intelligent

INDEPENDENT

BUSINESSES RELY ON THEIR LOYAL CUSTOMER BASE , SO BE SURE TO PUT YOUR CUSTOMERS AT THE CENTRE OF YOUR STRATEGY .

so than implementing a rewarding loyalty scheme ? Not only will this retain valuable customers , but if you incorporate it into your marketing efforts it will attract new potential customers to come and reap the rewards of choosing your business .

Gary Peeling , CEO at Where The Trade Buys

YOUR STRATEGY

SHOULD INVOLVE A MARKETING BUDGET THAT ALLOWS YOU TO INTERACT

WITH YOUR CUSTOMER BASE . in which you ask your followers to share a post and tag their friends .

Communication is also essential right now because big changes could happen at any point . Don ’ t leave your customers in the dark . Instead , always be clear on your opening hours , delivery options and any special promotions that you ’ re running .

Express gratitude through loyalty schemes and offers

One of the best ways to capitalise on the customer base you were able to cultivate throughout the early stages of lockdown , is to show gratitude and thank them for their unwavering loyalty . What better way to do

Share your story

Finally , remember to maximise one of the main reasons why local customers chose to support you throughout lockdown instead of a much larger corporation : the emotion and ‘ realness ’ of a small , community-based business . Share your lockdown story with your customers and don ’ t forget to thank them for the part they played in it .

Did your business step in to help others within your community during times of crisis ? If so , incorporate that uplifting story into your marketing efforts and remind people that by supporting you , they ’ re not only helping one small business thrive but playing a real part for their community .

The future is unclear , but by being flexible , engaging your customers and putting effort into both your digital and print marketing , you will have the tools to continue to build your business up . Independent businesses rely on their loyal customer base , so be sure to put your customers at the centre of your strategy . �