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How Can I Effectively Manage and Respond to Customer Reviews?

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 14:55:58 GMT

Customer reviews can make or break a business. Whether they’re glowing recommendations or harsh critiques, they shape how people perceive your brand. In today’s world, where people check online reviews before making decisions, handling feedback properly is more important than ever.

A single negative review left unchecked can push potential customers away, while a well-managed response can turn an unhappy customer into a loyal one. On the flip side, responding to positive reviews the right way strengthens relationships and encourages repeat business. Let’s go over how to effectively manage and respond to customer reviews across different platforms.

Why Customer Reviews Matter for Your Business

People trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. Before making a purchase or booking a service, they look for what others have to say. A business with plenty of positive reviews stands out, while one with bad reviews—or none at all—raises doubts.

Beyond influencing customer decisions, reviews also impact search rankings. Google and other search engines prioritize businesses with consistent, high-quality reviews. The more engagement your business gets through reviews, the higher you appear in search results, which means more visibility and traffic.

How to Monitor and Track Customer Reviews

You can’t respond to what you don’t see. Staying on top of reviews is essential, whether they come from Google, Yelp, Facebook, or industry-specific platforms.

Instead of checking each site manually, businesses can use review management tools that collect all feedback in one place. Setting up Google Alerts for your business name is another way to get notified whenever someone leaves a review. Some platforms also offer email notifications so you never miss an update.

Making review monitoring a daily habit ensures that feedback, whether positive or negative, is handled quickly.

Best Practices for Responding to Positive Reviews

When a happy customer leaves a great review, it’s easy to think, “Nice! Job well done,” and move on. But taking the time to respond adds a personal touch that strengthens customer relationships.

A simple thank-you is good, but a personalized response makes it even better. Instead of just saying, “Thanks for your review,” mention something specific they liked about your service. If they loved the fast delivery, the friendly staff, or a particular product, acknowledge it. This shows customers you’re paying attention and genuinely appreciate their feedback.

Encouraging future engagement is another smart move. A response like, “We’re so glad you enjoyed your experience! We’d love to see you again soon,” keeps the conversation open and leaves a positive impression.

How to Handle Negative Reviews Professionally

No business is perfect, and bad reviews are bound to happen. Ignoring them or deleting them isn’t the answer. Instead, responding the right way can turn a negative situation into a positive one.

The first step is staying calm. A defensive or angry reply will only make things worse. Start by acknowledging the issue and showing empathy. A simple, “We’re sorry you had this experience,” helps set a constructive tone.

Next, offer a solution. If the complaint is about bad service, a late delivery, or a product issue, provide a way to make it right. This could be a refund, a replacement, or an invitation to discuss the problem further. Moving the conversation offline by asking them to call or email shows that you’re serious about resolving their concerns.

Following up is just as important. If the issue gets resolved, asking the customer to update their review can help balance out the initial negativity . Many times, a well-handled complaint can turn a frustrated customer into a loyal one.

Encouraging More Customer Reviews

Good reviews don’t just happen. Businesses that actively ask for feedback tend to have stronger online reputations.

One of the best times to request a review is right after a positive interaction. A satisfied customer is more likely to leave feedback if asked at the right moment. Businesses can send follow-up emails, include reminders on receipts, or even ask in person after completing a service.

Making the process easy is key. Providing a direct link to a review page increases the chances of customers taking action. Businesses should never offer incentives in exchange for reviews, as this goes against the policies of most platforms and can damage credibility.

Managing Reviews Across Different Platforms

Each review platform has its own rules and audience, so businesses need to tailor their responses accordingly.

On Google My Business , reviews affect search rankings, so consistent engagement is essential. Responding to both positive and negative feedback shows that a business values its customers.

Yelp has strict guidelines against asking for reviews, but responding professionally and engaging with customers helps maintain a strong presence.

Facebook reviews allow businesses to interact with customers in a more casual, conversational way. These reviews can be shared or pinned to highlight positive experiences.

Industry-specific platforms like TripAdvisor or Zillow require specialized responses, as their audiences often focus on detailed experiences or transactions. Understanding the tone and expectations of each platform ensures that businesses respond appropriately.

How to Use Customer Reviews to Improve Your Business

Beyond reputation management, reviews provide valuable insights into what customers love and what needs improvement.

If multiple reviews mention slow response times, a business might need to improve customer service . If customers rave about a particular product, highlighting it in marketing efforts makes sense. Paying attention to trends in reviews helps businesses refine their offerings.

Displaying positive reviews on a website, in marketing materials, or even in-store can boost credibility. Featuring real customer experiences builds trust with potential buyers.

Why a Strong Review Management Strategy Matters

Reviews are one of the most powerful tools a business has. They influence buying decisions, improve search rankings, and create lasting customer relationships. Businesses that actively manage and respond to reviews gain a competitive edge, while those that ignore feedback risk losing potential customers.

Making review management a regular part of business operations ensures that feedback is handled promptly and professionally. Whether responding to praise or addressing concerns, businesses that engage with their customers build stronger reputations and long-term success.

At NorthShore Loyalty , we help businesses take control of their online reputation by managing reviews across multiple platforms. If you want to improve your customer engagement and build trust, reach out to us today. Let’s make your business stand out for all the right reasons.

What Is the Importance of Accurate Business Listings Online?

Sat, 15 Feb 2025 14:48:18 GMT

When people search for a business online, they expect to find the right information immediately. Whether they need a phone number, address, or operating hours, they rely on search engines, maps, and directories. If the information they find is incorrect, it can lead to frustration, confusion, and even lost customers.

Accurate business listings are essential for increasing visibility, building trust, and attracting more leads. Having the correct details across multiple platforms helps businesses rank higher in search results and ensures that customers can easily contact or visit them.

What Are Online Business Listings?

Online business listings are digital profiles that display important details about a company. These listings typically include the business name, address, phone number, website, and hours of operation. Some also feature customer reviews, photos, and service descriptions.

Popular platforms for business listings include Google My Business , Yelp, Apple Maps, Bing Places, and industry-specific directories. Search engines use these listings to confirm business legitimacy, and customers use them to make informed decisions about where to shop or which service to choose.

How Accurate Business Listings Improve Local SEO

Search engines favor businesses with consistent and updated information across multiple directories. If the details are incorrect or vary from one platform to another, Google may not trust the business, leading to lower search rankings.

When a business listing is accurate, it helps the website appear in local search results, increasing its chances of being seen by potential customers. Businesses that rank well in local searches receive more website traffic, phone calls, and in-person visits.

Building Customer Trust and Credibility

Incorrect information can instantly damage customer trust. If someone calls a number that doesn’t work or visits a location that has moved, they are unlikely to try again. This creates a negative impression, making customers turn to competitors instead.

Accurate business listings signal professionalism and reliability. When customers see up-to-date details, they feel more confident about contacting the business. Verified listings on platforms like Google My Business also add another layer of trust, making the business appear more legitimate.

Driving More Website Traffic and Leads

A well-optimized business listing helps attract more potential customers. When a listing includes a working phone number, correct address, and a link to the website, people can easily take action. This leads to more calls, more visits, and more inquiries.

Businesses that provide detailed descriptions, updated photos, and customer reviews see even better results. A complete and engaging listing captures attention and encourages people to learn more, increasing the chances of turning visitors into customers.

The Risks of Inaccurate or Incomplete Business Listings

Incorrect business details can cause serious problems. If a customer finds the wrong phone number or an outdated address, they may become frustrated and move on to a competitor. Businesses can also lose potential revenue if their operating hours are incorrect, leading to missed opportunities.

Search engines rely on accurate business information to determine rankings. If different directories show different details, Google may lower the business’s visibility. This inconsistency can make it harder for people to find the business online , reducing organic traffic and engagement.

