Whether you’re on Forbes’ Top 100 list or a small business owner, one thing’s for sure— relationships you build with clients and customers will dictate the course of your business. However, it’s safe to say the small business owners usually have more opportunities to provide excellent customer service and build lasting relationships that will keep the clients loyal to their brand.
More importantly, if your clients aren’t satisfied with your service, they can easily find another business that will make them feel truly valued. So, if you want to beat your competitors and keep your clients happy, check out these ideas that will help you build lifelong customer relationships and create a great customer experience.
Interact with your clients
As a small business owner, you have many advantages over large corporations since you can choose whether you want to interact with clients via email or face to face. Although making new business deals via mail is very effective, the second option allows you to forge closer bonds with clients. Luckily, there are ways to emphasise how much you value your clients when meeting in person.
For example, be sure to remember their name, offer a wide range of solutions to their problems and make them feel comfortable and appreciated as soon as they arrive at your office. In addition, whether you’re interacting with your clients in person, via email, or social media, be sure to answer all their questions, show politeness and keep a conversation going.
Give personal attention
Unfortunately, many corporations don’t treat their clients well because they’re only looking for new ways to profit. Even worse, corporations can always invest in new marketing strategies and attract new clients when they lose customers due to poor customer service.
Every business owner should treat their clients as human beings because that’s one of the best ways to make them feel valued. Therefore, when talking to your customers, devote all your attention to them, listen to their concerns, place them at the centre of all communications, and make adjustments if necessary, because after all, customers know best. For example, if a certain customer complains about your products or service, take time to look into their account and find any issues that can make your customer’s life easier.
Thank them
Whenever you’re making new business deals or shipping a new package, be sure to thank your clients for doing business with you. You can do that by including a thank you note in their package or sending a customer appreciation email. In addition, it would be best to keep track of their birthdays and offer discounts on their special day.
Hosting a client appreciation event is another great way to make your clients feel truly valued. You can also offer them something special during the holiday season, such as a small gift, a postcard or a free sample of your product.
Improve customer service
Ignoring your clients’ messages on social media platforms or your website can do more harm than good, which is why it’s essential to respond as soon as possible. An immediate response will make your clients feel heard and appreciated, and even if you’re sending an automated email, do it now, and you won’t have to think about it later.
More importantly, many customers agree that being tied to a phone or a computer to get a proper response is daunting and frustrating. So, if you offer real-time chat on your website and hire a social media manager who can respond to your client’s messages, your customers won’t hesitate to message you, and you’ll slowly but surely earn their trust and loyalty.
Be unique
We understand that it’s impossible to make all your clients feel the same level of appreciation. But, as your business grows, you’ll find new ways to show your clients that you value them. For now, if you’re trying to make a business deal with a new client, be sure to nurture that relationship from the moment they arrive at your premises.
For example, you can give new clients a guided tour around your company. That way, they’ll get a chance to meet your employees, get a taste of your company culture and learn more about your work ethics. If they’re buying your products in bulk, you may want to show them how you make your products or invite them to a meeting with your product designers.
But, there’s more! Once you sign the contract with a new client, a simple thank you isn’t enough to make them feel valued. So, if you want to make a statement and show that you’re a good and reliable business partner, send decadent gift hampers to your new clients and add them to your VIP client list.
Respond to feedback
By collecting information from your clients, you can learn more about their preferences and improve customer experience. Be sure that your customers can leave a review on your social media profiles, online store and website, and always respond to feedback. If you take your time to cater to them and listen to their complaints or words of praise, you’ll manage to generate more sales leads and keep your customers happy at the same time.
Customer feedback should be of great importance to every business owner. It can help you improve product development, elevate your marketing and find new ways to make your clients feel truly valued.
Conclusion
If a client feels valued, they will stay loyal to your brand. On top of that, a happy client will recommend your products or services to their friends and family, which can be very beneficial to your business. On the other hand, it takes one bad review on your website to ruin your business reputation and to prevent that from happening, all you need to do is treat your clients with respect and show them that their satisfaction is more important to you than profits.
If you’re struggling to make your clients feel special and appreciated, we suggest you implement these ideas before your clients turn their back on you. And remember, this is a never-ending journey, but if you play your cards right, you’ll create an excellent support system for your clients and build better customer relationships.
Author Bio:
Jasmine Anderson is a Sydney-based lifestyle blogger and a toddler mom. She loves to spend quality time with her family, go thrifting, and spend just a little bit too much time on the internet.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndersonJess_AJ