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7 November 2024Five essential steps to building a thriving EV installation business
8 November 2024Five top tips for keeping customers happy
Keeping customers happy and coming back is key to building a thriving business. Offering quality EV chargers and other high-end products is essential, but they’re only half the equation. To truly stand out, you need service solutions that match the excellence of your products.
Research tells us that acquiring a new customer can be up to 25 times more expensive than retaining an existing one, so holding onto your high-value clients is critical. However, you don’t need a complicated strategy to do this successfully. Just a few simple steps can set you on the right path.
So, with that in mind, here are our top five affordable tips to keep customers happy and build a solid foundation for long-term success.
TIP #1: 5* service
Trust is the currency of business. Whether you operate solely through your website or have a physical shop or showroom, your customers won’t buy from you unless you’ve earned their trust. The best and easiest way to do that is to provide outstanding customer service.
Delivering excellent service doesn’t mean rolling out costly complex solutions, either. It starts with being there for your customers. Respond promptly and politely to their queries. Make sure your explanations are clear and easy to understand. If you have a team of installers, create guidelines highlighting relevant replies to queries so that answers are always consistent.
Today’s customers value transparency, so keeping them informed throughout the buying process and especially during installation can make all the difference. A simple gesture like keeping customers in the loop, shows them you’ve got their back.
TIP #2: Reward loyalty
Give returning customers some appreciation. Offer them special service bundles with complimentary or discounted maintenance and upgrades.
For example, you could consider offering exclusive packages that bundle services, such as regular check-ups and reduced prices on new EV tech updates or accessories, at a reduced rate. This saves your customers money, but it also reinforces the value they get by returning to you again and again.
You could also run a referral programme. Encourage your most faithful customers to spread the word by offering them discounts or freebies for every new client they bring in. It’s a win-win; they get rewarded, and you gain new customers who already trust you through a recommendation.
TIP #3: Subscription perks
Add a subscription feature on your website that gives customers regular and valuable content. Again, it can be simple and focused on their needs.
For instance, as subscribers, your customers could receive the latest updates on EVs and other renewable energy tech, exclusive promotions, new product launches, and expert tips on making the most of EV charging.
By providing ongoing, relevant information, you position your brand as a trusted authority in the sustainable energy space, while keeping your readers informed and engaged. Plus, exclusive offers for subscribers can drive more frequent purchases.
By staying connected to your customers like this, you’re building a relationship which nurtures loyalty and drives repeat business in a way that feels natural and effortless.
TIP #4: Be social
Social media is a hugely important channel for any business no matter its size or sector. Boost your presence there by sharing helpful content, installation photos, and testimonials from happy customers. Engage with comments and be open to feedback. All of this will help you to understand your customers better, stay connected, and build a stronger community.
And if you’re worried about social media being a time suck, use one of the many (and often free) social media automation tools to post your content!
TIP #5: Stay in touch
Finally, stay in touch with the people who’ve already done business with you even if they’re not subscribers or part of your referral programme. Use email to keep them updated on installations, maintenance tips, new products, and special offers. Asking them to participate in surveys will also help you understand and improve customer satisfaction.
Don’t forget other forms of communication such as texting and messaging apps. According to recent Salesforce data, some 66% of people worldwide use text messaging to engage with companies, while 65% use messenger apps. So, simply reaching out to customers using their preferred channels will help you begin to build loyal, lasting relationships.
These are just five straightforward ways to keep your customers happy. At Powerverse, we’re all about making your life easier. To find out more, visit our Partners page on our website here.