Negative reviews are another risk. Customers who encounter incorrect information may leave bad reviews, damaging the business’s reputation. A simple mistake, like listing the wrong hours, can lead to frustration and complaints that hurt credibility.

How to Maintain Accurate Business Listings

Keeping business listings updated doesn’t have to be complicated. Regularly checking and updating details can prevent errors and ensure consistency.

Start by verifying the information on Google My Business, which is one of the most important listings for search visibility. Ensure that the business name, address, phone number, and website are correct. Adjust business hours as needed, especially during holidays or seasonal changes.

Other platforms like Yelp, Bing, Apple Maps, and Facebook should also be checked for accuracy. Using listing management tools can make this process easier by updating multiple directories at once, reducing the chances of inconsistencies.

The Role of Customer Reviews in Business Listings

Accurate listings do more than just provide information; they also encourage customer engagement. When people find a business easily and have a positive experience, they are more likely to leave good reviews.

Search engines consider review quality and quantity when ranking businesses. More positive reviews help improve visibility and attract new customers.

Responding to reviews, whether positive or negative, also improves engagement and shows that the business values customer feedback .

Encouraging satisfied customers to leave reviews strengthens online presence and builds credibility. Businesses that actively manage their online reputation see better results in search rankings and customer trust.

Why Every Business Needs a Strong Local Listings Strategy

A well-managed business listing strategy improves visibility, attracts customers, and builds trust. In today’s digital world, customers expect accurate information at their fingertips. A small mistake, like an incorrect phone number or outdated hours, can lead to lost business.

Investing time in maintaining accurate listings ensures that businesses remain competitive. By keeping details updated across platforms, businesses can increase their online presence and reach more potential customers.

At NorthShore Loyalty , we specialize in managing business listings to ensure accuracy and consistency across all platforms. If you want to improve your local search rankings and attract more customers, contact us today. Let’s make sure people can find you when they need you.

How Does SEO Optimization Improve My Website's Visibility?

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 09:34:48 GMT

If you have a website but no one is finding it, your business is missing out on potential customers. SEO, or search engine optimization, is the key to getting your site noticed. It helps improve rankings on search engines like Google so more people can discover your business. When done right, SEO brings organic traffic, increases brand awareness, and helps you connect with the right audience.

Many websites struggle to get attention because they aren’t optimized properly. Without SEO, even the best-designed website can sit unnoticed. Let’s explore how SEO helps improve your site’s visibility and why it’s essential for long-term success.

What Is SEO and Why Does It Matter?

SEO is the process of making a website more search-engine friendly. When someone searches for a product, service, or information, Google looks through millions of pages to find the most relevant and valuable results. Websites that are well-optimized appear higher in the rankings, making them more likely to be clicked.

Good SEO is about more than just stuffing keywords into a page. It involves improving content, technical aspects, and overall user experience. A properly optimized site loads faster, is easy to navigate, and provides valuable information that keeps visitors engaged.

How SEO Improves Website Visibility

Better Search Rankings Bring More Traffic

Most people don’t scroll past the first page of search results. If your site is buried on page two or three, you’re missing out on valuable traffic. SEO helps improve rankings by making your website more relevant to search engines. The better your optimization, the higher you appear in search results, leading to more visitors.

Websites that rank at the top tend to be seen as more trustworthy. If your site consistently appears in top search results, potential customers are more likely to see your business as reliable and credible.

Organic Traffic Without Paying for Ads

One of the biggest advantages of SEO is that it brings in free, organic traffic. Unlike paid advertising, which stops the moment you stop spending, SEO continues to generate traffic over time. By optimizing your content and website structure, you can attract visitors without having to rely on constant ad spending.

When people find your website through a Google search , they are already interested in what you offer. This makes them more likely to take action, whether that’s making a purchase, signing up for a service, or contacting your business.

Reaching the Right Audience with Keywords

SEO helps you attract the right people by optimizing for relevant keywords. If you own a real estate business in Sanibel, you want to rank for terms like Sanibel homes for sale or real estate agents in Captiva. Targeting specific search terms ensures that the people landing on your site are actually looking for what you offer.

Finding the right keywords requires research. Some keywords have high search volume but may be too competitive, while others may have lower competition but bring in highly targeted traffic. A well-balanced SEO strategy focuses on the best combination of high-value and niche keywords.

On-Page SEO Techniques That Boost Visibility

Well-Optimized Content Keeps Visitors Engaged

Search engines prioritize websites that provide valuable content. This includes well-written blog posts, informative service pages, and helpful guides. The more useful and relevant your content is, the more likely it is to rank higher in search results.

Good content doesn’t just help with SEO —it also keeps visitors on your site longer. If people find answers to their questions or useful insights, they are more likely to explore your site, sign up for updates, or make a purchase.

Meta Titles and Descriptions Improve Clicks

Each page on your website should have a clear and compelling meta title and description. These elements appear in search results and influence whether users click on your link or scroll past it. A well-crafted title and description should summarize what the page is about while encouraging users to learn more.

If your meta tags are missing or poorly written, search engines might generate their own, which may not be as effective in attracting clicks.

Image Optimization Helps with Search Rankings

Images play a big role in website performance, but they need to be properly optimized. Large images slow down page speed, which can hurt rankings. Adding descriptive file names and alt text also helps search engines understand the content of an image, improving visibility in image search results.

Off-Page SEO: Strengthening Your Website's Authority

Backlinks Increase Website Trust

Search engines see backlinks—links from other reputable websites—as a sign of credibility. When other sites link to your content, it signals that your website is trustworthy and relevant. The more high-quality backlinks you have, the better your chances of ranking higher in search results.

Getting backlinks takes effort. Businesses often use guest blogging, outreach, and partnerships to earn links from reputable sites in their industry. The key is quality over quantity—one backlink from a respected site is worth more than multiple links from low-quality sources.

Local SEO Brings in Nearby Customers

For businesses that rely on local customers, optimizing for local SEO is essential. This includes setting up a Google My Business profile , ensuring business information is consistent across directories, and using local keywords in content.

When someone searches for a service near them, Google prioritizes local businesses. If your local SEO is strong, your business is more likely to appear in Google’s local map results, making it easier for nearby customers to find you.

Technical SEO: The Foundation of a Strong Website

A Fast, Mobile-Friendly Website Performs Better

Search engines favor websites that load quickly and work well on mobile devices. A slow-loading page can lead to high bounce rates, meaning visitors leave before they even see your content. Mobile-friendliness is another key ranking factor, as more people now browse the internet on their phones rather than desktops.

Ensuring your website is responsive and runs smoothly on all devices helps improve both user experience and search engine rankings.

Secure Websites Rank Higher

Websites with HTTPS encryption are seen as more secure and trustworthy. Google prioritizes secure sites over non-secure ones, so having an SSL certificate is a must for SEO. In addition to ranking benefits, HTTPS protects user data and builds trust with visitors.

Measuring SEO Success and Continuous Improvement

SEO isn’t a one-time fix—it requires ongoing monitoring and adjustments. Tools like Google Analytics and Search Console help track traffic, rankings, and user behavior. Regularly updating content, optimizing for new keywords, and fixing technical issues ensure that your website stays competitive in search rankings.

Conclusion

SEO is essential for improving website visibility and attracting the right audience. By optimizing content, improving technical aspects, and building strong backlinks, businesses can rank higher in search results and gain more organic traffic.

At NorthShore Loyalty , we specialize in SEO strategies that help businesses grow online. If you want to improve your website’s ranking and drive more leads, reach out to us today. Let’s get your business noticed.

What Are the Benefits of Implementing a Customized Text Marketing Program?

