When running a business, you need to do what it takes to become successful. You must ensure that your products or services will be useful to your target customers and that those people will trust you. To make sure you can sustain your business operations and keep earning an income, you need to maintain your current pool of customers, and try to gain new ones.
It starts with reaching out to your existing and potential customers. It’s important to get information about them and from them so that you can create a solid plan on how you will proceed with your operations. Those pieces of information will also help you keep in touch with your existing and potential customers whenever you have new offerings, promotions, and sale events. The details you need to collect include their name, email address, phone number, opinions, and contacts. Remember to get this information only if the customer allows you to do so.
Here are some innovative ways you can gather your customers’ information and keep in touch with them:
Mailing Lists
When customers buy your products and services or when you are out there giving away freebies, you can ask for the email addresses of your target customers. Even complete strangers can provide their information if you give them something in return, such as a free sample of your product or a discount coupon for your services.
Be sure to ask nicely and explain why you want to get their email addresses so that you can gain their trust. Tell them how you will use that information as well. For example, you may send promotional emails to them or email them when you have special offers. You can also send virtual greetings cards during special occasions. But never send spammy emails and annoying ads to your customers, or you will lose them instantly.
Online Surveys
Because your business depends on your customers, it makes sense to know their thoughts, opinions, needs, complaints, or wishes. You need to gather these pieces of information and plan your next marketing or operational move based on them. That’s where online surveys come in.
Reputable providers of online survey services can help you collect valuable information that you can use to make important business decisions that will help you succeed.
Subscription-based Services
These types of services are popular these days because of the convenience they offer. Imagine having unlimited access to your favorite and on-demand shows without leaving your house to pay for the cable service or TV network. Subscription-based multimedia services such as Netflix nailed this remarkable strategy. You can do the same for your services.
Website and Game Sign-ups
Most websites and mobile applications require users to sign up or create an account using their email address or phone number. If your business is booming and you are planning to expand it, try developing an app that will help customers find your branch easily or order something anytime and anywhere.
Technology will always be a good partner in running a successful business. Find out how you can maximize its benefits. Following these recommendations is a very good start.
