Loyal customers are the lifeblood of a successful business, but how can you develop that recurring relationship that will help your business become invaluable to your already existing customer base? One of the best things you can do as a business owner or manager to nurture loyalty in your clients is by showing appreciation for the business they’ve already done with your company. Here are a few ideas on how to do just that.
Customer Gifts
When it comes to small gestures of appreciation, the sky’s the limit. While company logo pens and notepads keep your brand on the desk of your clients, the occasional gift can make a bigger impression, often lending you credibility and a level of professionalism that can quickly help you become the vendor of choice for the service you offer. Anything from personally bringing in donuts or bagels for employees you typically work with at a particular company to sending executive gift baskets for holidays or as a thank you can make doing business with your company seem a lot more appealing.
Referral Programs
While it may seem counterintuitive, offering special discounts or prizes for referrals that bring your business can be another way to increase your existing customers’ loyalty to your company. When it comes to referring professional contacts to a service or company, your clients will feel more personally responsible for the experience you provide to the customers they refer, and your successful impression on these newly referred clients will seem to become their successes as well. Offering incentives like discounts or inexpensive products for sharing your business’s page on social media or leaving a review on Google or Yelp can also work pretty well to boost your circle of influence, while more than likely producing the same effect in your customer base.
Great Service
The number one thing that you can do to have repeat customers is to provide great service. Making your customers feel special when they walk in the door will not only show them that you care about their business but will also give them a reason to keep coming back. Great ways to improve your personal touch in the service you provide include remembering names and personal information, like favorite sports teams. Offering beverages while they’re in your office also help your customers feel more at home in your business.
Your customers are the basis of your success as a company. As such, showing a little appreciation can go a long way in helping your customers know to keep coming back.
