Many startups struggle to create a solid customer base that will help them operate long-term. Some will fail within a few months or years, while others may stay in the market but struggle to survive. If you want your business to survive the first phase after beginning operations, you may need to ensure more people talk about it. The following are six ways to help your target and potential customers discuss your business.
1. Build Trust
Customers will do business with you if you can demonstrate trustworthiness. If you promise to give quality services or products, ensure you surpass their expectations. Many customers will overlook prices for a good product.
Don’t offer low prices only to deliver poor services or products. Stick to your promises as a business and continually work to exceed customer expectations.
2. After-Sale Services
After you provide a service or sell a product, you need to follow up with your customers. Get to know how they feel about the service and if they have any recommendations. Take every feedback positively and use the information to work on your weaknesses.
It will also help you maximize your strengths. Also, by asking for customer feedback, you show the business cares. Customers love to feel appreciated, and they will recommend the company to friends and family.
3. Be Creative
If your business has a logo, you may print it on stationery and give it to your target customers. For example, get stationery that has your business logo and mission statement. It will help your customers familiarize themselves with the business whenever they use your stationery.
Also, business stationery with funny quotes or mission statements is a cheaper way to market the business. Soon, more people will be talking about the catchy stationery from your company.
4. Post Reviews on Your Website
In many instances of posting reviews, the business will be afraid to post negative feedback. It is understandable to feel threatened by negative reviews, but a competent company will use this to create trust and loyalty.
Show appreciation for good and bad feedback and respond appropriately to negative comments. Apologize to the customers and explain how the business will handle the issue in the future. Also, invite the customer to give the company a second chance and let them share their experience.
5. Celebrate Returning Customers
Businesses often focus on new customers by sharing their experiences. The same effort should be put into returning customers. These are equally as important as new customers. Despite making hundreds of purchases, they should be treated as if it was their first time doing business with you. Thank the customers whenever they make purchases and encourage them to reach out and share their recommendations or concerns.
6. Introduce a Referral Program
Referral programs encourage customers to talk about the business. For example, you may reward a customer if they refer the company to at least five friends or family. Most companies give discounts or gift cards for every referral, but you want more customers.
So, set a minimum number of referrals for customers to get rewards. People love gifts and discounts, and soon your website will receive lots of traffic.
Don’t limit your ideas to these six ways. You can research more on ways to keep people talking about your business. Other notable alternatives include:
Newsletters
Ask your customers to sign up for your business newsletters to get weekly updates on new items or services. Also, keep them updated with new promos and discounts to get them excited about visiting your website.
Social Media Pages
Social media is an excellent communication tool for modern businesses and customers. Through social media, you can freely interact with your customers. For example, you can set up a weekly challenge for anyone following to participate and win a gift. Also, you can send messages about what customers should expect or react to reviews and comments about the business.
Celebrate Customers’ Birthdays
Appreciate your customers by acknowledging their birthdays or anniversaries. You may reward them with unique gifts, discounts, and points or send them an email. Customers will always appreciate such a gesture; even a simple email wishing them a great time on their special day could have a significant effect.
Final Thought
Keep constant communication with your customers and encourage them to be part of the business. You don’t need a big budget to keep your customers happy. Any small effort will receive great feedback and build lasting relationships.