How to Create Brand Loyalty for Your Small Business?

16/11/2021

Have you ever witnessed a product go out of stock within a few moments of its launch? That’s the power of brand loyalty.

In simple terms, brand loyalty can be referred to as a strong emotional connection between consumers of a product and the brand which produces it. It may influence consumers to repeatedly buy products from the same brand. Despite having endless options, customers may choose to continue being loyal to brands that they believe offer better service or quality.

Loyal customers are also more likely to try different products from the same seller or brand. Even if those products are a bit more expensive than other products in the same/similar category, there is a strong possibility that these customers will purchase them. Therefore, it is extremely important for all businesses to build brand loyalty among their customers. It can potentially lead to repeat purchases, customer referrals, and higher revenues.

Why should you focus on building your brand loyalty?

As a small-and-medium-size business (SMB) owner, you need to have a balance between the new and the repeat customers. New customers may help you to grow your business. But repeat customers are more likely to spend more and promote your brand. Hence, you may need to focus your efforts on converting new customers into repeat buyers. You can do this by building your brand loyalty.

Brand loyalty is not just a business strategy or marketing tool. It has the power to boost your business. Being strategic with it can help build and expand your loyal customer base. According to studies, 77% of surveyed consumers have said that they stayed loyal to certain brands for more than 10 years. This is the main goal of building brand loyalty. It may help you to convert new customers into long-term ambassadors and advocates for your business.

However, to build your brand loyalty, you can constantly engage and connect with your customers. Studies show that consumers expect exceptional customer service and improvements based on their feedback. They may also crave attractive rewards programs. By understanding these needs, you can convert returning customers into loyal customers.

Ways to build brand loyalty for your small business

If you are searching for new ways to build your brand loyalty, you may consider implementing the following steps:

Create a plan to boost brand loyalty

Estimates suggest that attracting a new customer is about five times more expensive than retaining an existing customer. You can retain your customers by boosting your brand loyalty. You can start by creating a plan to increase your loyal customer base. This can include different ways to personalize your marketing efforts. According to a report, 89% of customers will shop with brands that provide better customer experience. You may use the customer data you collect to create more tailored offers and experiences for your customers.

Develop rewards program

You can encourage customers to shop with you again by offering a loyalty or rewards program. In fact, having a rewards program is one of the better ways to boost brand loyalty. It incentivizes customers to choose you repeatedly.

Create a community by supporting customers

Try connecting consistently with your customers and try to understand how you can meet their expectations. You can create an online community where like-minded people can engage with each other. You can also use this community to create a meaningful conversation with your customers. This can be done by providing first-hand information about new products and deals. By doing this, you can boost brand loyalty among your user community.

Respond to feedback

Encourage customers to give feedback. You may also offer gifts or discounts to appreciate them for their efforts. You can use customer feedback to gain valuable insights about your business and products. However, don’t forget to respond to these as well. Prompt responses show that you are willing to listen and take necessary action. It is one of the best ways to increase brand loyalty.

Encourage social sharing of your products

Use the various social media platforms to increase awareness of your brand and products. You can incentivize your loyal customers by sharing reviews or posts about your business on your social media platforms. This is a great way of reaching new customers. The posts and reviews of existing customers can encourage new customers to buy.

Invest in customer service

You should never underestimate the power of good customer service. It can make your customers feel valued. Providing reliable and good-quality customer service can be expensive for you. But it is one of the important drivers of brand loyalty. In fact, a report found that 96% of consumers consider customer service as an important factor in deciding their loyalty for a brand.

Train your employees

You can train your employees to effectively communicate and listen to your customers. Teach them how to respectfully resolve customer issues. Asking them to care for your customers is the next step in boosting brand loyalty.

Provide flexible communication channels

Figure out how your customers want to connect with your business. You can use different communication channels to interact with them. For example, let customers know that you are available to listen to their queries via emails, messages, calls and social media handles.

Improve user-interface

You can ensure that you continuously improve the brand’s digital footprint. This may involve improving the user-interface. An interactive user-interface can help attract, engage, and retain customers. You may have to make sure that each aspect of the user-interface, from ordering to delivery, runs smoothly. This can convince customers to stay loyal to your business for a long time.

Deliver what promised

Never let your customers down. Always deliver what you promised in the beginning. You can focus on maintaining the quality of your products and services so that your brand image is never tarnished. This can help satisfy your customer’s expectations and turn them into loyal customers.

Conclusion

In this competitive world of online selling, loyal customers are critical. They are usually willing to spend more and become brand advocates on social media. Therefore, you may frequently connect with your customers. Gaining their trust by always delivering on your promises is crucial. By doing this, you can potentially grow your loyal customer-base.

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