​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.

QuickBooks:
When it comes to managing finances, QuickBooks is a go-to app for small business owners. It simplifies accounting tasks by offering features like invoicing, expense tracking, payroll management, and tax calculations. With real-time data synchronization across devices, intuitive reporting, and seamless integration with other software, QuickBooks saves time and ensures accurate financial records.

Slack:
Communication is key for any business, and with Slack it's simple! Slack is an app designed to enhance team collaboration and communication. It offers real-time messaging, file sharing, and integrations with other tools, facilitating seamless communication within your organization. With dedicated channels for specific teams or projects, direct messaging, and the ability to integrate various apps, Slack helps streamline communication and boost productivity.

Mailchimp:
Email marketing is a powerful tool for small businesses to engage with customers and drive sales. Mailchimp simplifies email marketing campaigns by providing pre-designed templates, automated workflows, and segmentation features. It allows you to create professional-looking emails, track campaign performance, and build customer relationships, all in one easy to use platform.

Shopify:
For small businesses looking to establish an online presence and sell products or services online, Shopify is the place. It offers an intuitive interface, customizable storefronts, secure payment gateways, and a range of marketing tools. With Shopify, you can easily set up an online store, manage inventory, process orders, and track sales, enabling your small business to reach a wider audience and increase sales.

Canva:
Visual content is crucial for engaging customers and creating a strong brand identity. Canva is a graphic design app that enables small business owners to create stunning visuals, including social media posts, flyers, presentations, and more. With its drag-and-drop interface, extensive library of templates, and a wide range of design elements, Canva empowers everyone, even non-designers, to produce professional-quality graphics for free.

HubSpot:
​HubSpot is an all-in-one marketing, sales, and customer relationship management (CRM) platform. It provides small businesses with the tools to manage leads, automate marketing campaigns, track customer interactions, and analyze data. With features like email marketing, lead nurturing, contact management, and sales funnel tracking, HubSpot helps small businesses streamline their marketing and sales processes all in one place.

In the digital era, small businesses have the opportunity to leverage powerful apps to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and achieve growth. The apps mentioned above, including QuickBooks, Slack, Mailchimp, Shopify, Canva, and HubSpot, are just a few examples of the many options available. By carefully selecting and utilizing the right apps for your specific needs, you can empower your small business, save time, and focus on what truly matters: delivering exceptional products or services to your customers while driving success in a competitive marketplace

In today's digital age, social media offers endless opportunities. However, with a plethora of options available, choosing the right social media platform for your business can often feel overwhelming. In this article, we’ll provide you with a guide to help you navigate social media confidently and utilize it to help your business reach its full potential.
 
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about utilizing social media is the myriad of platforms. From Facebook which was founded in 2004 and has nearly three billion users to BeReal which was founded in 2020 and started gaining popularity in 2022, it is hard to know which ones are right for your business. However, before we dive into which platforms are right for you, understand that you don’t need to be on every platform. Why? Because your ideal market isn’t on every platform. Now, let’s break utilizing social media down into 6 steps:
 
1. Define Your Goals
To start off, determine what you want to achieve through social media, whether it's promoting your business, sharing your creativity, networking, or simply staying connected with customers. Understanding your objectives will help you narrow down the platforms that align with your goals.
 
2. Understand Your Target Audience
Different social media platforms attract distinct demographics and user behaviors. So it is important to research and analyze the demographics, interests, and preferences of your target audience. This information will help you select platforms where your audience is most active, ensuring that your content reaches the right people.
 
3. Platform Analysis
Every social media platform has unique features, strengths, and weaknesses. Here's a brief overview of some popular platforms:
-Facebook: With billions of active users, Facebook provides a diverse user base and powerful advertising capabilities. It's suitable for businesses targeting a broad audience and building a community.
-Instagram: A visually oriented platform, Instagram is ideal for businesses or individuals who can leverage high-quality images and videos. It's particularly popular among younger audiences and focuses on aesthetics and storytelling.
-Twitter: Known for its real-time updates and brevity, Twitter is suitable for engaging in conversations, sharing news, and building a personal brand.
-LinkedIn: Geared towards professionals, LinkedIn is perfect for networking, job searching, and showcasing industry expertise. It's particularly effective for B2B marketing and building a professional reputation.
-YouTube: As a video-centric platform, YouTube offers vast potential for content creators, vloggers, and businesses to share tutorials, entertainment, and educational content.
-TikTok: A rapidly growing platform, TikTok is popular among younger audiences for creating and sharing short, engaging videos. It's ideal for brands looking capture their audience’s attention through creative content.
 
4. Consider Your Content Strategy
Evaluate the type of content you plan to share. For example, if you focus on visuals, platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, or YouTube might be suitable. If your content is text-heavy or requires long-form discussions, platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn could be a better fit. Aligning your content strategy with the platform's format and strengths will maximize engagement and reach.
 
5. Resource Allocation
Consider the resources you're willing to allocate to manage your social media presence. Each platform requires time, effort, and sometimes financial investment. Determine the platforms where you can consistently provide quality content and engage with your audience without spreading yourself too thin.
 
6. Test and Analyze
Once you've selected a few platforms, it's crucial to test the waters before fully committing. Experiment with different platforms, analyze your performance, and gather feedback from your audience. Use analytics tools to track engagement, reach, and conversions to assess which platforms are delivering the best results. Adjust your strategy accordingly to optimize your social media presence.
 
Choosing the right social media platform is an essential step in establishing a successful online presence. By defining your goals, understanding your target audience, analyzing platforms, considering your content strategy, and evaluating resource allocation, you'll be on the path to a successful online presence. Remember, social media platforms evolve over time, so what has worked for you in the past may not be the best for your business now.
 
And remember, the Chamber is always available to help. Whether you need a bit of social media advice or help finding local marketing firms that can assist you with social media marketing, we’re happy to assist you. Reach out to our team here!