends, it’s about building trust, visibility, and quality. For rural women entrepreneurs, initiatives from WeAct are bridging the gap by offering mentorship, resources, and access to wider markets. Every new customer is not just a sale, it is a step toward empowering women, uplifting communities, and creating sustainable businesses.