5 top tips for attracting and retaining customers

Thursday, 09 February 2012 04:03

Attracting new customers can be difficult

Attracting new customers can be difficult

The ability to both attract and retain customers has always been a key issue for companies, but the current economic climate means it is increasingly difficult. Consumers and organisations have less money to spend, so you need to be more imaginative when it comes to promoting your business.

There is no panacea that will work in all industries, or even one that is guaranteed to produce results across a single sector. However, there are tried and tested steps you can take to improve your chances of increasing revenue, such as sales promotions and rewards schemes that offer incentives to loyal clients.

You will discover there are many different approaches you can use to find new customers and encourage existing ones to spend more with your firm. Listed below are just five of the things that are well worth considering when planning your sales and marketing activity.

Targeting

You can develop the most eye-catching of adverts and promotions, but they won't work unless they reach the people most likely to buy from you. It is important to establish who your potential customer base are and then make certain all your marketing efforts are directed to them effectively.

New customer incentives

Customer incentives are one of the most effective ways of attracting new business, whether you have a shop, trade solely online or sell your goods and services to the corporate market.

Cutting prices may seem like the obvious approach to take, but that will dent your profit margins and there is no guarantee your new customers will buy again once the discounts have finished. Offering something that first-time clients perceive as added value, such as giving away gift vouchers for purchases above a certain cost, is more likely to make a good long-term impression.

Customer service

Price may be the number one priority for most customers, but service comes a close second. New clients may well need more help than existing ones and it is important you provide this in a friendly manner, and deal with any post-sale issues promptly.

Loyalty schemes

Attracting new customers is not the only way to improve turnover and profit, and too many businesses overlook the opportunity offered by their existing client base. Setting up a loyalty scheme that offers rewards for regular purchases is an effective way to persuade people to spend more money with you.

Recommendation schemes

It is often said that word of mouth is the best form of advertising, but it can be difficult to ensure satisfied customers recommend you. Running a referral programme that gives rewards to people who introduce others to your business can change that attitude.
 

 

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