Turning first-time customers into repeat customers is a critical business builder. After all, it’s estimated that 68% of sales come from existing customers. We have tips—and some giveaway ideas—that will help you turn every customer interaction into a long-term business relationship.
Share information
Connections can be built in many ways. Sharing useful information with your customers regularly reminds them of your company and creates an opportunity to make a new sale. Depending on your customer list, you could send a printed piece, an e-newsletter or both. Use this customer retention tip to share sales or promotions, product updates, tips for using your products or services and information about new products.
Hold contests and promotions
Contests are a great way to drive engagement, as they give customers a reason to check in regularly. Try these ideas:
- Ask people to share a photo with one of your products on social media and tag your organization. Offer prizes for the best, most creative or funniest photo.
- Share a post on social media and ask people to like, comment or share for a chance to win a cool prize.
Customer giveaways like a travel cooler, insulated jacket or wireless ear buds will get people excited to participate.
Host a learning event
Holding a learning event offers value to your customers—and these opportunities work equally well in-person or as a webinar.
If you do hold a virtual event, maximize your audience by promoting the event at least two weeks in advance. The best time for virtual events in mid-week (Wednesday or Thursday) and in the middle of the day. Keep your event to about an hour and remember to include time for questions. Thank people for signing up early or for attending with a customer giveaway like a notebook and pen.
Be sure to follow up with attendees and people who missed the event. Provide a link to a recorded version of the webinar, slides and make sure they know you’re available if they have questions.
Consider win-back programs
Customers leave companies for many reasons. Win-back programs focus on discovering why and inviting them back. Reach out to customers you haven’t heard from in a while and strive to fix any issues they bring up.
- If it’s about pricing: Create a special offer with a one-time discount or a loyalty program.
- If your product doesn’t meet a particular need: See how their needs have changed—maybe you have another product or service that is a better fit.
Create convenience
Making your products or services easier to buy can bring customers back again and again. Consider that 86% of buyers say they are willing to pay more for a better customer experience. Send out a survey that asks what would make the buying process easier and offer ideas like:
- A subscription service that auto-sends needed products on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis
- An app that allows them to purchase via their phone
- Email reminders when it’s time to purchase again
- A loyalty program that provides discounts or free products
Offer a gift to everyone who responds. A useful office tool is a great choice.
Customer relationships build your business
Putting a few customer retention tips into practice will help you build loyalty and bring clients back again and again. Good luck!