We all want to keep customers coming back. Repeat business is vital to your organization’s long term success. It’s much easier to retain your current customers than to find new customers. Keeping your customers coming back helps to establish long term success, provide stability, and help your company grow now and into the future.

“While businesses often direct their attention on attracting new clients, strengthening their connection with existing customers is equally, or perhaps even more important,” says Diane Gottsman on Inc.com.

“Taking repeat business for granted is a mistake. Customers will come and go, often disappearing without ever letting you know why they’re not returning. Be sure to protect the investment you made in earning their business the first time by taking the best possible care of them once they are in the fold,” she adds.

To help you keep your customers coming back, our Toronto sales recruiters put together a series of effective tips. But first, let’s discuss the importance of repeat business

What Is the Benefit of Repeat Business?

Repeat business is good business. Long term customers are highly desirable because of the positive impact they have on your company. The ability to retain your customers is advantageous for many reasons, including:

• Repeat customers are easier to sell to
• They spend more money/are bigger accounts
• They cost less to manage
• Happy, long term customers are more likely to refer your business to others
• Customer retention will improve profitability

6 Ways to Keep Customers Coming Back

Want to keep your customers coming back time and time again? Try these strategies:

1. Stay in Touch

Once you close a sale, don’t disappear. The first sale could be one of many if you are dedicated to building a relationship with each new customer. You can stay in touch using many different tactics. You can send them a thank you email, provide them with a discount, or check in on them periodically. Even something as simple as a monthly email newsletter can help keep you top of mind when your customers are ready to make another purchase. Social media has made it much easier to stay in touch and connect with customers. Take advantage of it.

2. Referral Programs

Referral programs are a great way to get your customers more involved with your business. Offering them a discount or special offers for referring new business accomplishes two things – it will keep them coming back, and it will also help you get new customers. Choose a referral program that makes the most sense based on your business model and industry. Make sure it benefits your current customers in a way that will encourage them to take action.

3. Give Them an Incentive to Keep Coming Back

If you want your customers to keep coming back, you need to give them a good reason to do so. The obvious way to incent them to come back is by offering a discount or deal. Offering discounts based on volume or frequent purchases can greatly benefit your customers and keep them coming back. There is a reason why most companies offer a rewards program – they work!

But there are many other ways to keep them coming back. For example, you can offer a service or cater your service offerings to meet their individual needs. Look for unique ways to incent your customers to choose you.

4. Be Available and Provide Great Service

Great customer service can have a significant impact on your customer retention rates. It’s important for your team to be available and always be ready to provide great customer service, even when the customer is not in a position to buy. Listen to your customers, be friendly and personal, and be willing to go the extra mile for your customers. Great support and service can be key factors to keep your top customers.

5. Be More Than a Product/Service Provider

Customers come back to your business for more than making a purchase. They are looking for insights, expert advice, and information. Be an industry expert and their go-to resource for all information related to their business. Establishing yourself as their trusted advisor can help you foster a stronger relationship, keep them coming back, and it can result in a long term repeat customer.

6. Make Their Experience Memorable

If you are not memorable, customers will move on. Work on creating a memorable customer experience from first contact to purchase and beyond. If you can make your customers feel special, it can help improve loyalty to your company and your brand. Over time, they can become a brand advocate and even help you create new business. Have a clear vision of the customer experience, listen to and implement customer feedback, get your team on board, and always look for ways to improve.

Learn More About Customer Retention From Toronto Sales Recruiters

Get more great tips from Toronto headhunters to keep your customers coming back and maximize your sales efforts by checking out these informative blogs by our sales recruitment professionals:

5 Ways to Say “I’m Sorry” to Customers When a Sale Goes Wrong

“UGH, Do I Have to Answer That?” 3 Irritating Sales Customer Questions and How to Answer Them

Millennial Invasion! 4 Ways Millennials Are Changing the Way Sales Happen

5 Effective Ways to Retain Customers

SalesForce Search is a Toronto sales recruiting company which specializes in the recruitment and placement of sales professionals. We recruit salespeople in every sector of the economy including, software, manufacturing, financial services and medical devices. Find the right salesperson for your organization, start your search here.