For most companies, it isn’t just about a single sale or a temporary relationship. The key to long-term success and profitably is all about customer loyalty. Not everyone can reinvent their product or their services, but if you can get your customers to keep coming back, you have created a reliable stream of income. Too often, marketing strategies are aimed at reaching new clients, but you need to spend just as much time cultivating and solidifying the relationships with your current customers. Here are some ways to pay these special accounts for some extra attention.
Customer Loyalty Programs
One way to encourage your clients to stay with the company is through a loyalty program. Regardless of your industry, service, or product, there are many ways to let your customers know that their repeat business is appreciated. You could offer a discount for automatic delivery orders or for autopayment enrollment services, whether it is a dollar amount or a certain percentage off of their total bill. You can issue referral cards with an incentive for both those that bring in the new account and the new customer. With sites like Vistaprint, it is extremely affordable to design your own unique loyalty program and have a professional card that customers can receive at enrollment.
Customer Appreciation Events
Having a special event where you can demonstrate your personal appreciation to the company’s clients can go a long way. Many companies host an annual open house event where the day is set aside to meet and greet both current and prospective customers. Some companies will offer a tour of the facilities or a sit down visit with the company’s administration or leadership team for those who decide to stop by. For some of your higher-end clients, you may want to consider offering a cocktail hour on a private yacht excursion, like the ones available through Tropical Boat.
Customer Visits
It is also nice to show your customers your appreciation through an unscheduled visit. All too often, customers are treated to a drop-in visit from a sales representative asking about orders or looking to increase the amount of business they receive. While this is a financial necessity, it is also nice for a management representative to stop by and visit an important account or client with a fruit or cookie basket just to demonstrate appreciation for the continued business. You don’t always have to meet with the director of purchasing. You could leave the basket or token of thanks with the accounting department for keeping their account current.
Customer-centric Focus
Though is probably the most obvious business strategy, keeping your operations customer-centric will go a long way in developing clients for life. If your employees and products are dedicated to improving the customer experience, you will establish a company that is respected and trusted among your community and clients. Making this focus a part of the company mission sets the foundation for customer loyalty.
Creating loyal customers for life is more than just a great product. The heartbeat of your company should reveal how important your clients are to your continued success.