Guest post by Gloria Martinez
Any business that has a good relationship with its customers is a successful one. This is why, as an entrepreneur, you must prioritize the customer experience above all. Doing so will ensure consistent cash flow and, by extension, growth. It can also be very personally rewarding, especially as both you and your business gain a reputation for excellence. Here are some of the things you should focus on to strengthen customer relationships.
User-friendly platforms
The products or services you offer are your biggest sell, but equally important is how you sell them. These days, online shopping is the norm. Most customers come across many different websites as they shop, so you need to have a platform that makes buying from you inevitable.
Now, there are must-have features that make some e-commerce sites more successful than others. User-friendliness is at the top of the list, followed by mobile-friendliness. This is because customers are likely to err on the side of convenience, which they can get from a user-friendly interface that they can access on the go and on their device of choice.
It goes without saying that if you want customers to keep coming back for more, you want to make their e-commerce experience a good one. It’s smart to invest in platforms and tools that make this happen. You can look into tools and software for customer support, order fulfillment, data security, etc.
An engaging social media presence
Studies show that 90 percent of customers claim to be brand loyal, despite the many options available to them. Brand loyalty is definitely something you need to cultivate as not only does it guarantee repeat business, but loyal customers also make great ambassadors of your brand.
Hands down, one of the most effective ways of building this brand loyalty is through social media. When you put a great deal of effort into social media engagement, you are actually able to connect with your customers on a much deeper level than your e-commerce site. Not only that, it can also be a convenient and accessible customer service tool. This is where a digital marketing company comes in. NicClick Social can handle all your social media management and boost your online presence so you can focus on running your business.
It’s truly a must to leverage social media because it is an effective marketing tool that’s also a relatively cost-effective one. Start with a social strategy and find a voice that truly resonates with your audience. From there, you can then create a community that’s loyal to your brand.
The help you need to do it all
Granted, good customer experience demands a great deal of work—from creating a user-friendly e-commerce site to maintaining social media engagement. In fact, a large part of maintaining relationships is keeping your operations flowing smoothly, so there’s no room for errors that may displease your customers. You’re going to need expert help to get them all done, and more besides.
Consider hiring remote workers. With a reputable online job board, you can connect with professionals of various specialties who have experience in the tasks you need doing. This way, your business continues to provide a level of service that keeps your customers happy. Moreover, outsourcing tasks will allow you to focus on aspects of your business that need your attention, so it can continue moving in the right direction.
Find ways to enhance your own skills and build your business acumen. By earning an online business degree, you can learn about marketing, business management, and accounting. Many online programs allow you to complete your coursework at a pace that suits your lifestyle, which is ideal for many business owners.
To conclude, like all relationships, you’ll need to build yours with your customers from the ground up, and this can be done by providing them with the best possible service and experience. Consistency is the key. And when you truly have their best interests at heart, everything else will fall into place.
About Gloria Martinez: Gloria started Women Led to celebrate the advancements women have made and inspire women to become entrepreneurs and seek promotions in the workplace.