Build loyal connections with customers with 6 simple marketing strategies

"Connection is why we’re here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives." - Brene Brown

 So much change. But, always connection.

Where people spend their time, how they buy, share info, and receive customer service are all changing.

What's still the same, however, is the importance of connection.

Building and maintaining meaningful connections with your customers is paramount in a world constantly evolving with technology and consumer behaviours. 

As Brene Brown aptly put it, connection is the very essence of our existence. To help you foster these crucial connections, Branch Out has outlined six strategies to strengthen your marketing efforts.

1. Ta-daaaa. Data:

You already know I'm much better with words than numbers. But it's the nature of marketing to understand data, insights and analytics. 

The foundation of any effective marketing strategy is a deep understanding of your audience.

Gathering and analysing data lets you pinpoint your customers' demographics, preferences, and behaviours. This knowledge empowers you to create tailored content and experiences that resonate with your audience.

So, where does the connection come in? If your words speak directly to the people your data tells you are most interested in what you're offering; you start to build trust. 

Think about it. Think about a particular audience. And not necessarily in business or marketing. 

Let's go with tots under 2.

We don't speak to infants using big words, low, monotonous tones, a million words a minute. We tailor our talk to their understanding. We slow our voices down, adjust the tone and pitch and pronounce our words for their understanding.

This encourages a sense of trust and connection as the 'audience' better understands and learns from what we are saying. 

2. Social media

Almost everyone is on social media. Your business should be, too. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn offer opportunities to engage with your audience, share valuable content, and build relationships. 

A consistent and authentic social media presence can help humanise your brand and bring new connections beyond transactions.

Client case study:

Branch Out's Elm package achieved a remarkable 20.9% growth rate on a client's LinkedIn page, surpassing the average growth rate for LinkedIn company pages by a significant margin. 

The substantial growth and engagement within a short timeframe means their LinkedIn surpassed 2000 followers in just over a year. 

As a result, website traffic has increased significantly since the launch of Branch Out's social media strategy. 

3. Email Marketing: the digital love letter

Email marketing remains a powerful tool for building connections. It allows you to communicate with your audience in a more personal way directly. 

You can nurture relationships and keep your brand top of mind by sending informative and engaging emails. If the words read well, then you're in.

The copy must be relevant and current and inspire people to take action. If you haven't started building an email list yet, start. But remember, good things take time.

No clue how to build such a list? Why not take advantage of Branch Out's free however-long-it-takes consultancy call?

4. Stay fresh with regular website updates.

Your website is often the first point of contact between your business and potential customers. 

An outdated or difficult-to-navigate site can drive visitors away. Regularly updating your website with fresh content, modern design, and user-friendly features attracts new customers and keeps existing ones engaged.

Branch Out suggests website nourishment at LEAST every six months but, ideally, seasonally. With trends, algorithms and buying habits changing like the British weather, it makes sense for your website to continue to shine.

5. Customer journey mapping

Understanding the customer journey is essential for delivering a sustainable and memorable experience. 

Map out every touchpoint a customer has with your brand, from the first interaction to post-purchase support. Ensure each step is consistent, user-friendly, and relevant to their needs. 

For you to be successful in building customer connections, you must walk in your customers' shoes. Be them for the day and think about how, why and what they purchase. 

6. Rewards. Connection. Repeat

Loyalty programs are a fantastic way to reward your most loyal customers.  Offering things like exclusive benefits, discounts, early access, or early bird offers to new products incentivises customers to stay engaged with your brand. 

And, you show them that you appreciate their custom, thus, enhancing a sense of belonging and encouraging repeat business.

Building and nurturing connections with your customers remains an enduring strategy in an ever-changing marketing landscape. 

6. The conclusion

When you prioritise connection, your brand can resonate more deeply with your audience, providing purpose and meaning to their lives, just as Brene Brown suggests.

You're running a business. I get it. How can you find the time to deliver on these strategies?