In today’s fast-paced, ever-changing highly competitive business environment, exceptional customer experiences are essential for success. And in many instances, customer services or the customer experience is a key element that sets premium businesses apart from the rest.
In this article, we are sharing 12 ways to increase customer retention and loyalty. All of this easy-to-follow strategies are applicable whether you are running a small mom-and-pop operation or a global company.
1. Make It Easy For Your Customers To Do Business With You
Do things for your customers convenience, not yours, The easier you make it for them, the more business you will have. It is important for you to determine ways that can eliminate those service hassles that often lead to customer frustration and dissatisfaction.
2. Show Gratitude
This can be done by many ways. One of the way is by sending a short handwritten thank you note or maybe a small gift of appreciation.
In most cases, it doesn’t have to be anything overly expensive but it should be personalized.
3. Use Their Products Or Services
Use their products and services when you can. Maybe they provide health care services that you can use or you really like some of the products that they sell.
There’s no better way to build loyalty than to be a customer of your customer.
4. Promote Products Or Services Of Your Customers
Consider ways that you could provide credible sales leads that could in turn help them generate business.
Brining business to your customers is also a great way to retain their loyalty.
5. Return Phone Calls And Emails Promptly
It is important to return phone calls and emails promptly especially since these days most people don’t. This will result in you automatically gaining a competitive advantage.
6. Keep Your Promises
Keep your promises by doing what you say you are going to do, when you say you are going to do it.
In essence, act with integrity.
7. Under-Promise And Over-Deliver
To exceed expectations, always do a little more than expected.
8. Be Accessible
Show customers that you are available and willing to help them whenever there is a problem or issue.
This demonstrates that you have a sense of urgency and that you will be there to meet their needs when they need you to.
9. Be Credible
Keep in mind if you don’t establish trust from the onset, your customers are most likely to try another competitor’s products and services the next time.
10. Look The Part
Remember, appearance counts and attention to detail is equally as important when it comes to grooming and professional presence.
Keep in mind, 55% of how customers perceive us; are we honest, trustworthy, or credible is visual and largely based on what we look like before we even open our mouth to speak.
11. Stay Connected
Don’t take your customers for granted, find ways to stay in touch by anticipating their needs and making them aware of new products or services you are offering that might meet their needs.
12. Be An Invaluable Resource
Regardless of what your customers need, be open to helping them find it, even if it is outside of your line of business.
Remember, creating a culture of excellence is a journey, not a destination and the more valued customers feel within your presence, the more obliged they will be to continue doing business with you.
