It is good to note that while some customers willingly come back and make a second purchase, most clients need to be pursued in a way. That said, getting customers to buy the second time around needs a little bit of work in order to succeed.  And one of the easiest ways to increase sales is through your current customers since they are already the easiest and least expensive to market to.   Here are some tips that you can try to improve your client retention levels.

1. Serve With A Smile-- The old adage, “the customer is always right” still applies if you want to keep customers coming back to you. Most distraught customers seek attention through emotional outbursts, and the best thing you can do as a business owner is to take things calmly and stay in control. Smile while doing what you can to appease your customer’s frustrations.

2. Proactively Stay In Touch-- Consider giving your top customers a call to proactively follow things up. Giving them a quick call adds a personal touch to your business and gives the impression that you care as a business owner. A personalized email can also do the trick. In my book, “Business Tips From The Trenches” I tell some horror stories that could have been prevented by a simple phone call.

3. Just Ask-- Take time to collect feedback from your clients. Your company website, some comment cards inside your store, e-mails and your company’s Facebook page or Twitter account are great channels of communication.

4. Continue Marketing-- Remember that your current customers have already done business with you and are more likely to do business with you again. Focus your resources, efforts and time to better serve your current customers. Remember ABM--Always Be Marketing.

5. Start A Loyalty Program-- People love gifts or free services, making loyalty programs is an effective strategy for customer retention.

6. Solve Problems Right Away--A study done by TARP Worldwide, a leading customer service agency shows that 95% of customers who have registered a complaint will most likely buy again if their complaint was quickly resolved.