It’s a dilemma that any business owner may face during their career. You have a great product, and your opening was a success, yet you haven’t noticed any familiar faces returning for more. Sure, it’s nice to gain new customers, but as a business owner you also want to ensure that pre-existing customers will choose to shop from you time and time again. Luckily, with the right mindset and a few of the tactics shared below, you will hopefully find it easier to make some loyal friends for your business.  

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work 

It won’t matter that you have an amazing, stand-out product if your customers are having a negative or forgettable experience with you. Remember: sometimes it’s not so much about what you’re selling, but how you’re selling it. A positive customer experience can have a significant impact on whether people will choose to keep coming back. That’s why it’s important to hire those who are passionate, friendly, and care about their contributions to your business so that they can create a welcoming environment. With the right team in place, your staff can help boost customer retention and even improve your business’s reputation by leaving everyone who enters with a good impression.  

Keep in Touch  

Don’t make the mistake of forgetting about a customer as soon as a sale is complete, otherwise, he or she may also forget about you. To build loyalty, you also need to build a relationship with your customers – even after they walk away. For example, you can send out monthly newsletters via email to discuss changes in your business or give customers a heads-up about new sales and promotions. You can also get more personal by sending holiday cards or birthday cards addressed to customers by name. You can even add a special reward with these cards, such as a discount or free item to really show that you care about the customer and his or her business! By communicating openly with customers and adding in some personal touches, you can help keep your company’s name fresh in their mind. Just be sure that you are intentional with your communication – if you overdo it, you may end up annoying customers instead of connecting with them! 

Communication is a Two-Way Street  

While it’s great for you to reach out to customers, you should also make it easy for customers to reach out to you. First off, be sure that information about your business’s phone number, email, and social media is available either online or on a business card. Once a customer contacts you, try to respond quickly to their messages. Whether it’s an email, a voicemail, a direct message, or comment on social media, it’s crucial that you are active in communicating with customers whenever they have questions or suggestions so that they feel heard. If you receive a complaint or negative comment, then it’s especially important to take responsibility and act quickly in supplying solutions so you can preserve that customer relationship.  

Be Adaptable  

If a customer starts to get bored, he or she will be more likely to move on to the next best thing. Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to redo your business model to keep people interested. Just don’t be afraid to grow with the times and introduce new selling points or make improvements to your current services. For example, if you see a new trend in your industry or some new technology is introduced, then feel free to explore ways that these changes might be incorporated into your own business. Another way to keep things fresh for customers is to consider their suggestions. If you are always open to customer feedback, then you will find it easier to discover what they want to see from your business.  

Promotions are Your Best Friend 

When has anyone ever turned down a good deal? Introducing sales or promotions during key points throughout the year is a good way to boost interest in your business and invite customers to return. While many businesses tend to offer new deals on their products and services around the holidays, you can also create sales to celebrate special events such as your business’s anniversary. Aside from in-store sales, you can try creating a limited-time, online-only deal or host a social media contest to get your name out and get customers involved. In addition, you can consider something more long-term such as a loyalty program that will offer special discounts and benefits to keep customers coming back.   

Show Your Appreciation 

Sales, rewards, and special promotions are all fun for customers but sometimes it’s a simple, heartfelt thank you that can go a long way. Whether this occurs in-person or through email, don’t forget to show your appreciation by thanking customers for supporting your business. If a customer feels valued by you, they will be more likely to return and may recommend your business to their friends and family!  

Summary 

Starting a business is just the first step, because the hard work only continues once the doors to your store are open. After your business is off the ground, it’s up to you and your team to keep customers happy so that they’ll return for your services in the future. With a smile, genuine appreciation for the public’s support, and even a reward or two, you can find yourself with a loyal customer base in no time.