How to retain customers

"When it comes to trying new products, existing customers are 50% more likely to do so - the number drops to 31% for new customers."
How to retain customers

By Koketso Mamabolo

What if we told you that you could grow your organisation with the customers you already have? 

Consider this: According to statistics from Invesp, attracting new customers can cost five times as much as keeping existing ones. The probability of selling to a new customer is 5 to 20 percent, whereas you have a 60 to 70 percent  chance of selling to an existing customer. When it comes to trying new products, existing customers are 50% more likely to do so - the number drops to 31% for new customers.

Still not convinced? Did you know that by improving your customer retention rate by just 5%, you could see your profits grow by anywhere from 25 to 95 percent?

By retaining customers you:

  1. Get more stable revenue
  2. Reduce the number of unknowns
  3. Save time and money
What we’ll cover
  1. Looking to the past
  2. Getting the timing right
  3. Listening to your clients and getting personal
  4. Delivering on what you promised

1. Look to the past


The first place you should start when getting your customers to come back is to look at the previous transactions or deals. Who was the sales representative? What were the terms that were agreed to? What did the customer get? If it’s an organisation, who signed the deal? Who is the main point of contact? You don’t want to walk in the dark - before you go about retaining customers you need to get an idea of what they received in the past, and all the other details that will ensure you take an informed approach.

client retention

2. Get the timing right

As they say, timing is everything. This also applies to retaining customers. Things change, for better or for worse, and that can have an impact on the success of your approach. Maybe they’ve taken a knock in terms of revenue and either can’t come back, or they need a product or service more tailored to what they can afford. Perhaps business is great and they have more freedom to explore solutions at higher price points.

You need to be asking: What problem is the customer saving, and how can I solve them? What’s important to them? What are they trying to achieve and how can you help them achieve that?

What inspires brand loyalty?

  • 40% - customers get great service
  • 36% - convenience
  • 26% - loyalty schemes
  • 27% - overall experience 

(Stats from Deloitte)


3. Listen to your clients and get personal

A good way to get the timing right is the basic skill of listening. You need to pay attention to every customer, existing or potential, because what they say can help you improve the product or service, and gives you insights into how you can go about giving them the right solution. What’s important to them? What’s not important to them? What challenges are they facing? Just by listening, you can have a clear idea of where you stand and what to do next. Part of the customer’s experience is the relationship they have with your organisation. You need to build an authentic relationship with them. By paying attention you’re able to personalise the interaction. 


4. Deliver on what you promised

You have to deliver on what you promised - it’s that simple. If your customer doesn’t get what they paid for then they’re not going to come back. Would you? Retention starts at the acquisition stage - when you get a new customer, their experience could decide whether or not they come back. That’s why you need to ensure promises aren’t broken. If you make a commitment, stick to it. Be realistic. If you’re going to give them something extra then you need to be able to follow through with it.

Find out how Topco Media delivers on its promises:

 

 

Sources: | Deloitte | Invesp

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