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 09:28:11 GMT

Why Customer Reviews Matter for Your Business

Beyond influencing customer decisions, reviews also impact search rankings. Google and other search engines prioritize businesses with consistent, high-quality reviews. The more engagement your business gets through reviews , the higher you appear in search results, which means more visibility and traffic.

How to Monitor and Track Customer Reviews

You can’t respond to what you don’t see. Staying on top of reviews is essential, whether they come from Google, Yelp, Facebook, or industry-specific platforms.

Making review monitoring a daily habit ensures that feedback, whether positive or negative, is handled quickly.

Best Practices for Responding to Positive Reviews

How to Handle Negative Reviews Professionally

No business is perfect, and bad reviews are bound to happen. Ignoring them or deleting them isn’t the answer. Instead, responding the right way can turn a negative situation into a positive one.

Following up is just as important. If the issue gets resolved, asking the customer to update their review can help balance out the initial negativity. Many times, a well-handled complaint can turn a frustrated customer into a loyal one.

Encouraging More Customer Reviews

Good reviews don’t just happen. Businesses that actively ask for feedback tend to have stronger online reputations.

One of the best times to request a review is right after a positive interaction. A satisfied customer is more likely to leave feedbac k if asked at the right moment. Businesses can send follow-up emails, include reminders on receipts, or even ask in person after completing a service.

Managing Reviews Across Different Platforms

Each review platform has its own rules and audience, so businesses need to tailor their responses accordingly.

On Google My Business, reviews affect search rankings, so consistent engagement is essential. Responding to both positive and negative feedback shows that a business values its customers.

Yelp has strict guidelines against asking for reviews, but responding professionally and engaging with customers helps maintain a strong presence.

Facebook reviews allow businesses to interact with customers in a more casual, conversational way. These reviews can be shared or pinned to highlight positive experiences.

Industry-specific platforms like TripAdvisor or Zillow require specialized responses, as their audiences often focus on detailed experiences or transactions. Understanding the tone and expectations of each platform ensures that businesses respond appropriately.

How to Use Customer Reviews to Improve Your Business

Beyond reputation management, reviews provide valuable insights into what customers love and what needs improvement.

If multiple reviews mention slow response times, a business might need to improve customer service. If customers rave about a particular product, highlighting it in marketing efforts makes sense. Paying attention to trends in reviews helps businesses refine their offerings.

Displaying positive reviews on a website, in marketing materials, or even in-store can boost credibility. Featuring real customer experiences builds trust with potential buyers.

Why a Strong Review Management Strategy Matters

Why Are Online Reviews Critical for My Business's Success?

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 09:36:21 GMT

In today’s digital world, online reviews are more than just a bonus—they are essential to your business’s growth and reputation. Before visiting a restaurant, booking a service, or even buying a product, most people turn to reviews to guide their decisions. In fact, studies show that nearly 90% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. If you want your business to thrive, understanding the importance of online reviews is a must. Let’s dive into why they matter and how you can use them to your advantage.

What Are Online Reviews?

Online reviews are feedback from customers shared on platforms like Google, Yelp, Facebook, or TripAdvisor. They’re essentially the digital version of word-of-mouth recommendations. Unlike traditional feedback forms, online reviews are highly visible and often influence potential customers' decisions before they even interact with your business. What’s more, search engines display reviews prominently, giving them an outsized role in how people perceive your business.

These reviews don’t just shape customer opinions—they also impact your online presence. Search engines prioritize businesses with positive reviews, meaning they’re a key factor in local search rankings. So, having a strong review profile isn’t just about pleasing your customers—it’s about being found by new ones too.

The Power of Social Proof

People are naturally influenced by the opinions of others, and that’s where social proof comes in. When potential customers see positive reviews, it reassures them that your business delivers on its promises. A string of glowing testimonials acts as a trust signal, making people feel confident in choosing your products or services.

Social proof is especially powerful because it aligns with how we make decisions. If you see a restaurant packed with happy diners, you’re more likely to try it, right? Online reviews replicate that effect in the digital space. Even a few detailed, authentic reviews can make all the difference when someone is deciding whether to choose your business over a competitor’s.

Benefits of Online Reviews for Businesses

Online reviews bring numerous advantages to businesses across industries.

First, they establish credibility. When potential customers see a pattern of positive feedback, they’re more likely to trust your business. It’s the digital equivalent of hearing a friend recommend your services.

Second, reviews play a major role in improving Local SEO . Search engines like Google prioritize businesses with frequent and positive reviews. This helps your business appear higher in local searches, driving more traffic to your website and physical location.

Third, reviews can directly influence conversion rates. When people are on the fence about making a purchase or booking a service, positive reviews can push them toward action. A few glowing testimonials can be all the motivation someone needs to choose you.

Finally, reviews provide valuable insights. Customer feedback highlights what you’re doing well and where you can improve. It’s like having a free focus group that constantly offers suggestions.

The Impact of Negative Reviews

While positive reviews are incredibly valuable, negative reviews also play an important role. They give businesses an opportunity to show how they handle feedback and resolve issues. Responding to negative reviews thoughtfully can turn a bad situation into a win. For instance, addressing concerns promptly and professionally shows that you care about your customers and are willing to make things right.

A few negative reviews won’t destroy your reputation as long as they’re outweighed by positive ones. In fact, having a mix of reviews often makes your profile seem more authentic. Customers are wary of businesses with only perfect ratings, as it can seem unrealistic.

How to Encourage Customers to Leave Reviews

Getting more reviews starts with asking. After a positive interaction, simply request feedback from your customers. For example, if someone compliments your service in person, ask if they’d be willing to share their thoughts online.

Make the process easy by providing direct links to your review pages on platforms like Google or Yelp. You can include these links in follow-up emails, receipts, or even on your website. Timing is crucial—ask for reviews shortly after a customer has had a great experience, while their satisfaction is still fresh.

In some cases, small incentives can encourage reviews. While you should never pay for reviews, offering a discount or freebie for honest feedback can motivate customers to share their thoughts.

Platforms That Matter Most for Reviews

Not all review platforms are created equal, and some hold more weight than others. Google My Business is by far the most influential. Positive reviews on Google not only improve your search rankings but also make your business stand out in Google Maps .

For restaurants, salons, and retail stores, Yelp is a key platform. It’s often the first place customers look for local recommendations. Similarly, platforms like TripAdvisor are crucial for travel-related businesses, while Facebook reviews add credibility to businesses with strong social media presences.

How to Manage and Respond to Reviews Effectively

When it comes to reviews, staying active is key. Thank customers for positive feedback and amplify their testimonials by sharing them on your social media or website. For negative reviews, respond calmly and constructively. Acknowledge the issue, apologize if necessary, and offer a solution. This shows potential customers that you’re proactive and care about their experience.

Using tools to monitor reviews across platforms can help you stay on top of your online reputation. Whether it’s Google Alerts or a dedicated review management system, staying informed allows you to address feedback quickly.

The Role of Online Reviews in Customer Retention

Reviews don’t just attract new customers—they help retain existing ones too. When customers see that their feedback is valued, they’re more likely to remain loyal. Responding to reviews fosters a sense of connection, turning one-time buyers into repeat customers who continue to share positive experiences.

Conclusion

Online reviews are a cornerstone of modern business success. They build trust, improve visibility, and drive conversions, all while offering valuable insights into your customers’ needs. Whether it’s earning glowing reviews on Google or managing feedback on Yelp, your approach to online reviews can make or break your business.

At NorthShore Loyalty , we understand the importance of online reviews in today’s digital landscape. That’s why we offer tools and strategies to help businesses like yours build a strong reputation, attract new customers, and retain existing ones. Contact us today to learn how we can help your business grow through smart review management.

How Can Local SEO Help My Business Attract New Customers?

