7 Ways to Retain Customers & Attract New Ones
1. Consider rewarding customer referrals
Reward customer loyalty and you’ll find they’ll stay just that – loyal. That means delivering incentives for the likes of repeat business and any new custom you get via a refer-a-friend scheme. Reward a customer for a new customer intro, and there’s a great incentive for them to do the same again. In turn, that new customer may refer a friend of their own. And so on. It’s win-win!
2. Treat your best customers
What better way to show your customers just how much you care, and keep them coming back, than by surprising them with a fun day out? Red Letter Days pioneered the concept of giving unforgettable experiences as gifts. Whether your customers are thrill-seekers, foodies, or free-spirited adventurers, we’ve got the perfect corporate gift.
3. Give an incentive in exchange for customer reviews
People look to customer reviews now more than ever when it comes to making purchasing decisions – from large purchases like a car or holiday, to smaller ones such as a new book or a meal out, customer reviews are a go-to source for insights.
That said, encourage customer reviews as much as possible. Positive reviews will attract new custom, while any negative comments will help you see where improvements can be made. Customers are time-poor, too, so give them a reason to leave a review by offering the likes of discounts or gift vouchers.
4. Offer seasonal gifts
It can be tricky to stay ahead of the competition when it comes to rewarding employees. The key? Understanding what will make your customers smile. Seasonal gifting is a sure-fire way to reward employees in an authentic-feeling way. After all, everyone’s in a gift-giving mood when it comes to the likes of Christmas and Valentine’s Day.
5. Recognise birthdays
Similarly, rewarding customers on their birthday is a nice touch. It shows real personalisation, and that you’re paying attention as a company. Treating a customer to an experience as opposed to a voucher or discount code also shows your intent to delight them. Consider a luxury spa day, a wine tasting session, or a trip to the theatre.
6. Encourage word-of-mouth recommendations
Word-of-mouth recommendations are hugely powerful when it comes to customer acquisition. In fact, did you know that 74% of customers cite word-of-mouth to be a significant factor when it comes to decision-making? And it makes sense, doesn’t it? Imagine if you were considering a new restaurant, for instance, and a friend told you all about an amazing experience they had there recently – wouldn’t that help seal the deal for you? Encourage word-of-mouth customer referrals wherever you can – pop it on your emails, put it out there on social media, wherever you can shout about it.
7. Lastly, say thank you!
Never underestimate the power of a simple ‘thank you’! A heartful message to a customer simply saying you’re grateful for their business shows that you, as a company, really value them, and it won’t go unnoticed.