Consumers are quite confident – one moment they’ll support your brand, but as soon as they lose interest, they will switch over to another vendor.

You can’t blame them – they only want what they’re looking for. They should be given first priority, and never the last.

Here are some ways you can make your relationships with your customers last longer:

• Retention – not recruitment

While planning your marketing strategy, focus on retaining customers instead of recruiting new ones – it’s a lot easier and more effective. This enhances customer loyalty so that they keep coming back for more. Think of it this way – it’s a journey, not a one-off stance.

Employing CRM (Customer Management Relationship) systems are needed to keep customers interested. Find out how many customers came and why – after that, it’s up to you how to bring them back. You can either try new products or expand on earlier ones to suit their liking. Keeping current customers engaged will help make way for new ones.

• Tailor communication – make it meaningful

Don’t just spam them with emails and focus on selling your product – think of the customer, and how you’re communicating with them. Take it a step further by changing things up; you could either remind them about special features you’ve launched, major developments in the industry – or even wish them a happy birthday.

You need to make sure your communication strategies are well-timed, brief and thoughtful. Maintain a customer’s interest through active, friendly interaction.

• Always exceed expectations

The secret to satisfying a customer is simple: always give them more than what they expected. They will feel delighted to be associated with your business, and it will leave a lasting impression.

Make sure you listen to your customers attentively. Be friendly, acknowledge their concerns, and correct any problems they may be having. It is your job to make sure they walk away fully satisfied so that they can come back again for more purchases.

• Take your loyalty program to the next level

The idea behind customer loyalty programs is to honour your customers for being loyal – so go creative with it. Offer discounts on their favourite items, or reward them for recommending your company to a friend. Be generous with your benefits, and make your customers feel special for being devoted.

Advanced POS (point of sale) systems like Oscar have built-in Customer Loyalty programs that help you give incentives and digital rewards to your valued customers.

In today’s digital age, developing stronger customer relationships is easy yet challenging. Customers now have a range of businesses to support – so the work you put into maintaining and strengthening relationships with your customers will make or break you. The effort can get tough – but it is worth it when it’s your business that’s getting popularity and sales.