There are several things you can do to develop and grow your business. You can add new products or services to your portfolio, or your business can enter new markets. One of the easiest ways to grow your business is to increase your customer base.
We all know there are several ways you can market your business to attract new customers. One of the most cost-effective and impactful ways is through word of mouth marketing. The more customers you have bragging about your business, the more new customers you can gain.
Your customers are your most effective salespeople. If they are happy, they will be referring you to their network. You must have a definite word of mouth marketing strategy in place for your business. You need to ensure that your customers are talking positively about you. You need to make sure they are bragging about their interaction with your business. We should all know the power of social proofing, so get your customers to review your business online. Use platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Google My Business, LinkedIn and Twitter. Get your customer to write or record reviews that you can add to your website.
It is sometimes more challenging to get customers to take the time out to prepare a review. Make it easy for your customers to brag about your business by sending reviews you have prepared. Alternatively, send them surveys asking them to rate your service or products. Ask a question such as the likelihood of using your service again. Then ask them if you can share the results you receive.
A mistake that many businesses make is ignoring negative feedback. They push this feedback under the carpet and try to move on. Remember as effective as your customers are at bragging about you, they can be as effective with bad news. The reality is that you cannot turn back the clock on a customers' bad experience. Yet, you can make things better for their next experience with your business. If you get to the bottom of the problem and get your customers input on how to resolve the matter, it is a win-win situation. It is about turning things around so that you get them bragging in the end.
Contact Coach Sonja Shear for fresh perspectives on how to grow your customer base and in turn your business.