Word of mouth – it’s an age-old concept but it continues to be the mantra to live by when it comes to increasing business sales. Just ask Joseph Jaffe, author of Flip the Funnel: How to Use Existing Customers to Gain New Ones. In his recent publication the esteemed marketing consultant explains that four steps can ensure that customers remain loyal to a business.
First, there’s acknowledgement. This involves thanking a customer, whether it’s through personalized gifts or a written note. The second step involves open communication with clients and customers. Initiate and continue conversations through traditional means – the phone and email – as well as social networking sites or personal meet and greets.
Business owners should also harness the power of incentives. “Figuring out ways to recognize and reward our customers is about making sure we don’t look a gift horse in the mouth, but rather giving that gift horse a big, fat smooch on the lips,” Jaffe told the news outlet.
Finally, there’s activation. After handing out promotional products and generating awareness for your brand, business owners can aim to cultivate a community of consistent patrons.
In the end, customer loyalty can make or break the success of a business. Make one customer happy at a time and your sales are bound to increase exponentially.