Consumers today want more than good quality products at attractive prices. Studies suggest that over 90% of customers buy from brands they follow on social media and more than 70% of people look to buy from companies that share their values. In an age of online reviews and social media, it has never been more beneficial for business owners to get to know their customers. Here are some tips to help you strengthen relationships. 

Conduct market research

Market research provides valuable opportunities to learn more about your target customer and gather information about their preferences, requirements, behaviors and habits. Once you have defined an ideal buyer, use interviews, online polls, surveys, questionnaires and focus groups to obtain more information. Analyze data to see how people spend their time online or in-store, find out more about what motivates them to choose certain brands or buy products and determine how much people are willing to pay. 

Focus on the social aspect of social media

Social media apps were launched to enable and encourage people to keep in touch with friends, colleagues and relatives. Over the years, platforms have evolved and they are now hugely influential in business. Brands can use social media to promote and sell products and services, but this is not the only benefit. Social media provides incredible opportunities for business owners and their employees to get to know customers better and find out more about what makes them tick and what matters most to them. You can use social media to communicate with followers, collect feedback and suggestions and build relationships. Try to avoid getting carried away with the promotional aspect of social media and focus on the benefits of engaging with customers. 

Establish a community

Social media platforms give you an option to create communities of followers and customers, but you don’t have to utilize the main channels. If you’re eager to establish your own community and strengthen ties with existing followers or people who may not use mainstream apps, you can leave other social media channels and create your own community app. This gives you the option to gain greater control over content, monetize the platform, boost engagement and grow your community. 

Utilize feedback

More than 90% of us read reviews before contacting a business or buying a product. Reviews are helpful for buyers, but they can also be valuable for company owners. Take the time to read reviews and comments. Highlight weaknesses and areas for improvement, note down ideas and suggestions and identify positives to build on. Address issues promptly, especially those that seem to crop up frequently, and listen to your customers. If people complain, or they put ideas forward and you don’t take action, you could lose clients and attract more negative reviews. 

Building strong relationships with customers has never been more crucial. If you run a business, it’s so important to understand the benefits of getting to know followers and clients. Communicate, engage and interact with them, carry out research to gather information, collect and use feedback and consider creating your own community.