The COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything around you – from the way you work to the economy. The crisis is impacting individual lives as well as businesses.
With the economy down, the spending power has also reduced. It poses a challenge to businesses. If you are a business owner who has been hit hard by the pandemic, then you must be looking for ways to bounce back.
The bad news is that things may not go back to the pre-pandemic level fast. The good news is that it will get there eventually. You just need the right marketing strategies.
7 Tips to Build Strong Relationships with Your Customers
Marketing in the post-pandemic world is all about building strong relationships with your customers. Here are ways you can give your business a boost and build strong relationships with your customers.
1Focus On Existing Customers
When it comes to marketing, the first thought is usually on how to gain more customers. While that makes sense in a regular world, it may not be the right strategy in the current scenario.
Right now, you need to focus on retaining your existing customers and ensure you are serving their best interests. You can consider offering discounts or special offers for long-time customers, maybe even a loyalty rewards program.
Customers are more likely to choose businesses that they are familiar with. They are also more likely to come back to you if they have a good experience with you and feel that you value them.
2Communicate with Clients
If there ever was a time to focus on communicating with clients, it is right now. There is a lot of uncertainly regarding how businesses are operating and how well-equipped they are to serve customers right now.
Send out newsletters and emails that tell inform your customers about the measures you are taking to ensure that their visit to your business is safe. You can also use emails to tell them about special services or offers that you have during this period.
The idea is to reassure your customers and keep them on your side. Not only does this help in retaining existing customers, but it can also help you gain new ones.
3Address The Customer’s Current Needs
The needs of your customers change with their circumstances. Their needs post-pandemic will not be the same as those before the pandemic. Your customers need to know that your business can meet their current needs.
One way to understand what they expect from you right now is to send our email surveys. The results will give you valuable insights into the direction that you need to steer your business.
You can also look up your reviews on various sites to see the areas that your clients felt needed to be improved. Use this situation to either launch new products or modify your existing ones to meet the customers’ needs.
4Go Digital
Little did any of us know that COVID-19 would usher in the digital age so rapidly. The pandemic showed us that going digital has many benefits.
Going digital includes taking your business functions online as well as increasing your social media presence.
Social media is among the best ways to engage your customers. You can use it to get feedback about your business and reach out to customers regarding their troubles.
You should also focus equally on taking all your business functions online so that your employees can work from home without any roadblocks. When your business processes work smoothly, your customer service will naturally be better.
5Offer Flexible Payment Options
A significant change in consumer behavior has been the reduction in spending. With many people losing their jobs or facing pay cuts, they have to prioritize where they put their money.
Even those who have not suffered either of those have also become more mindful of their finances. Many seem hesitant to make big purchases even if they need it.
One way to encourage customers to take up your services or buy your products is to offer flexible payment options such as pay later or EMIs.
Team up with loan financing companies to allow customers to access a line of credit while shopping online. But pick your financing partner wisely – it’s recommended to read reviews to see how flexible and affordable their options are for your company.
6Use Advanced Technology
Many technologies can help you build a strong relationship with your customers, including chatbots and Augmented Reality (AR). These advanced tools can increase your clients’ trust in your business and also improve customer service.
Chatbots cut down the time it takes to clear a customer query. By providing customers answers to their questions instantaneously, you will be increasing the level of customer satisfaction.
You can use AR to walk your customers through the installation or assembly of the product. Use it to showcase your products so that the customer feels as if they are shopping from a physical store.
7Address Complaints At The Earliest
Addressing customer complaints is always something that you should do immediately. However, the importance of swift grievance redressal is undeniably greater in the post-pandemic world.
Customers may have many other concerns that can be causing them anxiety. Delayed grievance redressal can further add to the anxiety, causing them to lose trust in your business.
Instead, addressing all your customer complaints at the earliest will make them feel valued. You can then convert these consumers into loyal customers and brand ambassadors that recommend you to their acquaintances.
The Bottom Line
A relationship built during difficult times is sure to last a long time. Surviving in the post-pandemic world is all about building strong and long-lasting relationships with your customers, both old and new.
You can do so by making them feel valued and catering to their current needs. Some ways to achieve this are leveraging the use of technology and incorporating flexible consumer financing options into your growth strategy.
