​A significant part of customer service is engaging with your customers. Interacting with your customers shows that you have an adequate understanding of what good customer service is. Good customer service will make your customers feel less like they are just around to give away their money, and more like they are a priority, reminding them that they add value to your business. Knowing how to treat your customers will be very beneficial in the long run!
 
Why engage with customers?
 
Relationships:
By engaging with your customers, you will build new relationships with people. This could simply be with customers that you see on a regular basis, or even business professionals within the community! Forming new connections will eventually lead to building relationships. New connections can provide you with new ideas, resources, and perspectives. Having a relationship with your customers is what will make them want to come back. Customers will be more inclined to visit your establishment and spend their time and money there if they have a relationship with you. To build relationships, you must engage with customers.
 
Loyalty:
Consistently interacting with your customers allows you to build trust. This also plays a part in building relationships with your customers. If your customers can trust that you will provide what they need, have prices that they can afford, and can help answer any questions they might have then they will continue to go back to you. Their loyalty to you means that you always have customers you can count on, even when times get tough!
 
Satisfaction:
The satisfaction of your customers is your highest priority. Satisfied customers mean repeating customers! Part of customer satisfaction is engaging with customers. Figure out what the want/need, why they are stopping in, etc. Engaging with them will show that you want them to have a good experience, and that all their questions are being answered without them even having to ask! High customer satisfaction also boosts customer retention!
 
How do you engage with customers?
 
1.Social Media
Many people use social media on a daily basis. Social media is a great tool to engage with new and returning customers. Making frequent posts on social media and staying active lets your customers know what’s going on with your business without you having to directly tell them. Though not everyone is active on social media, many of the younger generations are, and as social media is used more and more by future generations it will become even more of a useful tool.
 
For example, One-Eyed Cookie Lab stays active on Facebook. Posting multiple times a week, listing all products that will be sold, along with pictures of their sweet treats to provide a visual. Posting regularly and utilizing social media makes engaging with customers quick and easy.
 
2.Reward System
Creating some type of rewards system shows that you are engaging with customers. Making customers feel special and important to your business will make them want to come back… which also means you will have customers loyal to you!
 
Six Hundred is an example of a business implementing a rewards system in the community. At Six Hundred, returning customers can receive $10 off after spending a certain amount. This type of engagement is a great way to give back to your customers.
 
3.Personalized Shopping
A meaningful way to engage with customers is by personally addressing customers. Introduce yourself and use their name while interacting with them. Personalized shopping will let customers know their needs are being met, while catering to the needs of individuals rather than customers as a whole. This could include custom orders, making specific product recommendations, etc. This creates a unique experience with the customer.
 
At High-Point Graphics you will always have a personalized experience. With custom orders, banners, embroidery, and much more you are guaranteed to be taken care of as an individual.
 
 
4.Feedback
Encourage feedback! Always ask for honesty from your customers as it can help your business. This could be through emailed surveys, “Tell us how we’re doing” QR codes on receipts, asking in person, social media comments/posts, website reviews, etc. Your customers’ opinions are so important, and by asking for their feedback shows them that what they think matters. Figuring out how you can enhance your customers’ experience can only be done if you know what they need from you!
 
An example of receiving feedback is after making a purchase at Gathering Grounds, you can select a smiley face or a frowny face to express how your experience was. Actively asking for feedback allows you to engage with customers as you are allowing them to communicate how they feel you have done.
 
5.Mail/Email
Sending out flyers, letters, or even new products that your business may have directly to your customers is an effective way to engage with them. Another great way to engage with customers is sending thank you letters or emails directly to them after making a purchase or even randomly. Showing your appreciation to your customers will show that you care about them and make them feel valuable!
 
Four Acre Clothing sends out emails that inform customers when there are new products being released and any events they will be a vendor at. Sending out mail or setting up an email that customers can subscribe to is a great way to engage with you customers.
 
6.Events
By hosting or participating in events, you can engage with many customers at once. Depending on your establishment, you can host many different types of events that cater to your business. These events could be holiday based events, deals your business may be having, or even events associated with First Fridays or any of the events Logan County has going on downtown!
 
The Syndicate consistently hosts events. Nearly every weekend, there is live music open to all. By welcoming in the community and offering things that others can experience with you, you will more than likely have returning customers! Engaging with the community while giving them something to look forward to will be valuable to you and your business.
 
There are many events that go on all throughout Logan County. To stay in the loop, check out: https://www.experiencelogancounty.com/events.html
 
 
Engaging with your customers and taking the time to practice good customer service will benefit not only your customers but also your business. The experience that your customers have in your establishment is meaningful to them and will leave an impact! 

2. Loyalty Programs and Referral Incentives
Rewarding your existing customers for their loyalty can drive repeat business and customer retention. Implement a loyalty program that offers discounts, exclusive offers, or even free products/services to customers who make repeat purchases. Additionally, create referral incentives where customers receive rewards for referring new clients to your business. This word-of-mouth marketing can significantly expand your customer base.

3. Limited-Time Offers
Create a sense of urgency and excitement with limited-time offers. Whether it's a flash sale, a seasonal discount, or a special promotion tied to a specific event, these time-sensitive deals can encourage potential customers to make a purchase sooner rather than later. Make sure to effectively communicate the urgency through your marketing materials.

4. Collaborations and Partnerships
Teaming up with complementary businesses can be a win-win situation for all parties involved. Collaborations and partnerships can expose your business to new audiences and broaden your reach.

5. Email Marketing Campaigns
Email marketing is far from obsolete. Building an email list of interested customers gives you a direct line of communication. Send out regular newsletters with updates, promotions, and valuable content. Personalization is key – tailor your emails to individual preferences for better engagement.

​Promoting a small business requires creativity, consistency, and a strategic approach. By mastering the art of content marketing, loyalty programs, limited-time offers, collaborations, and email campaigns, you can effectively reach your target audience, build a loyal customer base, and ultimately drive your small business toward lasting success. Remember, the best strategy may vary depending on your industry and target audience, so don't hesitate to experiment and refine your approach based on what works best for your unique business.