According to Betsy Sanders, author of the customer service book “Fabled Service,” 68% of customers who leave a business leave due to Perceived Indifference.

In other words, the products, price, quality, service, and the customer’s own personal circumstances have not changed… The customer simply feels that the business doesn’t appreciate their patronage anymore.

In most businesses, the customer’s perception could not be further from the truth; with all of the uncertainty of running a business, the existing, loyal customer base is a business owner’s saving grace.

An easy way to reduce the number of customers that distance themselves from your business, therefore, is just to let them know you haven’t forgotten about them.

Five simple ideas to get you started:

  1. Institute a loyalty program (e.g., a “frequent sipper card” for a coffee shop)
  2. Create an e-mail newsletter
  3. Send “reminder” cards when the purchase cycle is predictable (e.g., for a mechanic)
  4. Institute problem to reactivate lapsed customers (could be as simple as e-mailing people you haven’t seen for a month and sending them a special offer)
  5. Resist “New Customers Only” offers!

Remember, attracting new customers is the hardest business to get, and will cost the most to get.

If you have any other ways to show your existing customers you appreciate them, please comment on this blog post so others can benefit.

As always, your feedback, questions, and topic requests are appreciated!

About the Author
James Deck is the founder of Australian online marketingcompany "1300 Web Pro.” The company’s primary focus is best summed up by theirslogan: “Websites that mean business!” James is an entrepreneur, and enjoyshelping clients meet their business goals. Find out more about 1300 Web Pro at www.1300webpro.com.au.