| You can slash prices and offer all types of sales | | | | hands since you appear prompt and efficient. This |
| promotions at your online business but unless you | | | | extra attention makes them feel you will get their |
| can create client loyalty, you'll rarely be successful. | | | | job done on time. |
| You need to keep clients coming back to your | | | | Have a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) area |
| website over and over again. Sounds easy but | | | | on your website with phone number and email |
| how does one create this loyalty? | | | | contact visually prominent for anytime they need |
| Stay in regular contact with your clients by | | | | a question answered. |
| sending out a regular newsletter monthly or | | | | Send thank you, birthday, get-well cards or a |
| better yet every other week. | | | | simple Thinking of You e-card to your clients as |
| After every sale you have from your website | | | | the occasions arise. It will bring a smile to their |
| follow up with a client appreciation survey. It's a | | | | face to know that you thought of them. |
| great way to find out what your client really | | | | Be alert to your client's interests if you see |
| thinks about your business. Offer them a free gift | | | | something like a website that may benefit your |
| or discount on their next order as a thank you | | | | client or maybe you read a newspaper article that |
| for filling out the survey. | | | | may relate to your clients business. Email them |
| Why not award a bonus box of chocolates to | | | | the URL or mail them the newspaper clipping. It |
| that client who just made a big purchase from | | | | makes your customer feel important. |
| you or signed up as a large retainer client? Better | | | | Go that extra mile with your clients. Always give |
| yet, don't charge shipping on orders over $100 or | | | | them more than they expect. Kindness goes a |
| give discounts for large retainer packages. | | | | long way so always be polite on the phone or in |
| Always respond to inquiries within 24 hours from | | | | online correspondence. Remember the golden rule |
| receipt of the email. Better yet, respond as soon | | | | too "The Customer is Always Right" whether |
| as they arrive in your email box. Set your email | | | | they are or not. And if you happen to make a |
| to notify you of new mail every 15 minutes. | | | | mistake, make sure you make it up to them in a |
| Responding immediately will gain you the upper | | | | big way with a future discount or freebie on the |
| hand against your competition and most likely land | | | | way to them in the mail tomorrow! |
| you that next project or retainer client. Why? | | | | All of these suggestions can help build your client's |
| Because the customer feels like you care since | | | | trust and admiration in your business which leads |
| you responded so quickly and they are more | | | | to loyalty. A loyal target market is the bread and |
| likely apt to put their service needs into your | | | | butter to your business. |