Connecting with your customers is essential to building and growing a business. Perhaps you're unsure how to begin this process, or maybe you would like to build upon the customer relationships you already have. Whatever the case, the tips below will help you better connect with your customers and boost your business.
Ensure you Offer Products in Your Niche
Whether your store is specialized or offers a broad range of products, you must continue to carry items that align with your store's niche. For example, if you're a toy manufacturer, you likely won't be selling clothing. If the center of your offering is around travel accessories, you will want to stay within your niche and provide items like a universal travel adaptor.
However, this does not mean you can not change your niche, later on, to adapt to customers' needs. Though, it's essential to keep customers informed if any major changes will be made.
Respond to Concerns Online and In Person
While running a business, concerns, and issues will arise throughout the week. It's an inevitable part of running a business, so it's best to address customer concerns as quickly as possible. If you receive an email, negative review, or customer complaint, discuss the issue with the customer and provide solutions to help build better relationships with your customers. You'll find that customers are typically loyal when they have their issues resolved by businesses in a timely fashion.
Build Relationships with Customers by Finding Common Ground
Establishing and building customer relationships is made easier by finding common ground between the two of you. If you're in your shop often, ensure you're asking customers about their daily life (such as, ”Do you have any big weekend plans?"). You'll find that you have hobbies and interests in common with most people who enter your store doors.
Offer the Best Deal Possible
You can help bring in more customers by providing weekly or monthly deals. These deals can be a few dollars off a bundle, free shipping (online stores), etc. Decide which deals allow you to make a profit and make sense financially, then implement them. By alerting customers to these deals beforehand, you can also help build a rapport with them. Deals are not required to build customer relationships, but they can help put those entering your store in a better mood.
Create Convenient Ways to Shop
Customers prefer convenience when shopping; this may mean specific shipping options (like overnight delivery) or opening an online shop. Keeping the customer in mind when crafting your business can provide a more satisfactory experience. Keeping your customers happy is key to maintaining a successful business and building rapport. If you're unsure how to make shopping at your business more convenient for customers, you can always request feedback.
By requesting feedback, you’re ensuring your customers feel heard and creating a more convenient shopping experience. So, it’s a win-win situation. If customers seem hesitant, you can offer a small discount in exchange for a survey or other form of feedback.