Retaining clients through marketing

Some of the best marketers will tell you, if you don't retain your clients, why bother marketing? It is one of the hardest and yet the easiest things to do. Keeping your clients happy is always what people focus on, which is a good point. However, have you taken the time to get to know your clients? If not, try out these simple steps, they are easy and painless.

1. Meeting people and making introductions

• 10 second description of who you are and what you do.

• People judge you the second they see you. Make sure the clothing you wear reflect the image of the company.

3. The Business Card

• After an introduction to a new client and discussing what you can achieve together, leave behind a business card.


• Business Cards a great tools, it's a visual reminder of yourself.

• Take a few moments and talk to your prospective client. Too many people try to hit up a sale and it leaves the client feeling like a piece of meat. Ask non-intrusive questions and get to know them.


• Write down the answers later that evening so when you have a follow-up phone call or e-mail, you can re-kindle who you are.

The Business Report states that "On average, U.S. corporations lose half their customers in five years, half their employees in four, and half their investors in less than one." So how do you retain your clients? Easy answer, by being loyal. How do you do that? Time, patience and money. It is far easier to please your existing customers then to search for new ones.

A great strategy to try is marketing to your existing client. You can create a nice incentive for them to renew their contract, buy another pair of jeans or whatever it is your company is offering. Ever been to a retail store that tries to get you to sign up for their credit card? While some might find this annoying, it is a great way to keep their current shoppers. The number one reason, a discount is given at the time of purchase. People love saving money, even if it is just a few dollars!

How about the "buy one get one" deals? While most of the time people are spending close to or the same amount, they see the marketing ploy and they are hooked! Offering something to your existing client will make them happy. They will see this as you telling them you appreciate their business and you want to help them. Always make it about the customer.

Many companies offer surveys. The Olive Garden is a prime example; they select a few customers and tell them the manager would like to talk to them. The manager makes the customer feel important since they were "singled out" in the entire restaurant. The customer is given a receipt with a phone number to take a survey, at the end of the survey; they get a certain amount off their next meal. Great plan, you give them money so they can come back to you and spend it at your company!

Knowing your clients is essential. If you don't take a few extra minutes to show them you care, they will jump ship to the next big thing. Responding to your clients is a big thing. Taking the time to address their concerns, complaints or suggestions, it will go a long way. Your clients like to feel as if they are your only client. Treat each client with respect and show them you provide customer loyalty.