5 Steps for Creating a Loyal Customer Base

Customer loyalty is everything. If a company earns a customer’s trust, that customer will shop there over the competition, even if the price is a bit higher. People pay for customer service, quality and reputation. Satisfied customers also recommend good companies to everyone they know.

The best type of advertising is free and word-of-mouth recommendations, and they are often the most lucrative because trust has already established between the company and the prospective consumer. As a company, how do you create this type of loyalty? We compiled a list of the top five things we think a company can do to earn customer loyalty.

1. Be Authentic. Great customer service is important, but being genuine is even better. If a company messes up my order, but I get a call from someone that wants to earnestly fix the problem, I am understanding. Fake scripts and cold personality leave a lot to be desired. Being real and authentic creates a scenario that is inviting and relaxed. What’s more, if I feel more comfortable, chances are good that my online shopping cart will be that much more full.
2. Speed of service. No one likes to wait. We are always looking for ways to make things quicker, faster and ultimately better. If I place an order on your website and I have to wait for confirmation, or even worse, wait days for a shipping notification, panic sets in. Like, was I just the victim of identity theft?
3. Consistent Branding. People like pretty packages. According to Dotcom Distribution,  “Forty percent of online shoppers say branded packaging makes them more likely to recommend a product to friends.” Brand yourself from end to end. Think of it as an opportunity to advertise even after your customer has left your store or digital channels.  
4. Rewards for being a customer. Incentives are key to earning a loyal customer base, especially if there’s an exclusive offer just for being a customer. It makes customers feel special to a company, and what’s better than getting rewards for shopping?
5. Give your customers a voice. Companies that give their customers an opportunity to express opinions, frustrations, success stories and new product ideas via multiple outlets are saying “we want to hear from you” and “we want to help make your experience the best it can possibly be.” 

Want to create a loyal customer base? Try these five things and see where it takes you.