One on one communication is a key factor in building any type of relationship. The customer-business relationship is no different. In order to establish a relationship, there must be communication. Early communication nurtures budding relationships, keeps the experience fresh, and attracts customers to your business again. Overtime, with many pleasant experiences built, a sense of loyalty is established. Customer loyalty is essential to the long-term growth of any business, and is built on a strong, trusting relationship between the customer and the business. Here are a few ways to build customer loyalty.
Email Marketing
Email marketing can build customer loyalty in a big way. The key is to produce a smart, informative e-newsletter that will establish your company as an industry leader. Generate traffic to your website with stories, industry buzz, and surveys. The best part about email marketing is its track-ability. Email services help you identify exactly what your customers are paying attention to. Marketing results that can be used to build customer loyalty through existing relationships.
Customer Service
You must have excellent customer service if you expect customers to return to your store, or website. Ensure that customer service representatives are trained properly. Remember it is much easier to retain a current customer than attract a new one. In order to keep customers happy and coming back-be helpful, courteous, and keep your promises. If you offer a 100% money back guarantee, honor it!
Repetition
Whether you are using social media sites, or a company blog to market your business remember repetition is key. Marketing gurus say that 90% of all marketing efforts deal directly with the customer’s subconscious. One way to get into your customer’s subconscious is through repetition. Keep your blog current by adding useful information on a regular basis. When using social media sites like Twitter and Facebook, post helpful updates frequently for the best outcome. Remember not to bombard your followers though. Excessive communication can backfire.
Product Information and Training
One way to build relationships with existing customers is to provide them with a value added service like in-store training, or a take home step-by-step product brochure. Giving customers an extra service will add to their overall experience with your company. Pleasant experiences that will distinguish you from your competition, and earn you repeat business.
Customer loyalty does not happen naturally; it has to be built through careful nurturing of existing relationships. Care for your customers by providing them with useful information on a regular basis, offer value-added services, and provide excellent customer service. The results will speak for themselves.
