What is Relationship Marketing anyway?

Relationship Marketing is a form of marketing developed from direct response marketing campaigns conducted during the 70’s and 80’s which emphasized customer retention and satisfaction rather than a dominant focus on point of sale transactions. In a nutshell, it is about keeping existing customers happy, rather than constantly focusing on attracting new customers. In fact, servicing and selling to existing customers is viewed as just as important to the long term success as attracting new customers.

In a recent white paper put out by Peppers & Rogers Group they found customers trust each other’s opinion far more than they trust a company’s brand. And in today’s climate, Social media makes it easier and far more convenient to access and act on those opinions. The principle is simple - if you treat your customers right; your customers will advocate your product/service to other people for you in a sense acting as your “partner” or “volunteer sales force” by potentially gaining new customers for you and spreading positive word of mouth.

Take a close look at some of your neighborhood businesses to see how well they are flourishing. Doubtless, everyone has cut back during these economic times. However, there might be another reason some businesses are surviving whiles others tank. In good times and bad savvy business people should have but one focus ---- their customer.

That is where eCompliments Pro comes into play as it provides Relationship Marketing tools to help businesses strengthen their brand and credibility, enhance their customers experience and loyalty, turn their customers into a volunteer sales force in spreading positive word of mouth about the and help increase SEO and their online web presence.

by Angelica Michaels