If you are no longer the new shiny business on the block, you can only hope that you’ve created a loyal fan base of customers who return again and again. But even when you do everything right, if you’re not creating an amazing experience for your customers they may not think to return.
If you’ve experienced a drop in sales recently it may be time to begin courting your customer again. Here are several ways you can do that.
How to Build a Better Relationship with Your Customers
Creating a loyal customer is done in many of the same ways that you would build a personal relationship. For instance, you cannot ignore someone and expect them to be loyal to you. Nor can you constantly ask them to do something for you and give them nothing in return. If you want to build a strong relationship with your customers, try these things:
- Give them something they can’t or won’t do for themselves.
- Greet them happily every time you interact with them whether that’s in person or online.
- Share things you know they’re interested in.
- Build a common bond by showing them who you are and what you like. This creates “me too” moments.
- Always provide extra value. People want to feel like they’re getting a good deal even if you’re not the least expensive option. You want to provide the most for their money.
- Don’t take them for granted. Always show appreciation. Try creative ways to do this.
- Take time to surprise and delight them.
- Entertain your customers. Give them a reason to come to your business or your website.
- Be the kind of business that they feel like they discovered. If you are, they will gladly share how special you are with others through referrals and reviews.
- Make them feel like a partner in your success. Create the kind of relationship where people feel like you’re listening to them. You can do this through crowdsourcing ideas in your business or by taking note of their suggestions and implementing some of them.
This is not saying you need to be friends or develop a close relationship with every one of your customers, but if you’re able to make them feel special and valued you will have a leg up on the competition.