Don't Forget Your Friends!!!

It’s easy when talking about a marketing campaign to think “big and sexy.” You want to get people’s attention and you definitely want to make a splash.

This is all well and good however; many companies make the mistake of forgetting about their existing customers when they design their marketing plans.  You know - the loyal guys who came back again and again to consistently buy your product or services.

It’s easy to take existing customers for granted. After all, they’re a captive audience, right?  They’re not going to go anywhere soon, or at least you hope so. But here’s the thing – your existing clientele is also a gold mine of feedback and goodwill that you can use when trying to attract future customers.

Your current loyal customers are the ones who will loudly speak your praises, if – given the chance.

And that’s where a lot of marketing plans go wrong. They don’t account for catering to (and let’s face it, if you want to cater to anyone, it’s to the people who are loyal to your brand) those who already support your brand. So how do you balance your marketing strategy so that you attract new clients, as well as support and acknowledge your existing clients?

Newsletters – I’m not talking about a boring newsletter that, for all intents and purposes, is just self-promotional verbiage.  I ‘m talking about a newsletter that gives your existing customers extra value. Do you have tips to share? A new way a product is being used? Let them know the inside information of your company, let them feel like insiders.

A forum where customers can communicate – sure you might get a few complaints but those complaints can then be quickly addressed. More likely, you’ll find customers who are banding together in solidarity over your product or services. You might even be able to use some of their comments as valuable testimonials in your other marketing. And of course, when two or more start singing the praises of a product, others are going to take notice.

Solicit input from your customers – everyone likes to know that they’ve been listened to. Send out surveys, create polls, and make it easy for your customer to contact you and send feedback. Once you’ve collected that information then do something with it. Make sure that your customers know you are hearing what it is they have to say, institute changes due to the comments, alter a policy, or acknowledge a success.

Reward your customers – if they’ve spoken highly about your product, thank your customers publically. If they’ve referred another customer to your business, hand out a reward. Offer special deals to those who have purchased from you in the past. People like to know that they are doing a good job and a gift or reward from a company they know and trust can make a huge impression.

Want to know more about 2DiFore Marketing Solutions...visit us at 2difore.com today!