Every business wants “top-of-mind awareness” with its customers. That is, they want to be the business/brand/company that is thought of when customers need something. There are some basic ways to nudge customers into remembering you. For instance, providing excellent customer service is key to being remembered in a positive way by customers.
Put simply, when customers are treated with care and respect, they appreciate it. This can be done in big ways and small ways. For instance, be sure your website is easy to navigate and storefronts are welcoming and inviting. Whenever possible, emails and other correspondence should be personalized with the customers’ names.
Please, Thank You, and You’re Welcome
Good manners are essential when dealing with customers. And sometimes it’s the simple things, like saying “thank you” or offering a sincere apology that can make a real difference in a customer/business relationship.
Gifts and Special Bonuses
Giving customers small gifts, bonuses, and discount offers can make them feel special. But more than that, it can help ensure the customer will remember you. The gift doesn’t have to be anything fabulous “” even inexpensive items can convey the message that a business is worthy of loyalty.
Guarantees
Most businesses are more than happy to right any wrongs or problems with customers. And the reality is, when companies provide solutions to customer problems and complaints, the result is usually a resolved commitment and loyalty to the company.
However, not every business is open about their commitment to customer satisfaction. A solid guarantee policy can help make a business more memorable. The policy sets the company apart from others and makes it appear more trustworthy.
Setting Up a “˜Forget-Me-Not’ System
While all of the ideas mentioned are effective tips, they are nothing more than guidelines that can be helpful in nudging customers into remembering your business, product, or service. In order to ensure your business stays on top of the “˜forget-me-not’ game and stays in top-of-mind awareness with customers, it is wise to set up a system to organize some of the methods used.
Build a Database – Collecting basic information about customers will be helpful in creating a useful system. Ideally the information collected will include the customer’s name, address, contact information, and birthday.
Decide on Contact Points – The next step is to decide when you will contact the customers. For instance, you should send a thank-you note after a purchase – especially if the purchase was for a substantial amount. You may want to follow up with an email or other type of contact at least once every three or four months.
In addition, birthday greetings, holiday wishes, and appreciation for being a customer with the business for six months, a year, or more, can be sent. This is also a perfect time to send a small gift or discount offer.
Templates Work
Even though the goal is to add a personalized touch, it is important to make the process simple. Creating templates is an easy way to do this. The basic content can be used over and over. Names, dates, and other such information can be updated as needed.
The business of finding new customers is competitive. When you find customers, it just makes sense to do your best to keep them loyal.
Taking extra steps to be memorable doesn’t have to be costly, and it doesn’t have to take a lot of time or effort. It all begins with excellent customer service, but businesses who achieve top-of-mind awareness with their customers go beyond that, they take those extra steps.
What about you, have you found unique ways to make customers remember you?
About the Author
Debbie Allen, founder of TheThingsWomenWant.com, is a professional writer and blogger that specializes in topics of interest to women and online business management strategies.