You work hard to attract new ... right? ... phone calls, ads, ... You have an annual ... plan devoted to bringing in new ... What about the ... you already have?
You work hard to attract new customers, right? Mailings, phone calls, ads, publicity. You have an annual marketing plan devoted to bringing in new customers.
What about the customers you already have? What are you doing for them? Of course, you’re delivering a top quality product or service at a competitive price. But that’s not enough.
Business wisdom says current customers are your best source for new sales. After all, these folks have already established a dialogue with you by buying from you. It’s up to you to keep the conversation going.
Here are communications programs that work well with customers.
1)NEWSLETTERS – If you have expertise and information customers want and need, send it out in a newsletter. Remember, successful newsletters are published on a predictable schedule, provide useful information, and are quick-to-read and attractive.
2)TIP SHEETS – Not sure you have enough content to keep a newsletter going, but customers still need good information? Tip sheets on specific topics may be the answer for you. This lets you package and brand key information so your company becomes known as the expert. Make sure your employees know about these tip sheets and use them.
3)WEBSITE – Set up a special customer section of your website that’s password protected. Fill the section with information customers need – newsletters, tip sheets, a way to post questions and get expert answers, downloadable forms, handbooks, documentation, etc. Not sure what to include? Poll some of your best customers.
Lessons of a small business owner
I’ve owned my own business for four years now. Here are the lessons I’d like to pass along.Remember what your mother told you (Repetition WORKS!)
If you want your audience to absorb your message, repeat it. And I don’t mean two or three times, either. Current wisdom says it can take nine or more repetitions for a message to sink in.Being visible on a budget
So visibility is good for business. But how do you get visible with limited resources? Here are some programs I recommend.