Relationship building..

[Safe Skies]

Hi all

I'm in a business that sells to the same customer over and over, and I'm looking into ways to build better relationships.

I cannot visit them all all the time as they are spread over Australia.

Do you have any tips on keeping in their minds and possible ideas on things to send them?

Thanks

G

[AdvancedPetSitting]

Do you have a newsletter that you distribute on a regular basis? This may be a great way to keep in touch with all your clients.

[Khalid Adam]

create an automated follow up system. at least 3 times a week if not daily with 95% quality content and 5% pitch. proven to do wonders. dont be afraid to promote quality products/services from others and admitting that you may compensated if they purchase it.

check out dan kennedy's "magnetic marketing"

[chrisb]

We have a similar situation, essentially we have the one product, though it can be used in different ways.

I think most people would agree that sending newsletters via email mostly don't get looked at, hard copies via the mail I would imagine would be a bit better assuming they get through to the intended target.

I'm assuming you're selling B2B, which also rules out SMS to an extent, but you could try calling those that are far away and visiting those that are close - I would say the more you speak to your customers the more you have to speak about and at the end of the day if they're worth having then they're worth seeing.

Good luck with it.
C

[travelmaster]

We're in a similar situation.
About a year ago I've come across a product which helps us enormously
building and maintaing relationships with our clients. We are in a travel business and having clients book with us again and again is crucial for us.
We are saving time and money, the clients love it and it's a perfect fit for us.
Happy to share the details with you (or anyone else for that matter) - just send me a pm if you're interested.

[Forum Australia]

We stay in touch with our regular customers by sending monthly newsletters and monthly invoices by email !! Just make sure you have something unique to offer and always discuss something interesting and unique. Be careful not to breach the SPAM act as you can be fined.

Try using www.mailchimp.com or www.enudge.com.au

Customers want to deal with someone they trust. Once you earn that trust, you need to maintain the relationship on a regular basis. We offer free samples and giveaways to praise their loyalty. Customers can shop anywhere, they have so many choices and if you don't look after your customers they will buy from someone else. Customers are a lot smarter these days, they are armed with so much instant information and at times have more knowledge than us.

Hope this helps you ....

[yourvirtualboard]

I used to do a newsletter but believe there are just too many being sent by everyone and the read rate (not open rate) doesn't justify the time to put these together.

I think keeping it simple rather than gimmicky or too complex works best for me and I personally phone clients that I don't get to see as often as those closer - just a quick catch up call about things we have in common, current events or things I know they have an interest in. I also forward articles I come across that are specific client industry related with a clear description in the subject line - often get mails back thanking me for these (use alerts to source).

It's also been suggested that contact every 90 days is sufficient for clients to remember you but I try and keep it to monthly; I have unsubscribed from too much contact.