SmallBusinessNewz

Like employee loyalty, customer loyalty is something you have to work at. Just because someone bought from you once doesn’t mean they will come back. Give them reason to.

Without getting into all of the technicalities of the loyalty business model, there are some simple things to keep in mind.

Give them a quality product

Once you’ve gotten a sale from a customer, the product you’re selling better make them happy or you’ll never hear from them again.  If you don’t have a quality product, you’re going to have a lot bigger problems than customer loyalty.

Customer Service

If you want customers to return, your company needs to be helpful in this department. Make sure your customer service staff is polite and does everything within its power to answer any questions a customer might have or address any concerns.

Ok, the customer isn’t always right, but if you want them back, it’s up to you how far you will go to let them think that they are.

Branding

Keep your brand fresh in your customers’ minds. Offer an opt-in company newsletter letting them know of new deals and such. Build relationships through social media marketing.

Rewards

Rewarding your customers for being loyal is a great way to keep them coming back. Offer discounts on their next purchase. Like Darrell Zahorsky points out, you don’t want to give all of the good offers to new customers. Reward them for already being a customer. Give them better offers. 

People take past experiences very seriously when it comes to making purchasing decisions. They hold grudges. Don’t let them down and expect their business again.  On the flipside, they remember and appreciate positive encounters. Treat them right and you are likely to maintain a long healthy business relationship down the road.