Over 3.6 billion people were using social media globally in 2020. This number is projected to increase to almost 4.41 billion in 2025. And 80 million of these people use social media for online shopping in the U.S. alone.
Customer loyalty is vital to retail businesses everywhere. As consumer trends shift, you want to make sure you’re strategizing every revenue opportunity possible. While you can target a mass amount of new customers on your social media account, you can also retain them.
Continue reading for four ways that you can use social media to retain your loyal customers.
1. Share user-generated content
User-generated content (UGC) is content — videos, photos, reviews, etc — that is created by people, rather than brands. Businesses will usually share UGC on their social media accounts and other marketing channels.
Sharing UGC boosts customer engagement. And the more you engage with your customers, the more they’ll want to share the experience they have at your store. Not only are you building a relationship onsite with them while they shop at your store, but you’re also strengthening it when you’re taking it online too.
UGC is a win-win for your store. While you strengthen your bond with your customers, you’re showing relatable examples of customer experiences that can inspire new ones too.
2. Host a live video
Have any of your customers asked what your apparel looks like on another person instead of another mannequin? Or have they asked if any new products are coming in from their favorite vendor? Hosting a live video on Facebook or Instagram can answer those questions in a creative, inviting way.
If you have an email newsletter, send an email inviting your customers to join your next live video. Once they join, invite them to ask any questions during it so they know you care about them and value their buying experiences with you. You can also offer exclusive promotions or discounts to them as a “thank you” for joining.
3. Partner with your vendors
Do you have a fan-favorite vendor at your store? If you do, ask them to partner with you and take photos of their products in your store. Tag them in those photos once you post them. When you’re partnering with your popular vendors, your customers are able to see how much effort you put into your business relationships. And good business relationships are a great form of credibility for them to know they’re buying from the right place.
Bonus: your vendor can also post photos with their products at your store which can attract new customers too.
4. Create a poll
Ever wonder what color of backpacks your customers prefer over another? Or do you need help figuring out which sweaters to keep in stock for the holidays? One creative way to answer these questions is by posting a poll on your Instagram stories.
Your customers will be able to engage with you with a click of a button — and know their input is important to you.
Engage and retain 24/7
Having your store on social media makes it available to your new and current customers even when it isn’t open.
As your team delivers the best customer service onsite, and you’re active on social media connecting with your customers, you’re strengthening your relationship with your audience two-fold. And great customer relationships bring more customers back to your store.
Want to learn more about how you can retain retail customers? Download the 7 Ways to Build Customer Loyalty tipsheet today.
