Keep them coming back - retain customers..... #118

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Customer retention is critical. Did you know it’s six to seven times more expensive to acquire a new customer than to retain a current one? For entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and Founders focused on business growth (read more), it’s essential to prioritize customer loyalty (read more)to build a foundation (read more) of repeat buyers who trust and advocate for your brand.

Go beyond transactions; it’s about creating genuine relationships where customers feel valued, engaged, and appreciated. At Business 737, we’ve seen how applying the right business strategies (read more) can transform the customer experience and turn satisfied clients into passionate brand advocates.

The best business coaches will tell you that customer retention doesn’t just happen by chance. You need a purposeful approach and a business strategy that speaks to your customers' needs, motivates them to stay engaged, and ensures they know they are genuinely valued (read more).

Here’s how we suggest entrepreneurs at any stage can start to keep customers:

1. Treat Your Customers Like Family

One of the most impactful business strategies for customer retention is creating an environment where customers feel like family. This approach is about extending warmth, support, and appreciation to every customer, regardless of their level of engagement or spend.

When customers feel connected, they’re more likely to engage with your brand over time, returning for repeat purchases and sharing their positive experiences with others. This level of personal connection helps businesses stand out (read more) and drives customer loyalty.

As a business coach working with Founders and solopreneurs, we often emphasize that in today’s market, it’s not just about B2C (business to customer) or B2B (business to business); it’s about H2H—heart to heart.

Building a human-to-human relationship by treating each customer like family leads to organic growth and authentic business relationships that can’t easily be replicated by competitors. Just like you would go above and beyond for a family member, businesses should strive to show customers that they are genuinely valued and appreciated.

2. Over-Deliver on Value

When you over-deliver on value, customers are left with a memorable experience that goes far beyond what they expected. This doesn’t mean giving away products or services for free, but rather offering a level of service, insight, or quality that leaves them feeling that you truly care about their success. For entrepreneurs and business owners, over-delivering can mean providing added resources, insights, or even following up with personalized recommendations that speak directly to their needs.

This approach not only helps retain existing customers but also attracts potential clients by showcasing your commitment to excellence. Over-delivery is a business growth strategy that resonates deeply with customers, creating positive associations and leading them to recommend your services. In a world where people remember how you made them feel, delivering exceptional value can be the deciding factor in earning long-term loyalty.

3. Have a Big "Why" Behind Your Business

Every successful business has a deeper purpose beyond profit. Whether you’re a solopreneur or a Founder leading a growing enterprise, a strong sense of purpose—your "why"—will resonate with customers who share the same value (read more).

This business strategy, rooted in purpose, can turn satisfied customers into advocates. When customers feel aligned with your mission, they are more likely to stay engaged and loyal.

Take, for example, brands like Tesla, whose mission is larger than just selling electric cars. Their vision for sustainable energy connects with customers on a deeply personal level, motivating them to support the brand and even defend it when challenged.

At Business 737, our big “why” is to help entrepreneurs and business owners grow without wasting valuable time, energy, or money. We believe that meaningful growth is not just about profit margins but also about positive impact, personal success, and a fulfilling business journey.

4. Create a Sense of Belonging

Creating a community where your customers feel like they belong is essential for retaining them long-term. People are naturally drawn to places where they feel a sense of connection, understanding, and shared purpose. Building a customer community—a place where your clients can connect with each other, share experiences, and find support—can make a big difference in creating loyal brand advocates.

A good business strategy is to offer membership programs, exclusive content, or access to private groups. For example, companies like American Express have created different tiers of membership with unique benefits and access to exclusive events.

This community-driven approach helps customers feel that they are part of something meaningful and special, leading to increased loyalty. Entrepreneurs can create these connections in many ways, from online groups to in-person events, giving customers a reason to stay invested and engaged.

5. Be Authentic and Transparent

Authenticity and transparency are non-negotiable when it comes to customer loyalty. Customers today are savvy and can tell when a business is genuine or not. They want to see the people behind the brand, hear their stories, and understand what drives them. When you communicate authentically, it builds trust, which is essential for long-term customer relationships. Sharing the real challenges and successes behind your journey as an entrepreneur will make you more relatable and trusted.

Consider going beyond the logo by sharing personal experiences or insights directly with customers. For example, a Founder might share how they started their business, what obstacles they faced, and how they overcame them. These insights are relatable, show vulnerability, and give customers a reason to invest emotionally in the brand. When customers can connect with your story, they’re more likely to stay loyal because they feel a personal connection to your success.

The Benefits of Customer Retention

Propel your business growth by creating advocates who spread the word about your brand, often at no extra cost to you. With each satisfied customer, your reach extends further as they recommend your services to their network. As a business coach, I’ve seen how businesses that focus on these five steps not only improve customer retention but also see greater engagement, more referrals, and an energized community of supporters who genuinely want to see the business succeed.

When customers feel valued, supported, and connected to your mission, they’ll keep coming back. And as they do, they won’t just purchase more; they’ll also share their experiences with others, becoming your most effective marketing team.

Ready to Build Your Raving Fan Base? Let Business 737 Guide You

Building customer loyalty isn’t a one-time effort; it’s an ongoing commitment to showing your customers that they matter. If you’re ready to make customer retention a key part of your business strategy, Business 737 can help.

We specialize in working with entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and Founders who want to take their customer relationships to the next level. With our step-by-step guidance and a focus on business growth, you’ll be well on your way to creating a loyal customer base that champions your brand and drives your success.

Let’s work together to grow your business by turning customers into lifelong advocates. Reach out to Business 737 today, and let’s start building a brand experience that keeps your customers coming back for more!

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