If you own a small business, it is likely that you have come across various hurdles already and don’t need to be told why Customer Care is the key to survival in the market. However, it may benefit you to read these statistics from the 2016 Microsoft State of Global Customer Service Report in order to ensure the best possible Customer Care strategies:
- Almost all consumers claimed that customer service was the primary factor in their choice of (and loyalty to) a brand.
- Over 50 percent of global consumers admitted that their expectations for quality customer service were greater than they were a year ago (with an even higher number making this claim among 18–34 year-olds).
- 60 percent stated that they no longer did business with a brand because of a single poor customer service experience.
The above statistics are alarming enough for small business owners to ensure that their customers are happy and satisfied. So what can be done to ensure optimum customer care? Let us take a quick look at the strategies below:
Generalized service is out:
Customers are now aware of their power as consumers and they want the best possible experience when doing business with any brand. They do not want a mechanical experience, which can often turn out to be unpleasant. Instead, try to make the experience as personalized as possible. Personalized experiences make the customers feel valued and understood, and it increases their chances of returning.
Make your employees feel involved:
One of the major reasons for bad customer care is the lack of concern by the employees of a certain business. Almost no owner wants the customers to have a bad experience. But if your employees do not feel valued, they will not care about your customers either. The easiest way to fix this is to ensure that your employees feel involved, as a part of the business rather than just someone who has to work there. Active involvement will ensure the best service by the employees.
Trust the Social Media:
The internet is one of the biggest tools available for small business owners. It allows them to reach out to their customers and ensure that their grievances are handled effectively. Many brands effectively use social media for customer care as well as grievance handling, as angry customers tend to resort to social media for grievances. A quickly offered solution ensures customer retention as well as builds goodwill.
Feedback is the key
One of the most effective ways to ensure smooth functioning of your small business and maintaining a functional customer care is to ask for regular feedback from your customers. This will help you gather insights on what is missing and furnish solutions before you lose any customers over the problem.
Provide value along with business
So this is a fairly common piece of advice you will receive from multiple sources but the importance of this is unparalleled. Your business is one of the many in the vicinity, and the competition compels you to stand out. One of the easiest ways to do that is to ensure you offer more than just business to your customers. It could be a cozy ambiance, a convenient transaction, or a smile at the end of the experience. But providing added value is an absolute must if you want the customers to remember you and return to you.
These are some of the tips to help you navigate the market effectively and ensure that your customers get the best of their experiences with you. Do you have any other tried and tested insights? Do let us know in the comments.