Build Closer Connections: User-Generated Content
According to a Stackla report, over 60% of consumers believe they would be more loyal and likely to purchase from a company if it asked them to participate in a customer advocacy network and actively help create more user-generated content (UGC) for the company.
Brands can then use this content for marketing campaigns, fostering cooperation between customers and businesses. By offering customers rewards such as branded products or discounts for future purchases, businesses can encourage their customers to send content directly to the brand to activate this collaboration. Alternatively, UGC content generation can be inspired by organizing a contest. Businesses can give consumers a voice through these acts, building a strong sense of trust. When customers feel valued and heard, they are more likely to patronize a business in the future and recommend it to their friends and family.
Brands can also embed Instagram feeds on their website to showcase user-generated content, making customer contributions more visible and strengthening trust.
Here’s an example from an online furniture store called Sohome. Customers are encouraged insurance leads for seniors to provide product images with a branded hashtag, as the best ones are displayed on the website’s Instagram widget.
7 Best Customer Loyalty Strategies for a Small Business
Cultivate Trust: Customer Reviews
Customer reviews give you detailed insights into how customers view your business. They also provide a clearer picture of your performance, allowing you to improve it in the future. In addition, customers feel that their opinion matters and you are ready to change for the better. Customers should be asked to provide feedback on the goods or services they received and their overall shopping experience so that you can see the full picture. Offer a small gift or bonus to encourage people to express their opinions. Either show a survey popup or add a simple feedback from anywhere on your site.
Make a plan on how you intend to address each of the concerns mentioned.
Select the best channel to ask for feedback. Email is the most common option. Consider customizing your feedback form and directing requests to the right team.