6 Ways to Build Customer Loyalty with Content Marketing
Let’s face it. Today’s customers are picky and have big expectations of businesses. With all of the alternatives available out there, customers are no longer loyal to brands just because of a history with a product and/or service. Customer loyalty is attained when businesses implement effective marketing strategies and keep their customers attention. It is now more important than ever for companies to build long-term relationships with customers and engage them with relevant content.
Here are 6 of the best ways to build customer loyalty with content marketing and encourage profitable customer relationships:
- Utilize social media
If your small business doesn’t have social media pages, then you are way behind the times. Social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have become active venues for conversation. Nearly two-thirds of American adults (65%) use social networking sites, up from 7% social media usage in 2005. The key to building and maintaining customer loyalty is to interact with customers and create long-term relationships. Businesses are now actively using social media sites to share content and give customers a reason to consistently engage with their brand.
- Create and maintain a BLOG
Do not underestimate the power of a blog! A blog is a simple and easy platform for sharing content with customers. A blogs gives your company a voice and creates a 2-way conversation with customers, prospects, and other businesses. This 2-way conversation will help build relationships that lead to the ultimate portrayal of loyalty – sales.
- Keep content relevant
Content marketing is about more than just promoting your brand. It’s important to share content that is both interesting and related to your industry. Stay relevant by offering educational resources, timely news, helpful advice and unique incentives for purchases. But more importantly, engage your audience!
- Respond to customers
Social media is vital for customer service. Customers turn to social media to write reviews, complaints, and praises for companies and their products and/or services. It’s important that businesses respond to customers who take the time to engage with the organization. When customers are responded to, they will feel like the business cares and are more likely to remain loyal.
- Measure performance
Knowing how your content marketing is performing is just as important as sharing it. So how do you measure your social media performance? With one word: engagement. Websites and social media sites such as Google, Facebook, and Twitter offer business analytics tools and insights. Taking advantage of these tools will help you account for engagement between individuals and content. Remember: If you’re engaging, you’re performing.
- Remember to say thank you
You’ve heard the saying before. “A simple thank you can go a long way.” Sending a thank you message after an order or thanking customers for a positive review lets the customer know you appreciate their business.
Mark Johnson, a leader at a research consulting firm, says, “Customer loyalty is no longer just about points, discounts, miles and rewards; it is about the way processes, technologies, ideas, and interactions engage individuals with the brand. The only way to achieve loyalty is through deeper engagement.”
