How To Grow Your Customer Base Organically This 2026

This year, businesses across the globe are expected to spend more than $1 trillion on advertising, marking the first time spending on ads has surpassed this threshold.

Global spend on advertising is projected to grow at an average rate of 5–7 percent annually. This shows that companies are investing heavily in advertising. Giants like Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Apple, despite having expansive customer bases, reportedly spend billions of dollars on advertising.

But for small and medium-scale businesses with little to no advertising budget, what are some of the best ways to grow a customer base organically?

In this article, you’ll learn expert tips to get started.

1) Start With Word of Mouth Marketing

Before the invention of mass communication, digital marketing tools, or social media, businesses relied entirely on word of mouth to get customers. This is the oldest method of growing a customer base organically, and it remains as effective today as it was in the past.

Start by telling your friends and family to try your services or products. They are your first ‘customers’ and can become your unpaid ambassadors, spreading your message like wildfire. To encourage this, always provide them with your best service.

2) Have a Strong Online Presence

Today, people often go online to research businesses recommended by friends or family. If you lack a strong online presence, potential customers may perceive your business as illegitimate or incapable of delivering satisfactory service.

This means you need a website that clearly explains what you do. In addition, maintain active social media profiles. This doesn’t necessarily mean having millions of followers, but social media accounts allow you to be discovered, showcase your work, and connect with potential customers regularly.

Also Read: How to Build and Engage a Loyal Audience in 2026 

3) Get Discovered Using SEO

Every day, people search online for the services or solutions you provide. To stand out among billions of search results, you need Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

SEO is the practice of optimizing your website and online content so that search engines like Google rank your business higher for relevant searches. Small and medium businesses can use SEO by including relevant keywords in their website content, writing informative blog posts, and ensuring their business appears in local online listings. This helps new customers discover your business organically without spending on ads.

4) Regularly Engage Your Acquired Customers

Many businesses, in the pursuit of new customers, neglect existing ones. This is often costly because research shows that current customers spend on average 67 percent more than new customers.

One professional way to engage your customers is through email. Using email, you can send reminders, personalized messages like birthday wishes, special offers, and updates about new products or services.

Growth and marketing automation platforms like Yournotify make it possible for businesses to engage their customers through personalized email campaigns while also acquiring and retaining new ones.

Also Read: Growth Marketing Tools And Marketing Automation Platforms For Businesses in 2026