8/21/18
The financial experts at Forbes* have identified several different strategies that will boost your ability to retain customers and sell more devices and tech products.1
One of the most important first steps toward ensuring that your customers make repeat visits to your store involves data collection. Loyalty card programs and discounts given in return for signing up for emails are a solid way to obtain information on customers that can help you pinpoint your marketing campaigns.
Surveys are designed to allow you to obtain valuable information about the products your customers already own and the preferences they have for new acquisitions. It’s important to keep in mind that customers are much more likely to take the time to complete surveys when they have enjoyed a positive shopping experience and positive interactions with your sales team.
When research information has been collected and compiled, your marketing team will use it to tailor discounts and sales to your customers specifically. For instance, if your customer purchases a gaming console from your store, you should follow up with discounts on games and accessories for that console.
When meaningful campaigns are created out of in-house market research on your specific customer base, better opportunities are created for your associates to close on new sales, upsells, and cross-sells of PCs, peripherals, and new technologies.
Your sales associates play a major role in making your customers feel welcome in your stores. By encouraging a friendly and helpful attitude and a relaxed atmosphere, your stores will provide the best possible shopping experience for new and returning customers alike.
Personalizing the experience for your customers should not stop when they walk out the front door. Your communications and promotions should be tailored specifically to the needs and preferences of your customers on a continuous basis.
The best way to ensure repeat business is to provide your customers with a reason to return and shop with you. Meaningful interactions with your associates and customized offers designed just for them create compelling reasons for customers to return to your location again and again for their technology needs.
Especially in the retail technology industry, a proven reputation for customer service is critical to your ongoing success. Courteous and knowledgeable sales associates are a key part of this reputation.
Making sure your sales associates have the knowledge and the skills needed to deliver outstanding customer service is the first step in building a good name for your brand, your store, and the services you provide.
Monitoring social media sites is also important in the modern marketing world. Responding quickly and effectively to complaints and compliments will establish your brand as a force to be reckoned with in these social networks and will provide you with a clearer picture of your brand image in the public arena.
Once you have established a connection with a customer in your store, follow up with communications designed to attract their interest and to secure their repeat business. These communications could be as simple as a thank-you note for a major purchase. Discounts and coupons designed specifically to appeal to the preferences and purchasing habits of your customers are other innovative ways to make sure your customers stay connected to your store and the products you offer.
Alerting customers to major advances and new products will not only keep them informed but will also establish your store as a reliable source of accurate information and cutting-edge products in the retail tech sector. This approach is highly recommended for stores that must compete with other brick-and-mortar locations in urban areas.
Staying current with new marketing strategies is the best way to keep shoppers coming back for more. Immersive shopping experiences, in-store demos, ample inventory of the latest devices, augmented and virtual reality options, in-store mobile app specials, and other cutting-edge tools and strategies will add real appeal to your stores for tech-savvy consumers.
By taking steps to improve customer retention, you will position your store to survive and thrive even in the highly competitive arena of retail technology.
Resources:
*Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
©Intel Corporation 2018. Intel, the Intel logo, Intel Retail Edge Program, and Intel Retail Edge Live are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries.
1 https://www.forbes.com/sites/steveolenski/2017/03/01/6-tips-to-make-your-customers-keep-coming-back/#23858b347c44
