Customer acquisition strategy: Examples, channels, and best practices

Getting new customers is key to growing a business. Keeping loyal customers is great—research shows they’re much easier to sell to—but if you only focus on them, you’ll hit a ceiling.

New customers bring fresh revenue and help your business expand. But acquiring them isn’t cheap. Since 2013, customer acquisition costs have jumped 222%. That’s why having a smart, cost-effective plan is more important than ever.

What is a customer acquisition strategy?

It’s a game plan for getting new customers. That means knowing who they are, figuring out the best ways to reach them, and giving them a reason to buy from you.

Your approach depends on your business:

• Online stores often focus on social media ads and SEO.
• B2B companies might rely on email marketing and LinkedIn.

A strong strategy helps you grow revenue, reach more people, and stay ahead of the competition. But with costs rising, you need to be smart about it.

Why does it matter?

• More customers = more growth – A steady stream of new buyers keeps your business moving forward.
• Higher revenue – More sales mean a stronger bottom line.
• Better brand awareness – Smart marketing gets your name out there.
• Stronger market position – The right strategy helps you stand out from competitors.

57% of marketers say that customer acquisition is the most important part of their marketing budget. Just 15% say customer retention is the most important. But if you want to grow, you can’t just hope customers show up. You need a plan that works—and works efficiently.

Best ways to get new customers

Here are some of the most effective ways to reach people and grow your business:

1. Search engine optimization (SEO)

SEO helps your website show up on Google without paying for ads. By using the right keywords, creating useful content, and getting backlinks, you can bring in traffic over time.

Example: A store selling eco-friendly products could write blog posts about “sustainable living tips” to attract people who care about the environment.

2. Paid search ads (SEM)

With paid search ads, businesses bid on keywords so their ads appear when people search for certain products or services.

Example: A project management software company could bid on “best project management tools” to reach businesses looking for solutions.

3. Social media marketing

Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok help businesses connect with potential customers. You can post content or run paid ads to showcase your brand.

Example: A fashion brand could partner with Instagram influencers to promote its latest collection and reach new buyers.

According to Influencer Marketing Hub, 75.6% of marketers plan to use influencer marketing to gain new customers in 2025. This shows how important it is to create genuine connections to engage customers.

4. Content marketing

Creating valuable content—like blogs, videos, or guides—can build trust and attract customers who are looking for information.

Example: A financial services company could publish a guide on “How to Save for Retirement” to connect with people interested in financial planning.

5. Email marketing

Email is still one of the best ways to turn leads into customers. Personalized emails based on a person’s interests or shopping habits can boost engagement.

Example: An online store could send product recommendations based on what a customer recently browsed.

6. Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing means working with influencers or websites to promote your products. You pay them a commission for each sale they generate.

Example: A beauty brand could partner with bloggers who review and recommend its products.

7. Direct mail

Traditional mail still works, especially for local businesses. Sending postcards or brochures can make a lasting impression.

Example: A gym could send out postcards offering a free trial to people in the neighborhood.

45.4% of marketers say customer acquisition is the most important use of direct mail for their company. This highlights how effective direct mail can be in reaching new customers and growing their business.

Each of these methods can help bring in customers. The key is choosing the ones that fit your business best.

How to pick the best ways to get new customers

The right approach depends on a few key things:

• Where your customers are – Think about where they spend their time. Are they searching on Google, scrolling social media, or reading blogs?
• Your budget – Some methods cost more than others. Compare costs and potential returns before diving in.
• What’s working for others – Look at your competitors. What are they doing that seems to bring in customers? Adapt those ideas to fit your business.

Most businesses use a mix of methods. Some attract customers through SEO and content marketing, while others run social media ads or paid search campaigns.

How to make your strategy work better

To get the best results, track these key numbers:

• Cost per customer (CAC) – How much you spend to get one new customer.
• Customer lifetime value (CLTV) – How much a customer spends with you over time.
• Return on investment (ROI) – The profit you make compared to what you spend.

Use tools like Google Analytics to see what’s working. Test different ads, tweak landing pages, and make sure your site loads fast—especially on mobile. Small improvements can make a big difference.

Mistakes to avoid

Even good plans can go wrong. Watch out for these common mistakes:

• Relying on just one method – Spread your efforts across different channels so you're not putting all your eggs in one basket.
• Ignoring customer feedback – Listen to what people want and adjust your approach.
• Focusing only on new customers – Keeping existing customers happy is just as important.
• Targeting the wrong audience – Use data to reach the right people.
• Not testing enough – Keep tweaking and improving your campaigns.

The key to growth? Keep learning, keep testing, and stay flexible.

