by Kara Masterson
It is difficult to run a business if you don’t know what your customers want or where they are. Therefore, it is important that you develop strategies that will increase interaction with those who are most likely to buy your goods or services. In addition to interacting with your customer base, it is also important to listen to what they say and take their feedback seriously. Otherwise, they may not want to interact with your brand.
Talk to Customers While They Shop
If you see that a customer is having a hard time choosing a product, be sure to ask if there is anything that you can do to make the process easier. In some cases, a customer may mention that there isn’t enough selection or that the prices are too high. Customers may also mention a desire for more information about the features or benefits of an item.
Talking to customers while they are checking out is another great way to reach them while they shop without being too intrusive. At a minimum, customer service employees should ask if customers found everything OK and if there is anything else that they may need. If the lines are long, ask the customers if they are put off by the wait and if there is anything that can be done to improve their shopping experience.
Offer Incentives for Customers to Complete Polls or Surveys
You know that time is money and that data is important to running your business. Therefore, offer your customers some incentive to take a poll or otherwise offer their feedback through the mail or online. For instance, you could offer a $20 gift card to anyone who returns a survey or $1,000 prize for one or two lucky respondents who are chosen at random.
For the most part, people love to give their feedback as long as they know that someone is listening. The chance to get a gift card or something else of value for their time is a bonus that they will surely appreciate. It also acts as a good reason for a customer to shop in your stores or online for more merchandise.
Make Use of Social Media
Many successful companies like ACN Inc, Microsoft, and Amazon use social media regular in their marketing campaigns. Social media is a fun and easy way for brands and customers to interact with each other. You can choose the tone and style of your social content to best meet the brand’s culture as well as the expectations of your customers. Tweeting witty quotes or responding to customer questions are common ways that brands use social media to interact.
Pictures submitted by customers and customer testimonials are also popular. Brands may also benefit from having YouTube shows that allow customers to ask questions or otherwise make themselves a part of the content. It is important to note that YouTube is the second-largest search engine after Google.
Sponsor Public Events
As the sponsor of a charity walk or youth sports team, you will be able to hand out branded clothing, pens or other materials. This gives you a chance to talk to customers and get a sense for what they want and need. It also allows a company to interact with their patrons on a more personal level, which can strengthen relationships and increase brand loyalty going forward.
If you want your business to thrive, you need to do everything possible to keep open lines of communication between the brand and its customers. Whether you choose to use social media or through online polls, it is vitally important that you have a feel for what your customers want and need. Doing so can better tailor your product lines or marketing efforts to meet those desires.
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