how to get repeat customers Archives

I have said many times to the small businesses that I advise, why do you spend all of your time chasing new business, when you can also get repeat business from your customers.

How to Get Repeat Customers

I believe most small businesses should aim for 30 to 40% of their business to be repeat customers. Of course, it does depend on what you sell. For example if you sell wedding gowns, chances are a bride is a one-time customer. But you can get referral business from her if she was happy. If you sell to wedding stylists, they definitely would be repeat customers.

If you sell supplies for people to make products, then your business should be more like 70 – 80% repeat customers. People typically don’t like to switch suppliers. Certain professionals like doctors and dentists likely have an 80% repeat customer rate.

To get repeat business, you need to stay in touch after the sale, but in a subtle way. Here are some tactics to try that are not pushy, but help your customers to remember that you exist.

16 Ways to Get Repeat Business

Send a thank you card/email
Send a coupon for a discount off their next order
Ask them to subscribe to a special offers newsletter
Follow them on social media
Mention them on your social media pages
Hold customer appreciation events
Hold exclusive customer-only sales
Give them a free tip or piece of advice
Send them a free download relevant to your business
Offer a rewards card
Send them free samples of new products
Allow them to create a wish list and be notified when those items go on sale
Give them a special discount on their birthday or Black Friday
Send an annual free gift, like a calendar
If you sell products, offer returning customers a free service
If you sell services, offer returning customers a free product

Remember, people appreciate that you appreciate, and that is how it should look, not like you are trying to get more business.

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Want to know how to reengage with customers after the holidays?

I recently contributed to an article, How Small Businesses Can Keep Their Brand Strong After the Holiday Rush. A lot of the article talks about using this time to stay connected with your customers, which is always good advice.

If you are an online business, one critical thing you need to do during this slow January lull is follow-up with your customers who purchased from you in early November to December 31st. Not only will this foster a good customer relationship (you want their repeat business and referrals), but they may come back to buy more right away.

Three Easy Ways to Reconnect with Your Holiday Buyers

Send the customer an email and ask if the product arrived in time (if applicable) and if they are happy. Keep it short and sweet.
Offer a 20% off coupon for their next purchase as a thank you or mention something cool you are doing on social media if they would like to follow you. For example, “Be sure to follow my Facebook page below as I am posting my favorite Pinterest boards every week…” (following you on social media keeps you in their radar).
Send them a free digital gift, like a one-page printable calendar for the new year. Make sure it has your shop branding and url on it.

Remember, 30 – 40% of your business should be repeat customers, so this presents the perfect opportunity to reach out to them.