1. Start a personal connection.

Aim to be your customer’s best friend. Go out of your way to send your customers special gifts and friendly notes. When a new customer comes on board, send them a special gift like a branded tote, mug, cap, etc.

2. Make the customer feel important.

Get to know your customers on a first-name basis and remember personal details like his or her birthday, pets’ names or even what vacations they have planned. This can all be noted in your CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system. These details allow you to follow up with a customer, such as sending them a quick message with a promotion to celebrate their birthday.

3. Listen to complaints.

Saying, “I understand, sir/ma’am,” throughout the conversation is not actually comforting. It dismisses their complaint and makes their opinions feel invalid. Try instead responding to their complaint by saying, “I’m sorry we did not meet your expectations, I am going to find you a solution as quickly as possible.”

4. Have a great attitude towards customers.

Be respectful and speak in a positive tone. Show your customer that you are doing anything and everything to help them by immediately addressing the procedure needed to create the most efficient customer experience.

5. Be transparent.

If the customer wants an explanation, explain to them in the most direct way possible. Be honest about mistakes and ensure that your customer does not lose trust with your company. Honesty and trust are important for establishing customer loyalty and creating long-lasting relationships.

6. Update customers on news and special offers.

Send out emails to notify your clients on upcoming sales and offers. Include links to make it easier to get to your company page. Sending monthly emails is a great opportunity to inform your customers on updates within the company.

7. Maintain Your database of customer purchases.

A database can predict cycles that can help you be more proactive towards your customers. For example, if they order a specific item every two months, sending out an email suggesting to buy the same item (or even an upgraded version) can help boost brand equity.

8. Use your manners.

Always say, “Please” and “Thank you,” and, “Sir” or “Ma’am.” Manners show the integrity of your company while offering the due respect of your customers.

9. Create a rewards program.

Your customers’ business is very important to you, so you should always try to show your appreciation. Set up a system that offers your customers a reward for making their first order, a substantial order or placing an order because of a holiday.

10. Consider a discount VIP list for long time loyal customers.

Create a list of your long-time customers and offer them a percentage off of their orders because of their loyalty to your brand. You can take the amount of years they have been with you and divide it by 2. For example, if you have been working together for 10 years, send them a notification saying that they will now have 5% off for their next orders.

11. We miss you.

Check if a customer hasn’t been active for a while. Send them a personalized card saying you miss them and add a promotion to give them all the more reason to get back to you. Chances are this reminder will help bring them back in the loop and persuade them to be more active customers.

12. Make it easy for the customers to contact you and the business.

Make sure your company email and phone number are easy to find on your webpage, or even add an instant chat feature to your website to help customers get immediate help.

13. Celebrate anniversaries.

Acknowledge how long your customer has been working with you and declare your appreciation. Sending them a branded item or a promotion for 25% off goes a long way in showing how much you value your customer’s business.

14. Solve customer issues efficiently.

Instead of explaining why things went wrong, use your time with the customer to tell them how you’re going to solve the problem. That way if your client is running on a deadline, you will be able to quickly get to the root of the problem and send your customer on their way.

15. Reply promptly to emails.

Ensure that the customer’s inquiries are addressed by responding to an email within 30 minutes of receiving it. It’s important to note that immediate responses ensure the customer that your brand is receptive of customer comments or complaints.

16. Perk up your packaging.

Make your packing stand out so it will be easier for you customer to remember your brand. Always try to leave a friendly, little note that will help boost your brand’s image.

17. Under-promise and over-deliver.

Give yourself a buffer. If it usually takes two weeks, ask for three weeks to give you more time to solve unforeseen issues. Since your service is already top-notch, your delivery will come early to the customer to further boost your brand reliability.

18. Host a customer appreciation event.

Plan a party that offers refreshments and prize giveaways to help remind your customers of your gratitude.

19. Ask for feedback.

It’s recommended to regularly, randomly survey your clients. Anonymous surveys allow you to receive candid, honest responses that can help your company improve and maintain your assets.

20. End your conversation in a unique way.

Come up with your own unique slogan to end your conversation. This will help your customers create an emotional association with your brand and ultimately a personal connection. As per The Truman Show, “Good morning! And if I don’t see you later, good afternoon good evening and goodnight!”