20 Tricks of the Trade to Develop Superior Customer Service


20 customer service tips

These 20 customer service tips are essential for every brand constantly seeking to attract and retain customers. Attracting new customers is a key strategy for financial stability, but how your customers feel about your brand is equally important.

Demonstrating genuine care for your customers not only ensures their continued patronage but also encourages them to refer new clients to you.

Thus, prioritizing excellent customer service in your daily operations is vital for the growth and success of your business.

20 customer service tips

Standard vs. Superior Customer Service

Understanding the differences between standard customer service and superior customer service can significantly impact customer loyalty and business growth. This table compares the two approaches:

AspectStandard Customer ServiceSuperior Customer Service
Response TimeResponds within standard time framesResponds as quickly as possible
CommunicationBasic updates providedRegular, detailed updates and open communication
Understanding NeedsLimited effort to understand customer needsDeep understanding and anticipation of needs
ConsistencyInconsistent serviceConsistently high-quality service
Complaint HandlingReactive complaint resolutionProactive and empathetic approach
Customer RewardsMinimal or no rewardsThoughtful, valuable reward systems
Customer EngagementLimited interactionRegular, meaningful engagement
Trust BuildingBasic trust-building measuresActive efforts to build and maintain trust

20 customer service tips

20 Customer Service Tips

Here are 20 customer service tips or “tricks of the trade” to develop superior customer service that will also attract new customers:

1. Respond to Clients as Soon as Possible

In today’s fast-paced business environment, responding to clients promptly is crucial. Speed becomes even more critical when dealing with time-sensitive requests. A swift response not only resolves client issues efficiently but also greatly enhances their satisfaction with your service.

This level of responsiveness can lead to increased client loyalty and recommendations, significantly benefiting your brand’s reputation. Quick responses show that you value your clients’ time and are committed to providing them with the best possible service, which can set you apart from competitors.

2. Keep Clients Updated

Keeping clients informed about the status of their projects or inquiries is essential. Regular updates reassure clients that their needs are being addressed and that they are a valued part of the process.

Therefore, it’s important to maintain consistent communication, providing them with progress reports and involving them in key decisions. By keeping your customers informed at every stage, you enhance transparency and build trust, which are fundamental to long-lasting business relationships.

3. Show Them You Care

Prioritizing customer support can significantly differentiate your business in a competitive market. It’s not just about resolving issues but showing genuine care and concern for your clients.

Demonstrating empathy, understanding their concerns, and going above and beyond in addressing their needs can leave a lasting impression.

This approach not only retains existing customers but also attracts new ones, as people are drawn to businesses that prioritize customer care and show a real commitment to their satisfaction.

4. Listen Carefully

Understanding your customers’ needs begins with attentive listening. It’s important to pay close attention to their concerns, preferences, and feedback. Active listening creates a positive rapport and helps in accurately identifying what your clients expect from your services.

This deep understanding enables you to provide solutions that are truly aligned with their needs, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

5. Understand Your Customer’s Needs and Meet Them

Listening to the “voice of the customer” is crucial for making informed decisions that benefit both the client and your company. There are various methods to gather customer feedback, such as feedback forms, satisfaction surveys, and direct communication.

By genuinely listening to your customers and taking their feedback into consideration, you can tailor your services to better meet their needs, leading to improved customer satisfaction and potentially driving business growth.

20 customer service tips

6. Be Consistent

Consistency in service quality is a key expectation of customers. Inconsistencies in behavior or service standards can lead to a loss of trust and potentially drive customers away. Strive to maintain a consistent level of service and follow-through in all interactions.

Show your customers that reliability and consistency are core values of your brand. This commitment to consistent quality helps in building a strong, loyal customer base and enhances your business’s reputation.

7. Open Communication Channels

Providing multiple, accessible communication channels is essential in today’s customer service landscape. Customers appreciate having various options for reaching out, including face-to-face meetings, mail, phone, fax, and email.

Ensuring these channels are open, responsive, and user-friendly demonstrates your commitment to being available and responsive to your customers’ needs, thereby enhancing their overall experience with your brand.

