Losing customers in a shrinking economy is one of the biggest challenges faced by business owners today. The economy keeps fluctuating and it is very important to maintain your customer base when you are going through a down stage. Very few customers go after brand loyalty these days. As the competition rises, preserving your customer base is becoming as tough as finding new ones.

It is important for business owners to find ways to keep their customer base without competing only with prices. Here are a few tips, which can help to maintain your customer base:

Offer the best customer service you can:

Though this point is pretty obvious, it is very hard to ensure that you are offering your customers the best. You must remember that this is an ongoing task and conducting regular service level checks is very important to ensure that your customers are happy.

Train your staff constantly:

Performance evaluation of your staff is important and so are meetings with your employees to find out if there are any issues that needs sorting out. Regular seminars to help your employees with customer service tips can also help to improve your staff efficiency.

Offer customer loyalty rewards:

You have to provide a reason for your customers to come back. Offer loyalty rewards and special discounts to the most loyal customers.

Offer premium service:

Many long-term customers and a few new ones too, would want extra attention. You must offer a premium service option to give these customers special attention and exclusive discounts.

Keep in touch with your customers:

Send them emails about your latest offers and make personal phone calls to the customers that you cannot afford to lose.

Take surveys and exit polls:

You can get to know your customers through feedback forms and polls. The data that is collected through such media can provide you good ideas to improve your service and also to identify new opportunities for growing your business.