Blogging has quickly become the go-to way for large and small businesses alike to spread brand awareness and meet their marketing goals. However, taking on a new blog is a big responsibility and small businesses may find it more difficult to dedicate the time needed to start one that is engaging and successful. When done correctly, blogging can help smaller companies gain fans and network with other local businesses with which they may be able to collaborate for event planning. But, when done without much thought or effort, blog posts can go without notice and wind up reducing the productivity of small business workers.
If attracting new customers were easy, businesses across the country probably wouldn’t be so worried about the down economy. However, as many company leaders know, selling is hard. This is what makes it essential for businesses to retain the clients they already have, so that they continue to add to their customer base instead of continually struggling to make up for lost clients.
It’s much easier to retain clients than try to get new ones to purchase your services, but retention isn’t effortless. The following tips may help companies boost their customer satisfaction scores and even gain them more clients through referrals:
1. Consistently providing the same product or service – even if it’s good – can turn customers off and send them running in the direction of your competitors who have the latest and greatest. Agencies that offer Illinois home insurance can keep their customers interested by offering new discounts on bundled policies. Individuals who may be considering Illinois flood insurance endorsement will likely prefer to purchase this through the local agent who they already use, but if the price isn’t right and it hasn’t changed for years, they may go looking somewhere else.
2. A quiet customer doesn’t necessarily equal a happy customer, so it is important for companies to stay in touch with their clients. Many businesses follow the practice of sending out regular greeting cards. Don’t be afraid to tie in a little marketing with these notes. For example, if a customer is a college student, send a card wishing them well in the upcoming semester and mention that your agency offers Chicago renters insurance if they are planning on moving off campus.
3. Make your office or store more appealing by incorporating some entertainment. Parents often avoid going places where they fear their children will be bored or act out, so consider providing a movie or reading corner where kids can play while parents do business.
4. Convenience is key, so instead of focusing your attention on your competitors’ prices, channel this energy toward providing optimal customer service. Set up a system so that your clients can schedule appointments online or even offer house calls if you own a local business. Highlight how working with a local agent can significantly simplify the insurance claims process.
5. Everyone likes to be appreciated. Investing a small portion of your company’s budget in free giveaways like t-shirts or pens for existing customers can go a long way in making them feel as though they are getting the same treatment as new or potential clients.
Overall, customer retention is key to sustaining a healthy company bank account. Business owners always have to be asking themselves how they can set their company apart from newer or larger competitors. Even if your marketing strategy is equally as good as that of your neighbor, sending your existing customers packing due to poor customer service or neglect can seriously counteract your sales efforts.
