It’s no surprise that building trust is an important asset in life, from personal relationships to co-workers to clients.  When it comes to running a successful business, building genuine relationships lead to trust which leads to long-term customers and clients.

Nobody wants to do business or buy products from someone they don’t like or don’t trust.

But how do you do this in an authentic way?

At Ellen Grace Marketing, we help small business keep their brands top of mind with their customers, with Digital Content Marketing (Social Media, Email Marketing, Blog Writing, etc.).

But more importantly, we believe that a strong marketing strategy should incorporate many opportunities for your customers to get to know you thereby building relationships, growing trust and leading more people to do business with you.

What can trust do for your business?

Trust and strong customer relationships can encourage people to…

• ENGAGE with your posts
• ATTEND your events
• FILL OUT your contact form
• DOWNLOAD your content
• FOLLOW you on social media
• PURCHASE the products you are selling
• ADVOCATE for you and your brand
• GROW brand loyalty

Developing relationships and building trust with your customers, will inevitably grow your business. If you are a small business, this is one great way to differentiate yourself from larger ones.  Read more advantages here.

Here’s 7 great ways to build relationships with your customers and clients.

1. Be Genuine

Always choose to be yourself. The scripts and acts often used by salespeople can be transparent, causing potential customers to run the other way. Be sincere about what you are doing, what problems you are able to solve, and how you will follow through. By being yourself 100% of the time, you will be able to attract the right people to your business.

2. Ask Questions

In order for your customers to want to get to know you, you have to want to get to know them. Take an interest in their lives by asking questions about what they do for fun, their accomplishments, and their families. You can also ask clients for feedback on your products or services through email, comment cards, or online surveys. If your customers feel as if their voices are being heard, they will have a higher respect and greater trust in your business.

3. Treat Your Customers As Individuals

Nobody wants to feel like they are just a number. Or worse yet, as if they are just someone’s paycheck. Take the time to answer all their questions and always be sincere in your answers. Never make them feel rushed. Each client should always be treated as an individual and not lumped in with anyone else you are doing business with.

4. Don’t Disappear

If you blog regularly or are fairly active on social media, don’t just take off for a couple weeks. It is fine to take a quick hiatus from posting as long as you explain your absence and your scheduled return date. Rather you realize it or not, people get accustomed to seeing your content and not seeing your posts can subconsciously make you appear unserious or flaky… two words that aren’t associated with trust.

5. Keep Customer Service At The Forefront

Customer service is everything. Your customers need to know that you care about them, their problems, and the product you represent. If your customer service is lacking, you will appear unconcerned about the client, their problems, and what you are trying to sell. This will never foster loyalty to a brand.

6. Show Your Gratitude

Did your client refer someone to you? Be sure to thank them. Are you excited to reach 5,000 followers? Be sure to post a story about it. Letting clients know that you are sincerely grateful for them will make them feel closer to you. After all… it is your clients who are letting you do what you love.

7. Reward Loyalty

A great way to build relationships with your customers is to incentivize repeat business. Everyone wants to be a part of something, and by inviting people into your “rewards” club, they will feel like part of the gang. They will feel closer to you and your brand.

Your customers aren’t after what you sell. They are looking for a solution to their problems. If you are able to provide that solution, it shows you care, leading to customer trust. When your customer plays the starring role in your marketing efforts, they feel appreciated and will happily do business with you again.