Relationship Marketing | Build Your Online Business

Customers or clients are the lifeline of your business, whether it's an online, offline, or combination of both.  Research indicates that it costs five times as much to acquire a new customer as it does to keep a current one; therefore  as a small business owner it is critical to implement strategies to retain customers and build relationships.   Here are 3 tips that highlight why customer follow-up is essential for all businesses, but especially small business.

1.  Builds Relationship:  Imagine that you purchased an item from two different small businesses like a jewelry store or a small women's or men's clothing boutique?  You  spent quite a large amount but you were happy with your purchases and while shopping you were pleased with the level of service you were given in the store.  A week later you received a personalized “Thank You” card from one of the businesses,that thanked you for your purchase and invited you to call with any questions of concerns.  The business may also have included a promotional offer for when you return to the store within a specified time-frame. You heard nothing from the other business!  Which of those two businesses are you likely to return to more quickly?  Which are you more likely to talk about to your friends?  The majority of us would prefer to revisit an establishment that followed-up with us and showed that they want to build a relationship with us. (more…)