#GetToKnowYourCustomersDay is a unique quarterly holiday that encourages businesses to get to know their clients better. To celebrate this holiday celebrated every third Thursday in January, April, July, and October, USA Link System is starting a series of blogs to help small businesses connect and engage their consumers.
Remember how you and became closer to some of your friends? While some would say it’s an instant spark, many friendships take their precious time to where they are today.
However you built your circle of friends, it’s undeniable that there’s a “getting to know you” phase.
Like friendships, businesses need to get to know their customers.
Getting to know your customers is crucial to your growth because they’re the lifeblood of your business. Your success hinges on your relationship with them.
Your small business benefits deeply from understanding your base. It’s a great way to create loyal customers who refer your products or services to friends and family.
This #GetToKnowYourCustomersDay, we’re showing you how to get to know your customers better.
Asking questions help
Here’s a simple one. Ask questions. This is the foundation for understanding consumers. You can keep it casual and conversational, but it’s guided by what you’re trying to accomplish: building authentic connection and understanding the people who walk in and out of your shop.
Pro tip: Keep an open mind and ear and don’t finish their sentences. Let them speak for themselves. Your only job once you’ve asked the questions is to listen.
The best time to speak is when they return the favor and ask you a question or when you need to clarify something REALLY important.
Probe your competition
There’s nothing wrong with taking a peek at your competitors. It’s all part of the business.
It’s a great way to have a better understanding of your industry. It helps you improve your business and the way you communicate with your prospects or leads. You get a better sense of how you can price your products or services, which is almost always a customer’s first concern.
Create a connection
You don’t want your customers to walk out of your store the moment you pitch a sale. Before opening up with your business, build rapport, and break the ice.
You’re showing them that you just want their money. You don’t want to be that kind of brand.
To turn leads into long-term customers, you always need to establish rapport. It’s not always about business.
People buy from places they know and trust. How will they know and trust you if you always dive straight to business?
Talk to them about their family, sports, TV shows, and movies. Find common ground. Make them feel comfortable and at ease whenever they’re at your store.
Sprinkle conversation with humor
If we’re talking about making consumers feel at ease, humor is the BEST tool for brands. Humor relaxes many situations where a buyer is unsure if they are in the right store or looking at the right product.
As a brand, you also set the tone at your shop for how customers engage and interact with you.
When we say humor, you don’t have to be the funniest person in the room. You don’t have to be a Chelsea Handler or Dave Chapelle to be humorous.
Personal anecdotes or stories that can put a smile on people’s faces are perfect. It’s not about the funniest jokes. It’s about building a connection.
What’s their vision?
To get to know customers on a deeper level, get to know their vision. What are they trying to get out of after buying and using your product?
Figuring out “the now” of a customer is easy. They’re at your store and are curious about your product or service. “The now” is almost an instant gratification of purchasing something.
But to be an effective business, finding out their vision or purpose and showing customers how to get there is the way to go. Both you and your client will have a better understanding of what is necessary.
Final thoughts
To successfully understand your customers, you first must know how to connect with them. Without knowing who they are, it will be harder to engage with people.
The more you know your customers, the more you can plan an effective and engaging marketing strategy.
Send us a message to get the assistance you need when it comes to getting to know your customers.
Catch our next set of tips on getting to know your customers in April.
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