Implement a Retention Program to Grow Your Start-Up Company

But wait… If you have a start up, the assumption is that you don’t have many (if any) customers to retain.   The title sounds a little confusing, but it will mean more once you’ve read the article and watched the video…

You’ve  just started a business, you’re filled with excitement and optimism about doing what you love.  You’re ready to go.   What should be one of your first priorities?  The one that’s most obvious would be to establish your business and fill it with lots of customers as quickly as possible.    But once you’ve had a nice stream of customers come through your doors, what next?  Of course you’ll look for ways to get more customers, right?  Well kinda…  What about the customers you’ve already worked with? Do you “hope” they liked your product/service and that they will return soon?

It’s easy to focus on “getting” customers and becoming so overwhelmed and excited about them that you don’t put much thought into existing customers, the one’s who have already made a purchase.  When thinking of company growth, the first thought that comes to mind involves more sales, more customers.  But did you know that  it usually costs more to gain a new customer than it does to retain an existing one?  That’s right.  The time, cost and energy used to gain a customer is lost many times, because companies have typically focused on new business and lost existing customers due to inactivity.

So, back to that initial question.  One of your first priorities will be to utilize an appropriate mix of marketing materials (brochures, business cards, sale sheets, etc., media (websites, emails, social media, online videos and demonstrations),  and advertising specialties (custom printed items related to your industry, custom signs, displays and banners, and apparel printed with your message), to get the word out about your company.  You’ll participate in community events and trade shows, so that people can see your displays and recognize your brand.

Your marketing  strategy should also include a plan or program that will help you gain customers and  grow… maintaining steady growth over time.  Growth is a necessity, not an option for the survival and success of your business.  The best and easiest way to grow is through repeat business from existing customers; repeat business  and happy customers leads to referrals,testimonials, etc.  One thing leads to another and before you know it, your company has exceeded expectations and you’re really “in business”.   So the question becomes how do you get repeat business?  One great way is by incorporating a customer loyalty or retention program from the beginning,  that ensures that you will receive constant feedback, and two way interaction with your customers.   If the plan is effective, you will build a solid relationship and customers will contact you, instead of your competition when they are in need of your products and services.

View the video above for tips and ideas that you can use as well as ways to use promotional items to boost your program.  A common misconception is that only large corporations can use and afford promotional items.  Let us show you how to advertise your business with items that will fit most budgets.   Contact us for promotional items whether you’re a large corporation or a one or two person operation.  We’ll help you find and use materials that will work best for your business.