By: Puneet Dutt

Yes, yes, you’ve heard it all. How many articles on social media can you really read before your eyes glaze over?

Well, we’re going old-school in our approach to business, and it really works. Want to stand out above your competition? Yes, even if you’re a small business, or a service provider like a realtor, consider the Top 3 Tips and best practices to create a solid customer loyalty program.

It’s a fact that loyal customers spend more money. They tend to buy more plus they make referrals. So go ahead and read the article on our blog that will have your customers thanking you for thinking of them.

The First Step:

Network

Networking creates an opportunity to meet new people and put forward your best practices. After the event, create a text file of the e-mail addresses from the business cards, and write a quick note about the conversation you had. A one-liner will do, so you don’t forget the unique specifics of your dialogue. Preferably, you have time to write out your thank-yous and follow ups, but if you don’t, save the information right away to get to later. And make it a priority! Those relationships you built during those events, will refer you to others. You will start to notice a small trickle effect.

Eventually then, referrals can become a key way you generate your business.  Relationships will drive your company’s revenue, you just have to believe in it. Rewards start with loyalty, and loyalty starts with your business contacts.

Create an army of die-hard fans

The Second Step:

A Customer Loyalty Program

Don’t let your customers feel like you think of them only when you want money or want to up sell them. Show them you really care, by implementing a customer loyalty program. If you’re struggling for ideas, think back on brands and companies that have provided you with excellent service. Did they have a loyalty rewards program? Points? Gifts? Think back on how they did it, and what you loved about it.

For example, look back on other design marketing materials from other businesses such as loyalty cards, gift card applications, promo storefront stickers, and promotional tent cards that had loyalty programs.

Then if you’re still struggling with implementing this, and lack the time to hire a full-time person to help, consider companies out there that specialize Customized Customer Loyalty Programs. Some companies provide easy to use introductory packages that give you taste of what they do without long-term contracts.

The Third Step:

Communication Tools

There are plenty of free and paid services to help you stay in touch long after the customer transactions have been made. If you’re tech savvy you’re probably already on Linkedin, Twitter, and YouTube, but have you heard of Sendoutcards.com? Talk about making life easier! Send out birthday, anniversary, get well, thank-you and other cards from the comfort of your living room.

Here’s how it works: Pick an existing design, or custom make your own. They will print, handwrite your message, sign, stamp, seal and deliver the card to your business contacts and loved ones. Are you a realtor? Then you know referrals mean everything. This is just another easy way to stay in touch with your current clients. Adding an emotional touch that comes with a written card will differentiate you above the rest of the hyper-socialized world.

And wasn’t it Maya Angelou the famous writer the one who said, it’s not about what you say, or what you do, that makes people remember you, but how you make them feel.

In closing:

So ensure your business contacts, networks, circles, friends and family are feeling good. They are your word-of-mouth marketing tools. And if you’ve already tried SEO, and you’re looking for other ways to draw more traffic to your site. Consider a Customer Loyalty Program. Gain insight into your customers, and increase your communication and drive repeat visits.

You can do all this and establish positive word of mouth simply and easily by taking advantage of today’s DealsforBiz.com daily deal – $418 for a Customized Customer Loyalty Program from LoyaltyGator.com ($863 value). Click Here to purchase. LoyaltyGator.com has created loyalty programs for businesses in all different industries. It’s easy to get started and best of all, your data stays secure and you can control employee access.If you’re like many of us with busy lives and too much to juggle already, LoyaltyGator.com is a great option as a one stop shop for all your customer loyalty program needs.