How to Retain Your Clients

If your business lets old customers leave as you bring in new ones, then you are not building a stable company, the goal ought to be to increase both the new clients while retaining the old ones.

Converting a new customer is certainly very exciting. However, many businesses make the mistake of overlooking the valuable customers they already have and focus most of their marketing efforts on recruitment, instead of customer retention.

According to Kissmetrics, it is nearly 7 times less expensive to retain an existing customer than to gain a new one.

Customer retention is not only cost effective, but also a great branding exercise to delight your customers so that they become your brand ambassadors, if they like you, they’ll refer others to you.

Here are 7 ways to keep your customers engaged and satisfied:

1. Stay in touch and encourage their interaction

Alert your customers to promotions, rewards programs, product updates and any other content you think they’ll find interesting and relevant.

Ask people to share their stories or hold contests to encourage engagement.

Stay a step ahead by anticipating future challenges they may have and suggesting new solutions. If you haven’t heard from particular customers in a while, don’t be afraid to reach out to them.

Even if your efforts don’t result in immediate sales, they’ll go a long way toward keeping your brand first in your customers’ minds.

2. Utilize social media

Social networks are extremely useful in maintaining customer contact after the initial sale. Social media offers great opportunities to engage your customers and build trust by showing the personal side of your business.

Monitor your customers’ opinions, interests, and motivations. Pinpoint and reward your most loyal customers.

Make efforts to change negative perceptions other followers may have by providing great customer service. Consumers have turned to social media platforms to ask questions, register complaints and resolve product issues.

Take advantage of it to show how your brand is listening and cares about your customers.

3. Get personal

Many customers place as much value on the quality of your service friendliness, comfort, and familiarity as they do on the quality of your product.

Remember that 70% of buying experiences are based on how the customer feels they are being treated. Make your business a friendly and accommodating partner in your customers’ eyes.

For starters, try Customize your offers around actual customer behavior via analytics rather than trying to make predictions based on general demographics, or your personal perceptions.

Recognize loyal customers by name. Show appreciation with coupons, special offers, sneak previews or thank you notes. Invite them to forums or ask for feedback to let them know that you value their opinions.

4. Solve Problems

When customers have problems, make sure they can speak with a real, sympathetic person, ideally in person or by phone. Even in our digital world, people like to communicate with other people.

This desire is so strong that 75% of customers believe it takes too long to reach a live agent on the telephone or an online chat. Referring already frustrated customers to a FAQ page or an email contact form will most likely worsen the situation.

Empower your employees to fix problems when they arise. Employees who are kept well-informed and believe that they can make a difference will be more motivated to care and take responsibility.

5. Take responsibility

Your brand is only as good as the reputation behind it. When problems arise, admit to your mistakes and apologize if necessary.

Honesty demonstrates authenticity. It also lets customers see that you’re willing to correct faulty processes and prevent future mistakes.