The digital advances of recent times have brought with them new ways to attract and retain customers. Today, there are tools that help companies better plan strategies to attract and retain consumers.
However, there is one method of attracting customers that remains one of the most effective: customer recommendations or word-of-mouth advertising .
Because 92% of consumers trust vanuatu email address recommendations from friends and family . Plus, prospects who come through a friend's recommendation are 4 times more likely to buy a product .
Referrals are people who come to your brand through recommendations. Referrals take less time to convert from leads to customers and that is why they are so important to increase your sales.
Details beyond the product help your business stand out. One of those factors is how you handle the customer experience with your business from the first contact .
If you're wondering how to get your customers to recommend you, focus on increasing their satisfaction . A happy customer will be one who shares their good experience and recommends your product or service to their friends and community (online and offline).
But how do you get your customers to develop brand loyalty and recommend you?
In principle, there are 4 ways to meet your expectations and desires.
According to the latest CX trends report by Zendesk:
98% of customers will spend more with companies that offer their preferred option for contacting customer service. So, allow your customers to contact you through their favorite channels, such as chat or instant messaging.
Do you already know how to use Facebook Messenger for customer service ?
92 % of consumers will spend more with companies that don't ask them to repeat information . To meet this desire, integrate your channels and optimize your customers' communication with your business.
Learn how to do it with this omnichannel guide and expand your digital presence with +20 tips.
89 % of customers will spend more on companies that allow them to solve problems online on their own . The instant messaging chatbot will guide your customers to the solution to their query. Learn how a chatbot works from scratch and get ready to optimize your service.
90 % of consumers will spend more on companies that personalize customer service . Segment your customers based on their behavior and personalize the experience you provide them.
Read on: Strategies to satisfy customers and make sure you create brand loyalty.
How to request referrals from clients?
Just because your customers are loyal to your product doesn't mean that they'll all leave reviews or recommend you on their own initiative. Some need a little push to do so, and you can help them. Here are 4 ways to ask for referrals.
1. Raffles
Giveaways are a great way to ask for referrals , especially on social media. Host a giveaway where participants must collect referrals and enter a minimum amount to participate. Not only do you attract leads , but those leads can also participate and attract new prospects to your business.
The downside of this strategy is that your customers may refer people who are not compatible with your product in order to participate, so your marketing team must carefully analyze whether this method is functional to the objectives you want to achieve.
2. Raise funds for a common cause
By asking for referrals this way, you connect with your customers through shared values. Taking the focus off your product shows your interest in approaching customers and prospects from an emotional perspective.
Plus, you'll already know that people who approach your brand for that cause will share at least some values. Unlike the previous point, there's a higher chance of getting referrals that fit your target audience .
3. Offer benefits based on your customer's loyalty level
By creating a customer loyalty scheme , you keep your customers motivated to refer their acquaintances in order to move up the level. For each level they reach, the benefits will be better. You can even add a small clause that indicates an extra benefit if a minimum number of referrals buy your product or service.
