Starting, running, and growing a modern business using online tools and resources.
Building Customer Loyalty
Posted 21st June 2016 at 04:04 AM by CherylMoses
Your "to do" list for building your business may be extensive, but one of the most important aspects of your business should be building customer loyalty.
This includes building a relationship with your customers that is long-term. So, how do you keep your customers coming back?
One of the best strategies out there (which is considered a traditional form of marketing) is the "word of mouth" strategy.
This is by far the most effective marketing for your business. Hence, why building relationships are so important.
You want your customers to tell their friends about you and spread the word so that your business can make more sales.
Let's take it a step further. You want your customers to be loyal to you which means you have to make them love what you offer.
Be dedicated to satisfying customers
This has everything to do with the infamous customer experience. Successful companies dedicate themselves to show impressive customer service.
For example, let's look at a cell phone company such as Sprint. If you decide to leave Sprint because you find a better deal somewhere else, they will do their best to offer an even better deal to you so that you continue being their customer.
Ask for feedback.
As we sit on the subject of providing great customer experiences, you always want to ask for feedback. Not knowing how your customers feel or what
they want and like can be the downfall of your business.
There are different ways that you can ask for feedback. Online surveys are very popular and are a basic method to use for this. Try a free service such as
Survey Monkey which is used by many entrepreneurs and it's easy to use. You can also extend this quest by asking for feedback by phone or by direct mail.
If you decide to use social media as an outlet for getting feedback, you can simply use the "ask a question" feature or post questions on your fan page to
engage your community. Either way, make sure you are asking those who bought from you previously, those who are undecided and those who opted out
completely.
Handle complaints promptly
There's nothing more frustrating for a customer than to have to wait to get answers or resolve an issue. The quicker you respond to their needs, the more
golden you are in their eyes. You want your customers to not only return, but you also want them to feel secure and satisfied enough to come back. It's not
always easy to handle every problem if you have several coming in. Let people know that you will respond within the next 48 hours or so just to give you
some time.
Touch base with them often
Keeping your customers updated on promotions, discounts, and specials are important for them as well as your business. Who doesn't love a good deal?
You can also send out cards on the holidays or a simple hello via email will keep you on their minds. Showing that you care goes a long way with gaining loyalty.
Overall, build a business and brand that people will love. Put the majority of your energy in the customer experience to gain a loyal fan base of buyers.
This includes building a relationship with your customers that is long-term. So, how do you keep your customers coming back?
One of the best strategies out there (which is considered a traditional form of marketing) is the "word of mouth" strategy.
This is by far the most effective marketing for your business. Hence, why building relationships are so important.
You want your customers to tell their friends about you and spread the word so that your business can make more sales.
Let's take it a step further. You want your customers to be loyal to you which means you have to make them love what you offer.
Be dedicated to satisfying customers
This has everything to do with the infamous customer experience. Successful companies dedicate themselves to show impressive customer service.
For example, let's look at a cell phone company such as Sprint. If you decide to leave Sprint because you find a better deal somewhere else, they will do their best to offer an even better deal to you so that you continue being their customer.
Ask for feedback.
As we sit on the subject of providing great customer experiences, you always want to ask for feedback. Not knowing how your customers feel or what
they want and like can be the downfall of your business.
There are different ways that you can ask for feedback. Online surveys are very popular and are a basic method to use for this. Try a free service such as
Survey Monkey which is used by many entrepreneurs and it's easy to use. You can also extend this quest by asking for feedback by phone or by direct mail.
If you decide to use social media as an outlet for getting feedback, you can simply use the "ask a question" feature or post questions on your fan page to
engage your community. Either way, make sure you are asking those who bought from you previously, those who are undecided and those who opted out
completely.
Handle complaints promptly
There's nothing more frustrating for a customer than to have to wait to get answers or resolve an issue. The quicker you respond to their needs, the more
golden you are in their eyes. You want your customers to not only return, but you also want them to feel secure and satisfied enough to come back. It's not
always easy to handle every problem if you have several coming in. Let people know that you will respond within the next 48 hours or so just to give you
some time.
Touch base with them often
Keeping your customers updated on promotions, discounts, and specials are important for them as well as your business. Who doesn't love a good deal?
You can also send out cards on the holidays or a simple hello via email will keep you on their minds. Showing that you care goes a long way with gaining loyalty.
Overall, build a business and brand that people will love. Put the majority of your energy in the customer experience to gain a loyal fan base of buyers.
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