Getting customer loyalty online

Many local businesses depend on loyal customers to spend money regularly and to tell people about the business. Offline this means getting to know customers who regularly walk through your door, finding out more about the people who buy your products and perhaps even offering customers rewards for their loyalty. This translates to the internet and it’s easy to create opportunities to connect with your regular clients and gain a new set of loyal customers once your business is online:

    

Direct line to customers

Interacting with customers through social media is one way businesses increase loyalty online. Responding directly to feedback from a social network gives your business the human character that earned you loyalty offline. People respond just as positively to this online.

Gauging opinions

Customers are now more likely than ever to share their experience of a shop, restaurant or any service provider using social media. This means you can thank people for their positive comments as well as providing a prompt resolution if something negative arises. This can make all the difference in gaining and keeping loyal customers. Consumers can influence how your business is represented online, embracing this is important as you begin using social media as a tool.

Incentives

Incentives such as competitions, coupons or loyalty schemes can encourage new customers to use your service and to think of you the next time around. Setting up a free profile on Google Places will allow customers to share their loyalty in the form of a review, or by sending your business’ details to friends. You can also list special offers and coupons on your business’ page on Google Places that can be used by customers when they visit you in person. Offering certain deals exclusively through online sources can be a great way of building a loyal base of returning customers online. Sign up for a free Google Places page here.


At the Google Juice Bar help is available to get you started on optimising your business online.  Google Juice Bar sessions are available in Cardiff Bay up until the end of May alongside other regional dates so book now to secure your free session.