How to Make Sure Your Customers Always Come Back

Posted by Karen Erdelac on Feb 8, 2016

How to make sure your customers always come backEvery business needs recurring customers.  These are the people that fuel your bottom line and serve as walking advertisements for your company. You want to get to know your customer base so you can provide them the type of service they are looking for.  Suggestions from your customers can be a great way to improve your business model and make sure you are gearing your business plan to satisfy your target audience.

Atmosphere

There are many ways to set the mood in your establishment and create a great atmosphere.  Depending on your line of business, there are different things that can be done to improve the customer experience.  For instance, if you are running an auto repair shop, it’s a great idea to include a television in your waiting room to help customers pass the time.  In a dentist office, you want your atmosphere to reassure the patient that they are in a sterile environment.  Simple things such as proper lighting, comfortable furniture and music that fits the mood of your business are features that will make your company stand out.

Product Quality

You want to make sure that your product or service is the best for miles around.   Offering exceptional and unique service is a great way to stand out from your competition.  Customers will always come back to a place that offers something that no one else has.  This can include fresh organic ingredients at your restaurant or out of the ordinary pastries at your bakery. The overall quality of your product is the number one factor that will drive repeat business.  If a customer can grow to expect the best from your establishment, they will have no need to look elsewhere.  You’ll also find that if you set the standard in your industry, people will come from miles away just to visit you.

Employees

How to make sure your customers always come backYour staff is the face of your business.  Many customers will continue to frequent an establishment due to the relationships they build with its employees and the customer service they receive.  Everyone looks for that connection, knowing the orders and expectations of your regulars is a great way to keep them coming back.  Your staff should be clean, friendly and well groomed.  Staff continuity is also very important.  This will help to make your service more consistent and give your customers a familiar feel each time they enter your establishment.  To ensure continuity, offering incentives, bonuses and rewards programs are great ways to retain your best employees.  Be sure to keep your team in the loop, company meetings are important to set benchmarks and expectations for your employees. You want everyone in your business working towards the same goals.

Customer Rewards Programs

Offering a rewards program based on frequent purchases is another great way to establish a loyal customer base.  Make sure the program you offer is attainable and easy to understand.  There are different ways to approach the tracking of your rewards program.  Depending on the demographics of your potential customers there are different ways to track your rewards program.  If you have a more youthful audience, using a phone application may work best.  For businesses that cater to a more mature customer group, using a rewards card may be more appealing.  Knowing your ideal customer is necessary in order to incorporate a rewards program that fits your business model.  Make sure the incentive you offer lines up with the amount of money spent or time required in order to obtain the bonus offer.  Continue to promote customer loyalty by offering more substantial rewards to people that show continued support of your business.

Why you need repeat customers

Repeat customers are a must in every business.  These are the customers whose continued support keeps the lights on, give testimonials and spread the word about your business.  Ensuring each patron that enters your establishment leaves with a great and lasting impression is a key to longevity.  Knowing your ideal customer and catering to their likes and needs will help guide you in creating the perfect plan for retaining customers.

Quikstone Capital Solutions is a business loan alternative that can help your business thrive and prosper. We provide cash for businesses by leveraging an asset you already have - your monthly Visa and MasterCard sales. A merchant cash advance from Quikstone Capital Solutions can make sure your customers keep coming back. Need more information here’s 10. Download our free whitepaper on the Top 10 Reasons Businesses Choose Alternative Funding.

Top 10  Reasons Businesses Choose Alternative Funding

 

 

Topics: Bakery, Restaurant, Merchant Cash Advance