Photo (CC) by Roland, on Flickr
When your customers want a product or service your carry, is your store the first place they go?
People use habits and routines throughout much of their life. Habits and routines make life easier and free up the brain for other decision-making tasks. We operate much of our lives on autopilot.
The autopilot mode can be of great benefit to you as a business owner. Yet you need to nurture the customer to build a habit of coming to your store.
And not only do you need to develop that habit initially, but you cannot get lax. You must continue to strengthen the relationship through time.
Customer habits are formed as consumers find your place of business, maybe just browsing the first time they enter, or perhaps some marketing effort drew them in. You want them, on that first visit, to view your store as friendly, service-oriented.
This means a smile, a friendly greeting and asking how you can help.
Building the habit can happen more quickly if, on that first visit, you get them to make a purchase, any purchase. Then you focus on having them buy something else each time they enter. The goal here is establishing the purchasing routine so you are not concerned that the purchases may have little profit for you. You want to establish repeat behavior.
Yet realize that a purchase does not need to happen each time. You also want to establish your business as the place to go.
So be prepared to search, order, offer suggestions and even mention another store that may have what the customers need. Also help them in using the product, even it if isn’t yours, and offer other tips. All of these efforts build up the perceived value of your business and the likelihood customers will come back routinely.
Building habits also can occur even when customers are not in the store. Let them know when new products they are interested in arrive. Small businesses have a big advantage because you know your customers, their needs and their wants.
Emails, cards and other communication also keep your name in front of customers. Let them know of the arrival of new products and services for them to try. Even wish them a happy birthday.
Another way to increase their perception of your business and build it as a habit is to have a conversation with them. If they say something positive about a past product or experience with your business, thank them. Even ask them if they would mind doing a short video or written testimonial. They may feel uncomfortable, but having you ask helps them realize you appreciate their business.
If they make a suggestion, again thank them and, if you use it, tell them how and what difference it made.
Finally, be known as the owner who listens. You maybe can’t change anything, but we all like to feel we have been heard.
Habits are powerful. Habits are hard to break. Making your business a habit is a big step in your ongoing success.
Glenn Muske is the Rural and Agribusiness Enterprise Development Specialist at the North Dakota State University Extension Service – Center for Community Vitality. Follow Glenn on Twitter: @gmuske
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Glenn Muske is an independent expert on rural small business, working as GM Consulting – Your partner in achieving small business success. He provides consulting, and writes articles for county extension agents and newspapers across North Dakota. Previously, he was the Rural and Agribusiness Enterprise Development Specialist at the North Dakota State University Extension Service – Center for Community Vitality.
I think it is not about establishing the habit of buying every single time. If you try to do this, some customers will get irritated. The best way is to manage image across different channels especially on social media.
Good thought. Thanks for sharing.