As you probably know, selling your services to current and past customers is a lot easier and effective then selling to people you’ve never met.
As a busy consultant running a small business, it’s hard to find the time to promote your practice to potential clients. Unfortunately, marketing is necessary in order for you to generate a steady income from your services.
Instead of focusing all your marketing efforts on attracting new clients, try contacting former clients on a regular basis. There is a good chance at least some of them will use your services again, or buy other products and services that you provide, such as books, workshops, and online courses.
Today, it’s easier than ever to stay in touch with people who’ve bought your products and services before, thanks to affordable, user-friendly Internet (cloud) applications such as CRM (customer relationship management), email marketing, and online postcard and brochure designers.
CRM Software
There are dozens of cloud-based CRM software today, such as Zoho and FreshSales, that keep track of all interactions with current and past customers. This allows you to plan marketing and customer service activities more effectively.
Email Marketing Tools to Stay in Touch
Email marketing tools make it easy for you to:
- Create and send newsletters to your subscribers
- Break your contact list into different marketing segments
- Add signup forms to your website
- Test different versions of your marketing messages
- Send personalized emails to people on their birthdays or other special occasions
- Send quick surveys to learn clients’ needs
- Create incentives for past clients to learn more about other services you offer
- Measure how many people read your messages
- Encourage clients to get in touch if they have questions
Online Postcard and Brochure Design Services
Traditional print materials, such as postcards and brochures, are still effective ways of staying in touch with clients.
You can easily create and distribute postcards, letters, and other print materials using online design and mailing services. These firms handle printing, stamping, and mailing for a small fee.
Print materials look more expensive and personalized than emails, giving your business a professional look.
People also tend to remember print items more than digital messages and emails, since digital messages are seen less often once they’re read and sent to the bottom of your inbox.
There are many creative ways to keep your name in front of customers using print materials:
- Calendars with your name and address
- Magnets with your business logo
- Brochure with your photo on them
- Handwritten notes with your name and website
Staying in touch with current and past clients is basically a way to provide great customer service and differentiate yourself from other consultants. It’s also much more effective and affordable than constantly chasing after new clients.
Helpful Resources To Read
If you want to get the most out of your relationships with current and past clients, please read the following books:
How to Succeed as an Independent Marketing Consultant – by Robert W. Bly
Bob Bly is one of the top copywriters and marketing consultants in the country. His book contains valuable information for all service providers, not just consultants.
What’s the Secret?: To Providing a World-Class Customer Experience by
About the Author
Mark Bellini is a freelance copywriter and marketing consultant who focuses on creating marketing funnels (sequences) for small service-based businesses and internet marketers.
To learn why marketing funnels are the most recommended marketing strategy for small businesses, please visit www.writingconversions.com/downloads/
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