How do you attract customers back?

How do you attract customers back?

August 11, 202415 min read

You want customers back? It's not rocket science. The key is to make them feel special. Treat them like VIPs and they'll come running.

Think about it. When was the last time a business made you feel truly valued? That's what you need to do for your customers. Build real relationships and actually talk to them.

Mix it up with some fun stuff too. Run contests, give away freebies. People love free stuff. And don't forget to offer discounts to new customers. It's an oldie but a goodie for a reason.

Key Takeaways

  • Make customers feel valued through personalized communication and exceptional service

  • Use creative marketing tactics like contests and giveaways to spark interest

  • Leverage digital tools and loyalty programs to keep customers engaged and coming back for more

Understanding the Customer

Know your customers inside and out. It's the key to bringing them back. Let's dive into how to do that.

Build a Solid Customer Profile

Who are your customers? What makes them tick? You need to know this stuff.

Start by gathering basic info. Age, gender, location - that kind of thing.

But don't stop there. Dig deeper. What are their hobbies? Their pain points? Their dreams?

Use surveys, social media, and your own data to build these profiles. The more you know, the better you can serve them.

Remember, customers aren't just numbers. They're real people with real needs. Treat them that way.

Map the Customer Journey

Think about every step your customer takes with your business. From first hearing about you to becoming a loyal fan.

Where do they find you? What makes them buy? Why do some leave?

Creating a customer journey map helps you see the big picture. It shows you where things are working and where they're not.

Look for pain points in their journey. Fix those, and you'll keep more customers around.

Don't forget about after the sale. That's often where the real relationship begins.

Analyze Customer Feedback

Listen to your customers. They're telling you what they want.

Set up ways to get feedback. Use surveys, reviews, and social media comments.

Pay attention to both good and bad feedback. The good stuff tells you what to keep doing. The bad stuff shows you where to improve.

Don't just collect feedback. Act on it. Show your customers you're listening.

When you make changes based on feedback, let people know. It builds trust and shows you care.

Remember, happy customers tell their friends. So make them happy.

Optimizing Customer Service

Great customer service keeps people coming back. It's the secret sauce that turns one-time buyers into raving fans. Let's dive into how you can crush it.

Provide Stellar Support

You gotta wow 'em with your support. Train your team to be customer service ninjas. Give them the tools and knowledge to solve problems fast.

Quick response times? Non-negotiable. People hate waiting.

Make it easy for customers to reach you. Phone, email, chat - be everywhere.

Personalize your interactions. Use their name. Remember their preferences. It shows you care.

Go above and beyond. Surprise them with unexpected perks or solutions. They'll tell their friends.

Handle Complaints Like a Pro

Complaints? They're opportunities in disguise. Listen actively. Show empathy.

Don't get defensive. Own up to mistakes. Then fix 'em fast.

Collect and share customer reviews. Use the feedback to improve.

Follow up after resolving issues. Make sure they're happy. It builds trust.

Turn angry customers into your biggest fans. They'll appreciate the effort.

Onboarding Experience Matters

First impressions count. Nail your onboarding. Show new customers the ropes.

Create a smooth, step-by-step process. Guide them through your product or service.

Offer tutorials, videos, or a knowledge base. Make it easy to find answers.

Check in regularly during the first few weeks. Ask if they need help.

Celebrate their wins. When they hit milestones, make a big deal out of it.

A great onboarding experience sets the tone for a long-lasting relationship. It's your chance to prove they made the right choice.

Leveraging Digital Marketing

Digital marketing is your ticket to winning back customers. It's all about using online tools to reach people where they hang out most - on their phones and computers.

Engage with Social Media

Social media is where the party's at. You gotta be there. Pick platforms where your customers chill and start talking.

Post stuff they care about. Funny memes, helpful tips, behind-the-scenes peeks. Mix it up.

Respond to comments fast. Show you're listening. It's like having a convo with a friend.

Run contests or giveaways. People love free stuff. It gets them excited and talking about you.

Use hashtags smartly. They help new folks find you. But don't go crazy - a few good ones beat a bunch of random ones.

Email Campaigns that Convert

Email's not dead. It's a goldmine if you do it right. Build a list of people who actually want to hear from you.

Send stuff they care about. Mix in deals, tips, and fun content. Don't just sell, sell, sell.

Personalize it. Use their name. Send birthday wishes. Make 'em feel special.

Test different subject lines. Find what makes people click. It's like a game - keep trying till you win.

Make it easy to buy. Big, clear buttons. Few steps. The easier, the better.

Content is King

Content's your secret sauce. It's how you show you know your stuff. Start a blog or YouTube channel.

Teach people stuff. Solve their problems. Be the go-to expert in your field.

Mix up your content. Articles, videos, podcasts. Some people like to read, others watch or listen.

Tell stories. People remember stories better than facts. Make it personal and relatable.

Update regularly. Fresh content keeps people coming back. It also helps with SEO.

SEO: Your Secret Weapon

SEO's like invisible magic. It gets you found on Google without paying for ads. Use keywords your customers use when they search.

Optimize your website. Fast loading, mobile-friendly. Google loves that stuff.

