The power of 360 customer love
“How can I help you?”
Until recently, I thought customer love was about my efforts to make clients feel valued and appreciated. Then an angel (in the shape of a client-who-prefers-to-remain-nameless) stood before me and turned the idea on its head. As we finished her shoot, she paused and asked me what she could do to help my business succeed: she said “How can I help you?” Wow. Just wow.
I was so taken aback at the time, I must admit I fumbled my reply, but it got me thinking: there are so many ways you can, and do, help and support me. So I wrote a list. I’m pretty impressed with everything I’ve come up with - there’s something for everyone. I challenge you to comment below if you can think of anything I’ve missed!
12 ways you can (and do!) love local
Recommend me to your family, friends and colleagues: Most people trust the word of people they know over any other type of marketing. Whether this happens over a cuppa with a friend or a recommendation on Harpenden Network, word of mouth recommendations are the greatest source of new clients.
Write reviews: The great thing about written reviews is they last forever. I have Google reviews dating back to 2016. They apparently also keep search engines happy. Personal recommendations on LinkedIn are often overlooked, but are also great currency for building professional credibility.
Tell me where I can improve: If you think of ways for me to improve my service, or the photo shoot experience, tell me. I am always looking for ways to delight and surprise my customers and deliver a brilliant service.
Tag or credit photographs: This is always very useful for my business - if someone sees an image they love, they may pop along to my website for a browse through my galleries.
Newsletter signup: If you’re interested in keeping up to date with my community projects, special offers and free guides, visit my website to sign up.
Join my Facebook Group: I have a group called Harpenden through my lens, where I collaborate with locals on my annual photographic art projects. I’d love you to join in. And, while I’m on the subject, liking or following my Facebook business page pennybird and camera , SheInspires Awards, or connecting with me on LinkedIn makes for a lovely surprise. (I used to have Instagram, Twitter and Tick Tok accounts but have closed these to streamline my marketing!)
Spot opportunities: Maybe you know of a business or organisation needing to refresh their head shots - perhaps they are all different and would look better aligned or don’t convey the brand personality? Put me in touch with the person who arranges your corporate headshots via LinkedIn or forward them my contact details.
Like, share, follow: I write blogs and social media posts fairly regularly. Likes and comments are fabulous, but if you share anything you find interesting or relevant with your followers, it really increases the reach.
Website backlinks: OK what?? (That’s what I said.) Search engines love it when other websites link naturally to my website. I frequently add links to client’s websites both from my website and social media platforms. I offer guest blogging to all my clients, and perhaps some of you might be interested in me writing a blog or part of a blog for your website?
Take part in SheInspires each year: Nominate someone in your life who makes you feel as if you can fly and come along to the Evening of Inspiration held each year to celebrate the annual awards.
Support my local projects and events: Each year I work on a local community project. Come and take part and become a Harpenden legend. I also try and support local charities and fundraisers where possible with my photography services.
Local awards: Such as Mum’s Guide to Harpenden Awards (two of my SheInspires Award winners Zingwellness and Feeding Time made it to the finals last year - congrats guys - I voted!) or Muddy Stilettos - a huge thank you to the person who kindly nominated last year.
Keep on being amazing: (It’s a baker’s dozen list!) The people I meet through my work are what makes my photography journey so special and fulfilling. You spark my creativity with your ideas and multiply my joy for my craft a thousand times over. Sending heaps of customer love.
The give and give ethos
Chatting further with Mrs Delightfully Anon, she told me that her question was not entirely random. It is how she shows up. If someone does something for her (in this case I took her head shot for work), she offers to do something in return. Right then and there, on the spot. (See what I mean about my inspirational customers?)
I love the 360 customer love principle, and I’m going to use my own list to actively share more customer love with the wonderful local people and businesses in my orbit. It’s powerful stuff.
PS: Tell me if you can think of anything I’ve forgotten below.
