5 Hot Tips for Attracting and Keeping New Customers

Dixie Somers

March 22, 2017

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A major part of any business is attracting new customers. Keeping those customers coming back is equally important. If a business fails to attract and retain customers, then it isn't likely to stay in business long. There are many tips and strategies for business owners to do just that.

Responding to Reviews and Criticism Positively

The internet and social media have steadily caused a major shift in the power customers have. It used to be that customers primarily spoke with their wallets, and if they were not satisfied they just wouldn't go back, and maybe they would keep a few of their friends from going. This was an unfortunate loss of business, but not terribly destructive in the long run.

Modern customers have much more power and reach over the opinions of other and future customers. Online reviews, comments and ratings matter. While it is impossible to please everyone, and a few bad reviews are just part of the process, how a business handles negative criticism is extremely important. A business should always treat customers fairly and respectfully. Don't get into arguments with customers or attempt to argue against a negative review. That just makes the business look worse. When customers see that a business cares about all of its customers, especially those who may have had a problem or were not satisfied, it can paint the business in a positive light.

An owner should also take the time to learn from negative reviews and criticism. The upside to the situation is that owners have more chances for direct customer feedback than ever before. The owner can use that to improve and lead to better customer relations.

Personalize

Going hand in hand with customer relations and feedback on the internet is the need to personalize both products and customer experiences. There is such an abundance of products and businesses vying for customer dollars that few if any businesses are the only game in town. Online shopping puts even local businesses in competition with companies all over the world.

This situation makes customers more demanding. They expect both products and a shopping experience that feels personal to them. The internet can help a lot with this by creating collaborative spaces for customers to work with the business and each other to give product ideas or improvements. It's important that they feel the business is actually listening to them as well. If you take the time to create an online forum or similar platform, then don't forget to check it and respond consistently to customer comments and inquiries.

Reward Loyalty

Just about every successful business these days offers some kind of reward or incentive-based program. Customers have an expectation that they will be somehow rewarded for choosing one business over another. How those rewards work and how generous they are is important. Offer some kind of rewards points or earnings system that will give customers freebies or bonuses every time they shop, and they will be more likely to come back.

Graphic Design and Signage

The modern customer is a visual customer. It is important that a business is noticeable and memorable, and that is best done through professional signs and graphics. Be sure to create a sign that expresses both the type and the personality of that business and appeals to the targeted customer base.

Making the right sign is as much about customer knowledge as it is about design or marketing knowledge. It is important to work with a professional designer like Perth Signcraft & Graphics and be able to give them as many details about the business and customers as possible. Be sure to create a logo that is flexible enough to be used everywhere, including online and in advertising materials.

Ensure Product Knowledge

As businesses grow and hire more staff, the training and competency of that staff becomes extremely important. Customers are quick to identify staff who have exceptional knowledge of the products and services compared to those who don't. It's not just about the level of service provided. It is also about the trust the customer will have in the business. When they feel a staff knows what to do and how best to serve them, they will feel comfortable making a purchase and coming back. When that trust is not established, they may never come back.

It is important to stay on top of staff training and invest heavily in staff knowledge. The interpersonal connection between sales staff and customer is one of the strongest selling points of any business.

By following these and other tips, a business owner can keep their business profitable and productive. It is important never to get complacent with customer relations and always respect the power the modern customer has to greatly influence sales and success. Good customer management is one of the most important jobs a business owner has.