Customer Relations Excellence: Six Ways to Wow Your Clients

Repeat customers are the lifeblood of most micro businesses.  Nurturing those relationships isn’t just about being “nice” though, it’s a savvy strategy for long-term business success.

Here are a few simple (but surprisingly overlooked) ways to take your customer care to that next level, creating loyal fans who happily spread the word about your business enabling you to sustainably grow your business.

Communication is key to retaining customers

Keeping your clients in the know builds a rock-solid foundation of trust.  Whether it’s a snazzy new product launch, a temporary change of hours, or even those unavoidable delays, being upfront and proactive makes all the difference.  Think of it this way – nobody likes feeling left in the dark!

Consider making your best customers feel like proper VIPs. Even if it’s just letting them hear about that exciting new thing a day before everyone else, those little touches make them feel valued.

Delight Your Customers with the Pleasantly Unexpected

We all know that ‘under promise and over deliver’ saying, right?  Well, especially when it comes to timelines, living up to them sets you miles apart from those who are forever making excuses.  Clients appreciate that you manage their expectations realistically, and then when you exceed them…brilliant!

And it’s those “little things” that truly stick in a client’s mind.  A handwritten thank you note tucked into their order, or a small discount code on their birthday that makes them feel special. I purchased some earrings from a new company recently and every step of the way from purchase to their request for feedback I felt like a really valued customer due to the email communication I received.

It’s that human touch that impersonal big businesses can’t replicate and it goes a long way in making your clients feel truly valued.

Be Proactive, Not Just Reactive

The best way to impress your clients? Anticipate their needs before they even have to ask! Think about offering those little add-ons to complement their main purchase – it shows you understand their problem and are invested in their success. Or maybe curate a list of helpful resources related to what they’ve bought – this type of proactive thinking adds massive value to their experience.

And don’t underestimate the power of those “just checking in” emails, even after a project is finished and paid for. This shows you’re invested in that long-term relationship, not merely focused on the next sale.

Anticipate Needs, Build Superfans

Think like your clients! What challenges do they commonly face related to your service/product?  What keeps them up at night? Once you identify those pain points, get proactive about offering solutions before they even have to ask.

Here’s how this works in the real world:

Web Designer Clients: They often struggle with writing effective website copy.  Offering resources like “5 Tips for Writing Website Text that Converts” shows you understand and are committed to their success beyond just the site’s design.

Photographer Clients: Many dread the post-shoot editing process.  A pre-made pack of your favourite Lightroom presets streamlines that workflow, saving them time and headaches.

When clients feel like you are invested in their overall success, not just waiting to fix problems down the line, it creates a level of loyalty that’s priceless. This is how you create those clients who become enthusiastic ambassadors for your business!

Feedback: Your Most Valuable Customer Service Tool

Don’t be shy about asking for feedback!  Surveys, a quick “How did we do?” email after a project wraps up…these all show your commitment to getting better at what you do. The key though, is to not just collect those opinions but actually act on them.

When clients see that their input makes a real difference in how you run your business, it builds a sense of loyalty they won’t get from the faceless, mega-corporations.

Share Your Knowledge, Reap the Rewards

Offering free tips and resources is a fantastic way to add value for existing clients while simultaneously attracting new ones. It positions you as a generous expert in your field, building trust and demonstrating a commitment to the success of those you serve.

Sharing your knowledge proactively addresses common problems clients face, making their lives easier and cementing your status as a valued resource. Quick “how-to” videos, downloadable checklists, or insider tip sheets related to your service offering make your clients feel like they’re getting even more than they bargained for.

The Power of “Wow”

Those businesses who make us FEEL valued, not just like a transaction, are the ones we rave about to friends.  Investing a little extra time and effort into your customer relations pays off massively in the long run!

Let’s Chat! If you’d like help to strategise a customer care plan that fits perfectly within your business model, contact me for a consultation!