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 09:28:38 GMT

As more people turn to search engines to find local businesses, Local SEO has become a game-changer for companies looking to grow. If you’ve ever searched for “restaurants near me” or “plumbers in Chicago,” you’ve witnessed Local SEO in action. For businesses, it’s a way to appear exactly where customers are looking. In this article, we’ll explore how Local SEO works and why it’s essential for attracting new customers.

What Is Local SEO?

Local SEO focuses on optimizing your business’s online presence for location-based searches. Unlike general SEO, which targets global visibility, Local SEO hones in on people searching for products or services in a specific area. For example, when someone looks for “coffee shops in Dallas,” Local SEO ensures your business appears in search results, particularly in Google’s “Local Pack” and Maps. The goal is to connect with potential customers who are already nearby and ready to buy.

Why Is Local SEO Important for Businesses?

Visibility is everything in today’s competitive market. With Local SEO, your business can rank higher in search results, making it easier for customers to find you. Imagine you own a salon, and someone nearby searches for “best hair salon near me.” If your business appears at the top of their results, you’re not just gaining visibility—you’re also building credibility. Google’s Local Pack and Maps results are prime real estate, and showing up there can drastically improve your chances of attracting new customers.

Another key benefit is trust. People often associate high rankings with reliability. Combined with positive reviews, Local SEO helps establish your business as a trusted choice within your community. Statistics show that over 80% of people research online before visiting a local business. If your website isn’t optimized for local searches, you’re likely missing out on those potential customers.

Key Elements of Local SEO

Google My Business Optimization
A well-optimized Google My Business (GMB) profile is the foundation of Local SEO. By providing accurate information like your address, phone number, hours, and photos, you make it easier for customers to learn about your business. Responding to reviews and regularly updating your profile further boosts your chances of ranking higher.

Localized Keywords
Using location-specific keywords ensures that your business is visible to people searching for services nearby. For instance, a dentist in Austin might target phrases like “family dentist Austin” or “affordable dental care in Austin.” Including these keywords in your website content, meta tags, and blog posts can significantly improve your local visibility.

NAP Consistency
Consistency is crucial when it comes to your Name, Address, and Phone (NAP) details. Whether it’s your website, social media profiles, or local directories, your business information should be uniform everywhere. Inconsistent details can confuse search engines and harm your rankings.

Online Reviews
Customer reviews play a massive role in Local SEO. Search engines value businesses with positive, frequent reviews. They act as social proof, showing potential customers that your business delivers quality service. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews and make it a habit to respond to all feedback, whether it’s positive or negative.

Local Citations and Directories
Being listed on trusted local directories like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and industry-specific platforms helps improve your Local SEO. These citations signal to search engines that your business is active and credible.

Benefits of Local SEO for Attracting New Customers

When done right, Local SEO ensures that your business appears in front of customers who are ready to take action. Whether they’re searching for a nearby restaurant, a home service provider, or a retail store, your business becomes easy to find. By showing up in local search results, you increase the likelihood of foot traffic and online inquiries.

Reviews further enhance trust, making customers more likely to choose your business over competitors. Plus, a higher ranking gives you an edge over less optimized businesses. Local SEO doesn’t just help you get noticed—it positions your business as the go-to choice in your area.

Steps to Get Started with Local SEO

Begin by claiming your Google My Business profile if you haven’t already. Fill it out completely and make it visually appealing with photos and regular updates. Next, identify the right keywords for your business and integrate them naturally into your website. Encourage customers to leave reviews, and always respond to them to show you value their feedback. Lastly, ensure your NAP details are consistent across every platform and list your business in relevant local directories.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Local SEO

Many businesses fall into the trap of ignoring their reviews or failing to respond to negative ones. This can harm your online reputation. Another common mistake is using generic keywords instead of location-specific ones. Don’t forget to optimize your website for mobile users—most local searches are performed on smartphones. Finally, neglecting to update your GMB profile with current information can cost you potential customers.

Measuring the Success of Your Local SEO Strategy

To know if your efforts are paying off, track metrics like website traffic, Google My Business views, and customer inquiries. Tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console can provide valuable insights. Also, monitor the growth in customer reviews and feedback—this often reflects improved visibility.

Conclusion

Local SEO is one of the most effective ways to attract new customers and grow your business. By optimizing your online presence for local searches, you make it easier for potential customers to find and trust you. From a well-managed GMB profile to positive reviews, every element of Local SEO plays a role in your success.

At NorthShore Loyalty , we specialize in helping businesses harness the power of Local SEO. Whether you need help with Google My Business, keyword strategies, or building customer reviews, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Reach out to us today, and let’s work together to attract more customers and grow your business.

Why Is Having a Responsive Website Crucial for My Business?

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 09:22:23 GMT

As more people rely on their smartphones and tablets to browse the internet, businesses need to adapt to meet their customers where they are. One of the most effective ways to do this is by having a responsive website . A responsive website ensures that your business looks and works great on any device, whether it’s a phone, tablet, or desktop. But why is this so important for your business? Let’s explore.

What Is a Responsive Website?

A responsive website is one that adjusts its layout and design based on the screen size it’s being viewed on. This means that whether someone visits your site on a tiny smartphone screen or a large desktop monitor, everything will look neat and function seamlessly. It’s not just about shrinking images or text; it’s about creating a user experience that feels natural across all devices. Responsive websites use flexible grids, scalable images, and CSS techniques to make this happen.

The Growing Importance of Mobile Users

The number of mobile users has skyrocketed over the years. In fact, studies show that more than half of all internet traffic now comes from mobile devices. People use their phones to search for local businesses, read reviews, and even make purchases. If your website isn’t mobile-friendly, you risk frustrating potential customers and losing them to competitors who have embraced responsive design. The modern consumer expects convenience, and a non-responsive website simply doesn’t deliver.

Benefits of a Responsive Website for Businesses

Improved User Experience
When a visitor lands on your website, their first impression matters. A responsive website ensures that text is easy to read, buttons are easy to click, and navigation feels intuitive. Nobody enjoys zooming in and out or dealing with awkward layouts. A seamless user experience keeps visitors on your site longer and encourages them to explore what you offer.

Boosts SEO Performance
Google loves responsive websites, and it rewards them with better rankings. In 2015, Google started using mobile-friendliness as a ranking factor, meaning websites that work well on mobile devices are more likely to appear higher in search results. A responsive site also improves page load times and reduces bounce rates—both of which are crucial for SEO success .

Increased Conversion Rates
Imagine a potential customer visiting your site, finding it easy to use, and quickly completing a purchase or booking a service. That’s the power of responsive design. By removing barriers like poor navigation or hard-to-read text, you’re making it easier for people to take action. Whether it’s filling out a contact form or buying a product, a responsive website streamlines the process.

Cost-Effectiveness
Before responsive design became standard, businesses often created separate desktop and mobile websites. This approach was expensive and time-consuming to maintain. A single responsive website eliminates the need for separate versions, saving you money on updates and ensuring a consistent brand experience across devices.

Future-Proofing Your Business
With the constant evolution of technology, new devices with varying screen sizes are introduced all the time. A responsive website ensures that your business is ready for whatever comes next. From foldable phones to smart TVs, a flexible design will adapt to these changes without needing major overhauls.

Signs Your Website Needs to Be Responsive

If your website looks outdated or doesn’t work well on mobile devices, it’s time to upgrade. High bounce rates, where visitors leave your site quickly, are another red flag. Feedback from customers about poor usability is also a sign that your website isn’t meeting today’s standards. Don’t wait until your competitors gain an edge—act now to improve your site.

Steps to Make Your Website Responsive

Start by evaluating your current website. Test it on different devices and note any issues, such as slow loading times or awkward layouts. Next, partner with a reliable web design team that specializes in responsive design. Focus on creating a mobile-first experience, where the mobile version is prioritized and expanded for larger screens. Don’t forget to test your new website thoroughly to ensure it works flawlessly on every device.

