5 Steps To Double Your Customer Base

It's no secret that "Word of Mouth", or referral business, is one of the most effective ways to bring in new customers while simultaneously strengthening relationships with your existing customer base. But even though it is extremely powerful and virtually free, very few print business owners use it anywhere near its potential. 

Consider this! If you got just one referral from each one of your customers, over the next year, you'd double your customer base. What would that mean to your business?

So, how do you maximize word of mouth for your company? Here are 5 steps I created to get you started. 

1. Really appreciate your customers and let them know consistently that you value them

This is the most important element of creating endless referrals. Regularly communicate with your customers, let them know how much you appreciate their business. Think of things you can do that can add more value to your relationship. 

2. Create an exceptional experience each time they deal with you or your company

If you can nail this part, you are on to a winner. Customers want amazing experiences. What little things can you do to add value to your user experience? Could it be a free artwork check or proofing service? Could you communicate better throughout the production of a job? Could you be following up once the job is delivered to check all is ok?

3. Give your customers incentives for giving you referrals

If you're being passive about referrals then you're likely sitting on a lot of potential new business. Come up with ways of rewarding your customers for referring business your way. It could be a discount on their next job, a free delivery upgrade, an amazon voucher. Whatever it is you choose, make sure it's something they will be really attracted to. 

4. Make it easy for your customers to give you referrals

If you want to get plenty of referrals, you need to make it incredibly easy for your customers to tell their friends/colleagues about your print services. Don't expect them to go way out of the way to help you grow your print business. Make it as simple as possible. Two ways I find really helpful are either the use of referral cards with a space to put their name on them that they can pass to people on your behalf or via the use of a personalized affiliate link. 

5. Ask at the right time!

When is the best time to ask for referrals? Any time! 

If you have followed the steps listed above, you've let your customers know they are appreciated, you have consistently given them an exceptional experience, you have created an enticing incentive to refer your business and you have made it very easy for them to do so. 

If you follow this process, you will see positive results!