How to Get More Customers Through Convenience Marketing

Consumers are becoming more and more interested in convenience, so business owners need to integrate the convenience factor into their products and services. Then, they need to convey convenience in their marketing efforts.

Convenience can be recognized in many ways. A business can be located in a convenient area. A company can offer convenient hours. Products can be easy to use, services can be effortless to schedule, etc.. As a business owner, you may choose to focus on a single convenience factor or you may want to offer multiple conveniences to customers.

By making business transactions elementary an unchallenging, companies can win over more customers, but they can also can attract more repeat buyers and referrals with minimal effort. Buy making the shopping experience enjoyable, buyers are less reluctant to spend their money, and companies don’t have to hassle with the old sales pitch.

There are several ways that a company can offer convenience to its clients:

1. Make it easy for shoppers to buy from you whenever they want. That means 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Many businesses are finding that websites are an easy low cost answer. Customers can browse and shop at their convenience and buy when they are ready. Some companies have phone service around the clock for customers.
   
2. Offer multiple forms of payment. Accept cash, checks and credit cards. Accept as many types of credit cards as you can. If appropriate, offer payment plans or financing to encourage shoppers to buy. Even if most buyers make their purchases using Visa cards, for example, most people prefer to have choices and are more likely to shop with stores that offer options.
   
3. Having a toll-free phone number is another convenience that business owners can offer to customers. These days, toll-free numbers can be set up for very little cost and with low per-minute rates, they are affordable for most small businesses. Instant messaging, Skype numbers and website communication tools are also extra conveniences businesses can offer their customers to help answer questions and speed up the sales process.
4. Set up a website where people can access information about your products or services. Provide background on your company, contact information and details on shipping, returns, guarantees, etc... The more answers you supply, the better prepared your prospect will be to make a purchase decision. On top of that, when your company is open and straightforward about what it offers, customers are more likely to trust you and want to do business with you.
   
5. Don’t waste a customer’s time. Whether they are in your store or on the other end of the phone line, provide quick solutions and do not keep them waiting. Make all paperwork and instructions easy to understand so customers are less likely to get frustrated.

Put yourself in your customer’s shoes and think about how you would want to be treated if you were in his or her position. Handle transactions and situations like you are working with a close friend. If you are unsure of what your particular customer wants, ask. Shoppers want to know that you are interested in them, and this genuine act will definitely demonstrate your interest.

With so much competition in the marketplace today, small businesses cannot afford to offer just standard service to their clients. Companies need to go above and beyond in customer service in order to stay in business. The extra effort in customer service will pay off in lower advertising costs and higher profits, so it is well worth the investment in time.

Resources:

• Referral Marketing Tips: how to get all the referrals you can handle
• Cheap Marketing: 6 ways to attract more customers without spending a lot of money
• (800) Toll Free Phone Numbers: how to pay less than $5 a month for a toll-free phone number with voicemail