Customer Satisfaction Survey – Get to Know Your Customer Base
Obtaining and keeping new clients is an important aspect in any business. However, many business owners put all their focus on attracting new clientele, and forget to reward and appreciate their current client base. A reward based incentive plan is an excellent way to attract new customers and keep your established clientele coming back. Customer approval should be your main prerogative to keep business. Reward programs turn new customers into repeat customers. Shoppers are more likely to return to business’s that offer special deals or promotions for repeat business. A great way to establish your customer’s current needs is to ask them. Many companies have a short customer satisfaction survey that helps determine customer needs, buying trends, and so much more!
An effective strategy in building your business starts with understanding your customer base. Who is your repeat patron, do you offer services or products that people cannot get anywhere else, and does your trade have a specific niche? For example, if you have a garden store do you specialize in assisting customers with garden planning and design. Is your store the only one in town that carries a specific plant or flower? Establishing a niche for your business will separate you from your competitors.
As an entrepreneur, it’s important to keep up with the spending trends. Research the spending habits of your potential patron and make sure your product is within their budget. If your product is priced beyond your prospective customer’s budget, they will shop elsewhere.
Marketing and advertising is essential to the success of any business. Unfortunately, not all companies have the budget for big advertising campaigns. A great way to market your company in the local community is to volunteer. Actively engaging in community events helps establish your role as a business owner. Customers like to see local owners participating in community events. Community gatherings are also a great place to wear your companies t-shirt for visibility. Check your local newspaper for upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. Or start a community outreach program with your employees and staff. Another great idea is offering free seminars through your office. A quick one hour seminar will bring customers and attention to your products and services.
Your employees are an excellent source for new marketing ideas. Teamwork allows the employees to feel involved in the growth and expansion of the business. Have your employees submit ideas about improving customer satisfaction or implementing a customer rewards program. Exceptional personal service keeps customers coming back, make sure your employees have the tools to provide this. In the business world, bad news travels fast, if a customer is not satisfied with your service they will not recommend you to their friends.
A great way to keep in touch with customers is through email. Sending an occasional email to your clientele keeps your business on their radar. A short email about new services, products or special promotions keeps them informed. Many send out special email only coupons. Email coupons are quick to print out and fun to redeem. Coupons are a great incentive to get customers thinking about your product. A customer satisfaction survey attached with a coupon or reward incentive will receive a lot more interest, and offer insight to customers understanding of your business and services.
Keeping your trade visible on the web and in the community will help sales continue to climb. One of the most important aspects of growing a business is offering exceptional customer service with the use of a customer satisfaction survey. Finding a niche for your product in the local community involves research and commitment. Be creative in your marketing techniques and see how your business blossoms.
