Did you know that 59% of consumers are not loyal to business brands? That means that businesses have to compete to keep their customers happy constantly. In the competitive market, you have to implement strategies that will make you stand out to succeed in the industry.
The key here is effective differentiation. It’s about building your own identity and branding, so when people hear about a certain product, they will instantly think about your company because you offer it.
No matter how small your business is, there are several ways to make yourself noticeable in a pool of large enterprises. Here are some tips for all small business owners:
Offer Legendary Customer Service
Customers will never forget how you made them feel when they have transactions with your business. Treat them like kings and queens, and they will treat you like a knight they can always run to. And even though your business is not serviced-based, it’s still an essential factor to make you stand out.
All customers expect to receive excellent service. What does that mean for you? If you are a retail shop, it means not putting them up in long lines and addressing their concerns immediately. Or, if you are in the service-based industry, it means providing excellent service that keeps them satisfied.
Let’s be specific. If your business offers gas furnace repair services, you need to ensure that your technicians are the best on the job. Their skills and knowledge should be exceptional so that your customers will have a satisfactory experience with your business. Overall, it’s about making customers happy.
Be Accountable and Fix Issues
You may be trying your best to provide excellent service, but mistakes are bound to happen once in a while. Try to be compassionate if the mistakes your business commit upsets them. Apologize if necessary and try to find ways to fix the problem.
Being accountable ensures consumers that you’re willing to fix the problem with them and that you’re not just after their money. It’s also a good practice to build strong relationships. When customers know that you will always hear their concerns, they will keep doing business with you.
Be Honest About Your Services and Products
False advertising is a big NO if you want your customers to trust you. Honesty is the best policy, after all. Be honest about the services or products you offer, and make sure to post their actual prices on your social media accounts. If you can’t deliver on a due date, call your customer and let them know.
Lying on customers is like putting yourself on the edge of downfall. They will find out if you have been lying or deceiving them one way or another. As a result, they will lose faith in you and give you negative reviews., which affects your sales.
Be Innovative
Your business processes may be working well fine for now, but innovation can help improve things. Reinvent your business by integrating technology and introducing automated processes and solutions. For instance, take advantage of paid social media ads to reach more customers and spread your message to potential buyers. Update your website from time to time, so it stays relevant to your visitors.
Give Back to Society
While the main objective of your business is to take care of its employees, owners, and customers, you also need to embrace your corporate social responsibility. What does this mean? Corporate social responsibility refers to a company’s duty to give back to the community. It can be as simple as volunteering to charitable events, donating to the homeless, or sponsoring a community sports team. Giving back to society isn’t just about helping other people. Your business will benefit from it, too, as it gets exposure.
Offer a Guarantee
If you are 100% sure about your products and services, guarantee it. This assurance is crucial in marketing strategies as it shows customers that you prioritize their satisfaction and needs. However, you have to keep your word. If you offer next-day delivery, this should be applied to all your customers.
Offer Rewards
Consumer loyalty is earned in different ways. One of them is offering rewards to your loyal customers. According to research, customers are more likely to keep buying from a business if they receive rewards and gratitude. You don’t necessarily have to go bankrupt to do this. A simple 10% discount for their 3rd purchase is enough to encourage them to stay loyal to you.
Making your business stand out in a crowd of strong competitors is hard, and it gets harder s time goes by. Consider these strategies to make your business attractive to consumers and build an advantage for your income.
