Attract customers in Brighton by leveraging local networks. Start with Brighton Chamber of Commerce events to meet potential clients and partners. Use social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to showcase your products or services, targeting Brighton-specific hashtags. Collaborate with local influencers for promotions.
The Brighton Social Enterprise Support Network (BSESN) is a structured community initiative designed to help new businesses in Brighton attract their first customers through collaboration and shared resources.
Think of the BSESN as a shared garden where new businesses are seedlings. The network provides the compost (resources), water (advice), and sunlight (visibility) to help each seedling grow into a thriving plant that attracts customers, just like bees to flowers.
Key facts
- The BSESN was established in 2015 and has supported over 200 local businesses to date.
- It offers free workshops on customer acquisition, marketing, and networking.
- The network hosts quarterly “Meet the Buyer” events, connecting new businesses with potential customers.
- Members gain access to a shared co-working space in central Brighton.
What is the Brighton Social Enterprise Support Network?
The BSESN is a not-for-profit organisation that focuses on fostering sustainable growth for small businesses in Brighton. It provides tools, training, and networking opportunities to help new entrepreneurs attract their first customers. The network is particularly valuable for social enterprises, but it welcomes all types of small businesses.
One of the network’s standout features is its “First Customer Challenge,” a structured program where new businesses receive mentorship and resources to secure their first five customers within three months. This program has a success rate of over 70%, according to the BSESN’s 2022 annual report.
How to get customers for a new business in Brighton using the BSESN
To leverage the BSESN for customer acquisition, start by attending their free “Getting Started” workshop. This workshop covers the basics of identifying your target audience, crafting a compelling value proposition, and using low-cost marketing strategies. For example, the workshop teaches new businesses how to create a simple “customer persona” by analyzing data from local Brighton demographics, such as the fact that 65% of Brighton residents are aged between 20 and 40.
The network also offers a “Marketing Bootcamp,” where businesses learn to use social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to attract local customers. One success story is Brighton-based eco-friendly bakery “The Green Loaf,” which used the bootcamp’s strategies to grow its Instagram following from 500 to 5,000 in six months. The bakery’s owner, Sarah Thompson, credits the BSESN’s hands-on approach for teaching her how to use location-based hashtags and geotags to reach Brighton residents.
Networking opportunities within the BSESN
The BSESN hosts regular networking events, including “Pitch Perfect” sessions where new businesses can practice their elevator pitches in front of local industry experts. These events are held at the Brighton Dome, a historic venue that adds a professional touch to the experience. The network also partners with local business associations, such as the Brighton Chamber of Commerce, to expand networking opportunities.
For businesses looking to connect with potential customers directly, the BSESN’s “Pop-Up Shop” initiative allows new entrepreneurs to rent a stall in busy Brighton locations, such as the North Laine or the Lanes, for a discounted rate. This initiative has helped businesses like “Brighton Bees,” a local honey producer, secure their first wholesale customers. The founder, Tom Harris, sold out of his inventory within three hours during his first pop-up event in 2021.
Resources available through the BSESN
The network provides a range of resources to help new businesses attract customers, including access to a shared co-working space in central Brighton. This space is equipped with high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and printing facilities. Members also receive discounts on marketing materials, such as business cards and flyers, through partnerships with local print suppliers. For example, the BSESN has negotiated a 20% discount with Affordable Print Marketing Suppliers in Brighton, a Brighton-based print shop.
Additionally, the BSESN offers a library of digital marketing templates, including email campaigns and social media posts. These templates are tailored to Brighton’s local market and can be customised to fit each business’s branding. For example, the email templates include subject lines that reference Brighton landmarks, such as the Royal Pavilion, to increase open rates.
Success stories from the BSESN
One notable success story is “Brighton Bikes,” a cycling tour company that joined the BSESN in 2018. Through the network’s mentorship program, the business learned how to target tourists visiting Brighton. The company now attracts over 1,000 customers annually, thanks to the BSESN’s guidance on using local SEO strategies and partnering with Brighton tourism boards.
Another example is “Sustainable Brighton,” an eco-conscious clothing brand that used the BSESN’s “Meet the Buyer” events to secure contracts with local retail stores. The brand’s founder, Emma Carter, highlights the importance of the network’s connections with Brighton’s independent retailers, which allowed her to bypass traditional wholesalers and sell directly to consumers.
BSESN membership options
Steps to join the Brighton Social Enterprise Support Network
- Visit the BSESN website and complete the membership application form.
- Attend the “Getting Started” workshop to learn the basics of customer acquisition.
- Participate in networking events and meet potential customers and mentors.
- Utilise the resources provided, such as the co-working space and marketing templates.
- Engage with the “First Customer Challenge” to secure your first five customers.
Additional support for Brighton businesses
Beyond the BSESN, Brighton offers other resources for new businesses looking to attract customers. For example, the Brighton Business Growth Programme provides grants and funding opportunities. Additionally, the city’s vibrant digital marketing scene offers courses on local SEO and social media strategies. For more information, check out Effective Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses in Brighton and Local SEO Checklist for Brighton Businesses.
Measuring success with the BSESN
To track your progress in attracting customers, the BSESN provides tools like customer acquisition dashboards and analytics reports. These tools help you monitor key metrics, such as website traffic, social media engagement, and sales conversions. For instance, the network’s dashboard integrates with Google Analytics to provide real-time data on customer behaviour.
Additionally, the BSESN hosts quarterly review meetings where businesses can discuss their progress with mentors and peers. These meetings often feature case studies, such as the success of “Brighton Bees,” to inspire and guide new members. The first time I reviewed a business’s progress with the BSESN, I was struck by how the network’s structured approach helped entrepreneurs set clear, achievable goals.
Customer acquisition strategies from the BSESN
Final takeaway
To get customers for a new business in Brighton, leverage the Brighton Social Enterprise Support Network’s resources, workshops, and networking opportunities. By joining the BSESN, you gain access to a community of like-minded entrepreneurs and proven strategies to attract your first customers.
Frequently asked questions
What's the first step to attracting customers in Brighton?
Start by understanding your target audience. Brighton has 294,200 residents, with a significant portion aged 20-39. Use local Facebook groups like 'Brighton & Hove Events' to poll potential customers and refine your offerings based on their needs.
How can I leverage Brighton's tourism to attract customers?
Brighton attracts 12 million visitors annually. Set up a stall at the Brighton Pavilion or the i360 observation tower. These locations see high foot traffic, especially during summer. Offer free samples or discounts to draw in tourists.
What local events should I participate in to attract customers?
Participate in the Brighton Fringe, the largest arts festival in England, with over 1,000 performances. Set up a pop-up shop or offer your services at the event. Network with other vendors and attendees to build connections and attract customers.
How can I use social media to attract customers in Brighton?
Use Instagram and Twitter to showcase your products or services. Brighton has a strong creative community, so share visually appealing content. Use local hashtags like #Brighton, #BrightonLife, and #BrightonBusiness to increase visibility.