Reaching new customers is a top priority for many companies. But once you have new customers, how many of them come back? How much do you think about current customer satisfaction and customer retention? While a good first impression is an important step towards a long-term relationship, you need to go the extra mile to show your existing customers how important they are to you and win their loyalty. And with loyal repeat customers — who often spend more than new customers — you need to know how to keep customers and drive repeat customers. Fortunately, there are countless ways to show your customers that you appreciate them. Here are 7 tips to keep customers.
1. Provides an excellent service
Good service is essential in retaining customers, and is ultimately an important determinant of the success of your business. For example, if there is a mistake in a customer's order, don't just fix it and apologize, but also give a discount or a gift for the problems caused. Also make sure that they receive a phone call from you personally, apologize and let them know that this is not the usual way of working for your company.
2. Give free stuff
Showing appreciation to loyal customers is vital for any business. Even if you give a small gift, it will help keep customers in the long run. Upgrade for free, discount a bill, or send a gift card to encourage customers to keep coming back. Other free gifts can be things that promote your business at the same time. Pens, bonbons or chocolate letters with a logo are fun and affordable gifts for loyal customers.
3. Request feedback from customers
Asking for feedback about a customer's experience or product quality shows that you're committed to your business and looking for ways to improve this service. Customers have options to share feedback on review sites or perhaps through your company's website. You should respond to comments you receive on those sites. You can also consider sending a satisfaction survey directly to your customers. Not only will you get valuable feedback to help you make improvements to your business, but it will keep your business in the mind of customers.
4. Communicate consistently
Make sure you have regular contact with customers. Whether it's a newsletter, discount coupon or an invitation to an event, customers want to hear about new products, services, discounts or events. Therefore, make sure you take the time to come up with good newsletters.
5. Draw attention to a customer experience
Bringing attention to one of your customers on your website, a Facebook page, in a newsletter or a re-tweet can generate great engagement. This not only helps you to highlight the customer, but it also shows other (future) customers how your product or service helps another company succeed.
6. Use social media wisely
Social media platforms are popular. Moreover, several people stay connected thanks to social media sites. So you can tactfully promote your business on this massive platform. When used properly, staying in touch with customers and interacting will be smoother and more efficient. Moreover, using such connections in combination with easy integration of shareable things will make your company known.
7. Provide service with a smile
Remember that the customer is always right. Therefore, in situations where a customer is in trouble and tends to seek attention through emotional outbursts, keep calm and find ways to control the situation by satisfying the customer with a smile. Listen to complaints, and try to think of new ways to improve your products or services. This has a positive impact because it is a good reflection of your company and you ultimately retain the customer.
