Top 10 Customer Retention Strategies This Year

With an ongoing recession, it is more important than ever to keep your existing customers happy, especially as a small business. Taking from the market habits developed throughout 2020 and beyond, we are all looking to work smarter, not harder.

One of the most invaluable resources small businesses and eCommerce brands currently possess is their existing client base. To continue to grow, you must continue to engage and invest in this essential group.

We’ve identified the top 10 customer retention strategies for 2023, so you can continue to grow your business with the help of your most valued customers.

Utilize Customer Accounts

Make it easy for your customers to re-order products they love and autofill their shipping information by setting up a customer accounts system for your online store. By housing their shipping, card, and order information, you make it easier for your customers to get everything they need without having to scrounge through their inboxes.

Start A Loyalty Program

Loyalty programs influence customers to make more purchases at higher values to gain access to specific rewards. Loyalty programs not only drive business for you, but they also keep your customers happy with unique perks and experiences.

Enhance Your Customer Support

Having a live chat available to your customers is a great way to transform a complaint into a resolution. Customers who feel supported will oftentimes continue to do business with you, even if they are less than happy with a specific experience. It all boils down to resolving the issue and promptly providing the necessary report.

Offer A Discount For New Customers

Nudge your customers to purchase again following their initial purchase by offering a discount code for their next purchase.

Send Emails That Demand to Be Opened

We all have inboxes that are overflowing with tons of promotional emails. Adding touches of personalization, discount codes, and genuine thank yous following milestone purchases is a great way to make your customers click through.

Start A Referral Program

An incentivized referral program is a great way to get your existing customers involved in your business while also driving new business. Your existing super fans will be thrilled to receive rewards and discounts, while the friends and family they refer are aware of a wonderful local business they may have otherwise missed out on.

Ask For, And Listen To, Customer Feedback

Collecting customer feedback makes your customers feel that their thoughts and opinions matter. They will be more inclined to support your business because they feel like they are more significant to you than they are to other brands.

Make Returns Easy

Over 25% of customers would abandon a brand they otherwise love over a poor return experience. No business, small businesses especially, can afford to risk becoming a victim of this statistic. Making returns easy builds up trust with customers and makes them feel valued.

Offer Personalized Shopping Experiences

Taking the time to get to know your customers can bring in more revenue – 40% more revenue than businesses that don’t, to be exact. Loyalty and rewards programming has the potential to give you unique insights into your customers’ habits, allowing you to cater unique products and experiences to their desires.

Expedite Delivery

We’re all guilty of abandoning a shopping cart after discovering the order wouldn’t arrive in time. Prevent this loss of business by getting your products out as quickly as possible.

Wow Your Customers With Ostana

At Ostana, we understand there’s strength in numbers. Our mission is to unite the small business world together by creating a network of local businesses and the vibrant communities that support them. To learn more about us, or join our extensive small business network, visit our website.