Andrew
“Love is not love until you give it away” – Oscar Hammerstein II
The only way to receive true love is when you give it yourself.
In business, customers love brands which are owned by companies that are able to go out of their way in showing love to their customers.
As we celebrate the essence of love in our various business relationships, let us remember that the first impression that we give our customers will definitely last forever.
Thus, it is the time for forward thinking companies that are customer centric to be thoughtful and considerate of their customers’ needs.
When you are able to extend love to your customers then you are equally able to treat them right. Showing your customers that you love them demands a great deal of your deeper understanding of what these customers really want and then you deliver that and more.
A business with brands that customers have fallen in love with tend to accrue so many benefits such as positive reviews, referrals, loyalty, advocacy, growth and a strong healthy bank account.
Here are some ways that can help customers make their customers feel loved up this coming February 14th. If you feel the love, then show it through these ways:
1. Spoil them with gifts and offers
As customers we never get tired of getting something out of the ordinary, especially from businesses that we spend our money on. Free gifts or discounts gives us an opportunity to do some things that we would not do in our daily routines.
Since this day is dedicated specially to couples in love, organisations can reciprocate the order of the day by giving out offers for two-for-one. Such as a romantic holiday getaway for their top customers, where they can go with their partners. They can also ask their customers to buy two at the price of one, or pay one month subscription and get another month for free.
Nonetheless, customers that are single can be indulged too in the ‘love in the air’ euphoria. Businesses that have enough data on their customers surely know their customers who are not hitched and can play the other half this Valentine’s. Imagine how a customer will feel when they receive a nicely wrapped expensive fragrant from a local supermarket that he or she does business with, and an accompanying note that reminds them that they can count on them at all times.
2. Cement your customer relationship with a human touch
All businesses that have a human side are able to show their customers some love.
Give your business a human face by allowing your employees to interact with your customers face-to-face, over the phone, or by email. Voice and video calls are a truly important aspect to use when offering customer support.
Even during these days when there is a limitation to face-to-face interactions companies that do online business, but have to physically deliver the goods can add a handwritten note to the delivered merchandise just to make the experience more human. It can go an extra mile by following up with a phone call just to show that it is more than just transactional. A delivery followed up with a phone call to ask how things are going and if the customer has received the right order or if they need anything else, help to show that the business cares.
3. Show off your top customers
Customers like it when their service providers show them that they are proud of them. Involve your customers in your company events as this will make them feel like a part of it. It is always a good thing, once in a while, to show them what happens behind the scenes by giving them exclusive content. Showcasing your customers’ experiences as well as case studies is another way to make them feel extra special as it will highly likely attract other customers.
Let your customers in on your social media pages and allow them to comment on what is going on. This is also a chance for the business to show its personality. The use of hashtags for customers to post their pictures with the company’s products or enjoying its services is also another way to pride your customers.
4. Heartfelt gratitude is a must
Being grateful to your customers for the business they are bringing to the organisation is very important. You can start off by having a ‘five (5) good things weekly’ strategy. This is where the employees list five things that they are thankful for in weekly meetings and write thank you notes to the customers. Some of the thank you tips include:
-greet customers by their name
-express your gratitude to them
-be specific about the details
-repeat your thanks
-sign off appropriately.
You can also do corporate social responsibility as a way to say thank you to the community, and this can be done through sponsorships, donations or getting involved in local issues.
*Cresencia Marjorie Chiremba is a marketing enthusiast with a strong passion for customer service. For comments, suggestions and training, she can be reached on [email protected] or on 0712 979 461
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter