Simple Ways You Can Make A Big Improvement In Customer Service

Every business depends upon keeping the people or industries it serves happy. Good customer service can be the key to attracting and keeping a thriving clientele. However, keeping customers happy can be tricky. Here are some simple ways you can start improving your company’s customer service today. Customer Service is an Investment

It is a rare business that pays no attention to customer service. One reason for that is that businesses that do ignore customer service tend to fizzle out as soon as the startup loan money is gone. Time spent on customer service does not translate directly into profit, so if you run a tight financial ship you may be reluctant to spend money on it. This is a mistake. Think of the money you pay an employee to maintain your entry or spend time helping an unhappy customer as an investment in the future of your company.

Your Website Matters

Every business needs an inviting, easy-to-use website. Even more importantly, you have to have a way for distressed customers or clients to contact a real person quickly. Make sure that contact forms are accessed quickly and customer concerns are addressed as soon as possible. If you do not have the staff to cover your site 24 hours a day, consider hiring a service to do the job for you. Some things, like live chat, allow your customers to reach representatives quickly and easily no matter when or how they access the internet. This is important to customers, and it shouldn’t be overlooked when it comes to customer service.

Encourage a Customer-Centered Attitude

It is human nature for your staff to see customers as the opposing team. Unfortunately, customers pick up on this attitude very quickly. They may become uncomfortable and begin avoiding your business. Listen to how your staff describes interactions with customers. If your employers consider it their job to keep demanding customers from taking advantage or getting the upper hand, you have a full-blown “us vs. them” attitude in your organization. Begin addressing it immediately by discussing ways to solve clients’ problems at your next employee meeting. Follow up by offering official recognition to employees who resolve issues in ways that make distressed customers happy. Post photos and details in a conspicuous place. Award a special parking space and a customer service pin or badge to the honorees.

As difficult as customer service can be, it is a crucial part of your business. After all, it is much easier and cheaper to keep an existing customer than it is to find a new one.