Becoming a franchisee offers the perfect balance of corporate support and independence. You’ll instantly gain access to a time-tested business model, but the success of your individual branch will come down to your ability to find customers and foster loyalty. Read on to learn how to boost customer satisfaction as a franchisee.
Provide Friendly Service
Your customer service team does a lot more than just answer the phone or run a cash register. They’re some of your most important representatives and serve as an entry point for customers looking for information, products, and services.
A positive attitude can go a long way toward creating strong customer relations. When training your customer service team, stress the importance of patience, friendliness, and a commitment to solving the customer’s problem every time. It may sound simple, but a good experience with a customer representative can create a lasting impression on new customers.
Keep Customers in the Loop
As you start to build trust and loyalty in your community, make sure you’re actively communicating with your customers. You can keep customers looped in through a weekly or monthly newsletter, social media posts, and your Google business profile.
For example, make sure to announce any changes to your business (such as a closure for remodels or a new product launch) through your newsletter and social media. Advertise sales and specials in advance so customers can easily take advantage of your discounted prices. Taking the time to craft your outreach and marketing materials can bolster your professionalism, boost your search engine performance, and ensure that your business is fresh in your customers’ minds.
Take Feedback into Consideration
Some franchisees see less-than-glowing reviews as a worst-case outcome. While you should always aim to create a five-star experience, you can’t expect that customers will never have anything negative to say.
When you receive poor reviews or customer complaints, turn them into an opportunity for growth. If a customer points out a problem or shortcoming, look for reasonable solutions. If they leave a bad review on Google or Yelp, respond by thanking them for bringing problems to your attention and explain what you plan to do to remedy those problems. This is a great way to repair individual relationships while showing other customers that you’re always seeking innovative ways to improve your business practices.
Practice Active Community Building
As a franchisee, your business may be part of a chain, but your branch is part of your unique community. Become an active member of your neighborhood by participating in community events, contributing to local charities, and partnering with small businesses.
What does that look like for an ADU franchisee? As a business serving dogs and dog owners, show your commitment to animal welfare by fundraising for your local animal shelter or participating in adoption drives. Sponsor dog park clean-ups and offer discounts to customers who shop at nearby pet supply stores.
All Dogs Unleashed is proud to provide a business model that gives franchisees the freedom to be creative and connect with customers. Learn more about our franchising opportunities today.