5 Ways to Increase Customer Loyalty

Posted on by Chris Jenkin

Every business owner knows how  important it is to build trust and customer loyalty. The reason behind this is that without customer loyalty, you won’t be able to succeed in your business. It is so hard to earn the trust of your customers but you can’t do without it. And what’s more is that it can be so easy to break their trust. And when it comes to dealing with customers, it’s even harder to get a new customer’s trust than to keep your existing customers. This is why it is important that you know how you can get your customers to trust you.

Here are a few tips that you can use:

Tip #1: Create an experience he will never forget

One of the surest ways you can gain a new customer’s trust is by creating an experience where you were able to go above and beyond. You have to remember that your business should not be just about you making a profit. It’s also about selling an experience that your customer encounters. Whenever you encounter a customer, you have to make him feel good. There are many ways you can do this:

  • Offer free coffee in your store
  • Offer free Wi-Fi if you have a cafe

You can also see to it that you over deliver whenever you meet with a customer. Aside from just meeting his needs, you have to go beyond it by adding some surprises or bonuses. Remember to focus on building integrity by being honest, keeping your word, be reliable, and provide consistently good service. These things can lead to customer trust and loyalty. Doing these things will let your customers walk away pleased with the experience they had with your business. They’ll be sure to share it with their friends and come back for more.

Tip #2: Value customer service

Customer service is something you should be concentrating on as a business owner. You have to make sure that your customers are pleased with the kind of service they received from your company.  One way you can show them this is by making things right, especially when you did something wrong. This is the best way you can build customer loyalty since you know how to resolve complaints made by your customers. When you handle complaints professionally, you get to show them that you value their business and want to make things right. You not only get to fix the problem, you also get to regain their trust. They will give you another chance since you have showed them that you can handle things properly.

Tip #3: Appreciate your customers

Nowadays, people tend to forget to say ‘Thank you’. Because of this, a little kindness sometimes proves to be something much more than just a word. But apart from just saying thank you to your customers, you should show them that you care about them. This can be done by giving rewards for no particular reason.

Another way you can achieve brand loyalty is by building a relationship with your clients more than just a business person. This doesn’t mean that you will automatically be their best friend, it just shows that you can care about them enough to know when their birthday is or when they are getting married, for example. You can also send your customers a personal letter to thank them for the business they have done with you over the past few years. Not too many business owners do this today so you know that your action is deeply appreciated.

Tip #4: Get to know what they want

A great way you can build relationships with your customers is to know what they want. Take time out to truly get to know your customers individually so that you know how to expand their interest in your business. You can send out surveys asking customers what it is they love about your company as well as what you need to improve on. Once you have gathered their responses, you should take time to act on it so they can see results from the survey they answered.

In return, you can give your customers a free gift by simply filling up the customer satisfaction survey that you have sent out. Or better yet, for every survey response, you’ll be donating to a charity or cause you support.

Tip #5: Don’t stop improving yourself

Your business is an extension of yourself. You should let your customers get to know who you are and see how you deal with your company as well as your employees. You should be able to engage existing customers in conversation as well as entertain new ones. Instead of hiring someone to build a relationship with your customers, you should be the one to do it. Otherwise, they will end up trusting that individual more than you. Always strive to improve how you handle your business and customer relations so you can build trust and loyalty.

Remember– customer loyalty works both ways. If you want to have a loyal customer base, you also have to be loyal to them. Stick with your long-term customers and make sure they are always happy and you’ll see just how loyal they will be to your brand.

 

The 4 Keys to Successful Branding

Posted on by Chris Jenkin

Often described as a sign, logo, or name, branding identifies the product or services you sell.

Branding your company isn’t as simple as creating a logo, purchasing promotional products, or keeping things afloat on social media platforms. Branding is about gaining the trust of your customers, rather than just creating the image of it. The following 4 keys to effective branding will help your company gain the recognition it deserves while arousing the interest of your target audience.

Consistency is Key
The key to a harmonious business is consistency. If what you say and what you do don’t align you’ll quickly lose the interest and respect of your customers. What your company stands for and believes in must be consistent across the line in order to achieve this place of “trust”. Your customers need to believe that your actions will always be influenced by the focus and vision of your company. How you handle complaints, your advertising tactics, and even your social media posts must add up and mirror the company you’re “selling.” Otherwise, your customers will call your bluff, feel lied to, and lose interest in what you’re all about. If you stay consistent in all of your relations people will never have to doubt what your business is about.

Likability
Is your brand easy on the eye? If you’re in the design process for your website, products, or your logo, likability is a huge consideration. Often what a business owner envisions likeable for themselves, might not go over well with the general population. Think twice before spelling your business name awkwardly, or using too many colors or patterns in your logo. The more drawn people are to your product, the more likely they’ll become a customer. This takes research and a thorough analysis of your target audience. You also need to look at your current competition and determine what works for them, and what doesn’t. See the world through the eyes of your future customers and ask yourself, “would I buy this”? If not, why not? Is there anything you can change to appeal to the masses?

