A Loyal Customer Base

What does it take to make your online business a success? The key to a successful business be it offline or online is the steady flow of customers. Indeed attracting new customers is good for business but it can also be costly for you as the entrepreneur. I mean you have to invest on new marketing programs that are specially designed to attract new customers. Have you ever thought that it is more logical to keep your existing customer base? Keeping your current customer base is more cost effective.

Here is an article showing the importance of loyal customers:

“The survey also found that 70% of online shoppers belong to loyalty or frequent buyer programs and 42% use comparison engines to compare prices before buying. Online shoppers feel that member discounts and members-only specials are very important to online shopping (53%). Online shoppers are also apt to shop several stores, looking for the best price, before buying.”From: bizreport

Do not misunderstand me, there is nothing with wanting to attract new customers, there is nothing wrong with that. What I am trying to suggest is that you make do with what you currently have. If you provide special attention to your current customers they will feel appreciated and they will tend to be more loyal to your business. Always remember that loyal customers are those people who are willing to spend more and they will for sure tell other people about the shopping experience they had with you. So how do we build customer loyalty? Here are some tips for you:

1. Your customers are on the lookout for something special. If that is the case then you should be able to provide them with what they need. This is reason enough for them to return for more.

2. Go beyond what they expect. It is always good that you go the extra mile for your customers; they will feel that their business is very much appreciated. In short they will feel special. Let us face it, it is human nature that people want to feel special and as an entrepreneur you have the opportunity to provide this to your customers.

3. Be knowledgeable about your product or service. As the owner of the business you should know your product like the back of your hand. Of course your customers perceive you as the expert when it comes to the product they intend to buy. But what if they ask you a question and you are unable to answer it? How would they feel? They will of course feel that you are like a fraud, because you do not know your own product. They will probably think, “Are you sure you own this business?” For sure that is not good for business right?

4. Make the shopping experience enjoyable and pleasant. When a customer feels that they had a great time shopping at your website, you can be sure that they will be back for more.

In building a loyal customer base, think about your own experience as a customer, and what made your shopping experience special? Building a loyal customer base will surely pay off in the years to come. After all your customers is the core of your business.