8. Reward Customers

Implementing an effective reward system is a great way to enhance customer loyalty. When customers feel appreciated and valued for their patronage, their confidence and trust in your brand increase.

Timely and appropriate rewards for their business can lead to repeat purchases and positive word-of-mouth, which are invaluable for long-term success.

9. Know Your Customer Value

Understanding the value of your customers is crucial, and one of the best ways to achieve this is through active engagement and interaction. Being close to your customers allows you to gather insights into their preferences and needs.

This knowledge can guide your business strategies and offerings, ensuring that they are aligned with what your customers truly value.

10. Stay in Contact

Maintaining regular contact with customers is essential for nurturing lasting relationships. Use various platforms such as blogs, newsletters, or social media to keep in touch. These communication methods should provide valuable content and continue the conversation with your customers.

Regular contact not only keeps your brand top-of-mind but also creates opportunities for ongoing engagement and feedback.

20 customer service tips

11. Don’t Make Promises Unless You Intend to Keep Them

Reliability forms the backbone of customer trust and satisfaction. When making promises to customers, ensure that you can and will deliver on them. Unfulfilled promises can quickly erode trust and damage your business’s reputation.

Always consider the feasibility and implications of what you commit to customers. Reliable service strengthens customer relationships and enhances your brand’s credibility.

12. Deal with Complaints

Handling customer complaints effectively is a crucial aspect of good customer service. While complaints may be unpleasant, addressing them maturely and promptly can turn a negative situation into a positive experience.

Effective complaint resolution demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction and can even lead to improved business practices. It shows customers that their feedback is valued and their satisfaction is a priority.

13. Be Helpful – Even if There’s No Immediate Profit

Aim to provide assistance and value to your customers regardless of the immediate monetary gain. Being helpful, especially when customers do not expect it, can significantly enhance their perception of your brand.

This approach not only builds trust and goodwill but can also lead to long-term customer loyalty and referrals, which are invaluable for business growth.

14. Take the Extra Step

Going above and beyond customer expectations is a powerful way to differentiate your service. This could mean offering additional support, providing unexpected perks, or simply showing genuine care and attention.

These extra efforts can leave a lasting impression on customers, fostering a sense of loyalty and often leading to positive word-of-mouth referrals.

15. Stay Loyal

Demonstrating loyalty to your customers can significantly impact your business’s success. Loyal businesses often enjoy strong, long-term relationships with their customers, leading to repeat business and referrals.

When your existing customers recognize your loyalty, they become advocates for your brand, introducing new customers and effectively marketing your business through their endorsements. This passive marketing is a testament to the power of loyalty in building a successful business.

20 customer service tips

16. Introduce Promotions

Offering compelling promotions is a strategic way to keep your customers engaged and loyal to your brand. Effective promotions that offer genuine savings and value not only delight current customers but also encourage them to spread the word about your business.

This can lead to an increase in referrals as existing customers introduce new people to your brand to share the benefits of these promotions. Thoughtfully designed promotions can significantly enhance customer loyalty and attract new business.

17. Throw a Party

Hosting events or parties for your customers can be an innovative way to strengthen relationships. Such events provide a platform for customers to engage with each other and with your team, fostering a sense of community.

It’s also an opportunity to understand your customers’ needs and preferences better. Events like these, used by companies like Lexus, can also serve as networking opportunities where customers might bring friends or colleagues, potentially expanding your customer base.

18. Keep Them Up to Speed

Transparency is key, especially when it comes to changes that affect your customers, such as price increases. Informing customers in advance about such changes demonstrates respect for their patronage and gives them the chance to make decisions, like purchasing before prices go up.

Their feedback on these changes can also provide valuable insights and help maintain trust.

19. Be Appreciative

Expressing gratitude is a simple yet powerful way to show your customers that they are valued. A sincere ‘thank you’ for their business, loyalty, and feedback can go a long way in fostering positive relationships.

Remember, your business thrives because of your customers, and acknowledging their contribution reinforces a positive image of your brand.