Create content around keywords. But make it natural. No keyword stuffing - that's so 2005.

Get other sites to link to you. It's like a vote of confidence in Google's eyes.

Keep at it. SEO's a long game. But it pays off big time when you hit that first page of Google.

Creating Loyalty and Retention Programs

Want to keep customers coming back? Let's talk loyalty programs, referrals, and sweet deals. These tricks will make your customers feel like VIPs.

Launch Loyalty Rewards

Loyalty programs are like giving your customers a big hug. They feel appreciated and keep coming back for more.

Start with a simple point system. Buy stuff, get points. Easy peasy. Make it fun with tiers. Bronze, Silver, Gold - you know the drill.

Surprise them with random rewards. It's like finding a $20 bill in your old jeans. Unexpected and awesome.

Use an app to track points. No one wants to carry around a punch card anymore. Digital is the way to go.

Remember, the rewards need to be worth it. Free shipping, exclusive products, or early access to sales. Make 'em drool.

Referral Programs That Rock

Your happy customers are your best salespeople. Use 'em! Build a referral program that gets people talking.

Give both the referrer and the newbie a sweet deal. It's a win-win. Maybe a discount on their next purchase or a freebie.

Make it easy to share. One-click referrals are the bomb. No one wants to fill out a form longer than their arm.

Track referrals and show progress. People love seeing how close they are to that next reward.

Say thanks. A personal note or shout-out goes a long way. Make your customers feel like rockstars for spreading the word.

Tailored Discounts and Promotions

One size fits all? Nah. Make your discounts personal. Use data to figure out what each customer loves.

Birthday discounts are a classic. Everyone likes to feel special on their big day. Throw in a freebie for extra points.

Offer exclusive deals to your loyal crew. Early access to sales or special products just for them. It's like being in a secret club.

Use abandoned cart emails with a little discount nudge. Sometimes people just need a gentle push to hit that buy button.

Time-limited offers create urgency. FOMO is real. Use it wisely.

Mix it up. Don't be predictable. Keep 'em guessing and excited about what's coming next.

Enhancing Value and Trust

To get customers back, you need to show them why you're worth it. Let's dive into how to make your offer irresistible and build rock-solid trust.

Craft a Winning Value Proposition

Your value prop is your secret weapon. It's what sets you apart from the competition. Here's how to nail it:

  1. Know your customer inside and out

  2. Identify their biggest pain points

  3. Show how you solve those problems better than anyone else

Make it crystal clear why they should choose you. Highlight the unique benefits only you can offer. Maybe it's your lightning-fast delivery or your unbeatable quality.

Don't be afraid to get specific. Instead of saying "we save you time," say "we cut your workload in half." Numbers and concrete examples pack a punch.

Build Trust Through Transparency

Trust is the foundation of any solid relationship. Here's how to build it:

Be honest about your products and services. No BS, no hidden fees. Tell it like it is.

Share behind-the-scenes content. Let customers see the real you. It humanizes your brand and makes you relatable.

Own up to your mistakes. If you mess up, admit it. Then show how you're fixing it. People respect that.

Keep your promises. If you say you'll do something, do it. Consistency builds trust over time.

Showcase Social Proof

Nothing sells like social proof. It's like having your best customers do the selling for you. Here's how to use it:

Display customer reviews prominently. The good, the bad, and the ugly. It shows you're confident and transparent.

Share case studies of your biggest wins. Show real results you've achieved for others.

Use testimonials from happy customers. Video testimonials are especially powerful. They put a face to the praise.

Highlight any awards or certifications you've earned. It adds credibility to your brand.

Remember, social proof is about quality, not quantity. One detailed, glowing review beats a hundred generic ones.

Innovative Marketing Strategies

Want to shake things up? Let's dive into some fresh ideas that'll make your customers sit up and take notice. These strategies will help you stand out from the crowd and get people talking about your brand.

Partner for Success

Team up with other businesses to double your impact. Find companies that complement what you do. For example, if you sell gym gear, partner with a local fitness studio.

Offer joint promotions or packages. This way, you tap into each other's customer base. It's a win-win. You get new eyeballs on your brand, and so do they.

Cross-promote on social media to reach even more people. Share each other's content and tag each other in posts. This builds credibility and expands your reach.

Community Engagement

Get involved in your local scene. It's not just good karma - it's good business.

Sponsor a little league team or a community festival.

Host events that bring people together. If you run a coffee shop, organize a latte art competition.

Own a bookstore? Start a monthly book club.

Volunteer for local causes. Show that you care about more than just profits.

People remember businesses that give back. They're more likely to support you when they see you supporting their community.

Go Beyond Standard Marketing Plans

Ditch the boring old playbook. It's time to get creative.

Instead of just running ads, create experiences that people want to share.

Try guerrilla marketing tactics. Set up a pop-up shop in an unexpected place.

Create eye-catching street art that promotes your brand (legally, of course).

Use technology in innovative ways.

Maybe it's an augmented reality app that lets customers "try on" your products. Or a chatbot with a fun personality that engages users on your website.

Remember, the goal is to get people talking. Do something unexpected. Make them laugh.

