Customer retention is one of the most critical aspects of business success. After all, you’ve already put in the hard work to acquire customers, so it makes sense to do whatever it takes to keep those customers around.
But how can you go about doing that?
Sometimes, it pays off to think outside the box when it comes to customer retention. Your business spends so much time executing its digital marketing strategy, but do you ever think about how to keep the customers you generate through that strategy once you grab their attention?
Let’s look at some creative ideas that can help boost customer loyalty and keep them coming back for more.
Offer Rewards and Incentives
Everyone likes a good discount or freebie offer, right? Offering rewards and incentives is a great way to show your customers that you value their patronage.
Consider offering discounts on future orders, loyalty points programs, or even simple things like birthday gifts. Anything that shows your appreciation for your customers’ continued support could go a long way toward boosting customer loyalty.
Furthermore, if you offer rewards that are tailored toward your target audience, you may be able to draw in new customers as well.
For example, if you’re targeting millennials or Gen Zers, consider creating an exclusive membership program with special discounts and perks.
Not only do these types of loyalty programs reward existing customers for their continued support, but they also have the potential to attract new customers as well.
The Kohl’s Cash rewards program is an excellent example of how offering rewards can keep customers coming back.
Customers earn points that result in receiving Kohl’s Cash, typically in $10 increments based on their spending. They can then use Kohl’s Cash for future purchases, inspiring them to return for another purchase later or lose the cash.
Image: The Kohl’s Cash rewards program
Engage With Your Customers On Social Media
Social media is a potent tool for engaging your customers. You can use social media platforms such as Facebook or Twitter to interact with your current and potential customers in real-time.
You can answer questions they have about products or services they’ve purchased from you or even give tips on how they can get the most out of what they bought from you.
This helps build trust between your brand and its followers, which can lead to increased customer retention over time.
Additionally, make sure to use social media analytics tools so that you can track the effectiveness of your campaigns and further optimize them for maximum results.
Semrush is an excellent example of engaging customers (and prospective customers). The brand uses polls, poses questions, and dives into conversations with its followers to keep the connection strong.
What's one thing you want to focus on in 2023?
— Semrush (@semrush) December 19, 2022
Creating an Exclusive Club
Creating an exclusive club or VIP option can make your customers feel valued and special.
This could be something as simple as offering exclusive discounts, free gifts, or even early access to new products.
Another option is creating a loyalty program that rewards repeat purchases by giving points or discounts on future purchases.
The key to any loyalty program is making sure it’s easy for the customer to use and understand.
DSW does an excellent job with its reward program. Members earn points with every purchase, $5 on your birthday, 20% off the first time you buy something after your first purchase, exclusive discount codes, and a tiered VIP status system where you can earn $5 for every $50 you spend, increasing to $5 for every $25 as you hit the next tier.
Image: Example of exclusive discount for DSW VIP members sent via email
You should also consider sending out physical mailers to your customers. For those who aren’t getting the emails, you can drop a mailer at the post office and have it wind up right in their mailbox.
To bring them back to your website, use a QR code creator to add a QR code on the back (or front) of the mailer. The recipient can scan the QR code with their mobile device, and now you’ve got them captive on your website.
Make sure your website is optimized for conversions so you don’t miss out on the traffic you earn from this activity.
Go the Extra Mile
Going above and beyond can help create strong customer relationships and increase customer retention.
This could be something as simple as sending out handwritten thank-you notes with every purchase, providing exceptional customer service via email or phone calls, or even just responding quickly when someone has a question about your product/service on social media.
You can also go the extra mile by giving back to the community in some way; this could be anything from partnering with a local charity to donating a portion of your profits each month.
As an example, in 2019, Disney partnered with Together for Short Lives, an organization that supports children with life-limited illnesses and their children.
Stay Connected
Staying connected with your current customers will help build long-term relationships and ensure they remain loyal to you over time.
Making sure you stay top of mind through regular communication is crucial here; this could include sending newsletters, promotional emails, or even just friendly check-ins every once in a while.
SaaS brand Phrasee helps businesses by using AI to optimize content and boost conversions, it has a fun, engaging, and irresistible newsletter that keeps customers coming back for more.
Image: Example of clever newsletter messaging by Phrasee
Get Creative and Keep Your Customers
These are just a few creative ways businesses can promote customer retention – there are plenty more out there.
Ultimately, it all comes down to understanding what resonates with your target audience and tailoring strategies accordingly.
Investing in customer retention strategies will pay dividends in terms of increased sales and profit margins down the line – take the time now to ensure that those benefits come through for years into the future.
By utilizing these outside-the-box ideas, businesses can increase their visibility online while creating lasting relationships with their customers—a win-win situation for everyone involved.