20. Build Trust

Trust is the foundation of lasting customer relationships. Consistently providing value is one of the most effective ways to build this trust. Identify and implement the trust-building strategies that align best with your business and customer base.

By focusing on trust, you create a loyal customer base that is more likely to stay with you over the long term. Whether it’s through quality products, exceptional service, or reliable support, find your niche in trust-building and make it a cornerstone of your business.

20 customer service tips

Customer Service Tips for Success

Summarizing the core principles from the article, these 20 customer service tips are your guide to delivering superior customer satisfaction and loyalty:

  • Always respond to clients promptly.
  • Keep clients regularly updated on progress.
  • Show genuine care for customers.
  • Listen carefully to understand customer needs.
  • Be consistent in the quality of service provided.
  • Maintain open and accessible communication channels.
  • Reward customers in meaningful ways.
  • Understand and value each customer.
  • Stay in touch, keeping the conversation going.
  • Make promises you can keep and follow through.
  • Address complaints with maturity and positivity.
  • Offer help beyond immediate profit scenarios.
  • Go the extra mile for customer satisfaction.
  • Maintain loyalty to encourage customer referrals.
  • Introduce valuable promotions.
  • Consider organizing customer appreciation events.
  • Keep customers informed about important changes.
  • Express gratitude regularly.
  • Build trust through consistent value delivery.

Master these 20 customer service tips and before long, you’ll be amazed at how loyal your customers become to your brand.  Never forget that more customers, equals more profit. Therefore you have all the opportunity in the world to increase your customer base by putting in place top notch customer service.


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Valentine Belonwu Valentine Belonwu is from Nigeria and is the Founder of Business Gross, a site designed to help individuals understand that the economic and political climate is crucial when mapping out a quality financial strategy in their lives.

32 Reactions
  1. Mark @ ThinkTraffic

    Thanks for the tips valentine.
    I hope I already do all of these things, but there is always room for improvement isn’t there?

    I think in what I do (SEO) customer service is particularly important, because a lot of people don’t really know what SEO is and what I actually do. I do try my best to keep them in the loop of course.

    I guess I should ask my clients how well I do that!

    • Valentine Belonwu

      Hi Mark,
      When it comes to customer’s service, no one is perfect, there is always a room for improvement.

      Thanks for your comment and hope to see more of you here 🙂

      All the best!

  2. Great post. I was particularly drawn to your last point about building trust. In fact, I may even say that another appropriate title for the article would be “20 Tricks of the Trade to build trust with your clients.” In any business, one of the toughest hurdles is building credibility. If you’re already entering a market with many competitors, why should somebody trust ‘the new guy’ over a number of other established businesses. If you’re entering a new market or offering a new type of service, how do you get people to buy into your value proposition? That is, how do you get people to ‘trust’ that the new type of product or service you’re offering really provides the value that you say it does? What you are in fact suggesting is to show people the ‘human’ side of your company. By communicating, listening and responding to customers as you mention, you are showing them that not only do you really care about their needs, but also that you are in fact a person behind the company. A person who is willing to adapt to the needs of customers, that will respond to complaints, that will go the extra mile. Suddenly, you are no longer just a faceless company, but a ‘human’ company. I’m always surprised when I call a company and reach a live person right away instead of an automated machine. It automatically makes me feel more valuable as a customer. If you can make your customers feel valuable, you’ll certainly boost your credibility.

    • Valentine Belonwu

      Hi Josh, Making ones client valuable is the key to credibility, which is very important as an entrepreneurs. Thanks for your valuable comment

    • Valentine Belonwu

      I also agree with trust because nothing beats keeping your promise in building that trust.

      Trust is the very spice that keeps our relationships running smoothly. It is not just a task you have to do, but it is a covenant you enter based on faith and confidence. It will all come down to moral values and ethics you hold dear, where your competence and humanity will shine through 🙂

      Thanks once again.

  3. Great post, Valentine. The throwing a part idea is a great example of what truly exceptional customer service is. It’s all about going above and beyond for them to meet their needs. Thanks for sharing this great info with us.

