6 Tips to Building Customer Loyalty…

As your customer base grows it's imperative that you maintain the same level of service that you provided when you first earned your customer's business. You have to anticipate their needs before they announce them, and put those actions in place. Meeting these expectations will cement your relationships, increase their satisfaction, and retain their business. Here are six customer expectations that are the cornerstone of outstanding service and increased sales:
1. Customers Expect Solid Information.Providing your customers with tangible information lets them know that you value them and respect their ability to make sound decisions. When they feel that they're respected, they're more open and willing to do more business with your company. One way to ensure they receive beneficial information is to ask probing questions during your conversations to uncover needs they may not have voiced. For instance, ask about the objectives they've set for their company, and the problems associated with attainingthem.
2. Customers Expect Options.Customers don't want to be told that there's only one way or one solution. They'll respond positively when they're given options. Options are essential because they create dialogue and discussion. Open dialogue can lead to more sales.
3. Customers Expect Single Source Service.Customers don't want to be transferred to every unit of your business to have their problems solved. They want to be able to do business with you with the slightest amount of discomfort. You must be easy to do business with. This means taking ownership of your customer’s requests, problem, etc., and ensuring that their needs are met to their satisfaction.
4. Customers Expect Superior Communication.They may not be the best communicators, but they expect communication excellence from you. So, if you tell them that you will call them back at a certain time, make sure that you do. Your responsiveness will create a bond of trust, and a communication comfort level.
5. Customers Expect Consulting.As the expert on your business' products and services, you are your customer only contact to determining how to use your product and/or service to get the best Return On Investment (ROI). You must take the time to ask pertinent questions aimed at finding how your customer is using your product and/or service. This will demonstrate your ability and knowledge as well as your intent to spend the necessary time with them to meet their specific needs.
6. Customers Expect A Seamless Relationship.The best businesses are those that believe in going the extra mile for their customers. They know that they have to reinforce why it's in the customers best interest to continue doing business with them. Building a relationship with your customers built on mutual trust and respect, takes time and effort, but remember retention is the best method of building profit. Stay in touch with your customers by keeping them informed of new events, product updates, passing on information that may be of interest, calling to say hello, etc.
Meeting these six customer expectations will help you gain customer loyalty, and customer loyalty will keep you in business