6 Simple Ways to Increase Customer Loyalty

6 Ways to Increase Customer Loyalty

Finding companies who provide good customer service is sometimes like finding a needle in a haystack. Yet, it's good customer service that creates customer loyalty. When's the last time you actually found a support phone number on a website? You usually have to email or fill out a form. Don't get me started on those message trees.

I used to go to a nail salon that served wine and snacks. Music filled the air. Everyone was happy and enjoying themselves. Instead of just going through the boring task of getting my nails done, I felt like I was at happy hour. The place was always packed.  

Make people happy about using your services. Here's a few tips for creating customer loyalty:  

• Thank You Notes - An email is easy to send. You'd be surprised, though, how much positive impact there is when your customer receives a nice handwritten note. I still have cards and notes of all types on my refrigerator and desk. They always bring positive thoughts of the sender.

• After the Sale - Remember a client's birthday, home anniversary or other special occasion by mailing or emailing them a card. A phone call will make a huge impact, too.

• I Love Referrals - How many times have you seen those words on a website or marketing materials? Show your appreciation for the referrer with a gift card or other gift. It doesn't have to be expensive but it will be remembered.

• Top Priority - I often get calls from people asking if it's a convenient time to talk. My response is always the same. "No one's more important than you right now." Things happens and time can get away from us. However, the person we are currently talking to should be our top priority.

• Under Promise and Over Deliver - Go the extra mile for your clients. If you've promised to have a report to your client on a specific date, make sure you deliver. This will help build trust.

• Opinions Count - To measure how we're doing in the customer service arena, all we have to do is ask. The feedback we get from our customers helps us to see where we excel and where we need to improve. This information is also great for reviews.

We live in a very competitive world. People have a lot of options when deciding which person or company to work with. Be the person who creates customer loyalty by going the extra mile. Show your customers that you care about them. Remember...It costs more to find new customers than it does to keep them.