Key Metrics to Measure Success

After implementing a responsive design, monitor key metrics to track its impact. Look at mobile traffic—are more people visiting your site from smartphones? Check your bounce rate—are visitors staying longer? Conversion rates and organic search rankings are also important indicators of success. Regularly reviewing these metrics will help you refine your strategy and maximize results.

Conclusion

In today’s digital world, having a responsive website isn’t optional—it’s essential. It improves user experience, boosts SEO performance, increases conversions, and positions your business for future success. Don’t let an outdated website hold you back. At NorthShore Loyalty , we specialize in creating responsive websites that help businesses like yours thrive in an ever-changing online landscape. Contact us today to learn how we can transform your website and set your business up for long-term success.

How Can Text and Loyalty Marketing Drive Repeat Business for My Company?

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 09:16:10 GMT

Repeat customers are the lifeblood of any successful business. They spend more, return often, and spread positive word-of-mouth about your company. But how do you ensure that your customers keep coming back? The answer lies in two powerful digital tools: text marketing and loyalty marketing . These strategies not only help you retain customers but also drive measurable growth in your business.

The Power of Repeat Business

It’s no secret that retaining a customer is much more cost-effective than acquiring a new one. Studies show that repeat customers tend to spend more on each visit and are more likely to recommend your business to others. When you focus on keeping your current customers engaged, you build a steady revenue stream that provides long-term stability. Repeat business isn’t just about sales—it’s about forming relationships that benefit both you and your customers .

What is Text Marketing?

Text marketing, also known as SMS marketing, allows businesses to communicate directly with customers through their phones. Whether it’s a promotional offer, a reminder about an upcoming event, or a simple thank-you message, texts are opened and read more frequently than emails. The beauty of text marketing lies in its simplicity. Messages are short, direct, and often lead to immediate action. A restaurant, for instance, could send out a limited-time discount code to encourage lunchtime orders, while a boutique could promote new arrivals to its most loyal shoppers.

Understanding Loyalty Marketing

Loyalty marketing is all about giving customers a reason to return. Through rewards programs, exclusive discounts, or membership perks, businesses can create incentives that encourage repeat visits. The psychological pull of earning points or receiving special treatment is powerful. When customers feel valued, they’re more likely to stick around. For example, a coffee shop might offer a free drink after ten purchases, or a salon could provide discounts for referrals. Loyalty marketing transforms casual shoppers into long-term patrons who feel connected to your brand.

How Text Marketing Drives Repeat Business

Text marketing keeps your business at the forefront of your customers’ minds. By sending timely and relevant messages, you can engage with them in ways that feel personal and valuable. A quick reminder about a flash sale or a special event can spur immediate action. Text marketing also allows for personalization, tailoring messages to individual preferences or past purchases. Imagine receiving a message from your favorite clothing store offering a discount on a style you recently browsed—that level of attention keeps customers coming back. Regular communication through text fosters trust and familiarity, two key ingredients for repeat business.

How Loyalty Marketing Encourages Repeat Business

Loyalty marketing builds deeper connections with your customers by rewarding them for their ongoing support. When customers know they’ll be rewarded for their purchases, they’re more likely to return. Gamifying the shopping experience—through point systems, achievements, or milestones—adds an element of fun and engagement. Personalization plays a crucial role here as well. Tailoring rewards to customer preferences makes them feel valued. For instance, offering birthday discounts or exclusive first access to sales can make customers feel special, strengthening their loyalty to your brand.

The Synergy of Text and Loyalty Marketing

While text marketing and loyalty marketing are effective on their own, combining them takes customer engagement to the next level. These strategies work seamlessly together to keep your customers informed and involved. For example, you can use text messages to update customers on their loyalty points or notify them about rewards they’ve earned. Similarly, a text announcing a double-points weekend can drive foot traffic to your store. This integration ensures a smooth customer experience that keeps your business top-of-mind.

Steps to Implement Text and Loyalty Marketing for Your Business

Start by understanding your audience. Knowing their preferences and shopping habits allows you to craft messages and rewards that resonate. Next, choose tools or platforms that support both text and loyalty marketing, making it easy to manage campaigns. Create a clear plan, outlining when and how you’ll communicate with your customers. Monitor your progress using analytics to refine your approach over time. Consistency and adaptation are key to long-term success.

Key Metrics to Measure Success

To evaluate the effectiveness of your strategies, track key metrics such as customer retention rate, repeat purchase rate, and engagement levels in your loyalty program. Assess the ROI of your text marketing campaigns by analyzing conversion rates and customer responses. These insights will help you fine-tune your approach and maximize results.

Conclusion

Text and loyalty marketing are game-changers for businesses looking to boost repeat customer engagement. They provide a direct, personal way to connect with your audience while rewarding their loyalty. At NorthShore Loyalty , we specialize in helping businesses implement these powerful strategies to drive measurable growth. Whether it’s setting up text campaigns or creating a custom loyalty program, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Reach out to us today and see how we can help your business thrive.

7 Surprising Benefits of Text Message Marketing: How to Maximize Your ROI

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 05:16:40 GMT

Did you know that text message marketing (also known as SMS messages) marketing can help you achieve your business goals? It's true! This review will discuss the many benefits of text message marketing, how enhance your traditional marketing efforts and maximize your ROI.

Text message marketing is extremely effective for reaching your target audience and boosting sales. If you're not currently using text message marketing, you're missing out on a lot of potential revenue using this important digital marketing channel.

Here are seven surprising benefits of text message marketing:

1. Reach More People In An Instant

Text message marketing allows you to reach a large number of people with your promotional messages. You can send out mass texts to your entire list of contacts at once, or you can segment your lists and target specific groups of people. Either way, in a matter or minutes, you'll be able to reach more people than you would with other marketing channels.

2. Get More Engagement

Text message marketing can help you increase engagement with your brand. SMS messages have a high open rate and a high click-through rate, which means more people are likely to see your message AND take action. This can help create a connection between your customer and your brand.

3. Increase Sales

You can use text message marketing to promote special offers and discounts to encourage customers to make a purchase. By offering incentives, you can increase the likelihood of making a sale and generating revenue for your business.

You can also use text messages to up-sell and cross-sell your products.

4. SMS Marketing is More Reliable Than Email

Email is one of the most commonly used marketing tools, but it isn't always the most reliable. In fact, studies show that only about 20% of emails are actually opened and read by their recipients. Unfortunately, this means that if you're relying on email to reach your customers, you're missing out on 80% of them.

Text message marketing, on the other hand, has a much higher open rate. In fact, nearly 98% of text messages are opened and read within the first five minutes after they're received. This makes text message marketing one of the most effective ways to reach your customers.

5. Build Relationships

By sending out personal messages, you can create a connection with your audience and make them feel valued. SMS messages are highly personal so your customers will feel like they're hearing from you directly. This can prompt them to take action on your offer, whether it's making a purchase, signing up for your service, or attending an event. This can lead to repeat business and increased sales .

Text message campaigns also allow you to get valuable feedback from your customers in real-time, thereby helping you improve your products and services and make your business more successful.

6. Generate Leads

You can use text message marketing to generate leads for your business. By sending out mass texts to potential customers, you can create a database of interested individuals with whom you can follow up via email or phone.

7. Boost Your Brand

First, text message marketing is a great way to stay top of mind with your customers. If you send regular updates and promotional offers , your customers will always think of you when they need a product or service that you offer. The ability to segment your contacts enables you to send targeted messages to particular groups ensuring that your customers are receiving the most relevant information from you.

Secondly, text message marketing is an excellent way to build customer loyalty. You can offer loyalty rewards and exclusive deals to your most loyal customers. This will keep them coming back to your business again and again.

