As part of its brand-building efforts, New Jersey–based Rockn’ Joe Coffeehouse and Bistro distributes free VIP cards to local business owners, which gets them a discount on a cup of coffee. “When their customers see them drinking out of a Rockn’ Joe cup, that gives us more exposure,” says owner Kevin Brennan. “It is a nice thing to do for the community, and it’s good business.”

Giving customers and prospects the VIP treatment is one powerful way to set your business apart from the competition in challenging economic times. Here are five other surefire tactics for engaging consumers and building customer loyalty for a brand.

Learn more about Internet brand building by downloading a free report now. Get your very own copy of 4 Powerful Tips for Internet Brand Building without cost or obligation.

1. Pick up the phone. Deep Patel, owner of Los Angeles–based GoGreenSolar.com, personally calls customers during and after large transactions to ensure their needs are being met. He also asks customers to write a review, which he posts on his Web site to generate sales leads.

2. Prove your worth. Convince prospects that you are eminently qualified to address their needs by highlighting your expertise, clearly sharing your process/methodology, and outlining your team and their collective experience, says Brenna Garratt, CEO of the Delve Group, a brand development firm based in New York.

3. Demonstrate your expertise. Ann Latham, president of Uncommon Clarity Inc., a consulting firm in Easthampton, Mass., demonstrates her business know-how by submitting informative articles to newspapers, magazines, newsletters, and Web sites. She is also quoted in many publications and makes frequent speaking appearances.

4. Aim for consistency. “Think of all of the ways you are currently communicating with customers,” says Curt Clinkinbeard, author of Customer Pillars. “Are they reinforcing a consistent message and image about your company? Most likely not. Get organized. It’s a huge part of making a branding strategy work.”

5. Develop a powerful positioning statement. It should include four to six provocative points about what makes your company different, better, or interesting, says Lenann McGookey Gardner, author of Got Sales? “Make it the core element of what goes on your Web site, in your collateral materials, your advertising, and your sales conversations when you’re with a prospect,” she adds.

Permalink: http://www.fuelnet.com/?p=2452