This is a guest post by Christina Crowe, a passionate writer at heart. An avid blogger, who writes about business and freelance writing tips on her blog Cash Campfire, where she teaches aspiring entrepreneurs the fundamentals of business success. When she’s not at the computer, you’ll often see her strolling around outside or curled up in bed reading a good book.
Have you ever stayed at a hotel, only to find that the staff was nonchalant towards you, the food was poor, and no one bothered to give you a smile when you passed the front desk?
How about at a movie theatre where the prices were sky high, popcorn was stale, and everywhere you turned, the floor was littered with trash, drink spills, and food stains?
In both cases, would you ever return?
Of course not. You see, first impressions are everything.
If your customers, clients, or readers don’t like what you have to offer from the very beginning, do you think they’d stick around? If you never have repeat business, what do you think that says about you and your abilities to keep your customers satisfied?
People are paying you their hard-earned cash to receive a quality product or service. And if you fail to deliver, I highly doubt that they’ll look the other way when you have something new to offer.
Besides, we all know how time consuming constantly building up your client-base and attracting new readers are. Do you even want to put yourself through all that work when you don’t have to?
Here’s What I Suggest
I’ve spent years cultivating and growing my own businesses, and, if there’s anything that I’ve learned along the way, it’s how much power and impact the simple act of giving can have on one’s overall business success.
Give.
Yes, you heard me right. And if you aren’t practicing this one, fundamental key to success, you’re missing out on a tremendous number of opportunities, not to mention all of that cash you’re leaving to rot in the sun when another potential customer simply walks away with a shake of the head.
And frankly, many biz owners simply don’t get it!
You need to give before you can receive.
It’s the loyal customers, the ones who keep coming back again and again, who truly make a business come to life. And if you aren’t willing to stand out from the crowd, put your best foot forward, and give customers even two minutes of your time, no one will be willing to take out their credit cards and pay you for your weak offering.
If they can’t trust you to give your all when they need it, they won’t continue doing business with you and sure as hell won’t recommend you to others who might need your product or service.
Hence, more money is thrown away and your business winds up in the wastebasket.
Give more, and give often. But what does that mean, and how can you create a loyal following?
7 Ways to Make Your Customers Say, “Wow!”
- Host a contest. Everyone likes getting something for free, and what better way to spread the word about your offering than a good old contest? Besides, everyone likes a bit of fun. And if you do it right, people are bound to spread the word!
- Give an incentive. One of the first thoughts customers will have while browsing your sales page is, “What’s in it for me?” Can you give them the answer? Why should customers buy from you? Focus on the benefits first – leave the features for later.
- Focus on quality, not quantity. You want customers to have a memorable experience when purchasing you, and you definitely don’t want them to regret their decision to buy after the purchase has been made! Whatever offering you provide, it needs to be useful and something of quality. That’s how you create a buzz and compel others to start talking about your stuff, increasing referrals.
- Add a bonus (or two). If you want to increase sales and heighten the perceived value of what you have to offer, throw some other things in there. If you’re selling an ebook, why not create a workbook to go along with it? If you’re promoting consulting services, why not throw in a mini guide to compliment what you teach? You’ll be surprised with what a little extra can do.
- Use a guarantee. Some customers are hesitant about opening up their wallets – and for good reason! Put their fears to rest by offering a 30 (or 60)-day money back guarantee.
- Share a bit more YOU. Can you tell a story? What have you accomplished? Did you overcome any obstacles that relate to what you’re offering? Tell them about it! Let your personality shine through. Show them that you’re an actual person, not just someone scheming to steal their cash.
- Go the extra mile. Customers will notice when you actively try to reach out. So don’t just give them what they expect to get. Give MORE! Can you personalize some of your emails, rather than just send automated messages? Better yet, can you spend the extra postage to mail out a special thank you letter in addition to a personalized email? Can you package your product in a way that shows your customers that you care? I dare you to try it.
If you actively do all of the following tips, I guarantee that you’ll have an irresistible, flourishing business many years down the road.
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Very insightful thoughts, Christina. Giving before getting is the golden rule in life and online.
My biggest challenge in my business (blogging, podcasting and market services in the mobile space) is what to give and to whom.
Web readers are so inundated by surveys, offers and such these days that it seems trial-and-error in gift giving is the norm. I wish I had a crystal ball that revealed my readers and listeners inner thoughts.
Very insightful thoughts, Christina. Giving before getting is the golden rule in life and online.
My biggest challenge in my business (blogging, podcasting and market services in the mobile space) is what to give and to whom.
Web readers are so inundated by surveys, offers and such these days that it seems trial-and-error in gift giving is the norm. I wish I had a crystal ball that revealed my readers and listeners inner thoughts.