Adaptability
The world is constantly in motion. Your business should be strong enough and adaptable so that you can project, as well as meet, the future needs of your customers. While short-term goals can help you build your brand, if you’re not looking into the deep future, you could be building a dinosaur of a business. Look at the current technology trends and see how they might affect your future business plans. Is your website mobile-friendly? Have you opted to use SMS messaging to send discount and promotion codes to your customers or are you still relying on printed coupons? Are you selling an industry trend with little chance of becoming evergreen? How can your company evolve from its current state should you see yourself in the next 20 years? What’s your future business look like, and do you have a blueprint to get there? Adaptability is key in successful branding.

Innovation

Are you a forward thinking business? Think about that, and the box you might be in. Innovation is new and different. It might be a unique product that puts your brand on the map. Behind the scenes, an organization needs to be innovative in order to make marketing powerful. Without newness, marketing stands still. What are your bringing to your industry and what sets you apart from your competition is what brands you. You’re either a leader or a follower, proactive verses reactive. Innovation inspires confidence and trust in your customers because they see the strategy and the path you’re on for the future.

Create the Future of Your Brand

Innovation. Adaptability. Likability. Consistency.

No matter how creative your business logo, without these 4 keys to successful branding, your company might fail to capture its target audience in time to secure its healthy place in the future.

Branding encompasses everything your company does. From the way it treats employees to the organizations or charities it supports, your brand will ALWAYS be tied to your image. Are you making a powerful impression?

We live in a digital age where brand names also reign. There’s soda and then there’s Coke. There are tennis shoes, and then there is Nike. There are cellphones, but only one iPhone. The biggest difference between a product and a brand is distinctiveness. Once you understand what makes your company unique you can begin to develop your brand further by following these basic steps, while staying true to the unique path of your company. So long as your efforts are consistent and your passion unrelentless, you can set yourself apart from the competition.

Does your company share these successful branding traits? Leave a comment below and let us know the characteristics you believe make your brand unique. Have a tip or want to share something else that has worked in successfully branding your business? We’d love to hear it!

7 Digital Marketing Secrets to Boost Website Traffic

Posted on by Chris Jenkin

Having a website to promote your business can be a big help. In most cases, the website serves as the very thing that leads customers to discover a new business and what it is all about. This is why there are so many business owners who feel it is very important to have a website they can use to reach their customers.

Since there are so many websites available, it is important to know how you can make yours stand out and reach the right people. This is where digital marketing comes into the picture. As an entrepreneur, you have to know what you can do to make your website powerful enough to reach your target audience.

Here are 7 digital marketing secrets to boost website traffic that you may be able to use on your own website:

Tip #1: Advertise Your Business

One of the proven ways you can improve your website’s traffic is to advertise it. Just like a typical business, you have to spend money to pay for your advertising. Despite this, you will see that your business will gain the momentum it needs to be able to reach the right people. This has been proven time and time again, which is why you have to determine how much you are willing to spend to advertise your business. You have to identify whether you want more traffic or more conversions on your website. By identifying your goals, you’ll be able to put your money on the right advertising channel and ensure your efforts aren’t put to waste.

Tip #2: Optimize Your Website

These days the number one medium that people use to visit a website is a smartphone. They no longer rely on their desktop computers to browse the internet. Because of this, information is provided to them at the speed of light. And what this means for you, the website owner, is that you can reach more people than ever before.

If you want your readers to obtain useful information from your website you have to make sure that it loads quickly and is compatible across different devices. You should also make sure that your website is responsive so that your readers won’t have a difficult time when they are trying to read your content.

Tip #3: Engage in Social Media

Social media has brought people closer than possible before. It not only limits its use to family members, it also helps customers get in touch with their favorite brands. As a business owner you can use social media to your advantage. You can create a business page and make your readers feel like they are part of a community. Use social media to answer your readers’ questions and engage with them. This is the best way you can grow your website organically.

Tip #4: Use Long-Tail Keywords in Your Content

Most searches on the internet use long-tail keywords. This is why it is recommended that you target using these types of keywords so that you can properly address the people who are looking for your business, particularly if you are not using paid search to improve your SEO.

Tip #5: Be Open to Guest Bloggers

Guest blogging is usually equally beneficial for two parties. You can invite people who share the same niche or topic as yours to blog on your website and in return, you can write content for their blog too. When the article gets published, they will share it with their readers and expect you to do the same. In doing so, you both get to share each other’s website and bring new people to discover the site.

