Increase Your Repeat Business!
5 Ways ...
Keep Client's Vital Information …
This is the best way to establish a long term relationship with clients. It's great for service businesses where the client has a complex product that requires maintenance. Another example is why people go to the same doctor every time. First, because they have developed trust. But more importantly, the doctor has your files and your entire medical history. How can you apply this idea? Mechanics, hairdressers, plumbers, beauty therapists, and any number of other businesses can do it very simply. Just make sure the customers know that they now have a file. There is no point in the customer going anywhere else - you have every vital detail already recorded. If you keep people happy, this strategy will ensure they remain a customer for life.
Keep In Regular Contact …
You should be in regular contact with your customers. You need to judge how far apart your communication should be - this will vary by industry. There are many ways to keep in touch. You could mail something to your customers every couple of months, even if it's just a postcard with a funny message. This is extremely important for businesses which make sales only every year or so - such as auto dealers and real estate agents. A phone call to make a special offer is also an excellent idea. Email can also be effective. Remember, your business is most likely not one of the highest priorities in your customers' lives - they will forget about you if you don't keep in contact.
Ensure Customers Know Your Entire Range …
Often, people know only part of your business. If you introduce them to another part, the results can be huge. This is a perfect idea if you have a large range, or a series of older products you haven't promoted for some time. Simply say 'Hey, here's something I think you'll like - it's our new [x], do you want one of those today also. They already trust you and your main product - now introduce them to the rest of your business.
Ask Them To Come Back …
Sounds silly, right? Wrong - it's something most businesses overlook. How many businesses with a high rate of returning customers don't actually ask the person to come back next time? Think about hairdressers, mechanics and dentists - how many actually say anything about next time. Let's tackle hairdressers - how many ask to set your next appointment at the end of the first one? Some do, but they often word it incorrectly - they expect that people don't want to plan that far ahead. It depends on how you ask. Try something like this 'Have you been happy with our session today? Great - I'd like to set your next session now. That should ideally be in six weeks. I could put you in on Thursday night, or Saturday morning. I'm pretty heavily booked already. Which of those times suit you best?' It may sound a little pushy, but it will only come across like that if the people aren't happy with your service. If they are happy and are going to come back anyway, why wouldn't they want to do it?
Run A Frequent Buyers Program/VIP Card …
The classic method of getting a customer to come back - give them a card that gets stamped every time they buy. Again, this is great for businesses with a product or service that people use regularly - more than once per month. You may want to offer every sixth purchase free, or a special gift on the tenth purchase. Work out the number and what you can afford, but make it generous. If it's a poor or lackluster offer, people will be completely disinterested. The card makes people feel like they are working towards something. Even if they can go somewhere else and get the product or service for less, they probably won't - getting it cheaper isn't as fun as handing in a completed card and getting something free.
To arrange for a complimentary, no-obligation discussion about how to implement these ideas in your business, click here , or call Joanne at 905-943-4257.
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