Having recurring clients and repeat customers is the quickest way to grow your business and income. Keeping your current raving fans happy is easier than hunting for new ones.
Our goal as business owners is to make it so our clients and customers can’t imagine going back to what life was like before working with us. Achieving this goal gives us an insane amount of leverage when it’s time to negotiate a raise or increase the price of our products.
Just like any other long-term relationship, the relationship with your clients and customers can fall into a monotonous routine even when you are delivering amazing work.
Here are a few ways to bring in some spice and excitement to the relationship at the end of this year:
Spread Some Holiday Love
A few years ago I got a holiday card from a business owner I hired. It was such a thoughtful gesture that I decided to do the same with my clients. Sending a note is a great way to show appreciation for a loyal customer and a great way to do a temperature check.
Have you lost touch recently with a client who once gave you steady work?
A holiday card before the start of the new year can be the perfect reminder for them that you’re thoughtful, attentive, and still available for hire.
Ask Your Fans to Share Praise
You’ve probably got positive remarks from clients and customers all year long. Sometimes we get so bogged down in our work that we don’t give ourselves a chance to relish in success and appreciate the good things that we’re doing for others.
At the end of the year, ask your clients and customers for feedback on the services and products you’ve delivered. It’s a good reminder for them and yourself of the hard work you’ve put in.
Use the feedback to update your testimonials. You may even want to think about recording these testimonials in a video to show social proof to other prospective clients.
Give People What They Want
Surveys have become my favorite thing to do. I think we can all admit we’ve tried to sell something that no one wanted at some point or another. This happens when we aren’t listening. There’s never a reason to be unsure of what our customers will be excited to buy because we can simply ask them.
Ask by Ryan Levesque is a good book about creating surveys to read if you’re new to customer surveys. Ryan Levesque is a respected survey expert that has also appeared on Pat Flynn’s podcast to discuss The Ask Formula.
The start of a new year is the perfect time to go back to the drawing board and dig deep to figure out what your audience needs so you can focus solely on creating things that they’re ready to purchase.
Offer a New Years Special
People like a deal. Don’t offer such a steep discount that it’s going to hurt your wallet. A 10 percent to 20 percent off coupon code is a gift your fans may appreciate. Give the deal an expiration date and ask your recurring customers to share the deal with others.
Final Word
At this time of year, everyone wants to sit back and coast until the ball drops. You may hear from customers and clients less frequently, but you should still maintain the relationship.
Instead of scrambling for clients to fill up your roster next year, keep your relationships warm with small check-ins. Holiday-related notes, discounts, and surveys are discreet ways to stay in contact and show that you appreciate your customers.
