10 Easy Ways to Help Foster Client Loyalty

As you are no doubt aware, the two biggest priorities for your company in this economy are finding new business, and retaining loyal clients. Yet with a fiercely competitive buyer’s market such as we are currently in, how can you ensure that your existing customers will stick with you?

Below are 10 simple ways to tell your clients that you value them, and wish to continue your relationship long-term:

1. Go Above and Beyond – Anticipate their desires, and provide product or service which isn’t requested, but will be appreciated.

2. Listen Intensely – What are your clients’ needs? What are their biggest challenges? What are they desperately afraid of? Offer to help with as much as you can.

3. Be Extremely Flexible – Does your client require something which would present an inconvenience to you? Before you decline, think about this: if you don’t buckle down and do the work, someone else will.

4. Be Available – Especially in the service sector, you’ve got to show your clients that they are your #1 priority by being willing to work at any time, day or night, for as long as it takes to get the job done.

5. Return Messages Promptly – Nothing communicates that you care about your clients better than being highly responsive to each and every inquiry. Return calls/emails promptly.

6. Let Them Know How to Reach You – Conversely, nothing says “we don’t care” more than not responding to messages, or even worse, not being able to be reached at all. Set your “out of office” assistant with clear contact instructions when you’re away, leave your cell number on your office voicemail and send brief “out of pocket” emails during key work times.

7. Recommend Resources You Can’t Provide – Does your client require something outside of your area of proficiency or expertise? Show them how much you care about their interests over your own by recommending someone else for the job, and they will know you are an honest broker.

8. Reward Them – Let your top clients know how much you value and appreciate their business, often; send gifts, throw in free product/service, or provide them with a fun client entertainment activity as a thank-you for their continued loyalty.

9. Feed Them – A well-fed client is a happy client. Make sure there is ample food available every time they come to visit your offices.

10. Ask How You Can Serve Them Better – Never rest on your laurels, and assume that you are providing your top clients with all they need. Ask them what you can be doing to serve them better, and incorporate their feedback into your work.

What other ways can you think of to demonstrate your appreciation to your clients, and let them know how much you value them?