Recessive times, creates competition among businesses. More than ever, many small and large companies alike are struggling to keep consumers loyal to their products and/or services. With new businesses popping up daily, your average owner is now faced with the challenge of keeping clients coming back without going out of business. Here are some ways to create the kind of loyalty that keeps consumers come back again and again:
Produce a Quality Product
Whether you are providing a tangible product or offering a service, it should always be your best work. Excellence displays a sense of a value and appreciation in what you do, hence presenting to the customer, YOUR gratitude and THEIR worth.
Have Fair Market Pricing
You CAN make money without inflating costs, providing reasonable pricing is a great way to continue to draw and maintain devoted consumers. Customers who find that they can get the exact same products and/or services for a lesser price, often feel cheated, finding your business unappealing and oftentimes will not return.
Make It Easily Accessible
Website, Marketplace, Storefront, doesn’t matter, customers NEED accessibility. If they cannot get to it with ease, FORGET ABOUT IT! Convenience is what drives repeat business, sometimes more than price. If a customer feels that your product/service can be retrieved effortlessly, and without challenge, you will probably see them again.
Give Great Service
Who would have thought a little smile and assistance could go a long way? But IT DOES! Great service is just one of those things that is ABSOLUTELY necessary in customer retention. Having attentive, knowledgeable and helpful employees make customers feel comfortable and encourages them to return and repeat the experience.
If All Else Fails, Bring On The Discounts!
In these times, face the facts, LOWER PRICES ENTICES CONSUMERS – two for ones, BOGO and percentage off sales, can feel like winning the lottery for some shoppers. However, although discount pricing brings them in, it may not encourage them to revisit, especially if you don’t have superb quality and/or great service. If you don’t add additional value to your discounts, you may find yourself having to compensate your lack of repeat customers with constant discounting.
Customer loyalty can be achieved, however, it takes a lot of creativity, ingenuity and insight to develop ways that will not only bring in, but keep consumers faithful.
Until next time…
I agree with all your suggestions but especially the “Give Great Service.” Many times when I’m shopping, salespeople can’t answer very basic questions about their products, and I’m beginning to think common (or maybe it’s not so common anymore) courtesy is a phenomenon of the past. When we eat out, it’s readily apparent which servers have been through a training program and which haven’t, and it makes a world of difference in the dining-out experience. Good blog and I’ll be back!
Posted by Sandra McLeod Humphrey | September 17, 2011, 2:35 pm