To ensure the growth of a small business, it’s not enough to just attract customers. You must also ensure they return for more and become loyal to your brand. However, it’s not easy to make them return for more. After all, they have several other options. So, if you’re also having difficulty retaining customers, here are a few things to do!
1. Offer rewards and incentives for repeat customers
Surprise customers with unexpected rewards if they return to shop from your physical store or online. You can also drop a thank you note along with their purchase.
Alternatively, you can also promote incentives and discounts on repeat shopping. Sometimes, customers will return and try new products only to avail of attractive discounts, samples, store credit, and bonus loyalty points.
2. Drop a few emails
Send a re-engagement email once a month to customers who haven’t shopped from you in a while. This will help you stay on top of their minds and attract new customers.
In the email, highlight why they chose your business initially, i.e., what sets you apart in your industry.
Personalize the emails to show which offers or discounts customers miss out on. Track and analyze each customer’s purchases and personalize the message with relevant product/service recommendations.
To go one step further, you can also include an incentive—such as a freebie, free delivery, or discount code—with the email.
3. Shoot your shot on their first visit
When a customer visits your physical store for the first time, that’s the best time to ensure they return to your establishment.
Help them shop for suitable products/services. During the payment process, tell them they can contact you anytime and exchange contact information if they have further questions.
It’s best to buy metal business cards with QR code and let them scan the QR code.
This helps you share contacts seamlessly and ensures they won’t lose your contact information (unlike paper business cards). If they have any queries, they can always connect.
Besides basic contact information, add your business page with the hottest deals, promotions, and loyalty programs to the QR code. This way, they can instantly check your offers and have a higher chance of buying from you soon!
4. Take customer feedback seriously
Another important way to encourage repeat business is to work on customer feedback. Improve your business offerings and other factors according to customer needs. Show them that in your business, the customer is the king!
Respond promptly every time you receive feedback or criticism. Connect with the customer immediately and get to the root of the issue. If you resolve the issue, your customers will be impressed and consider buying again.
You can also forward customer satisfaction survey links after every purchase. This shows that your business cares even after selling a product/service. It’s not just about making money but customer loyalty.
5. Improve customer experiences
Personalize customers’ experiences in these ways:
- Stock up on relevant products/services
Analyze which products/services your customers mostly choose. Ensure those are always available. Whenever you run out of them, restock ASAP. If you can’t get the same, think of an attractive alternative.
- Accept several payment forms
Research your competitors and other local businesses and know what payment forms are common in the area. Ensure you have all of those payment methods as well.
Some must-have payment forms are cash, debit cards, credit cards, and mobile payments.
- Offer appointment-based services
If you have a service-based business, let people choose their appointment times. This way, they will get a personalized experience without crowd fighting over appointments. It will be no less than royal treatment for them.
6. Flaunt customer reviews
Statistics show that 99.9% of customers read reviews when shopping online, and 49% of customers trust online reviews as much as loved ones’ recommendations.
Authentic reviews are like social proof of your business offering. They boost consumers’ trust in your brand and drive favorable purchasing decisions.
Thus, reviews work wonders to attract repeat business. Add the best reviews to the homepage of your business website. Then, after purchases, send an email to customers asking them to leave a review so they don’t forget!
Conclusion
With these tips, you can stay on top of your business game. Be patient, and watch your strategies bring customers back for more!
