How to Foster Lasting Customer Relationships

Word of mouth is the oldest and most underrated form of marketing. Businesses that stand the test of time are often those businesses that have long-lasting customers. When a customer falls in love with a business, they are more likely to be loyal to that business long term and more likely to share their experience with their family and friends. In this blog, McCauley Marketing Services takes you through the important steps of building and maintaining long-lasting customer relationships in any business.

Listen

For starters, listening to your customers will not only help you meet their needs, it will also make your customers feel valued and appreciated. Actively and intentionally listening to your audience will help you to fully understand their needs or problems before you jump to solutions. This will also help you fortify your business’s strategy long-term.

Respond Frequently

Respond when prompted on social media comments, emails, phone calls, or any other form of correspondence. If you are constantly out of reach, your audience will find someone else who is more interested in helping them and providing efficient replies. Most customers expect your business’s social media accounts to be active and relevant, with up-to-date contact information. Missing a few direct messages or comments could cost you major business.

Be Empathetic

Sure, you can make the age-old argument that business should not be personal. However, if we are spending roughly half of our days working with our clients, how can it not be somewhat personal? Today’s consumer wants to feel connected to the brands and businesses they work with and support. They enjoy active social media interaction with a brand that aligns with their values, and even their humor. Think of your business as a story that your customers want to be a part of.

Take Responsibility for Your Mistakes

Everyone makes mistakes for example, not proofing content before posting to social media. However, not everyone owns them. Owning your mistakes shows integrity to your clients. Putting off mistakes or omitting them altogether is never wise. These issues are likely to resurface later. Mistakes can often be avoided by regularly proofing your content, planning ahead, and checking in with your employees, as well as expressing your concerns to clients and allowing an open dialogue for feedback, questions, and solutions.

Fostering strong customer relationships should be a priority for any sustainable business, small or large. At McCauley Marketing Services, we offer marketing help for businesses of all sizes. Check out our marketing services here. For more quick tips and tricks on business and marketing, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.