5 Ways To Make Your Customers Love You
Posted on: 29 January 2016
Customers are the backbone of any business. Without them, your business will fail, but a successful business requires more than just getting new customers. It also requires keeping the ones you already have. If you want customer loyalty, you'll need to make sure you're running your business the right way. Here are five ways you can make your customers love you so they'll stay loyal for longer.
1. Train your employees adequately
Whatever type of business you run, your employees need to be able to perform their tasks impeccably. This means that they may need to be taught new skills to do their jobs correctly or they may need to be trained to deliver the best customer service possible. Even if an employee's job doesn't require any certain technical skills, you need to ensure that they are taught the best way to interact with your customers, or they could be making mistakes that could cost you the love of your loyal customers.
2. Overdeliver whenever you can
It's not enough to just provide your goods or services. Customers know that they have a choice in who they do business with, and if you don't wow them with your delivery, they may take their business to your competitors. It doesn't take a lot to overdeliver; you just need to know what your customer's expectations are and exceed them in some way. Whether you add a simple, special gift to each package you send out or send birthday cards to your customers every year, a little extra touch can go a long way to securing your customers' love.
3. Understand that 'one size does not fit all'
Your customers are individuals with different needs and expectations. While it may seem impossible to meet everyone's needs and desires individually, it can be easier if you remain flexible and offer lots of options. Whether you offer extra shipping options, different packaging choices, or extra business hours for those customers who can't reach you during the workday, if you try to make your business as accessible as possible, your customers will thank you for it.
4. Respect your customers by respecting your products
If you've ever ordered something that was delivered to you damaged or even destroyed, you know that it can feel as though the business doesn't care about you at all. After all, a business that takes your money and doesn't care if you get your product in good condition can't possibly love its customers, so why should they love the business? Even if an item is damaged accidentally, customers can still feel cheated. Show your customers and your products the respect they deserve by using the proper packing supplies and ensuring that each product is packed perfectly so that it arrives in great shape. This can mean investing in custom packaging solutions that specifically fit your products, both in appearance and functionality.
5. Don't just communicate with your customers when you're trying to sell to them
It's a given that you want to communicate to your customers when you are trying to sell them new products or services, but don't cheapen the relationship by only reaching out to them at these times. Make sure you are balancing your communication with your customers to include helpful tips and advice they can use to make their lives better or easier. You can also just send out friendly messages throughout the year to thank them for being customers. Don't make your emails, letters, and phone calls all about selling to your customers, but rather make them feel that they are appreciated. They'll love the fact that they are valued friends of your business rather than just another way for you to earn a buck.
Without your customers, your business won't last. Don't just 'show up' when it comes to keeping your customers happy, show up offering value, respect and superior service, and they'll love you more for it.
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