A client-driven approach to marketing is essential for small businesses that are serious about developing long-lasting trusted relationships with their existing clients, and winning new business.
If your marketing strategy is directed by the needs of your clients, it can be one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal, and the more direct and engaging the marketing approach, the more effective it will be.
Macquarie have compiled three golden rules of marketing to help you keep your edge in the market.
The biggest golden rule is to carefully identify what your clients need and want, and then to show them that you can provide them with the service that will meet those needs. You need to have a direct connection with your target market to get the best return on investment from your marketing spend.
The cornerstone of an effective marketing program is to have a current and accurate understanding of your clients’ needs. Once you know what people expect of you, you can tailor your business objectives to solve their problems, and develop a marketing plan that clearly outlines the specific initiatives required to achieve your own marketing objectives and business goals.
Direct engagement, either by social media, email or face to face contact creates a good rapport with your clients, and allows you to remain competitive in your industry. The more honest and direct you are with your clients, the more trust you will build in your brand. It is much easier to exude a client-driven business focus if you have already established a reputation of honesty and integrity.
Clients appreciate direct and honest engagement. Keeping your clients informed, and communicating clearly and honestly in good situations and bad, creates positive word of mouth and referrals.
Small businesses often grow from referrals. Word-of-mouth is one of the most successful ways a business can quickly reach potential clients.
If a client has a good experience with your business, not only will they come back to you in future, they are also likely to tell their friends. Clients who value your service and the way you provide your service will support you by passing on their praise – and these referrals have a strong correlation to action. Think about the last great restaurant you ate at. You probably told a number of people about the excellent food, service and atmosphere and recommended they try it for themselves – and it’s very likely that some of them followed your advice.
All clients want to have a good service experience,. If you treat them with honesty and respect while staying attentive to their needs, then you’ll create valuable repeat business for life. And nothing can promote your business better than happy clients.
The above tips can be translated into any business environment.
Source: Macquarie.com.au/business/toolsandinsights
