Just as you need to reach out to new consumers, you also need to make the most of your relationships with your existing customers. Existing customers are essential to your business success - customer retention is vital! The best way to get more from your regular customers is to treat them well and make them feel valued and special. Below are several ways to do this:
1. Send exciting email offers to your existing customers. Be sure to mention that the promotion is only on offer to valued customers of your business. Offer them special discounts on your products and/or services. You can also give them a loyalty bonus of a free item the next time they place an order with you - this can be done by giving them a unique promotional code to enter at the time of
ordering;
2. Send email invitations to your existing customers to revisit your website whenever you make significant changes to it. Let them know that you appreciate their business and want them to be the first ones to try out your new website. Once they are on your website, they are likely to place an order;
3. Give your existing customers the first chance to view your new products and/or services. Send them an email displaying your new product or detailing your new service and outline its uses, benefits and value. Explain to them that they are getting a sneak preview of the product and/or service which is about to be launched on your website;
4. Give great customer service. It is no surprise that you get more when you give more. Existing customers want to feel that you appreciate their business. They want to know that any concerns or problems they may have with your products and/or services will be addressed quickly and resolved. Send out an email introducing your customer service team and include a link to your customer service department in your newsletter;
5. Include samples and/or literature with each order that you send out. Your existing customers will look forward to seeing
what else you have to offer them when they open their orders; and
6. Encourage your existing customers to recommend your business to their business associates, friends and family. One way to do this is to provide a button in your newsletter or emails enabling them to forward them onto whomever they choose at the click of a button. Word of mouth advertising will make your customers a valuable asset to your business in a further yet completely different way.
In summary, the key to keeping existing customers happy is to make them feel that you appreciate their business. This is a sure way to get more from them in terms of increased sales, advertising, and loyalty. Treat your customers well and make them feel special - you cannot go wrong?
