Sometimes when it comes to running a business, you can be faced with many hurdles along the way. For some people, it is a huge change to work for themselves and to start a business from nothing. Leaving a job that has security and regular income can be a daunting step to take. Hurdles with your own business can include many things such as the place you work causing issues, the time you have to dedicate to it, investment, getting customers, but as many business owners will agree, a lot of this is all part and parcel of running a business.
Offer “refer a friend” discounts
One of the biggest ways that you can gain new and encourage repeat purchases from existing customers is to consider a “refer a friend” deal. The main method of doing this is to send an email or letter out to the customer after the purchase is complete. It could offer a discount for them and a friend if that said friend makes a purchase. You can do this through using a unique code that they use a check out to gain the discount. You could also offer referrals to existing customers, meaning they get loyalty points or money for referring people that go on to purchase your products or services. It keeps your business is their mindset and gives them an incentive to tell people about you but also continue to use your business. A change of gaining new customers while still encouraging existing ones, which could be a win-win situation for you as a business.
Make customer service the priority
Customer service is such a big element of customer loyalty. If a customer is treated well, then they are likely to come back because of that service and to tell people exactly how good it was. This can be simple things such as answering the phone, however, as a busy business outsourcing phone answer service could be a viable option. Handling all levels of communication in a timely manner, and keeping customers up to date. It is the small things that can make the biggest difference.
Create offers exclusively for previous customers
Sometimes you need to give a little love back to your customers, and you can do that just by offering them exclusive deals. It could be a discount on their next purchase. A sneak peek at a sale you are about to have, or just different incentives exclusive to them. Making a customer feel special is a great way to secure future business from them. You could do this via email easily enough and even do it as often as monthly or every quarter so that you can capitalize on the sale potential.
Competitions that involve only previous customers
Running a competition is a great way to increase engagement with your business. Holding it online through social media is another great way to do it. But, you may want to have a competition exclusive to your previous customers. It could be that you offer something for free, or give people the chance to win vouchers to spend on your website. Making it exclusive to previous customers gives them a better chance of winning, with more chance of entering and being reminded of your business.
Let’s hope these tips helps you to increase customer loyalty.
