Talking directly to customers through online sales can be a bit of a challenge. Fortunately, these forms of communication can help alleviate this issue.
The world of business is constantly transforming. The old ways of doing things quickly get replaced with newer methods that are, more often than not, better for the companies that utilize them. However, there are times in which the old ways are slightly better at certain aspects of the business.
This is very true when looking at the differences between brick-and-mortar stores and online shopping. Allowing your customers to buy from you over the internet has many advantages, but it diminishes the ability to easily talk to the customer, removing your ability to sell to them. Fortunately, there are still plenty of ways to encourage communication with customers—here are the best forms of contact that we recommend.
1. By Phone
Let’s start with a classic. Talking to customers by phone has been a technique used by businesses for almost as long as the telephone has existed. If you can’t have an in-person conversation with someone about your products or services, doing business over the phone is the next best thing. Whether you list your phone number online as a way to complete sales or simply to answer potential questions, granting your consumer base this kind of access is still an excellent choice in this day and age.
2. By Email
If phone usage isn’t a viable choice for you, the next best thing is to converse with customers via email. Whether you plan to talk to customers directly or set up targeted marketing emails, this is one of the more professional ways to reach out. Just make sure you know how to effectively build an email marketing list if you’ve never developed one before.
The best part about email is the fact that you can automate it. Obviously, you’ll want a live person on the other end for more pressing matters, but for ads or newsletters, you can schedule them to be sent out automatically. This gives you the ability to sell without talking directly to the customer.
3. By Social Media
Depending on your target market, social media can also be an excellent avenue for interacting with your customers. With the ability to utilize comment sections, send direct messages, and have fun with targeted posts, the list of possibilities is endless.
As mentioned, though, finding your specific audience here can be challenging. Some demographics prefer one site over another, while others might not know certain sites even exist. You’ll definitely want to do your research in this area before hopping in.
4. By Messaging Systems
Out of all the forms of contact for communicating with customers, text messaging isn’t usually the best choice. Some sources swear by this method, which is why we’re including it, but text messages are a lot more personal. Many consumers don’t like having their messaging app inundated with texts from companies.
Instead, we’d recommend using a web-based messaging system. They are easy to implement on your website, and you’ll know that if a customer contacts you through there, they want to talk to you. Plus, that online chat won’t overwhelm their regular messaging apps.
In this way, it’s a win-win for both parties.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the ways you can encourage communication with your customers. It’s important to find the right method (or a mixture of methods) for your business. But remember, the best way to sell is still through personal interaction—so don’t be afraid to talk to your customers!
Sales representatives should always be available to talk to potential customers. By phone, email, or social media, these forms of communication help alleviate any issue with talking directly to customers through online sales.
To ensure the best possible experience for your customer base, make sure you know how to effectively build an email marketing list or utilize comment sections on social media sites. Text messaging can also be a viable form of communication, but it’s best to use a web-based messaging system instead. This way, you won’t overwhelm your customers’ regular messaging apps.
By phone, email, or social media, these forms of communication help alleviate any issue with talking directly to customers through online sales. To ensure the best possible experience for your customer base, make sure you know how to effectively build an email marketing list or utilize comment sections on social media sites.