Getting new customers vs. keeping the ones you have

Bringing in new customers is important, but keeping them matters just as much. Here’s why:

• Cost – It’s about five times more expensive to get a new customer than to keep one.
• Value – Long-term customers usually spend more over time.
• Balance – Use marketing to attract new customers, then keep them happy so they stick around.

How top brands get customers

Big brands have smart strategies. Here are a few examples:

• Amazon – Uses personalized recommendations and Prime memberships to attract and keep customers.
• Spotify – Offers a free version with ads to bring people in, then upgrades them to paid plans.
• Glossier – Built a loyal following through social media and customer reviews.

What’s next in customer acquisition?

The way businesses find new customers is changing fast. Here’s what to watch:

• AI and machine learning – Smarter targeting and personalized marketing.
• Omnichannel marketing – Blending online and offline experiences.
• Social commerce – More shopping happening directly on social media.
• Influencer marketing – People trust recommendations from real people.
• Voice search – More customers using voice assistants to find products.

How Oppizi helps businesses reach customers offline

While online marketing gets a lot of attention, offline methods still work. That’s where Oppizi comes in:

• Targeted flyer distribution – Get your message in front of the right people in the right places.
• Memorable brand experience – A physical flyer sticks with people in a way digital ads don’t.
• Seamless strategy – Combine offline efforts with digital marketing for better results.

The best approach? Use both online and offline strategies to reach more people and grow your business.

FAQs about customer acquisition strategies

1. What are the strategies of customer acquisition?

Businesses use different methods to attract and convert customers. Some of the most effective ones are:

• SEO – Helps your website rank higher on Google so more people find you.
• Paid ads – Uses platforms like Google Ads to reach people searching for what you offer.
• Social media – Connects with potential customers on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and more.
• Content marketing – Blogs, videos, and guides that educate and attract people.
• Email marketing – Sends personalized messages to turn leads into buyers.
• Affiliate marketing – Works with influencers or websites to promote your brand.
• Direct mail – Uses flyers or postcards to reach people in specific areas.

The right approach depends on your business, audience, and budget. You can mix and match these to see what works best.

2. What are the three acquisition strategies?

Most businesses use a mix of these three:

• Inbound marketing – Brings customers to you through helpful content, SEO, and social media.
• Outbound marketing – Reaches out directly using ads, cold emails, or direct mail.
• Referrals and partnerships – Gets new customers through word-of-mouth or collaborations.

You don’t have to choose just one. Combining these can help you grow faster.

3. What is a customer acquisition model?

This is your game plan for bringing in new customers. It usually includes:

• Your audience – Who you want to reach.
• Your channels – The best ways to connect with them (SEO, social media, email, etc.).
• Your message – What makes people want to buy from you.
• Your metrics – How you measure success (cost per acquisition, lifetime value, etc.).

A clear model helps you stay focused and improve your strategy over time.

4. What is considered a good CAC?

The cost to get a new customer (CAC) depends on your industry, but a good rule is:

• Your CAC should be lower than what that customer is worth to you (CLV).
• Many businesses aim for a 3:1 ratio—if a customer is worth $300, you shouldn’t spend more than $100 to get them.

Average CAC by industry:

• E-commerce – $10–$50
• SaaS (software as a service) – $300–$1,000
• Retail – $20–$40

To lower your CAC, improve your marketing, target the right people, and increase conversion rates.

5. What is the difference between CLV and CAC?

These two numbers tell you if your business is growing the right way:

• CLV (Customer Lifetime Value) – How much money a customer spends with you over time.
• CAC (Cost per Acquisition) – How much you spend to get a new customer.

A healthy business makes more from a customer than it spends to get them.

• CLV > CAC – You’re making a profit.
• CLV < CAC – You’re losing money on new customers.

Most successful businesses aim for at least a 3:1 CLV-to-CAC ratio to stay profitable.

Wrapping it up

Getting new customers isn’t just important—it’s what keeps your business going. This guide has covered the basics, from what a customer acquisition strategy is to real examples you can use.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you focus on SEO, ads, social media, or offline methods like direct mail, the key is finding what works for your audience and budget. And it’s not just about getting new customers—it’s about keeping them around.

Track numbers like Cost per Acquisition (CAC) and Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) to make sure you're spending wisely. Stay ahead by keeping up with trends like AI-powered marketing, social commerce, and influencer partnerships.

Grow your business the easy way

Ready to take your business to the next level? With Oppizi’s effortless platform, reaching customers in the real world has never been easier. Don’t just aim to grow—let’s make it happen. Get started today and together we’ll unlock the potential of your business!