Tip #6: Post Content on LinkedIn

You can also use LinkedIn as a way for you to get people to visit your website. LinkedIn is actually considered the largest professional social network so you’ll be able to hit the right people with your content. Just remember that you have to post content regularly so that you can boost the traffic on your website. And if you do well, you can improve your website’s traffic; especially with the people who are within the same industry as yours.

Tip #7: Don’t Disregard Email Marketing

Email marketing is a powerful tool you can use to attract new people to your website. You have to remember not to bombard your visitors with so many emails whenever a new update is made. They might think you are spamming them with irrelevant information and may block your website.

If you want to improve your website’s traffic follow these 7 digital marketing secrets and reach the right people. At the same time, it pays to keep being updated with the latest techniques in digital marketing. Make sure you keep reading and updating yourself so you know what the best practices are.

How to Brand and Market Yourself

Posted on by Chris Jenkin

While many business owners are already familiar with the process of creating a brand strategy, few people understand that the same rules can apply while marketing and branding themselves. Whether you’re job seeking or hoping to increase your exposure in a particular field, learning how to brand and market yourself is essential if you want to make an unforgettable first impression.

What is a Personal Brand Strategy and Do I Really Need One?

A brand strategy is all about perception, in other words, how people see you. From the very first introduction your personal brand strategy defines who you are, what makes you unique, and what you offer the world. It doesn’t matter if you’re the face of a brand or the man behind a dark curtain, the goal of creating a personal brand strategy is to help differentiate yourself from others, and to develop a consistent professional image that becomes your “trademark.” The more you’re aware of your strengths, your assets, and also what makes you invaluable, you’ll have the confidence to sell yourself to potential employers and prospects. Of course you need one!

5 Tips to Brand Yourself

Before you begin the process of branding yourself you’ll need to take some time and jot down what makes you interesting and an asset in your field. You likely have many unique traits that you bring to the world, and now’s the time to focus on those while sharing your experiences. Experiences are valuable and will help build your credibility and expertise. The following tips will help you develop a concise personal brand strategy so that you can effectively represent and market yourself.

1. Be Consistent

Consistency is key when you’re developing a brand strategy whether it’s personal or business. Writers are known for having a voice that’s unique to themselves. Musicians have a certain style. Actors and actresses have a look that while adaptable, sets them apart from everyone else in the entertainment industry. The consistency of your image is essential in building your name.

2. Increase Visibilty

The first and most obvious place to increase your visibility is on social media. Branding is becoming increasingly more important, as corporations rely on professional networks to scout potential employees and to discover brand influencers. If you’re not visible on enough social networks, you’re selling yourself short from being discovered. Tighten up your LinkedIn profile, stay active on platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, and share public posts that are interesting and important to you so that followers have an understanding of who you are. It’s really all about creating a consistent and marketable image that across the board, remains the same.

3. Engage Others

Besides writing or sharing content, you need to share dialogue with others so that they share a sense of familiarity with you. This means you need to ask questions and interact with other people so they don’t just see you as a face, but rather a person in which they can relate. Your reputation will drive your brand image, so stay professional and ensure that fans and followers have a positive experience when communicating with you.

4. Share Your Passions

Passion is contagious. Are you uplifting and inspiring others in your daily life? Your personal brand strategy tells the world what you stand for and what you’re all about. Identifying your goals and working towards them passionately ensures others will see you, the way you see yourself.

5. Build Your Own Website

While it shouldn’t always be all about you, building your own personal website provides you the opportunity to share your thoughts, musings, and professional portfolio, all in one place. Make sure you have an updated resume and summary of your skills on your site, as well as samples or links to your other work. Share your personal website on social networks and encourage shares. In addition, make sure you follow and link to other websites that carry your same message to reinforce your professional image.

Success Lies in Your Hands

Once you’ve identified your audience and have sharpened your personal brand image, you’ll be more successful in both your personal and professional ventures. A brand strategy is not just about a business, it’s about the person or the people behind it. These tips for building a powerful brand strategy will help you deliver your message to the right people, at the right time. And as they say, timing is everything!

How PokeMon Go Can Boost Your Business

Posted on by Chris Jenkin

Do you run or help promote a local business?

Interested in taking advantage of the latest gaming craze?

Pokémon Go is close to topping the number of daily users on Twitter and average time spent on the Facebook app. That’s why it’s time for your business to capitalize on it.

In this article, you’ll discover how you can boost your business’s social media engagement with Pokémon Go.

#1: Invite People to Play at Your Business

Your first step to boosting social media engagement via Pokémon Go is to get players to your business.

Use your social channels to invite people to come play at your location, like Monroe Bank & Trust. Better yet, turn it into a contest! Just be sure to follow the rules on each social network, like Facebook.

#2 Offer Free Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

If you want Pokémon Go players to play at your business, there are two vital things they’ll need: Wi-Fi and charging stations. Use your social channels and window signage to let people know that you offer both so they’ll feel welcome to play.

