#1 Value. Sure they could have saved an extra $50 buying from “Joe Schmoe’s”, but you offer quality merchandise, and for less. Offering quality products at reasonable prices never goes out of style. Sell items of less quality and you won’t see that customer returning or referring you to anyone.
#2 Areas of Improvement. Alright, your customer service is kicka**, and your sales-team is very good at what they do, but don’t stop there because there will always be another company that can do better than yours. So looks for ways to improve your customer service, strive to make your team better, improve your operations everyday, and that’s what will make you more money.
#3 Commitment. Being committed does not entail leaving everything else on the back-burner and cater to one client/customer while forgetting others. The ones you leave behind will feel as though their time is not important to you, or their project is not worth your attention – and before you know it you’re getting less and less repeat business. My tip. Don’t take on more than you can chew, it may cost you in the end.
#4 Keeping in touch. If you have customers who’s needs are seasonal or ongoing, always do your best to stay in touch. Never assume they’ll continue to want to work with your business or call you when they need your services/products. They can always go elsewhere, and they will.
#5 Industry updates. Continue to stay on top of your industry’s latest developments. Your customers expect you to stay on top of the this. It’s never wise to assume that your current level of experience is enough to keep your customers satisfied
#6 Customer Appreciation. You can never thank your customers enough. A simple “thank you” can go a long way,even if its via email. Tell them, “Thank you for your business” or “I appreciate the opportunity to have worked with you.” In fact, the lack of appreciation is one of the top reasons why customers don’t come back you. Believe it or not, some businesses don’t feel its needed. Guess how much repeat business they’re getting.
Remember, If your competition is actively trying to steal away business from you, this is surely not the time to sit back and be lazy. Review all my tips to make sure your customers stay with you.
At times you may see your competitors trying to out sell you by running large ads in the same outlet you are running a tiny display ads – to some customers this can say a lot about you.
Your customers take notice and begin to question your quality. If you only run a tiny ad, what does this say in your confidence in your own products? Point being, you can’t afford to lose your hard earned customers.
What will you do today to make sure that they continue to do business with you?
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Olivia Forbes is a freelance SEO writer for Public Relations Depot, a PR Marketing company catering to small business. She has worked in the SEO, PR and Internet Marketing industry for over 10 years. http://www.prdepotchicago.com/ For More Information Distributed by http://www.ContentCrooner.com
Tags: business competition, customer satisfaction, Customer Service, referrals, repeat customers