5 Low-Cost Customer Acquisition Strategies Every SME Should Test in 2025

Running a small business is hard enough. But ask any founder, marketer, or growth manager the real challenge, and they’ll tell you it’s acquiring new customers without burning too much cash.

This is where customer acquisition comes in. Done right, it helps SMEs grow sustainably, but done wrong, it becomes a money pit.

What is Customer Acquisition?

Customer acquisition is the process of attracting and converting new customers to your business. For SMEs, this could mean anything from getting someone to buy your product for the first time, signing up for a demo, or booking a consultation.

Why Customer Acquisition is Important for SMEs

Without a clear customer acquisition strategy, even the best products struggle to survive. It’s not just about driving sales; it’s about creating repeatable systems that fuel growth.

The Cost Factor: Why Low-Cost Matters

Big companies like MTN or Access Bank can afford multi-million naira campaigns. But SMEs? Every naira counts. That’s why finding low-cost, high-impact customer acquisition strategies is critical.

Current State of Customer Acquisition for SMEs

• According to HubSpot, 61% of marketers say generating traffic and leads is their top challenge.
• A Nigerian startup survey revealed that over 70% of SMEs rely on referrals and WhatsApp marketing as their main acquisition channels.

This tells us two things:

1. SMEs want growth but struggle with budget limits.

2. Low-cost, scalable solutions (like digital tools) are the way forward.

5 Customer Acquisition Strategies SMEs Can Try

1. Leverage Referrals & Word of Mouth

Happy customers are your best salespeople. Offer referral bonuses or loyalty discounts to encourage word-of-mouth growth.

2. Invest in Content Marketing

Educational content (blogs, videos, guides) builds trust and pulls in organic leads. Think: “Teach first, sell later.”

3. Use Social Media Marketing

Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn help you reach your audience where they hang out—without breaking the bank.

4. Build Partnerships & Collaborations

Partnering with another SME or creator allows you to share audiences and double visibility.

5. Email & SMS Marketing Automation

The ROI on email and SMS remains one of the highest in digital marketing. A strong automation system helps you nurture leads into paying customers.

Gathering Leads the Smart Way

Why Lead Generation is Necessary

Without a pipeline of fresh leads, your business risks running dry. Acquisition isn’t just about awareness; it’s about converting interest into action.

How to Get Started

• Create lead magnets (discounts, free guides, trials).

• Use landing pages with clear CTAs.

• Nurture leads through email/SMS follow-ups.

How Yournotify Helps with Lead Generation

With Yournotify’s Lead Generation, you can:

• Capture leads directly through custom forms.

• Automate follow-ups via SMS & email.

• Track conversions in one dashboard.

This means you don’t just get leads; you actually convert them.

In Conclusion

Customer acquisition doesn’t have to be expensive. By combining referrals, content, social media, partnerships, and automation, SMEs can grow sustainably even on a tight budget.

Ready to start gathering leads at scale? Try Yournotify’s Lead Generation tool today →