Do you have a relationship marketing strategy?
You have probably heard a lot in the past couple of years that traditional methods of marketing no longer work, or at least don’t work as well as they used to, because your customers are bombarded with way too much information from a variety of sources. So once you have successfully acquired a new customer you want to do everything in your power to keep them. One way to do that is with relationship marketing.
To build a long-lasting relationship with a customer you want to keep in touch with them periodically to let them know that you are still there and thinking of them. You can do that with a simple email, or better yet, send them a card or postcard. Most people enjoy receiving cards in the mail because it takes more effort and thought on your part and it is something that they will take more notice of as they flip through the mail and again later when they reorganize the papers on their desk or table.
A good way to start building a relationship with a new customer is to send a card a couple days after they receive their first order to thank them, make sure that they received it in good shape and they are not having any problems. Then every so often, send another card to say hello and make sure everything is still good. Maybe you will do this after 1 month, then again at 6 and 12 months, or whatever is appropriate for your product or service.
For example, on of my products is a point-of-use water filter, so I will send a card to arrive about the time my customer receives their order to thank them and offer some advice on how to use the unit efficiently. After 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months I will send another card to say hello and make sure they are enjoying the unit. Then I will send a card annually to remind them to order the replacement components to keep the unit in working order. I am providing a service to them by giving them the reminders that they need as well as keeping my business in their thoughts on a regular basis.
It works for other industries as well. A real estate agent can send a card when a client moves into their new home congratulating them on their new home and thanking them for their business. Then send another card periodically through the first year, then annually for the next several years on the anniversary of moving in. The client will remember how thoughtful the agent was and will be more likely to use them again the next time they buy a house or recommend them to friends.
Here is the service I use to send my cards.
Wayne Woodworth
Internet network marketer
Sender of cards