#3: Ask Players to Tag Their Photos

To make sure your business gets some social exposure, ask players to share their favorite Pokémon photos taken at your business and tag your business when they do.

Depending on which social network they share to, they can either tag your business in the post or tag it as the location they were playing at. Either will give your business some social media engagement among the player’s audience, and further if they share the post publicly.

Be sure to look for public mentions so you can thank players for coming and further engage with your customers and fans!

#4: Encourage Players to Check in While Playing

Another way to boost your social engagement (and local Facebook page credibility) is to encourage players to check in while playing. Hopefully the check-ins will either lead to more players coming to your business or new reviews on your Facebook page.

#5: Get Players to Take Pictures of Pokémon With Your Products

Another option is to incentivize customers to play Pokémon and share their pics on social media. Ask players to aim Pokémon on products they want to buy, and each photo they share with a product tagged with your business name will get them a special discount!

Be sure to start by showing your customers how to do it on your Facebook page, Instagram, and other social profiles.

#6: Encourage Players to Share With Snapchat Memories

Snapchat isn’t completely out of the loop when it comes to Pokémon Go, thanks to the new Memories feature. Although you can’t get customers to add your custom geofilter to their snaps from Memories, you can encourage players to share snaps of catching Pokémon inside your business (using Memories and their camera roll).

#7: Film Pokémon Players

This could go a number of ways. Your employees could film players (with their permission, of course) while they’re “on the hunt” for some Pokémon. Or they could film players after they’ve successfully caught a special Pokémon and have them show off their Pokédex. Depending on the space, you could even have a drone fly over a large group of players congregating at a Gym.

Consider filming videos for live platforms like Facebook or Snapchat, or upload videos later to Facebook, Instagram, and so on.

In a “these results are not typical” kind of way, an animal shelter in Indiana came up with the idea to pair Pokémon Go players with shelter dogs so that players could play and walk the dogs at the same time. The idea was so creative that Facebook sent a team to film it and the video was featured on news outlets nationwide.

Author credit: Kristi Hines

5 New Marketing Trends You Tried to Ignore

Posted on by Chris Jenkin

Yep! You can teach an old dog new tricks. Check out the following 5 new marketing trends you haven’t considered doing…yet.

Videos

Specialists predict that by 2017, 70% of online traffic will be videos. Gone are the days of the television. If you want to reach your target audience you need to go where they go- their phones! As mobile technology continues to rise, video technology will become even more powerful. For best results, consider creating a series of videos that engage the viewer and invite them back with anticipation for the next big reveal.

Facebook Live Streaming

Take one. There is no two or three. Live streaming is one of the hottest marketing trends to date, and shows no sign of slowing down. Whether it’s on Twitch or on Facebook, live streams allow your audience to interact with you one-on-one, in real time. The most important thing to remember about this digital marketing trend is that your stream should be exciting to encourage viewers. Save the boring, non-essential details of the day, and focus on worthy company launches, products, services, and news.

User-Generated Content

Do your customers promote you? User-generated content is a hot new trend in marketing that enables you to put your customers in the driver seat.

Whether it’s blogs or recommendations, user-generated content is a trusted and reliable way to influence future buyers. Rather than write generic, run-of-the-mill copy, consider building brand awareness by reaching out to your audience and encouraging them to review your business and share their experience. You can do this by way of encouraging online reviews on Yelp, or asking for shares and testimonials on your social networks. Better yet, ask for guest blog post submissions and stories about your product and brand, and hold a contest for the entries.

Social Influencers

While your company might not be able to afford a celebrity spokesperson, you can still find a social influencer that will help you connect with your audience. Influencers gain followers through blogs, live feeds, and their visibility on social networks. If you can capture the attention of an influencer in your industry, you might be able to get them to talk publically about your brand and endorse it. Since influencers already have their own following, a mere mention of your product or company can launch you in the spotlight. How can you do this? Simple. Reach out! Discover the leading trendsetters in your industry and connect with them personally. A tweet, a share, or a personal message can set the domino-effect in motion, so think outside the box and go where your audience is.

Storytelling

More than advertising, storytelling takes customers on a personal journey. Convey your unique brand message to your audience and entertain them by learning the art of storytelling in your marketing. Your readers don’t want to be bored with numbers and facts. Relating to them on an emotional level is a fresh and honest approach that will help build brand trust, and keep customers coming back for more.

While traditional marketing methods have long been successful in creating brand exposure, Internet technology has increased advertising options significantly. When you’re deciding which mediums to invest in, consider these 5 new marketing trends first. Digital media can help you create a loyal brand following, at the lowest cost.

Do you need campaign ideas or digital marketing inspiration? Contact gotcha! Mobile Solutions today to learn more about our award-winning suite of digital advertising services.