Consumers are always looking for value. When they see the value, chances of them making a purchase increase dramatically by 5x. For young entrepreneurs and small businesses, over delivering on values to your customers is the number one secret to winning a loyal customer.
After all, value is what causes people to want to trade with you. Value is what makes someone decide to take out his wallet and hand you his money because he’s going to get something she wants–something in which she finds compelling value.
Value isn’t fixed or tangible; it rests in perceived benefit. In other words, value is in the mind of the beholder. This is a key point. Innovators work hard to understand exactly what value means to their customers so they can generate and provide it. Value is an emergent property of supplier and consumer; it cannot take place with only one or the other.
Also Read: 3 unique ways to acquire customers for your new business.
1. Always consider your customers’ perspective.
The art of creating added value starts with the ability to see your business through the eyes of your customers. Consider what’s important to your target market and how your product or service will benefit them. What problem does it solve, how will it help them overcome obstacles or do their jobs better?
2. Treat your customers right.
Happy customers who get their issue resolved on-time tell 4 to 6 people about their experience. So that’s a way to significantly influence the word of mouth about your business. Don’t act as a nameless or faceless business; genuinely talk with your customers as a person representing the business.
3. Unexpected Extras.
One of our clients gives each customer a little piece of candy or chocolate with every invoice or business proposal – a very nice touch. Small gestures like this often have a huge impact. And, of course, it’s so easy.
4. Remember customers on important days.
Holidays are great, but everyone is up on them. Remember to celebrate your customers on their birthdays and anniversaries, as well. It will be appreciated.
Also Read: 5 Ways to improve customer engagement.
5. Improve customer satisfaction.
Although the debate over whether the customer is always right (or not!) continues, lack of customer satisfaction is a sure-fire way to keep people from coming back. Soliciting honest feedback through surveys on a regular basis allows you to keep your finger on the pulse of your customers’ needs in their journey with your business and is also an opportunity to monitor your brand’s identity in the marketplace.
6. Free resources & Promotional Materials.
Whether it’s a free guide, branded T-Shirt or a company branded calendar, free resources are a great way to create added value and showcase your brand’s ability to offer ‘a little something extra’ to customers. Free resources can also serve as useful tools to help grow a small business’s brand awareness and expose your target market to various products and services.