​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! 

Why should I get involved? 
Involvement in your community shows dedication and commitment to your business and the people you serve. Whether you’re a newer business, or your business has been around for a while, it’s never too late to get involved! 

How can I get involved with the community?
There are so many ways to get involved with the community. Think about what you want out of your connections in the community. Do you want to meet new people? Give back to those in need? Offer your expertise to others? Or just have fun and relax? Consider your desired outcome to help guide your next steps. 

• A great way to start – especially if you’d like to volunteer your time – is to reach out to United Way of Logan County. Their volunteer guide has a wealth of information on volunteer opportunities.
• No time to volunteer? Consider donating or sponsoring an event or program in our community. You can also donate food and clothes to places like LCS if you prefer to donate items instead of money.
• Just want to have fun? Take a look at a local events calendar to find fun things to do in Logan County.
• If no events appeal to you, your community benefits when you spend local. Make an effort to buy anything you can from local retailers and service providers. You can even give the gift of shopping local in the form of Chamber Checks!

What are the benefits to getting involved?
By getting involved in the local economy, you are making an impact, whether it would be big or small. Volunteering and getting involved gives your business the chance to give back to the community, while giving you a feeling of gratification. When your business makes a positive impact, you also create a positive image for your brand. Volunteering in the community also opens opportunities to network and make connections with whomever you are volunteering with/for. 

Getting involved won’t harm your business - there are no downsides. Start getting involved to help you and your business expand and grow!

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.

2. Leverage the Power of SEO:
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a powerful tool to increase your website's visibility on search engines. Conduct keyword research to understand what terms potential customers are using to find products like yours. Incorporate these keywords into your product descriptions, meta titles, and headings to improve your chances of appearing in search results.

3. Implement a Clear Call-to-Action (CTA):
Every page on your website should have a clear and compelling call-to-action. Whether it's "Shop Now," "Add to Cart," or "Subscribe," a well-placed CTA guides visitors toward making a purchase or taking the desired action.

5. Offer Special Promotions:
Everyone loves a good deal. Implementing special promotions, such as discounts, buy-one-get-one offers, or limited-time sales, can create a sense of urgency and encourage customers to make a purchase sooner rather than later.

6. Leverage Social Media:
Social media platforms offer a valuable opportunity to connect with your target audience and showcase your products. Regularly post engaging content, including product highlights, behind-the-scenes looks, customer testimonials, and educational posts related to your industry.

7. Utilize Email Marketing:
Build an email list of interested customers and regularly send out newsletters, product updates, and exclusive offers. Personalize your emails to cater to each customer's preferences and shopping behavior.

8. Invest in Paid Advertising:
Consider using paid advertising channels such as Google Ads or social media ads to target potential customers based on demographics, interests, and online behavior. These platforms offer advanced targeting options to reach your ideal audience.

9. Implement Abandoned Cart Recovery:
Many online shoppers abandon their carts before completing a purchase. Implement an abandoned cart recovery strategy by sending follow-up emails to remind customers about the items they left behind and offering incentives to complete their purchase.

​Increasing online sales requires a combination of strategic planning, consistent effort, and a deep understanding of your target audience. By implementing these strategies and adapting to changing market dynamics, you can drive meaningful growth and establish a strong online presence for your business.

With a clearer understanding of your business's strengths and weaknesses, consider refining your strategy. Are there new markets to tap into? Could you expand your product or service offerings? Use this period to brainstorm and plan for growth. 

2. Invest in Training and Development:
Enhance the skills of your team members during the slow season. Offer training sessions, workshops, or online courses that can help them become more proficient in their roles. This investment not only improves your team's capabilities but also boosts morale and job satisfaction.

3. Update Your Marketing Materials:
Revamp your marketing materials, both digital and physical. Update your website, refresh your social media profiles, create new content, and brainstorm innovative marketing campaigns. such as blog posts or videos. Consider offering special promotions, discounts, or loyalty programs that can attract new customers and incentivize repeat business. These efforts can help maintain your brand's relevance and visibility, even during slower periods.

4. Conduct Research and Development:
Use this time to explore new product or service ideas. Gather feedback from your team and customers, and begin prototyping or planning for future launches. Innovation can set your business apart and generate excitement.

5. Perform a Financial Checkup:
Review your financial statements, budgets, and projections. Identify areas where you can cut costs, allocate resources more effectively, or invest in growth opportunities.

6. Take Care of Yourself:
Lastly, don't forget about your own well-being. The slow season can be stressful, but it's also a chance to recharge. Use the extra time to focus on your health, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones.

​A business's slow season doesn't have to be a period of stagnation. It can be transformed into an opportunity for growth, innovation, and preparation for busier times ahead. By strategically investing your time and resources, you can position your business for success and come out stronger on the other side.