Ponder this: Selling your services or products, whom do you think it is easier to sell, someone you have a relationship with or a total stranger? through blog conversation, social site participation or a relationship with an existing customer Without doubt, it would be harder to sell to a total stranger who does not know whether or not you are an honest seller, and whether or not they should trust your words and believe that your product or services will truly benefit them.
This is why it is critical for your business to build a customer base — a group of people who trust you and will most likely buy a product that you offer to them . This will ensure that you have a recurring and consistent source of income. When you release a product or make an endorsement, you have a group of people always ready to hear what you have to say.
There are several sources that you can tap into to start building a customer base. For example, you can comment on articles and reviews giving fee help and advice in blogs and forums that are relevant to your niche . It won’t be long before people start to recognize your name and stop and listen every time you have something to say. You will become a valuable friend and teacher, and gain the trust of these people. Would you buy something your close friend recommends ?
Another way to build a customer base is to build a mailing list. there are many methods for collecting subscribers, but when it’s boiled down to the very essence , it’s all about proving your value to the crowd and offering an incentive to make people become part of your mailing list. A good example is a blog containing lots of articles containing useful advice and help for free plus a “special report” that can be downloaded for free provided you give your email address. The rich content provides value, and the “special report” is the extra incentive.
Another source for your customer base is of course your existing customers. If you bought a product or service from someone, and they followed through and met your expectations, wouldn’t you buy from them again? Definitely. When a customer has given you his money, that does not have to be the end of the affair (and shouldn’t be) because by keeping in touch with them and developing a flourishing relationship with them, you will have a lifetime source of income.
Imagine if 100, 1000 or even 10000 customers are waiting to grab your newest products even before they are released! It is critical to your business to build a list of subscribers and a customer base because it saves time, effort and builds income.
Randy Wood
