The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.
In business, keeping a loyal customer base is incredibly challenging. There will always be another business offering an alternative to your consumer base. Depending on your industry, it could take a while to encourage potential customers to do business with you. Even if you’re a retailer, having repeat customers come to your doors and buy something can be tricky. If you’re struggling to create a loyal customer base, here‘s how your business can create repeat customers.
Give Out Freebies
Who doesn’t love free stuff? Even if it’s a BOGO deal, customers will flock to your store if you offer discounts and incentives. Handing out a free pen, button, tote bag, or magnet can help someone remember your business when they leave your store. You can use free promotional materials as a marketing tool, then, through word-of-mouth, you can boost your brand awareness. So, not only are you gaining repeat customers, but also new ones!
Create Loyalty Programs
Finding ways to gain repeat customers is easier said than done, especially for small businesses. Adding customer loyalty programs is a great place to start. One of the most effective ways to implement customer loyalty is by providing punch cards. This way, you’ll motivate your customers to come back to your store. The key is to make your loyalty members feel like they’re your top priority, which means access to exclusive sales, first dibs on discounts, and freebies when they fill the entire card.
Walking through your store should be a positive experience. From excellent customer service to having a practical store layout to the music you play, the entire time in your place of business should be enjoyable. Your check-out experience should have customers leaving on a happy note. You should offer self-service options to help curb long lines and shorten the check-out process. This way, if your customer is in a hurry or isn’t feeling well, they don’t have to wait in a long line.
Offer Personalized Customer Service
The biggest way to turn away customers is by not treating them as individuals. When customers walk into the store, it’s essential to be friendly and personable. Talk to them about community events, the weather, their cool shirt, or anything to help you connect. These moments can help create a bond and gain repeat customers. You can also personalize your online marketing through email and targeting ad campaigns.
