5 Helpful Tips For Retaining Customers

As any business owner knows, customers are pretty much the lifeblood of a company. Without customers, there can be no profits, after all, and no profits mean the company won’t be in business for long. So is any wonder that companies go to great marketing lengths to lure in new customers? Not really. But as important as it is to get new customers, be sure not to forget about the current customers. They’re just as important, if not more so because their loyalty as a long-standing customer can have a huge influence on bringing in new customers. Therefore, it’s very important to retain your customers. Wondering how you can do that? Here are five great tips to help you retain customers:

1. Surveys

Customers like to know their opinion matters and like to be able to give feedback and voice their concerns or give kudos for great service. They might have ideas on how things can be done better. Give them the opportunity to fill out a survey so they can tell you what they’re thinking. If you can take their opinions into consideration and implement any suggested changes, they’ll appreciate seeing it and knowing you’re listening to them.

2. Communication

Reach out and keep in touch with your customers regularly. You can do so in many ways, such as by SMS, email newsletter, direct mail them a voucher, or a personalised event invitation. They like to know what’s going on and be informed of new products or services, special events, or sales or discounts.

3. Caring

Highlighting a customer in your store, in an email or in a social media post can be a great means of engagement. We all like it when we have attention paid to us, after all, and it can make the customer feel special. If the customer is championing a cause, if you mention it on social media or put a flier up in the store about it, they’d feel very appreciative. Sending them a birthday, wedding anniversary, or customer anniversary wish can also make them feel like you care. Make sure everything is personalised.

4. Service

Provide great customer service. This should be a no-brainer. If they like your customer service, they’ll come back. Don’t just have good service, though. Go above and beyond. Provide excellent service that surpasses expectations. Under promise and over deliver. Pay attention to what your customers want, and make their issues your issues and be proactive in dealing with them. Take care of any potential issues before they can become problems.

5. Online

Reach out to your customers online and build relationships with them there. Be available to them on social media and let them know how to find you there. Engage with them, and be sure to respond to them in a timely manner. Share news about products or services, reviews, and other pertinent news, but also share some more lighthearted stuff, too. Run occasional contests to keep them engaged.

For further ideas, you can find examples here, here, here, and here.