One of the things that will constantly give you an edge over competitors is brand loyalty. Huge brands have this down to a science, and this is why they’ve built such huge levels of brand loyalty that consumers cannot just do without their products. An example of a company that has done this successfully is Apple. These brands have become a lifestyle. They represent something bigger than the products they offer to the consumer. They have made themselves part of the consumer’s identity.

This is the core idea behind brand loyalty: Customers who are willing to pay more than usual for your brand because it possesses a unique value that no other brand can provide for them. They pay this extra amount because it makes them feel like a part of an exclusive community. The good news is, you don’t have to be the next Nike or Ikea to attain brand loyalty. All you have to do is, build a solid brand and practice excellence. Here are a few tips that will help you build customer loyalty for your brand.

1. Deliver on your product’s promise – Whatever it is that your product or service does, ensure it is done excellently well. When your product or service does exactly what it is advertised as being able to do, it gives your brand an honest perception. If you sell exercise gear and your promise that it hides sweat, make sure the product does exactly that. The benefits of your product have to be clear and consistent. This way, people will remain loyal to you and even refer you to others.
2. Create great customer relations – One thing that encourages brand loyalty is great customer service. People are more likely to be loyal to companies that have great customer relations. Show interest in your customer’s lives and prove that you are invested in how they use your products. Let them be aware of the fact that you’re always available to help.
3. Fix your mistakes – Sometimes you’re going to make mistakes. You might deliver a defective product. What matters is how you spin the situation and fix the mistake. Be honest and apologize for the mistake. Send the customer a replacement, and add a card and some candy to show that you are sincerely sorry.
4. Create brand consistency – Make sure the visual aspects of your brand are always consistent. Your colors and fonts should stand out and be consistent, so customers can easily identify and associate with your brand. This gives your brand an authentic feel. E.g, everybody knows the Microsoft logo when they spot it. In fact, fashion lovers want you to see the logo on their outfit so you can know the fashion house they got it from. If you need help with crafting a great website, logo or visual branding materials in general, Atlas Creative Consultancy is more than pleased to help.
5. Focus on your best customers- You can’t be everything to everybody. Trying to appeal to the masses just reduces your most successful brands.  Take the time to figure out who their ideal customer is, and then create the best products and services for them based on what they need. The customers of that brand feel valued by that brand and feel the need to repay the brand by buying more products and spreading the word about them. They become advocates for the brand and provide the valuable word of mouth marketing.

Brand loyalty builds brand success. Make sure all aspects of your brand are excellent and fit your audience’s needs. A strong brand gets you customers, but a consistent brand keeps them loyal. If you need help building a brand that will have loyal customers, please don’t hesitate to send us an email or visit us at www.atlascc.com.ng