Keep ‘em Coming Back!
There's a story that goes (though I have no idea if it's actually true) that the most successful car salesperson in US history was a man who down-sold every customer the first time they bought a car from him.
What does that mean? When a customer came in and found a specific car they really liked he would reply something like, “Yes, that's a great car, but I think another one would be a better option for you, and it's $1,000 less than this one.”
The idea was to build trust so that the customer would return to the particular salesman from then on.
As a solopreneur, Stefanie, you recognize the importance of fostering strong relationships with your clients for long-term engagement, right? Of course!
When I talk with a potential client, my first order of business is listening to what they want and helping them make informed decisions on software platforms, visual elements, content, and even necessity.
I've absolutely down-sold clients - even with my own commission on the line - when it's the right thing to do.
They might come to me naming a particular platform or service someone told them about, but if the system is overly complicated or too expensive for what they can manage long term, we find a different solution.
Highlighting alternatives, upsides, and downsides is a big part of why nearly all of my website clients return for additional products and growth.
They trust I'll steer them in the right direction.
From tangible business cards to video introductions, customer loyalty means repeat business and generates positive word-of-mouth that can support your business for years.
And, in a service-based business, that loyalty means you'll have clients despite volatility in the world around us.
I would love to hear from you what kind of experiences or tips you have for fostering customer loyalty.
This newsletter reaches a healthy swath of service-based providers, and it would be fun to share best practices with one another.
Shoot me a quick email and I'll pull them together for the next newsletter.
We can make each other more successful!
Recent business cards for the world's only “Mars Czar” and Musician, Scott Hubbard. His website is a living autobiography featuring his astounding past accomplishments and his active media engagement.
Projects We've Done:
- Re-mastering of archival audio
- Videos of audio and digitized historic photos
- Built his YouTube channel
- Built his website
- Created a large scale installation for his induction into his hometown Hall of Fame
- Designed promotional patches and stickers for his band,
The Space Rangers
-Created personal business cards for distribution
Let me know if you've got a project in mind for yourself!
For the Best Customer Loyalty, Use This Retention Strategy:
1. Tailor your service offerings to meet individual client needs and preferences. Offer exclusive perks or personalized experiences for loyal clients. Example: A graphic design business might offer personalized branding packages based on the client's industry and they could also provide exclusive discounts or early access to new services for loyal clients.
2. Maintain regular communication with clients to foster trust and loyalty. Celebrate client milestones and achievements to show your commitment and support of their growth. Example: A marketing consultant might send monthly check-in emails and celebrate their client's successful product launches or business anniversaries by featuring them on their social media channels or newsletter!
3. Leverage client testimonials and success stories to attract new business. Example: A Pilates instructor might collect testimonials from their long-term students, or document a student's success story, such as a significant improvement in posture or flexibility, and feature it in their blog or social media posts. By showcasing these positive experiences, potential students can see the value and effectiveness of the instructor's teaching style, which can help attract new clients.
A Modern Summary of “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” - the most defining musical of my childhood.
Referrals are the lifeblood of every small business, including mine!
Do you have a friend who is looking to go into business for themselves?
Is your mom looking to take her jewelry making side hustle to the next level?
Does your brother need new professional photos or a portfolio website for a job search?
You can:
Give them my website: www.StefanieSmall.com
Introduce us over email: sjsmall560@gmail.com
Reach out through LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stefanie-small
THANK YOU!
