According to dictionary.com, Relationship Marketing is a marketing strategy in which a company seeks to build long-term relationships with its customers by providing consistent satisfaction. There are several ways that a company can provide consistent satisfaction by using Relationship Marketing tactics.
Here are 7 ways to implement relationship marketing tactics in your business:
- Offer EXCELLENT customer service. When a customer purchases a product or service from you, you should go above and beyond to make sure that the customer is happy with your service.
- FOLLOW-UP after the purchase– Many companies do not do this, so it will put you way above the rest if you decide to do this. Depending on the product or service you offer, be sure to follow-up with the customer a couple of weeks after the purchase to ask them how they are enjoying the product and to see if they have any questions. This is a great opportunity for you to build up trust and loyalty with your customer. Some people don’t want to do this in case the customer has a compliant about the product or service. However, I think this is a great way to reach out to them and solve the issue if they do have one.
- Send a customer satisfaction SURVEY– In addition to a follow-up phone call or email, sending a customer satisfaction survey to get feedback on how they felt your company’s customer service was is a great tool for you to show that you care about the type of service being offered, and to get valuable feedback and shed light on areas in your service that may need improvement.
- Send a “Thank You for Your Business” Card– This may seem old-fashioned, but it is a way for your company to really stand out by sending each customer a “Thank You for Your Business” card in the mail. It shows your gratitude for their business and solidifies the new relationship.
- Send an “Anniversary” card or email– This is a great way for you to stay top of mind. Send your client an email or card that marks the anniversary date of when they used your service or purchased your product. An anniversary card or email is also a great way to send a special offer that encourages repeat business (i.e. $10 off your next purchase, 20% off, etc.)
- Send a Birthday card- This is a nice way for you to stand out. Most people no longer receive cards in the mail for their birthday, so receiving a card from your company is a nice way to stand out and stay top of mind with your customer.
- Send a Holiday card and/or email– There are several holidays that many people celebrate throughout the year. Sending a special email or card to your customers on the holidays is a great way to stay top of mind. Adding a special holiday offer (i.e. $10 off your next purchase, 20% off, etc.) can be a nice touch.
Do you use relationship marketing in your business? If so, what other strategies do you use to implement your relationship marketing?