VIP customers are a blessing for any business. VIP customers are akin to assets that appreciate in value over time. One of the biggest benefits of having—and leveraging—existing relationships. In fact, studies have shown that it’s 6 times more difficult to acquire new customers than to keep existing customers. To make sure your customers treat you the same way the business thinks about them, you have to make them feel special.
Maintaining the relationship between the business and the VIP customers is crucial. Businesses do that by creating incentives and reward programs that are exclusively available for VIP customers.
Best Relationship Boosting Techniques for VIP Customers
There are a number of ways in which your business can make your VIP customers feel loved and privileged. In return, this will increase your VIP customers’ loyalty towards your business. Business rewards may vary depending on the type of business you’re in, but it should always be something that your customers attach value to.
Here are some of the methods you can employ to boost your relationship with your VIP customers.
Exclusive promotions
VIP customers expect special treatment, and nothing awards their loyalties better than exclusive promotions. Offers and promotional discounts exclusively for VIP customers go a long way in cementing the brand value in their minds.
Early access
If there is a limited batch of a new product, treat your VIP customers to the product exclusively and win their loyalty and respect in the process. Allowing early access to exclusive products gives the customers bragging rights and allows them to feel more privileged.
Loyalty programs
Customer loyalty programs are a great way of rewarding your customers and repeat buyers. To add in an extra bonus, make the early access and exclusive promotions products/services only available through loyalty points.
A Little Surprise
An extra gift or custom promotional items in tandem with regular orders gives customers that extra level of satisfaction. A random gift or a free accessory in the bag goes a long way in ensuring customer retention and continued loyalty.
Be there for them
A birthday email from a brand feels great. If you couple that with an exclusive birthday discount, it can further lighten up your customers’ day and make them feel special. These efforts go a long way in ensuring your customers are satisfied and feel valued.
Free access to add-ons and extra services
Brands that offer freebies and discounted services to loyal customers add a lot to brand equity and increase brand loyalty. However, you should do this after proper research because this might weaken the perceived value of your brand, leading to dissatisfaction.
Host loyalty events
Hosting a get-together for loyal customers is a great way to make your customers feel like they are an important part of the brand. You can also use these events to gather real-time feedback and improve your VIP efforts. Furthermore, when VIP customers get together, they feel like they’re a part of a bigger community. This helps them feel like an insider and makes them more loyal to the brand.
A Lottery Ticket
Offering VIP customers a lottery ticket near your next product/service launch can create a great atmosphere around the brand. This, in return, attracts customers to maintain their affiliation with the brand for the long term.
Understand your VIP Customers and Strengthen Brand Image
Every customer is unique, and just like customers, every business is unique. Not all approaches are the right fit for every business. It’s important to consider what the customers are actually looking for and treat them special. For instance, giving them a discount offer during an active discount campaign is more of an insult than a loyalty offer.
Customers attach more value to a brand that gives them more attention and love. Improved satisfaction is a two-way street that benefits both the customers and the business. When you treat your existing customers better, it will allow your business to attract new customers, increase sales, grow customer retention, and improve customer satisfaction. It is essential to make sure the customers that bring in the most revenue are given the special attention they need.
