Improving Employee Retention

Whether you've been in business for a number of years or have just recently began your own startup, you're undoubtedly aware that the digital marketplace is an essential component of achieving success in almost any modern business. Although this provides you with a much wider customer base than you would have had before the internet became a part of the everyday life of most consumers, the digital marketplace nonetheless comes with its own unique challenges. For instance, chances are there are other businesses in the digital marketplace that offer similar goods and services to yours, so standing above the crowd is essential if your business is going to be a success. Here are three strategies designed to help provide your online business with the personal touch that today's consumers crave. 

Provide a Phone Number and Answer the Phone

Trying to find an actual phone number for many businesses in the digital marketplace is frequently compared to the search for the proverbial needle in a haystack. Providing a telephone number can be an excellent way to provide your customers with a more personalized experience. If you're going to provide a phone number, clearly list the hours that your business is open, and do your best to answer your phone during those times. Avoid automated answering systems that lead callers through a maze of menu options -- these often just people to become impatient and may move on to another business as a result. A short message and the opportunity to leave a call-back number when you're not able to answer the phone is sufficient, but always make certain to return calls in a timely fashion. 

Engage Customers and Potential Customers Through Social Media

Social media is one of the best -- and often most underutilized -- opportunities for connecting with customers and potential customers that any business model has ever had. Many business owners, however, don't feel they have the time or the skills to develop the kind of social media presence that consumers respond to in a positive way. Some provide sporadic postings, or get off to a good start and then let their social media scene fizzle out. A neglected social media page may be worse than none at all. For instance, if the last post on your page was over a year ago, this may give consumers the impression that your business is no longer active. 

Hiring a social media manager makes sense for business owners who are short on time or aren't social media savvy. Professional social media managers know how to create posts that will draw readers in and motivate them to interact on the page. Keep in mind that each person who comments or reacts on posts on your social media page potentially introduces your business to all of his or her social media contacts. 

Custom Packaging

Items that are delivered in stereotypical brown cardboard packaging provide a generic impression. You can make your business stand out by working with a professional custom shipping company to develop a shipping strategy that elevates your business above the rest. Details such as different colored boxes other than traditional brown as well as clearly visible and recognizable company logs work wonders to get your packaging noticed in a good way, particularly now that so many modern consumers are depending on the digital marketplace for everything from fresh produce to the latest electronic devices. The object is to create packaging that is immediately associated with your company in the eyes of consumers. Including small gifts such as stickers or personalized pens inside the packaging also increases recognition and creates consumer loyalty. 

Please contact your custom shipping professional to find out more about making your business stand out from others in the digital marketplace.