facebook ads, google adwords, flyers, coupons, sponsorships, it’s difficult to divide your {somewhat inexistent} marketing budget isn’t it? as business owners, we hear over and over that we must be engaged on every social media network and topping every search engine results page.
now hold on, let me be clear, all of these things are important. actually, i get paid to do a lot of those things for clients! but if we aren’t careful, we can be so invested in marketing to grab new clients, that we forget the income potential from our raving fans.
so what’s a raving fan?
you know, you’ve met them, you’ve probably been one. it’s the thing that you just CAN’T STOP TALKING ABOUT!
i spent time with a friend yesterday who {literally} raved about her dentist for like 30 minutes. give me a break, her dentist. who raves about that? her experience was so awesome, she just couldn’t stop talking about it. she commented on the waiting room, the staff, the technology, the personality of the dentist, the extra level of service and presents they gave for teeth whitening. and then she smiled and smiled so i could marvel with her about her beautiful white teeth…and i totally did! ohhhhh, ahhhhh….she is completely obsessed. and it’s great.
it turns out this dentist is in my neighborhood and has a billboard down the street, so i recognized the name when she said it. and believe it or not, i’m looking into going there.
this dentist did 2 things, offered AMAZING customer service with little unexpected pleasures to her clients, AND spent money on more traditional marketing in a billboard placement near her office.
i chatted in the last blog post about websites that offer hospitality. if you missed it, be sure to check it out. some of those practices could totally elevate you from just a regular service/product provider to a raving fan magnet! a few other things that will help you tip the scales:
- be more awesome than they expect at whatever it is you do.
- think about what has you raving right now. why? what has made this experience so perfect, and what tips can you carry over to your own business?
- offer an incentive when current clients come back or send more work your way. (like my pals Brooklyn + Abbie do)
- send out personal emails regularly just telling your clients hi + thank you
bottom line, close your eyes and think about what you offer and how you could level it up in the customer experience department. find a client and ask them what could make their experience with your brand even better. better than better. rave-worthy.
screeeech! so i’m supposed to be nice and gifty to clients so they can send me more money? i feel sorta like i’m using them…aren’t i. GOODNESS NO! you don’t do these things so they will refer. you do them because it’s the right way to have a business you would want to buy from. good customer service + unexpected happy is not icky. it’s awesome.
truth is, most raving fans will flitter your name all over the place freebie or no freebie. so when they do send you a referral, be mindful of why. it’s because you’re awesome!
to your greatness friends!
christine
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