No matter the size of the business, customer loyalty is incredibly important. Repeat customers spend up to 67 per cent more than new customers. Plus, it’s to more expensive to try to attract new customers than it is to keep the ones already doing business with you. If you’re looking for real ways to create and keep up customer loyalty, consider implementing a few of these strategies.
Set up ways to communicate with your customers
Frequent communication with your customers keeps you fresh in their minds and lets you pass along important information. Take the time to set up a database with contact information such as email addresses, mailing addresses, or phone numbers. Then you can send friendly reminders, birthday greetings, or a monthly newsletter.
Set up a reward system for your most loyal customers
One of the best and perhaps one of the cheapest—ways to reward customer loyalty is to go the extra mile for your most dependable customers. Whether it’s the ability to skip the line, special meet-and-greets, or immediate seating, customers love getting a little something extra. By setting up a reward system for the most loyal, you not only encourage them to stick around, but you also give an incentive for other customers to strive to reach that status.
Provide great customer service
While this seems like a given, it’s one tip that bears repeating because it’s so important. Customers remember when they’re treated well, and they remember when they’re treated poorly. In either case, they usually tell their friends and family, and that can either mean more business for you or lost business opportunities.
Don’t be too dependent on technology
Even in our technologically advanced society filled with text messages and emails, we still want the ability to interact with other human beings. Everyone can relate to the frustration of feeling stuck in an endless loop of automated prompts until we bang on the phone keys in hopes of reaching a real human. This is why it’s important to keep in mind that while automated phone systems may save money, highly trained customer service representatives build loyalty.
Don’t forget to smile
This is another item that seems obvious, but it’s important enough to keep being reminded of. While it seems like a small detail, a friendly greeting obviously has important consequences.
Give customers a reason to be loyal
Many people believe that Apple has some of the most loyal fans out there. Customers go to great lengths to prove just how much they love the company, with bumper stickers, tattoos, and vehement arguments in favour of all the products.
