Repeat customers can make your business. They can provide the cash flow your business needs to thrive and provide the kind of customer relationships you desire. Here are five ways to win repeat customers.

1. Make sure you offer exceptional customer service

Good customer service is the first step to gaining repeat customers. People respond to quality customer service. They recognize when a business appreciates them and treats them with respect.

Make sure you’re doing everything you can to treat your customers to the best customer service possible. This may mean outsourcing or automating your customer service. It may also mean making sure your customer service policies and procedures are easy to find on your website and clearly explained.

2. Go above and beyond

Don’t you love it when you get more than you expect from a company? Your customers do too. They love unexpected surprises like downloadable reports, discounts and coupons or free shipping. Take a look at the various ways you can go above and beyond for your customers. How can you be a delightful surprise?

3. Make sure your prices are justified

Many people leave a business simply because the price is too high. Now that doesn’t mean you have to lower your price. What it does mean is that you need to be able to justify your price. If your customers feel like they’re getting value, they’ll continue paying your price.

You can often solve this price problem by offering a few more options. For example, if you sell information products you might group some products together and offer a discount while also allowing people to purchase items a la carte.

4. Connect personally

When your customers feel as if they’re part of your community, they’re more likely to stick around. They’re more likely to be repeat customers. Take steps to connect with your customers on a personal level. Your email messages should have a personal touch to them. You can do that by sharing a story or a personal experience.

You can also connect with your customers via social networking or blog and allow commenting. Take a look at your business and how you can create a community. What features or function can you add to your website to encourage interaction?

5. Establish credibility

When customers trust that you’re the best, they will come to you for your solutions. You can establish this credibility and trust by sharing and providing valuable industry information and solutions. Consistently offer value and you’ll build a reputation as the “go to” person in your industry.

Repeat customers can help you take your business to the next level. Repeat customers buy more often. They also refer new customers. And for every new customer you have to find, you’re spending money, time and energy you may not have. Keep your customers! Use these strategies to help create the best business possible.