Staying ahead of your competition is a must to keep your customers. So I’ve decided to put together the top 6 ways to help you stay ahead of the game. Remember to leave your feedback on how these are working for you or what you think about what I suggested.

1. Stay In Touch

Stay in contact with customers on a regular basis. Offer
them a free e-zine subscription. Ask customers if they want
to be updated by e-mail when you make changes to your
Web site. After every sale follow-up with the customer to
see if they are satisfied with their purchase.

2. Friendly Web Site

Make it easy for your customers to navigate on your Web
site. Have a “FAQ” page on your Web site to explain
anything that might confuse your customers. Ask them to fill
out an electronic survey to find out how make your Web
site more customer friendly.

3. Easy And Free Communication

Make it easy and for your customers to contact you. Offer
as many contact methods as possible. Allow customers
contact you by e-mail. Hyperlink your e-mail address so
customers won’t have to type it. Offer toll free numbers for
phone and fax contacts.

4. Teach Your Employees

Make sure employees know and use your customer service
policy. Give your employees bonuses or incentives to practice
excellent customer service. Tell employees to be flexible with
each individual customer, each one has different concerns,
needs and wants.

5. Impress Your Customer

Give your customers more than they expect. Send thank
you gifts to lifetime customers. E-mail them online greeting
cards on holidays or birthdays. Award bonuses or discounts
to customers who make a big purchase.

6. Be Nice

Always be polite to your customers. Use the words Please,
Thank You, and Your Welcome. Be polite to your customers
even if they are being irate with you. Always apologize to
your customers should you make a mistake. Admit your
mistakes quickly and make it up to them in a big way.