There are many avenues that a company or business can pursue when seeking to promote its brand. Exploiting social media platforms, as well as online social media networks, are among the most effective. However effective these various avenues and streams are likely to be, there is still the tried and trusted, and probably the most effective of all, building long-lasting and solid customer relationships.

There are a number of positive benefits including ongoing customer loyalty and perhaps just as importantly, free advertising through the spreading of the word of mouth testimonials. Here are some tips on effective methods to building solid customer relationships.

One of the most effective ways in building great long-term customer relationships may seem a bit corny at first but sending your customers special greeting cards can go a long way. If there is one thing that all human beings love it is being recognized as an individual. Sending personalized greeting cards, especially during key holidays such as Christmas and New Year shows them that they are valued on a personal level.

Communication is probably one of the cornerstones of any endeavour.

Communication between your business and your customer base is crucial. A number of studies have shown that a business’s customer base is more likely to stay loyal, and even grow through multiple forms of communication. This can include informative monthly emails containing news, helpful hints and information on upcoming specials and promotions, newsletters, and updates on online social platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.

Through numerous studies conducted over a number of years, it has been noted that there is a definite series of stages or structures pertaining to customer loyalty. If you are aware of these different stages, you can use it to your advantage by specifically targeting various stages with the appropriate actions. The stages proceed as follows: prospective customer, first time customer, repeat customer which can then be fostered into a client and, finally, an advocate for your brand.

Customer support is a critical and key component to any successful enterprise. Making good use of marketing, one can provide outstanding customer support through a number of various media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter as well as email. Customers can be provided with a wide range of information products such as advice, technical assistance, feedback, news and so on.

Six Benefits To Building Strong Customer Relationships

One of the core aspects to any business is cultivating repeat business. This can only be done through the fostering of good, strong customer relationships. While new business is always a good thing, it is the loyal customers’ repeat business that will eventually become the core of your business.

Here are six great benefits to building strong customer relationships.

1. Loyal customers are more likely to spend more: a customer that has bought products from you before and that whom you have developed a strong relationship is far more likely to buy more. Even if your prices increase, because of your strong relationship, the customer will feel that it is worth spending a bit extra to stay with your brand or business.
2. Free advertising through word of mouth: if you make your customers happy and keep them happy then they are more likely to spread positive information about you. This is basically like free advertising and is guaranteed to get more feet through the door.
3. Keeping an existing customer is easier than finding a new one: keeping your customers happy that already know about your products or services is a lot cheaper than spending money on advertising to attract new customers. Rather spend time keeping your existing customers happy.
4. Loyal customers can act as a sounding board: customers that have been with you for a while will really know your products and can offer advice or comment on potential changes or new additions to your range.
5. Loyal customers can lead to new opportunities: loyal customers can often be just the ticket to finding new opportunities. This will depend on the nature of your business as well as the nature of the relationship that you have with your customers. With the right product, a customer may be able to provide you with the information you need to pursue new opportunities.
6. Happy customers will come to you: any customer who is happy with your level of service or expertise will come back to you before you have to seek out business. If the customer has confidence in the quality of your work.