But that's not all:

Text message marketing also has a number of other benefits. Here are just a few:

It's personal: When you send a text message, it goes straight to your customer's phone. This makes it more personal than other forms of marketing, like email or social media.

It's immediate: Text messages are typically read within minutes of being received. This means that your message will be seen by your customer right away.

It's interactive: Text messages allow you to include links, images, and even videos in your message. This makes them more engaging than other forms of marketing.

It's targeted: You can send different messages to different groups of people based on their interests or demographics. This helps ensure that your message is relevant to your audience.

It's cost-effective: Text message marketing is one of the most cost-effective forms of marketing available. This is because it doesn't require a lot of time or money to set up and maintain.

Use These Tips to Maximize Your ROI

Text message marketing can be an extremely effective way to promote your business. However, it's important to use it wisely in order to maximize your return on investment. Here are a few tips:

Use strong call-to-actions: Make sure your text messages have a strong call-to-action so that people know what you want them to do.

Send relevant messages: Only send text messages relevant to your customers. Don't spam them with irrelevant or uninteresting content.

Personalize your messages: Personalized messages are more likely to be read and acted upon. Use the customer's name in your message to make it more personal.

Be brief: People are more likely to read and act on a text message if it's short and to the point. So keep your messages concise and clear.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your text message marketing campaign is successful and that you're able to maximize your return on investment.

Overall, text message marketing can be a powerful tool for generating leads and increasing sales. If you're looking for a more effective way to reach your customers, text message marketing may be the answer. With its high open rate and low cost, it's a great way to maximize your ROI .

If you're not using text message marketing, you're missing out on a powerful tool that can help you reach your customers, increase sales, and build relationships. Contact us today if you're ready to start reaping the benefits of text message marketing. We'll help you get started!

NorthShore Loyalty is a local community-focused digital marketing company that engages residents to shop local. The suite of marketing services includes Text Marketing, Website Design, Local SEO and Review Building. Digital marketing solutions company to get businesses found online and bring current customers back more often.

The Rise of Text Marketing: Why You Need It

Fri, 19 Aug 2022 15:31:45 GMT

Text marketing is on the rise. In this digital age, people are more connected than ever before, which means they are more likely to respond to text messages than any other form of communication.

If you're not already using text marketing, now is the time to start. Here are a few reasons why you should consider using text marketing for your business:

What Is SMS Text Marketing?

SMS (Short Message Service) Text marketing is a form of marketing that uses text messages to reach and engage customers. It's a quick and convenient way to stay in touch with your audience, and it can be an effective marketing tool if used correctly.

There are a few things to keep in mind when using text marketing, such as making sure your messages are clear and concise, avoid spam keywords, and being mindful of privacy laws. But if you play by the rules, text marketing can be a great way to reach your target audience.

Why Should You Care?

Here are a few reasons why you should consider using text marketing for your business:

It's a quick and easy way to reach your customers.
It's an effective way to engage with your audience through personalized messaging.
It can you boost sales and ROI
It's a great way to build customer loyalty using a mobile marketing strategy .
It's a cost-effective marketing tool that can compliment your social media.

If you're not already using text marketing, now is the time to start. It's a powerful marketing tool that can help you reach your customers and boost your bottom line.

How to Get Started with Text Marketing

With the ubiquity of smartphones, text marketing has become an increasingly popular way for businesses to reach their customers. Text messages have a high open rate and are typically read within minutes of being received, making them an ideal way to deliver timely information or promotions.

To get started with text marketing, businesses need to identify their target audience and develop a list of opt-in subscribers. Once the subscriber list is established, businesses can begin creating and sending text messages.

There are a number of different ways to collect opt-in subscribers, including online forms, in-store sign-ups, and QR codes. It's important to make it clear to potential subscribers how their information will be used and to get their explicit permission to add them to the list.

Once the list is established, businesses can start creating and sending text messages. There are a number of different platforms that offer text marketing services, including NorthShore Loyalty .

Businesses should take care to avoid spamming their subscribers with too many messages or irrelevant content. Although text marketing can be an effective way to reach and engage customers, it should be used thoughtfully and sparingly.

If you're interested in exploring text marketing for your business, NorthShore Loyalty can help you get started. Contact us today to learn more.

The Benefits of Text Marketing for Businesses

Text marketing is a form of direct marketing that uses text messages to promote products or services. Businesses can use text marketing to reach out to customers and prospects with special offers, coupons, discounts, and announcements.

There are several benefits of text marketing for businesses:

It is a cost-effective way to reach out to customers and prospects: You can send texts to large groups of people for a fraction of the cost of other marketing methods such as TV or print advertising.

It allows businesses to target specific groups of people with tailored messages: You can send different messages to different groups of people based on their interests or demographics.

It is a quick and easy way to communicate with customers and prospects: You can send a text message and get a response back within minutes.

It is a convenient way for customers and prospects to opt-in to receive messages from businesses: Customers and prospects can sign up to receive text messages from businesses they are interested in.

If you are considering using text marketing for your business , keep the benefits listed above in mind. To recap, text marketing can be a cost-effective, targeted, quick, and convenient way to reach out to your customers and prospects.

Examples of Successful Text Marketing Campaigns

Text marketing can be a powerful tool for businesses of all sizes. Here are three examples of successful text marketing campaigns:

1. Taco Bell used text messaging to promote its new breakfast menu items. The campaign offered customers a chance to win prizes by texting in to participate. Taco Bell saw a significant increase in breakfast sales as a result of the campaign.

2. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic , many businesses had to pivot their marketing strategies. One successful text marketing campaign came from a furniture store that offered customers a discount on their next purchase if they texted in for more information. The campaign significantly increased sales and helped the business stay afloat during a difficult time.

3. A local bakery used text messaging to announce new weekly specials. Customers could text in to receive a list of the week's specials, which increased sales.

Text marketing can be an effective way to reach and engage customers. These three examples show how businesses have used text marketing successfully to promote their products and services.

If you're thinking about launching a text marketing campaign, consider using one of these successful examples as inspiration.

The Future of Text Marketing

The future of text marketing is looking very promising. With the advent of new technologies, businesses are now able to reach out to their target audiences in a more efficient and effective manner.

One of the most exciting developments in this field is the arrival of SMS marketing . This new form of marketing allows businesses to send out mass texts to their customers and prospects, offering them special deals and promotions.

With SMS marketing, businesses are able to reach a larger audience with their message, and they can do so in a more personal way. This form of marketing is also very attractive option for many businesses.

As you can see, the future of text marketing is looking very bright. With new technologies and SMS marketing, businesses are able to reach out to their target audiences in a more efficient and effective manner. If you're not already using text marketing, now is the time to start!

Small Business: 3 Ways to Boost Your Online Presence

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 10:34:33 GMT

There are a number of digital marketing strategies that can be utilized to get found online.

We all know that a strong online presence is a vital component to any successful business. Luckily, small business marketing can be quite manageable and affordable. As long as you know where to start and what your online competition looks like, you are already ahead of the game!

Without a strong digital presence, your business will have a much harder time getting found online. To improve your website ranking, gain more traffic, and attract new customers , there are several components you need to look at.

In this post, we’ll discuss three of the best ways to boost your online presence so you can get more customers through your door!

1. Optimize your website

The first digital marketing strategy is to optimize your website for local search engines. Search engine optimization (SEO) is a vital step in growing your online presence. That's because it makes it easier for internet users and search engines like Google to find you!

According to Safari Digital , local intent accounts for 46% of all Google searches. So small businesses who don't include a local SEO plan in their marketing strategy risk ranking lower in local search results.

To improve your web presence through local SEO, start with the basics: keyword research and on-page optimization.

