Think about your favorite businesses. What keeps you coming back when you have a variety of options?
Maybe it’s the way they greet you when you walk in or a worthwhile loyalty program. Maybe it’s their commitment to do right by the customer or those unexpected perks you receive in-store.
One thing that doesn’t keep you loyal is price. If that were the way to increase customer loyalty, everyone would be there. If you shop a store only for price, when its competition goes lower, you’ll run right over there.
It has to be something more than the cost of toothpaste that keeps you coming back.
How do you create loyal customers?
The first step to creating loyal customers is treating them the way you would like to be treated. Make them feel welcome, appreciate their business in a sincere way, and cater to their needs like no one else in your industry.
These are all perfectly fine platitudes but how do you turn these concepts into a reality for your business?
Just Because Gifts
A token of appreciation is wonderful at the holidays but so is a little reminder of you, given “just because” during another time of year. A little something that ties into your business and thanks them for theirs is ideal, unexpected, and makes them notice.
Preferred Shopper Program
Reward your loyal shoppers with a punch card or loyalty card that entitles them to something free or a discount after so many dollars spent.
Send Some Help
If there’s an item that will help your customers in their day-to-day jobs, send it. AAA offered calculators for those who agreed to get a price quote on insurance. They wanted to make sure these folks could calculate their savings and it sent a message. Tying a personalized promotional item into your marketing message is smart and maximizes ROI.
Improve Your Offerings
Sometimes the best way to keep your customers loyal is by offering an additional service for free. Some clothing stores offer free alterations. Makeup counters offer free makeovers. Hardware stores host free DIY project lessons.
The key to translating more services into greater customer loyalty is through advertising. If your customers don’t know you offer it, they won’t find value in it. Get their attention through magnets, bookmarks, or any other item that ties into your business and is printed with information on the new offering.
Any marketer will tell you it’s easier to keep the customers you have than try and recruit new ones. If you’re ready to create a more loyal following, talk to the professionals at ThinkQuik. A large number of our customers have been with us for years. We can tell you how to make that happen.
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