    Ti

  4. When I’m the customer, I appreciate customer service reps that are honest when setting expectations. I don’t care that the wait for a table at Cheesecake Factory is 2.5 hours, but if you tell me it’s 1.5 hours and it takes 2.5 hours I’ll waste an hour waiting in your lobby and will become increasingly frustrated. Setting and managing expectations is key.

    • Valentine Belonwu

      Hi Robert,
      I agree with your point, setting and managing expectations is the key which is a must when it comes to customer’s service.

      I am glad you find the posts helpful and thanks for your valuable comment 🙂

  5. These are things us entrepreneurs should already be doing but it’s a great reminder to read over them. Thanks!

  6. Valentine Belonwu

    Hi, as an entrepreneurs, it’s always good to pay more attention to everyone customers. Glad you liked the post.

    Thanks for your comment 🙂

  7. Valentine Belonwu

    Hi Roberts the idea of throwing a party is showing how devoted you are to your clients and sought unification. Thanks for your comment

  8. Thanks for sharing these tips! I guess, great customer service is not an option.. but a MUST. I think that with the merge of social media and customer service, businesses shouldn’t forget to find new ways of addressing customer issues/complaints that will show your maturity, transparency and genuine interest to help.

    • Valentine Belonwu

      Hi Marissa,
      I agree with your point. Nothing works well in a business without having a great customer’s service and this is why every business owners should learn and focuses more on their customer service.

      Thanks for your awesome comment and hope to see more of you here. 🙂

  9. Thanks for contributing, Valentine. Are these lessons you learned from running JustRetweet?

    – Anita

    • Valentine Belonwu

      Hi Anita,
      Thank you for given me this opportunity here. Everything I wrote on this post were based on my experience running JustRetweet and also most especially working with you 🙂

  10. Great list! I love great customer service strategies, and especially like #17. Nice to see a large corporation (Lexus) make a personal connection like this with their customers.

    • Valentine Belonwu

      Hi Shep,
      Thank you for stopping by and leaving your comment. Glad you liked this post.
      Hope to see more of you here 🙂

  11. Hi Val,
    Customer service is one area of business that must be taken with a great deal of seriousness. If you neglect your customers, you neglect your business. Most successful businesses today have a solid customer service.

    Excellent 20 points. I think throwing a party is exceptional and puts you above others.

    Thanks for sharing

    • Hi Bro,
      Thanks for stopping by, I agree with you, Customer service is something every business should take really serious if they wanna succeed on their business.
      Glad you liked the post, hope to see more of you here.

      Thanks 🙂

  12. Good list! I think I might just print it out and go over it at our next staff meeting.

  13. Amazing points! I like the points 3, 4, 11, 14, 15, and 20. This post is very helpful to me not only because of my job but also in dealing with my friends and family. Thanks!

  14. Very interesting article! I will be putting more efforts to have my team follow these. I agree, no customer service team is perfect but this is a good start of being in the right track towards excellence.

    • I work for an international brand and i joined this brand recently i was wondering how i will get customer

      service tips thanks Valentine ill be the best in customer service come end year.

      elijah KENYA

  15. Hi Valentine,

    Spot on. Just recently discovered this article you wrote over 2 years ago..Loved reading it. In the end, the most minimum requirements to provide good customer service really come down to two things in the end; to LISTEN well carefully and to RESPOND asap (just to show that there’s really a person taking care of them) as described by point no.1 and no.4 in your article. Many businesses unfortunately don’t realise those for some reasons.

    We regularly blog about customer experience also and one of our articles really resonates well with your idea! You can check it out https://www.bornevia.com/blog/building-customer-first-culture-for-startup-companies/. Hope you like it!

  16. Understanding customers’ needs and meeting them is the base of a solid customer service. And while it is impossible to do it manually, tools like CRM (best ones: Zoho, ConvergeHub and Nimble) simplify the entire task. They actually help businesses to streamline customer data in one centralized repository, analyze the information, extract crucial insights out of it and proactively cater to customers’ needs and requirements. Needless to say, doing this consistently makes businesses earn brownie points from their customers.

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