Once you have these strategies in place, it’s time to focus on other tactics to make your digital footprint even stronger. For instance, writing unique yet engaging content for your website can help improve rankings in local search engines.

Another great marketing plan is building links from other high-quality websites to your own. Websites that have more backlinks help increase domain authority, allowing you to rank higher in the organic search engine results.

The small business marketing strategies above are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to website optimization!

2. Optimize your Google Listing

If you want to attain local search success, optimizing your Google listing is also essential. Your Google Business Profile, formerly known as your Google My Business page, allows users to highlight important information about their small business which provides easier access for those browsing the web.

In order to improve your web presence through Google, your small business information should be consistent across all online profiles. An optimized business profile on Google will include an accurate business name, geographic area, and phone number. Be sure to add a descriptive title and add images of your business . This will really help potential clients visualize your company’s online presence.

Your Google listing is not a set and forget it approach. On a weekly or monthly basis, you need to be consistently updating your Google listing with new images, posts, and Q&A’s. This ongoing activity is crucial to keep your content fresh so Google can see your updated online presence.

Optimizing your Google listing will allow your business to build trust and help you gain exposure so your local customers in your target market can find you!

3. Have more reviews than your competition

Lastly, acquiring more reviews than your competition is another crucial component to your marketing efforts for increasing your internet presence.

Depending on how many reviews your business has, your online presence could be very strong or nearly nonexistent. As a result, reviews can have a positive impact on your company. Not only do they boost your web exposure, but they also help develop digital authority and improve your overall online reputation.

Furthermore, online directories like Google and Yelp are very effective at ranking businesses. However, they do so by using keywords, which can make it more difficult for small businesses to stand out. Therefore, one of the best ways to rank higher on these sites is to get more reviews than your competition. This is because it helps people searching the web easily identify which business is the “best choice” for them.

Here are a few ways to build reviews for your small business:

Ask satisfied customers to leave you a review on your website.
Also encourage customers to leave reviews on Google, Yelp and other online directories.
Consider adding “Review Us” buttons to your site so it’s easy for people to find.
Offer incentives to leave reviews for your business.

Ultimately, having more 5 star reviews than your competition is key if you want potential customers to do business with you!

Conclusion

If you want your small business to get found, there are three main strategies that can help you compete in the online marketplace. First, optimize your website with keyword research and implement on-site local SEO best practices. Doing this will help your website rank higher in search results for relevant keywords .

Another strategy is to optimize your Google listing. This ensures that all of the information about your company’s products or services are accurate and up-to-date. This should include your contact info, physical location, hours of operation, etc.

Finally, having more reviews than local competitors is crucial in driving enough traffic to your site.

Here at NorthShore Loyalty, we offer a free consultation for small business owners who are looking to grow their online presence. Contact us today or visit our homepage to learn more about the services that we provide!

5 Reasons it’s Important for Small Businesses to Have a Strong Online Presence

ron@northshoreloyalty.com (Ron Goldblatt) — Sun, 03 Oct 2021 21:19:54 GMT

It’s essential to understand the value of your website, reviews and online presence will help you succeed online.

You’ve heard it a million times – you need a website for a business to build your online presence, get customers to review your business, and more. But do you understand why? It’s essential to understand the value in doing these things to learn how to do them and succeed online.

At NorthShore Loyalty , we want to help you and your business thrive, and in today’s digital world, understanding how to stand out online is a critical step in doing that.

Here’s a breakdown of the 5 key reasons it’s so important for businesses to have a strong ad healthy online presence:

1. Allows you to meet your customers where they already are

Like we said – we live in a digitally focused world. The last time you needed a specific product or service and didn’t know where to go, what did you do?

Chances are, you pulled out your phone or laptop, Googled highly-rated businesses in your area that provide that product or service, whittled down the options and went to that business.

If you do this often, you’re not alone. According to Pew Research Center , 91% of adults use search engines (including Google, Yahoo or Bing) to find information.

When you exist online, you can meet your customers halfway when they are searching for a product or service you provide.

2. Enables you to reach new customers

If you don’t already have a website and attract your customers on a strictly word-of-mouth basis, think how you could expand to reach even more customers who don’t know your business yet.

Think about all the customers that might be new to your area or just passing through, and are trying to figure out how to find your good or service. Instead of solely bringing in your regular customers or word-of-mouth referral customers , you can now additionally reach people who found you online.

3. Builds your business’ reputation

Your online reputation matters much more than you may think.

It allows customers to refer your business to others, and also helps you understand potential pros and cons about your business, based on what customers are leaving feedback on.

For example, check out NorthShore Loyalty’s review site , NorthShore Dine , to study how reviews can help businesses thrive by allowing people to recommend your business to others.

4. Gives you more opportunity to promote

In general, having a website allows you to promote any upcoming events, promotions or sales you’d like to announce.

Going one step further, having a website that’s user-friendly and has strong SEO to allow more people to see you will allow more customers to see these events and promotions and attract them into your store.

5. Helps you understand your customers and your business

A built out website, social media platforms and reviews all enable you to communicate with your customers through social post comments, messages, and feedback from review sites. This allows you to understand what people are saying about your business, who your audience is, and what’s working and not working for your business.

Additionally, when you work with NorthShore Loyalty to build out your business website and help you get discovered by more customers, you can analyze the analytics of who’s viewing your website and when. This can greatly help you understand your typical customer and what you should do to cater to their wants and needs.

NorthShore Loyalty can help you strengthen your online presence.

Our society is only getting more and more digitally focused, which is why it’s critical for businesses to stand out online. NorthShore Loyalty can help you do that by:

Creating a website that’s user-friendly, has strong SEO so you are spotlighted in search engines, and attractive web design
Create original content for your site to add depth and enhance your SEO
Develop a text marketing plan for you to let customers know of promotions and offer loyalty reward programs
Build your reviews so you can strengthen your online reputation

To learn more about NorthShore Loyalty and our services, visit our website.

NorthShore Loyalty is a community-focused digital services company that has been in the digital and mobile marketing business for over five years. Using specialized marketing tactics, NorthShore Loyalty creates original content for local businesses to attract new customers and encourage current ones to come back more often. Their business purpose is to create measurable engagement with new and existing customers to drive more traffic to their clients, and ultimately increase their client’s revenue. Their social purpose is to amplify their client’s community involvement. To learn more about NorthShore Loyalty and its services, click here.

North Shore Loyalty is listed as one of the Top SEO Agencies in Illinois .

NorthShore Loyalty Offers New Online Ordering Solution

ron@northshoreloyalty.com (Ron Goldblatt) — Wed, 17 Feb 2021 16:07:12 GMT

Local digital marketing company expands restaurant services by introducing efficient online ordering option.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Ron Goldblatt

Northbrook, Ill. – FEBRUARY 2021 – NorthShore Loyalty, a community-based digital marketing company, now offers restaurants an easy and effective solution for their customers to order menu items online as dine in options remain limited and the use of smartphones for ordering continues to increase.

Their program follows what they call the “30/30/30 Rule” for online menu orders:

Over 30% of orders are online, so you must have online ordering with credit card processing.
Paying 30% commission to third parties and charging more for online items hurts sales and the bottom line.
Most restaurants see a 30% or more increase in average order value when purchased online.

“Our new online ordering program is flexible, easy to set up and maintain, and customers love it,” said Ron Goldblatt, founder, and owner of NorthShore Loyalty. “Restaurant customers can customize their order and check out quickly, and restaurants have the opportunity to earn more, view real time analytics and can email or text message updates on new offers and promotions.”

The platform was designed to be convenient and helpful for both the restaurant and customer. The following features accomplish this goal:

A customizable option that makes up-selling easy.
A optimized checkout page to increase conversions.
Automatic data refill for returning customers.
Fast, real time confirmation of the order.
In-store app for accepting orders.
Promotion engine that allows restaurants to advertise offers via email and text marketing.
Reporting module that gives insight on order numbers, delivery heat map & more.

