Written by: Michele Levandusky, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Now, see how intriguing that was for you to click on this article to read it? Stick with me for just a moment and see why.
Working with businesses to help them build a database can sometimes have obstacles. One of the easiest ways to get something is to give something. I think we all expect we need to give our email out to get something in return, right? But some business owners are afraid to give something away. I’m not saying give away the farm, but you can spare a chicken, right? For example, you needed to give your email to get the latest app on your phone, right? You needed to give your phone number for them to send you a confirmation text, right? So, business owners shouldn’t be afraid to ask people for this information...but also don’t shy away from giving something in return.
Let's use a Car Wash, for example. If I owned a car wash and built a database of my current and potential customers, I would offer “Join our VIP Program and get a FREE Car Wash!” Heck yeah, you would probably sign up for that, right!?!? Who doesn’t want a free car wash! As the business owner, I now have your email and phone number that I can market to you personally. Maybe it’s a slow Tuesday afternoon, and I can send out a message to my VIP Club and say, “Hey Steve, FYI, 50% off car wash today only”. Yep, I may lose 50% of the profit, but I’d rather lose 50% than not have any business at all. In turn, you, Mr/Ms. Customers will be more likely to come back to my car wash whenever your car requires some TLC.
How about “Hey Mr. Customer, Happy Birthday! Stop by and get your car washed today and get a Free Interior Cleaning”. Heck yeah! Hold my cupcake, and I’m on my way! What happens? My detailer will most likely get one heck of a tip, which will make them super happy. Mr. Customer will now have a clean car inside and out, and once again, he will return for his regular car cleanings, and I now have a loyal customer who will tell his friends and family about my service.
Building databases like this is vital to the growth and success of any business. No matter what type of business you have, I can come up with a plan. Look, if nothing else, 2020 taught us we don’t know what to expect next. If you’re relying solely on Social Media and Pay Per Click to build your business….think the “What if’s” What if Zuck cashed in his billions and shut Facebook down? Be proactive, not reactive in your business!
When you give something away and build a customer loyalty program, they are 75% more likely to choose you over your competition. 20% of your current customers will make up 80% of your company's future sales. And, just a 5% increase in customer retention increases profits by 25% to 95%. That’s worth giving away a few chickens from the farm, right?
Michele Levandusky, Executive Contributor, Brainz Magazine
Not your average digital marketing gal! With 30+ years of business experience, a Masters in Organizational Leadership, and a Bachelor's in Business, I know from both learning and experience that digital marketing is more than just status updates and hashtags. At My Cup of Media, we build database resources, turn clicks into customers, customers into loyal, repeat customers while providing measured metrics and a true, trackable ROI. Along with that, we manage your online reputation to build those solid 5 stars reviews.
