How to Increase Sales the Easy Way
In this two-part series, I’m sharing 10 simple ways to get more business from your current customers. Why focus on current customers? That’s because the number one way to increase sales and profitability is through repeat business.
It’s more work — and more expensive — to win new customers than to retain current customers. According to an article published by the Forbes Agency Council, your chances of converting a new customer range from 5% to 10%, but rise to between 60% and 70% for existing customers. Also, the same source claims existing customers result in 67% higher order value compared to new customer orders.
Here are the first 5 of my 10 tips for retaining customers.
1. Deliver exceptional customer service
Show you care about your customers by always delivering great service from the first point of contact past the point of sale. When your customers discover your offer service that meets or exceeds their expectations, you’re laying the foundation for repeat business and referrals.
2. Reconnect with previous customers
Get in touch with previous customers. Let them know what’s new with your business. Ask questions to learn if their needs have changed or if possibly you failed to meet their expectations in the past. There are customers who may have been dissatisfied for some reason but feel uncomfortable about raising the issue. These are the customers that don’t come back, but you won’t know why unless you ask.
3. Leverage your customer contact information
Reinforce relationships with customers via your mailing lists and social media channels. Email and social marketing have minimum costs other than your time. They create visibility for your business in the places where consumers spend much of their time — online!
Create consistent, quality content that will:
- Create a favorable impression of your business
- Educate customers on the benefits of your services or products
- Prompt an action to connect with you via a phone call or email
A clear and simple call-to-action provides a phone number or email link, making it easy for customers to get in touch with you.
4. Mix things up
Change is what creates excitement for consumers. Bright, shiny new things capture attention. Look for ways of presenting your offerings differently, such as offering a limited-time special or partnering with a compatible business.
5. Get into the (video) picture
I can’t overstate the importance of video to your overall marketing plan. Videos are simply more engaging and more persuasive than other types of marketing. According to a survey conducted by HubSpot, each year the numbers go up:
- The number of people watching online videos doubled from 2018 to 2021
- The number of marketers using video marketing went from 61% in 2016 to 86% in 2022
- The number of marketers who feel video has increased their sales went from 64% in 2016 to 81% in 2022
There are many types of videos and a wide range of costs for producing videos. If you’re making a “who we are” video for your website, you’ll want to put some thought into a prepared script and possibly consider using professionals to do a video shoot. On the other hand, for a “how-to” social media post, record yourself using your smartphone. The more videos you create, the easier it gets.
Look for my blogpost next week for 5 more ways to increase sales the easy way — by reinforcing your existing customer relationships.
If you would like to learn more about how this might apply to your business, let’s talk: