Five Reasons Why Customers Come Back
DMNews‘ April 21st edition features four statistical charts on the Data Bank page, including one that shows a percentage breakdown of “why shoppers return to online stores.”
The chart, compiled by Guidance, includes the top five reasons that influence return shopping. There’s no mention of how many individuals were surveyed, but the results are worth noting.
Whether you sell a product or service, online or offline, any of these preferences are not difficult to add to enhance your customers’ buying experience.
It’s best to first ask clients which of the options is most beneficial for them.
As an example, one of my Web sites allows visitors to rate video tutorials added to each page. A “5″ rating is excellent, while “1″ indicates that it’s not helpful. This feedback allows me to gauge the direction I’ll take with forthcoming videos.
Do you know why your customers return? Perhaps it’s time to ask.
Technorati Tags: solo business marketing, customer feedback, small business marketing, DM News
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Do You Dream About Marketing?
I wasn’t surprised to read the results of Staples 2nd Annual National Small-Business Survey, which compiles responses submitted by more than 300 business owners.
As reported at FoxBusiness.com, the survey reveals that many of us work in our sleep and put our thoughts into action when we awake.
I’m one who keeps pen and paper on my nightstand in case I wake up with an idea. If not written right away, there’s a good chance I won’t remember it.
“The survey also revealed that 98 percent of U.S. small-business owners and managers are working during their time off - including nights, weekends and vacations - and nearly 54 percent expect to work even harder in 2008.”
Like me, you may not have participated in the survey, but many of us can raise our hands in agreement with the above statement.
However, if you love the work you perform, tasks are often not considered as work. That’s why we easy blend business and pleasure no matter where we’re located or travel.
Here’s another interesting statistic from the survey that impacts on marketing.
“More than 84 percent said they have not yet incorporated ‘new media’ (blogs, podcasts, virtual meeting software or services) into their business activities.”
This touches on a situation I mentioned a few days ago. It’s impossible to successfully juggle all of the online marketing opportunities available, but when you’re ready, it’s best to survey your customers first to determine which option benefits you and them.
That first step will delight your customers, enabling you to sleep whenever you find the time.
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Technorati Tags: small business marketing, Staples 2nd Annual National Small Business Survey, solo business marketing, solo entrepreneur
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How to Market to Holiday Shoppers
According to an article in DMNews’s October 29th issue, retailers have one thing on their minds to increase holiday sales.
“The sixth annual holiday study surveyed 2,695 online buyers and 116 online retailers about holiday shopping and found that 78 percent of retailers will offer free shipping with minimum purchase requirements this holiday season.”
What’s your method to encourage shoppers to buy between now and December? I’ve offered free shipping in the past, but it was difficult for me to determine, when comparing the previous season’s sales, whether or not the campaign was successful.
Revenue for both seasons was similar, so I chose not to offer free shipping again.
In addition to free shipping, here are three options to increase sales in the coming months.
Offer:
1. An additional product for sales of a certain amount ($75, $100, etc.).
2. A certificate for a specific dollar amount to be redeemed in early 2008.
3. A free three-month subscription to your online membership site.
Try this or another way that’s worked in the past to spark interest and additional revenue.
Technorati Tags: free shipping, holiday sales, retail sales, DM News, small business marketing, solo business marketing, solo entrepreneur
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Holiday Gifts and Cards Strengthen Relationships
Yesterday, a Christmas card catalog arrived by mail, and the day before, I received a catalog with fruit and nut collections to send to customers as appreciation gifts.
As solo marketers, we’re charged not only with making everyday decisions to keep the revenue growing but also selecting items that thank clients for choosing us.
In 2005, I reported on an American Express survey that revealed that 19 percent of responders planned to send their clients nothing, not even a greeting card. I haven’t read any updates to the survey, which included a list of popular gifts.
Cards are selected for some of my customers, and I’m waiting for additional items to arrive from a local manufacturer. Some clients will also receive business card-sized coupons for complimentary services throughout 2008.
It’s a smart move to make contact, in whatever form, with clients anytime between Thanksgiving and New Year. That’s what keeps them motivated to buy from you and refer your business to others.
Technorati Tags: gift list, greeting cards, holiday gifts, business gifts, small business marketing, solo business marketing, solo entrepreneur
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Shirley George Frazier - Solo Business Expert, Author, College Mentor
When you hire me to speak at your conference, college or special event, attendees will thank you for a great program. Media interviews also welcomed. Call or Email me. 973-279-2799 or shirley@shirleyspeaks.com.
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