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By Henry Brown

Creating a comfortable environment for your customers is crucial. When they are comfortable using your business, whether it’s a physical store or restaurant, or an online shop, they will be more likely to return (even if someone else is offering products at a lower price). Plus, they’ll also be more likely to write positive reviews and tell their friends and family about what a great business you have. Since word-of-mouth advertising is the most cost-effective type of marketing, this is certainly something you’ll want to happen.

Trying to make your customers feel comfortable should not be something you rush through or don’t put much thought into. The truth is that this is an important part of running a successful business, and whatever you can do to improve your customers’ levels of comfort, whether it’s physical, emotional, or mental, you should do it. Read on for some good suggestions about how to get started.

Clear communication 

Clear communication is one of the most important elements when it comes to making sure your customers feel comfortable working with or buying from your business. The more you can communicate, and the better that communication is, the more your customers will enjoy using your services.

For example, you might send out an email after every purchase that gives the details of what the person has bought, how much you’re charging, when they can expect it, and how to get in touch with you if you have any queries. This is clear information they can use if need be, and it shows you’ve paid attention to their order. Or perhaps it’s your use of social media communication that is clear and easy to follow. Maybe it’s the information on your website, or you’re quick to respond to emails or answer the phone. No matter what form of communication is used, you need to ensure that your customers are comfortable with it.

Personalized service 

Providing a personalized service is another way you can make your customers feel comfortable using your business for their needs. This can go hand in hand with the communication we mentioned above; you can ensure you always use someone’s name when you are sending out an email, or newsletter, or if you need to contact them in any other way.

Yet a personalized service can and should go much further than this. Customers want to feel appreciated and valued, and that’s something that will keep them coming back time and again. If you can use your knowledge of what they have bought in the past to predict what they might like in the future, sending out emails that are solely for them and that they will enjoy, you’ll make people feel very comfortable with your business because they’ll feel you know them well.

Have good branding 

Having good branding across every part of your business is another great way to make customers feel more comfortable. When your branding tells a story and informs the customer about exactly what you’ll do and how you’ll do it, this is already a good step in the right direction. However, your branding is immensely powerful when used correctly, and what really helps you do that is consistency.

When your brand is consistent, it will be easier for customers to know you and recognize you. Plus, they’ll feel more comfortable with you because they won’t be confused by your use of one color on your website and another on your signage, or one font or logo on your paperwork and another on your vehicles, and so on. You’ll be seen as much more trustworthy and more comfortable if your branding isn’t just good but consistent too.

A comfortable environment 

If you have a physical space that customers come to, such as a shop or a cafe, you need to ensure that this space is as comfortable as possible. Keep it clean and tidy, decorate it neutrally and tastefully, and keep the temperature at a good level. Have drinks and even snacks ready for customers, and have a comfortable waiting area (if your business requires one) where they can sit comfortably and listen to music or read a magazine (that you can also provide).

If your team goes out to people’s houses, it’s crucial your customers feel comfortable in this scenario. Investigate ID card cost to ensure your workers can show customers who they are and teach your employees how to be polite and respectful at all times. Customers should certainly never feel uncomfortable in their own homes.

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Henry Brown is an online marketing executive. When he isn’t talking shop, he’s roaming the streets of London, uncovering the extra-ordinary in the ordinary.