When entrepreneurs rush to start offering services or selling products, one of the key elements they don’t tend to put much thought into is the company’s customer service ethos.

While every business instinctively claims that customer service is an important aspect, how many have delved into the means of providing great service from inception?

At Business Setup Consultants , we have helped launch thousands of businesses in almost every sector.

Through our experience, we have seen a clear differentiator in what makes businesses successful and profitable in the long term. People become regular customers because of the extra things that you do and the special way you treat them.

Consumers have an infinite amount of options, give them a reason why you are better than a firm that is ten times your size!

Retaining Customers

In today’s highly competitive marketplace, retaining existing customers is pivotal for businesses to thrive and grow. Good customer service and a great customer service strategy play a crucial role in fostering customer loyalty and encouraging repeat customers. Studies have shown that acquiring a new customer can cost up to five times more than retaining an existing one. Satisfied customers who have positive customer experience are more likely to remain loyal customers to a brand, reducing customer churn and ensuring a steady stream of revenue.

Furthermore, positive word-of-mouth from happy customers can be a powerful marketing tool. Customers who have had exceptional service experiences with quality customer service are more likely to share their positive experience with friends, family, and social networks, effectively promoting the business and attracting new potential customers.

Building Brand Reputation

Customer service and an answering service that provides excellent customer service is a direct reflection of a company’s brand values and can significantly impact its reputation in the market. Positive customer interaction and experiences can enhance brand perception, building trust and credibility among consumers. Conversely, negative experiences from poor customer service can tarnish a brand’s image, leading to a loss of customer confidence and potential damage to the company’s reputation.

Exceptional customer care demonstrates a company’s commitment to its customers, reinforcing its brand values and setting it apart from competitors. By consistently delivering outstanding service with a dedicated customer service team, businesses can create a strong and favorable brand reputation, solidifying their position in the market.

Increasing Revenue and Profitability

Good customer support has a direct correlation with increased sales and profitability. Satisfied customers are more likely to make repeat purchases, recommend the business to others through positive word-of-mouth, and remain loyal customers to the brand. This customer loyalty translates into higher customer lifetime value, contributing to long-term profitability for the business.

Additionally, satisfied customers who have positive experiences are more receptive to cross-selling and upselling opportunities, providing businesses with the potential to increase their average order value and generate additional revenue streams.

Customer Service Importance

To illustrate how important customer service is to your business, let’s use the launch of a new beauty salon for ladies in Dubai as an example.

What if every customer that came to your business received a survey to see if they were happy with the service they received and if any improvements are recommended, along with a thank you note for their custom.

Imagine how your customer would feel if they received an email on their birthday thanking them for their loyalty along with an offer for the special occasion. The opportunities to connect with a client are endless; if you fail to establish that relationship, the customer may not have a reason to choose you over another established provider.

Think about your own experience; chances are that the last time you recommended a service or product to a friend or family member it was because you felt that it provided something ‘extra’ that made it stand out, in summary, the experience created a positive memory that stood out.

Competitive Advantage

The long-term impact of delivering excellent customer service cannot be overstated. It fosters customer retention, positive word-of-mouth from happy customers, and a favorable brand loyalty, ultimately leading to sustained growth and profitability for the business.

In today’s crowded market, better customer service that exceeds customer expectation can be a powerful differentiator, setting a small business apart from its competitors. By consistently meeting and exceeding customer expectations, companies can create a unique value proposition that attracts and retains customers.

Businesses that prioritize customer service with tools like Salesforce Service Cloud and adapt to changing customer needs and preferences are better positioned to gain a competitive edge. Customers are more likely to choose and remain loyal customers to companies that provide exceptional customer service, as it demonstrates a commitment to great customer satisfaction and well-being.

Top tips to keep in mind

1. Transparency and clarity . If consumers cannot consistently understand your pricing model or product features, then you are doing a great disservice to your long-term interests. Lack of transparency can make the client feel cheated, even if it’s not your intention. Also, always set realistic expectations for your customers, promising something you have no intention or capability to achieve is a fast way to have single-transaction customers.
2. Admit when you have failed . As a new business, there will be times when you make a mistake, or your product doesn’t deliver in the way it was intended to, after all, there is a lot of trial and error in any new business. Instead of sticking to your guns and deflecting the blame elsewhere, don’t hesitate to let the client know that you failed to uphold the standards that you hoped to deliver and will act to remedy it. Don’t default to battle mode, learn strategies to defuse even the most difficult of situations, so you don’t lose your client.
3. Continuous feedback . Your customers can help you continuously improve your business through customer feedback. Every new business has unexpected blind spots, and if you develop a program to learn from the feedback, you will be able to implement ways to keep up with consumer sentiment. You can ask for reviews on platforms such as Google or Facebook to publicize how customers feel about your business.

The adage that you’re only as strong as your people is true – having engaged customer service-oriented staff who will go the extra mile when necessary is important for startups, particularly if they are in a highly competitive sector.

You may not have a 24-hour customer service call centre like some of the big brands, but you can teach your employees to tackle customer complaints swiftly without the layers of bureaucracy of bigger firms. Big businesses often make consumers follow their own procedures to tackle customer service issues, while as a startup you have the capability to be nimbler and more personable at the same time.

As the founder, you have the ability to set the example, if a customer feels he was wronged by your firm, what better way to tackle it than a letter from the founder acknowledging their concerns and finding a win-win solution.

When executed properly, customer service becomes a sustainable competitive advantage that increases customer loyalty, decreases costs, attracts top employees, and acts as a differentiator versus competitors.

Conclusion

Good customer service through a customer service strategy, help center, and meeting customer expectations is a critical component of business success in today’s competitive landscape. By prioritizing customer support, businesses can retain existing customers, build a strong brand reputation through positive customer experiences, increase revenue and profitability with satisfied customers, and gain a competitive advantage.

Businesses that prioritize quality customer service and customer engagement, and continuously strive to improve their customer service offerings will be well-positioned to thrive in an ever-evolving market, ensuring their long-term success and cementing their position as industry leaders in customer acquisition and managing the customer relationship.

When launching your business, speak to our consultants about how countless entrepreneurs have successfully established themselves by revolving their businesses around a strong customer service ethos.