Whether you have an award-winning sales team or the most competitive prices on the market, the most important part of business is keeping your past and present clients interested in your service. You need to make sure that your customers are regularly reminded of your service to them and steer them away from the opposition. This is where we come in, as we have put together some top tips on how to retain business from your best customers.

1. Hand Out Branded Freebies

This is the best trick in the book. Whether you hand out pens and diaries or coats and gift boxes, you are letting your clients know that you are thinking of them and making them feel worth the time and effort. Nobody says no to a freebie, and branded items will only make other people more aware of your company too, not only keeping customers but creating new ones. There are companies such as The Pen Warehouse that offer both high-end and budget promotional pen services so businesses of all sizes can use stationery as a marketing strategy. Make your customers feel part of your team and give them quality service because every time they take out your freebie they will be reminded of everything you have done for them.

2. Make Courtesy Calls Instead of Sales Calls

This is a great way to make sure your customers do not slip into the opposition’s hands. There is no need to pester your customers but make sure you are making courtesy calls to see how their business is growing instead of only ever calling to sell. This will make sure that your customers feel like more than just people using your services and will be more likely to respond to your sales calls. Courtesy calls will not only help your sales but will make your company look trustworthy and considerate. By letting your clients know that you want to ensure your service is working well, you look committed and keen to improve your company. For help on how to make a successful courtesy call, have a look at this article.

3. Make your Clients Look Good

In all situations, make sure your clients look good. Not only will they appreciate the positive rumours flying around about their company, but it will show them that you are loyal and respect those you do business with. Your customers are less likely to find business elsewhere when you are helping to make a name for them, so this is a great tactic. If possible, attend their events and promote their company when you can as this will be certain to make it back to them. This doesn’t need to involve much time or effort, even the simple task of placing their business cards in your office will let them know you’re supporting them.

4. Maintain a Relationship with Your Clients

At the start of any business deal it is important to build rapport with your customers, and this needs to be maintained during your time working with them as well as afterwards. Make sure you know about their business and try to find common ground with those you are in contact with. Encouraging them to build a relationship with you will keep their custom coming and is certain to make your business look good at the same time. Regular contact with past and present customers will help to maintain a relationship with them and will help to secure future custom. For more information on maintaining a relationship with your customers, have a look at what Hootsuite have to say about it.