Any successful business strategy understands the importance of making customers feel valued and appreciated. Without customers, a business would cease to exist. In the past, the mantra was "the customer is always right," but in modern times, technology has exposed toxic customer behaviour as well.
Regardless of what you sell, whether it's a product or a service, it ultimately boils down to a people's business. It is crucial to never lose sight of this fact, as poor customer relations will inevitably impact your business in the long run. Therefore, educating your employees about the value of treating customers as the cornerstone of your organisation's success is vital.
While it's true that difficult customers exist, how your employees perceive and treat them can make a significant difference in your business's success. Let's explore 5 ways to make customers feel valued, encouraging them to return.
Remembering important personal events in your key customers’ lives, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and more, can make them feel appreciated. Even for larger businesses, some form of recognition is better than none. Acknowledging special occasions with personalised, heartfelt notes from your company can be a touching gesture. Smaller customer bases are particularly primed for this kind of treatment.
While signs and generic notes saying "We appreciate your patronage" are common, going the extra mile to offer a personal and heartfelt thank you can go a long way. Contacting customers at year-end to issue genuine thank-you notes or making a personal phone call to express appreciation for their business can make them feel valued. Larger businesses can implement a thank you campaign, which, though less personal, still communicates gratitude and prevents customers from feeling taken for granted.
Customers often fear that after a sale, the friendliness and attention will disappear. To make customers feel valued, continue nurturing the relationship beyond the initial transaction. Follow up to inquire about their experience with the product or service and ensure their satisfaction. Genuine concern for how the product or service has solved their problem can foster a positive relationship and strengthen their loyalty to your brand.
In the modern era, customers are highly perceptive and can quickly detect dishonesty. If they discover you are not being fully honest, trust will be broken, and they will likely avoid your business in the future. It is crucial to always tell the truth, even when it may not be in your best interest.
Honest communication helps customers make better decisions and fosters a deeper relationship with you, even when the feedback is negative. Although some customers may not like hearing the truth, they still prefer it over a lie. Honesty is the best policy, and being truthful will ultimately build trust and retain customers.
While it is common for customers to provide feedback on products or services, they often feel that their input is not genuinely considered. To build strong client relations, show customers that you actively adopt their feedback and address any issues they raise. Informing them that their concerns have been heard and actions are being taken demonstrates appreciation and respect.
Furthermore, once you have addressed their feedback, let them know what actions were taken. Always thank customers for their feedback, as it helps your business grow and improve. Ensuring that customers feel that their input has a tangible impact on your business will make them feel valued and integral to its success.
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