Customer Service as a Marketing Strategy

Many businesses view customer service as a cost center – a necessary evil that should be minimized as much as possible. This is a shortsighted view.

In reality, customer service is one of the most powerful marketing tools you have. When you provide exceptional customer service, you:

• Increase customer retention. Happy customers are more likely to stick around.
• Generate word-of-mouth referrals. Delighted customers become your best salespeople.
• Build a strong brand reputation. A reputation for great service can be a powerful competitive advantage.
• Increase customer lifetime value. Loyal customers are worth up to ten times as much as their first purchase.

Instead of pouring money into expensive advertising campaigns, invest in creating a customer service experience that is so good, people can't help but talk about it. This is the most sustainable and effective way to grow a _Company of One.