Give them a story to tell their friends. That's how you create buzz and attract customers back to your business.

Keeping the Conversation Going

Staying in touch with customers is key. It's not just about making a sale - it's about building a relationship that lasts.

Let's dive into some ways to keep that connection strong.

The Power of Newsletters

Newsletters are your secret weapon. They're like a friendly tap on the shoulder, reminding customers you exist. But don't be boring!

Make your company newsletter fun and valuable.

Share tips, tricks, and insider info. Give them a reason to open that email.

Got a mailing list? Use it wisely. Segment your audience and send targeted content.

It's like giving each customer a personalized high-five.

Remember, quality beats quantity. One great newsletter a month is better than four mediocre ones.

Drive Engagement Through Webinars

Webinars are your virtual stage. They're your chance to shine and show off your expertise.

Pick hot topics your customers care about.

Make it interactive. Ask questions, run polls, and encourage chat.

It's like having a conversation with hundreds of people at once.

Offer value in every webinar.

Teach something new. Solve a problem. Leave them wanting more.

Follow up after the webinar. Send a recording, extra resources, or a special offer.

Keep that momentum going!

Get Involved in Industry Events

Industry events are your playground. They're where you meet your tribe and show you're part of the community.

Speak at conferences. Run a booth at trade shows. Host a meetup. Be seen and be remembered.

Don't just sell. Connect. Share your knowledge. Listen to others.

You're building relationships, not just a customer base.

Follow up with the people you meet. Send a quick email or connect on LinkedIn.

Keep the conversation going long after the event ends.

Sales Strategies That Stick

Want to keep customers coming back? Let's talk about three killer strategies that'll make your sales soar. These aren't your grandma's sales tactics - they're the real deal.

Master the Upsell and Cross-Sell

Upselling and cross-selling aren't just fancy words. They're your ticket to bigger profits.

Upselling is like asking, "Want fries with that?" but way cooler.

Here's the deal: When a customer's ready to buy, suggest a pricier version. It's not pushy if you do it right.

Show them the extra value they'll get.

Cross-selling? That's offering related products.

Think smartphone? Suggest a case and screen protector. It's all about making their purchase even better.

Remember, timing is everything. Don't bombard them. Wait for the right moment, then strike.

Your customers will thank you, and your wallet will too.

Revolutionize with Subscriptions

Subscriptions are the gift that keeps on giving - to your bank account. They're not just for magazines anymore. Think bigger.

Got a product people use regularly? Turn it into a subscription.

It's convenient for customers and steady income for you. Win-win.

Here's a pro tip: Offer different tiers.

Basic, premium, VIP - give them choices. Make each level irresistible.

Throw in some perks for subscribers. Early access to new stuff, exclusive discounts, whatever fits your brand.

Make them feel special.

The key? Make it easy to sign up and even easier to stay. Keep your customers coming back with a subscription they can't resist.

Affiliate Programs for the Win

Want others to sell for you? That's what affiliate programs do. It's like having an army of salespeople, minus the HR headaches.

Here's how it works: People promote your stuff. When someone buys through their link, they get a cut. Simple, right?

Start by finding the right affiliates. Look for folks who vibe with your brand. Quality over quantity, always.

Make it worth their while. Offer competitive commissions.

The better the deal, the harder they'll hustle for you.

Give them the tools to succeed. Banners, email templates, whatever they need to sell like pros.

The easier you make it, the more they'll sell.

Track everything. Know who's bringing in the big bucks. Reward your top performers.

It'll keep them motivated and loyal.

Measurement and Analysis

You gotta know your numbers to win the game. Let's dive into the metrics that'll help you bring those customers back and keep 'em happy.

Track Customer Retention Metrics

First up, retention metrics. These are your secret weapons.

Keep an eye on your customer retention rate. It tells you how many customers stick around.

Another biggie? Repeat purchase rate. This shows how often your customers come back for more. The higher, the better.

Don't forget about customer satisfaction scores. Happy customers are loyal customers. Use surveys to get this info.

Lastly, track your Net Promoter Score. It tells you how likely your customers are to recommend you. Word of mouth is gold, baby.

Calculate Customer Lifetime Value

Now, let's talk money. Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) is the total cash a customer brings in over their relationship with you.

To calculate CLV, multiply average purchase value by purchase frequency. Then multiply that by average customer lifespan.

Why's this important? It shows you how much you can spend to acquire and keep a customer. It's your profit roadmap.

Boost CLV by upselling, cross-selling, and improving customer experience. The higher the CLV, the more valuable each customer is to your business.

Understand and Reduce Churn

Churn is the enemy. Customers say "bye-bye" and don't come back. You need to know your churn rate.

Calculate churn rate by dividing lost customers by total customers at the start of a period. Lower is better.

Find out why customers leave. Send exit surveys. Look for patterns. Is it price? Poor service? Outdated products?

Once you know why, fix it. Improve your product. Train your team. Offer better deals. Whatever it takes.

Keeping a customer is cheaper than getting a new one. So, focus on reducing churn to boost your bottom line.

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Janez Sebenik - Business Coach, Marketing consultant

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