Top 7 Ways To Increase and Keep Clients and Customers

1.  Your Skills and Services

The quality of services you offer will speak for you and your business.  When you don’t have sufficient training to perform the services you offer, your clients and customers will notice the deficit.   It’s likely that they will move on to receive that service somewhere else. 

2.  Return Client Calls In A Timely Manner

When you call a place of business, you expect someone to pick up the phone.  Sometimes this doesn’t happen, especially in smaller businesses.  So make sure to leave a short but succinct voicemail for your potential clients and customers.

I you will call back within 24 hours, say that.  If you are out to lucy during certain business hours, say that.  If you are not taking new clients/ customers at this time, say that.   Don’t leave people feeling low on your priority list.  If you are too busy to return calls, you need to find another way to manage your voicemail.  It’s bad business.

3.  Be Clear About Services Offered

You will get more respect as a professional if you are able to clearly outline the services you perform.  People are sometimes skeptical of a person who claims they can do it all.  It’s like the saying, “Jack of all trades and master of none.”  However, if you can create a clear message that you are a one stop shop vs a boutique style business, they will listen.

4.  The Look Of Your Business

This goes for a brick and mortar location or online.  From the time a client walks in the door or stops on your site, their experience with you is being formed.  This is categorized as the “halo effect”. Yes, the halo effect applies to business too.  The feeling people when they encounter your business can be transferred to the feeling they believe they will get when they experience YOU or your services.  Make sure your business creates the kind of experience that shines a positive light on you.

5.  Be Direct

Clients and customers are coming to you because they believe you are the expert.  When you leave it up to them to schedule another appointment or purchase from you again, your clients may not.  It’s not always an indication that they don’t want what you have to offer.  Clients and customers do’t always know what they don’t know.  Be direct with what you believe will be most helpful.  Give direction and allow them to agree or not.  

6.  Build Trust –  Stay Connected

Using e-mails and blogs to engage your clients and customers allows you to build trust and expert status.  Thereby, helping them feel more connected to you and service(s) you offer.

7.  Welcome Feedback

Asking for anonymous feedback will help you understand your business from a totally different angle. Yes, it’s scary sometimes to know what people really think but it let’s them know you care and are willing to change, if needed.