Once you've done the hard work of getting a customer to trust you and be content with your product/service, you have to find ways to get them coming back for more.
There are some tactics that will ensure that you build a network of clients that provide you with a constant and growing flow of cash throughout the year.
Keep your clients happy.
Have a loyalty program or a VIP membership for your regular clients.
Never forget to do this.
One of the biggest peeves that customers have is when they don't feel appreciated or they when they have problems with your product/service and they cannot contact you.
Now this only applies to your regular clients, don't waste time with time wasters.
Only give out memberships if you know the client will come back to you again.
Look into what others are doing Have a look at any reputable franchise business model and you will find that loyalty programs are very important for a small business.
Secondly, communicate with your clients.
Let them know that you're there around the corner, when they need that advice or recommendation.
Keeping in contact with your clients means your business is always on their mind.
Walk into any Subway or Starbucks and you will notice that they do their best to separate the casual customers with the regular customers.
There is always a sense of community when you have a VIP card and the guy next to you does not.
Learn to be a good listener and don't forget to thank them every time they buy from you.
Send off a personally written thank you note, when they purchase something from you.
If your customer sees you as an expert who actually cares for them, pricing and credibility will never be a problem for you.
Put discounts/offers on everything You can use this method to help your clients buy from you continuously.
Every time your client purchases something from you, attach a brochure to the invoice so that they will get 10% discount on their next purchase.
This is becoming the norm now as every business is using this method to increase customers "spend frequency".
You could also use your invoice as a marketing method where you are advertising newer products that they may be interested in, on the actual invoice, for example; page 1 you have the professional looking invoice and page 2 you have a new product offer with a expiry date that convinces your client to come back, buy and get rewarded.
Alternatively you could also use a referral system whereby you could offer them a discount if they are able to refer you to one of their friends.
This is a great way to increase word of mouth marketing in your business.
Be careful with referrals as they can work wonders for you as well as run your business into the ground.
Don't forget people just love chatting about their bad experiences.
If they encounter a negative experience with you or your business, you can bet that they are talking about you already.
Finally, When you put all these strategies together, make sure it sounds genuine.
Never explain the real reason why you give clients discounts.
Customers don't like being "sold" something.
Act, talk and advise them genuinely and they will trust you.
A true salesman will act the part of an expert that cares for their customers, even though sometimes customers can drive you up the wall.
Take care of your good clients and they will buy from you for years.
There are some tactics that will ensure that you build a network of clients that provide you with a constant and growing flow of cash throughout the year.
Keep your clients happy.
Have a loyalty program or a VIP membership for your regular clients.
Never forget to do this.
One of the biggest peeves that customers have is when they don't feel appreciated or they when they have problems with your product/service and they cannot contact you.
Now this only applies to your regular clients, don't waste time with time wasters.
Only give out memberships if you know the client will come back to you again.
Look into what others are doing Have a look at any reputable franchise business model and you will find that loyalty programs are very important for a small business.
Secondly, communicate with your clients.
Let them know that you're there around the corner, when they need that advice or recommendation.
Keeping in contact with your clients means your business is always on their mind.
Walk into any Subway or Starbucks and you will notice that they do their best to separate the casual customers with the regular customers.
There is always a sense of community when you have a VIP card and the guy next to you does not.
Learn to be a good listener and don't forget to thank them every time they buy from you.
Send off a personally written thank you note, when they purchase something from you.
If your customer sees you as an expert who actually cares for them, pricing and credibility will never be a problem for you.
Put discounts/offers on everything You can use this method to help your clients buy from you continuously.
Every time your client purchases something from you, attach a brochure to the invoice so that they will get 10% discount on their next purchase.
This is becoming the norm now as every business is using this method to increase customers "spend frequency".
You could also use your invoice as a marketing method where you are advertising newer products that they may be interested in, on the actual invoice, for example; page 1 you have the professional looking invoice and page 2 you have a new product offer with a expiry date that convinces your client to come back, buy and get rewarded.
Alternatively you could also use a referral system whereby you could offer them a discount if they are able to refer you to one of their friends.
This is a great way to increase word of mouth marketing in your business.
Be careful with referrals as they can work wonders for you as well as run your business into the ground.
Don't forget people just love chatting about their bad experiences.
If they encounter a negative experience with you or your business, you can bet that they are talking about you already.
Finally, When you put all these strategies together, make sure it sounds genuine.
Never explain the real reason why you give clients discounts.
Customers don't like being "sold" something.
Act, talk and advise them genuinely and they will trust you.
A true salesman will act the part of an expert that cares for their customers, even though sometimes customers can drive you up the wall.
Take care of your good clients and they will buy from you for years.