Consumers have so many choices, it can be hard to differentiate enough to gain business. In addition, when consumers typically want a product immediately, it’s more important than ever to be able to offer immediacy in the purchase process. If you don’t, you’re likely to lose your customers to a competitor. This is why it’s so important to personalize the customer experience in order to grow and maintain your client base.
Offer Added Services
One way you can personalize the customer experience is by offering added services. Make it easy for your customers to shop with you. This can mean a number of things, depending on the type of business you have. If you’re a shop, offer customers a drink while they’re browsing. You might also try giving away samples. These add to the ambiance of shopping and allow customers to let down their guard enough to relax and make a purchase.
There are other ways to do this too. Make it easy for your customers to shop online or transition between online and storefront. Allowing customers to purchase online and pick-up in store is a great example. In addition, BOPIS software allows flexibility and fast service. Customers love the idea of not having to wait, along with the convenience of being able to pay online.
Letting customers search your site to see how many of a certain product are available in store is another added service that customers appreciate. Customers can see if you have the product they need before they make the trip to purchase. Sure, this is possible with a phone call as well, but many are likely to avoid the direct connection and choose a different option if inventory updates are not available. So include additional services to attract customers and expand your client base.
Utilize the Internet
Personalization doesn’t have to be done just in stores either. The internet offers so many options for personalization. For one, utilize your social media pages. Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat give you the opportunity to engage with your customers and build your brand in a specific way. The best part, you can utilize all of these channels uniquely to reach slightly different audiences. Each channel offers unique benefits and allows you to reach and engage with users and potential customers.
You can do the same with an e-newsletter as well. Based on customers’ spending habits, create newsletters that are tailored to specific needs and interests. If you have a subset of customers that purchases athletic wear from you, send them a newsletter that is centered around health and fitness. If another market often purchases children’s clothes, send them a newsletter that is centered around raising children.
With both social media and newsletters, make sure that you are adding value to your customers’ lives rather than simply selling them something. The opportunity for personalization allows you to build a relationship with your customers. Customers who trust you for content are more likely to spend money with you over time and become loyal to your brand.
Build Your Website
The same goes for your website. Make your site about more than selling. Offer other services through your site, based on who your audience is. This can go far with customers. As long as you simplify, you can reach multiple audiences this way as well. If you know your users are moms or fitness fans, you can reach both. Just make it easy for customers to understand which part of the site they’re headed towards. You can use your site in other ways as well. Set up a personal shopper service online. Have sales representatives recommend items to customers based on customer preferences or other factors. This can go far with customers to help you make a sale and grow your client base.
Increasing Your Client Base Takeaway
You can also make it easy for customers to reach out and ask a question online. Have a customer service representative ready to answer customers’ burning questions, offering custom advice. This will make it easier for you to make that sale before a customer leaves and goes to a competitors’ shop. From in-store to online, there are so many ways you can customize your site in order to create sales. Utilize these tips and your client base will increase in no time.
