5 Tips to Boost Word of Mouth for Your Dance Studio
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Students that appreciate your studio and what you have to offer will often become your best ambassadors, so invest time and effort into making them happy.[/caption]
Word of mouth is extremely valuable, and a great way to increase your business.
Studies show that ninety-two percent of consumers around the world say that they trust word of mouth and recommendations from friends or family –above all other forms of advertising.
As a business, your satisfied customers are among your most valuable assets. Happy customers tend to talk, and are far more likely to recommend you to friends and family. Since dance is a social activity, they might even ask their friends and family to join them.
The best way to boost word of mouth advertising is by ensuring that your customers are extremely satisfied. Here are five ways that you can keep your customers happy and more likely to spread the word about your studio.
1. Thank Your Clients
While it may sound basic, thanking your clients for their business or participation can mean a lot to them. Everyone wants to feel appreciated, and your clients are no exception. You could simply spend a few seconds thanking them in person, or take things a step further and send your long-time clients an email with a gift card for Amazon or Starbucks, thanking them for their continued business.
2. Offer Incentives
It never hurts to provide incentives for clients to recommend you. Consider offering incentives for those who not only recommend you but also bring you new business. For instance, you could have a promotional offer where, if a new customer mentions your client’s name, they will get a discount and the client who referred them will receive a gift card or other incentive. For larger studios, sending a coupon or promotional number to customers to give to their friends may be more appropriate. Promotional offers are fun for all and encourage more referrals.
3. Listen to Feedback
When you receive feedback, whether through surveys, in person, or via email or social media, make sure you listen to what’s being said. Feedback is a great way to learn what’s working and where there may be room for improvement. Acknowledge the feedback, and mention how you plan to address the issue. When your clients realize that you care about their opinion, they will be more likely to mention your name.
4. Be Friendly
Another basic yet vital way to boost customer satisfaction is being friendly and personable. Saying hello and engaging with customers in small talk helps your customers to feel welcome and appreciated. Smile when you talk, be polite and positive, and address customers by name –it’s just nicer and helps them to feel welcome.
5. Provide Exceptional Customer Service
Finally, make sure you meet your customer’s expectations. Provide excellent customer service, and do your best to make sure you follow through with your promises. Seemingly small details –like returning phone calls within a timely manner, and happily answering any questions that they have can go a long way towards boosting your customer’s opinion of your company, and will make them more likely to recommend you to others.
While word of mouth recommendations are something that only your customers can do, you do have a direct impact on the number of referrals your studio receives. By offering excellent customer service, and going the extra mile, you can increase your customers’ appreciation for your studio, and they’ll be more likely to recommend you to their friends and family.
Do you find that you receive a lot of business through word of mouth?
Image: Ed Schipul
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