To learn more about the program or set up a consultation, contact Ron Goldblatt at 847-477-0429 or via northshoreloyalty.com.

About NorthShore Loyalty:

NorthShore Loyalty is a community-focused digital services company that has been in the digital and mobile marketing business for over five years. Using specialized marketing tactics, NorthShore Loyalty creates original content for local businesses to attract new customers and encourage current ones to come back more often. Their business purpose is to create measurable engagement with new and existing customers to drive more traffic to their clients, and ultimately increase their client’s revenue . Their social purpose is to amplify their client’s community involvement. To learn more about NorthShore Loyalty and its services, click here.

The Future of Dining Out in a Global Pandemic

ron@northshoreloyalty.com (Ron Goldblatt) — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 17:26:50 GMT

Key take-a-ways and action steps for local businesses to survive the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Summary of a WSJ article October 10, 2020. By Heather Haddon

Summary:

The big chains have a huge advantage over the local eateries. They have more capital, leverage, terms, space, numerous geographic locations, and flexibility. They have also had prior experience for carry out and delivery.

Chipotle sales tripled this summer, Dominos and Papa John’s sales doubled and Wingstop created a delivery only item that was a huge success. On a local level for small busineseses, the news is not so rosy, in any given year, 60,000 restaurants open and 50,000 usually close. This year that closed number is expected to hit 100,000.

Interesting some of the Big Chain casual dining places also had casualties. Ruby Tuesday, Shake Shack, California and Pizza Kitchen all filed for bankruptcy. Many other chains had to close locations, but at the same time opened new ones.

One theme across the board, now is not the time to sit back as the major chain get more aggressive. There are valuable lessons and action steps that small businesses can do as well. We reviewed these trends and laid out an 8-step action plan that can help small businesses .

These 8 steps are in two main categories, Physical Location and Mobile Trends.

Physical Trends/Action Points

There needs to be less focus on premise dining with fewer people indoors
Need to look a multiple drive through options including converting parking space areas
Even in the cold weather, more outside dining options need to be added but follow local safety guidelines
Need to bring staff to the outdoors. Offer pick up windows, offer curbside pickup and Fast Service outside dining

Mobile Trends / Action Points

Digital menus are more common, make it easy to upload on a mobile phone using QR codes
Online ordering needs to minimize clicks, remember past orders, and offer a credit card check out
Need to connect digitally with current customers using email, social media, and text messaging
QR codes are trending! Look at using them for signing up customers for messaging or to order on premise.

The restaurant staff also need help. Their hours are cut back, there are less tips with less table service and these new ways to order usually means less tips overall for servers, chefs and staff who share the tips. We have heard from our North Shore restaurants that locals have been very generous with tips on pick ups and window orders. We hope this trend continues through the winter months.

Other trends to consider:

Packaging meals for the customers to cook is growing. Premium meats, seafood and chicken all make great takeout items when package with local sides or spices.
Offering specially drinks with takeout meals is growing. Many local laws now allow alcohol takeout sales. Focus on specialty drinks like Margaritas, Mojitos or offering flights of Beer or Wine.
Steak establishments are offering some of their premium wines at a discount with any takeout order.
Family Packs of meals that feed four for under $50 are popular or offering lower cost proteins to hit a price point.

About NorthShore Loyalty:

NorthShore Loyalty is a community-focused digital services company. Our business purpose is to create measurable engagement with new and existing customers to drive more traffic to our clients and increase their revenue. Our social purpose is to amplify our client’s community involvement. During the pandemic we have provided our clients, new websites, more online reviews, an improvement in their search engine ranking, and most important an easy way to connect with customers using our Text Messaging and Loyalty services . Call or text us at 847-477-0429 to learn more.

5 Ways Small Businesses are Using QR Codes to Build Customer Traffic Amid COVID-19

ron@northshoreloyalty.com (Ron Goldblatt) — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 04:07:42 GMT

QR Codes are creating a positive customer experience in 2020.

As local businesses pioneer new ways to foster business growth while continuing to adapt to the new world of COVID-19, many are finding QR codes to be a key driver in creating a safe, technology-powered customer experience.

While QR codes have been around for years, they have proved exceptionally valuable in 2020 because of one key factor that spotlights them specifically during a global pandemic: you do not have to touch anything to use them. Not to mention, when they were first introduced in the 90’s, not as many people had smartphones… fast forward to 2020 and 81% of U.S. adults have them .

There are 2 main reasons for this increased in use:

Over the last two years, both iPhone and Android phones changed the software so the camera becomes a QR code reader, so users do not have to download an app to read the codes.
They are easy to use, easy to share, mobile friendly, and most importantly touch-free, which makes them a great way to make customers both happy and comfortable.

“About a year ago, we started to see an increase in use and acceptance of QR codes once a person’s phone became the reader, but this Spring their use exploded with the need for no-touch menus and other no-touch services.” We have modified many of our programs to capitalize on this trend and are excited about how we can help our local businesses”, said Ron Goldblatt, the Founder of NorthShore Loyalty .

At NorthShore Loyalty, we have outlined below the top five ways small businesses in the North Shore are using QR codes and how they have found success with doing so.

No-touch menus

In a “new era of dining out”, QR codes are the stars of the show when it comes to creating a safe, germ-mitigated environment. Do you know how many germs are on an average menu? According to one study , “menus have bacteria counts as high as 185,000 per square centimeter – far more than a dish towel or bathroom handle.” QR codes solve that problem, which is why restaurants consider them a saving grace.

NorthShore Loyalty has taken this menu one stop further and offers the ability for the customer to sign up to a text program, so the business can stay connected with that customer even after they leave the restaurant.

Links to websites

As retailers reopen, they have been using QR codes to help customers get info with less contact. Website linking can be used in several ways, it just depends on what your goal is. Some examples include:

Restaurants linking to their online menu
Restaurants linking to an online order page (can do this in the restaurant as well, so the customer does not have to touch the bill or receipts after the meal)
Retailers linking to an online shopping order on their website
Linking the QR code to leave reviews ( read how Amazon does this )
Professional services linking to a Check-In platform (shown below)
Restaurants setting up a QR code at the front of their entrance to link to a Reservation Check-In
Including a QR code on a business card that links to the small business or individual’s website or portfolio

Builds email database of names

The most successful way customers are driving new customers into their store is by offering them a special offer and loyalty discounts through social media, in store, or through your neighborhood’s community text program , powered by NorthShore Loyalty.

Having the email of the consumer opens the door for the restaurant or retailer to stay connected with the consumer through updates and special offers.

Text messaging

QR codes work well to also reinforce small business text marketing strategies. For example, with our mobile community program, we can set up QR codes in store or digitally so that you can share them via your social media so that the consumer can be entered in the mobile program while also building the customer database.

This strategy has proven to have a 98% open rate (almost all texts sent are read by the recipient), can have an unlimited amount of characters, and high conversion rates.

Call to order

Several small businesses are seeing high conversion rates with a “Call to Order” QR code. There are several ways this can be implemented depending on your business, but here are some examples of opportunities where you could do this:

Flyers and posters around town promoting a restaurant’s special with a QR code that customers can quickly call and order from
Digital promotions on social media that customers simply hover over and call
A restaurant or retailer using this to both order their food and pay without having to touch a check or receipts (shown in photo)

What will be next in QR code development?

While COVID-19 sparked up a reason for businesses to lean into QR codes, there is reason to believe this is just the beginning of a new way of swiping, scanning, ordering and browsing. In fact, Juniper Research indicates that 5.3 billion QR code coupons will be scanned by smartphones and 1 billion smartphones will access QR codes by 2022.

With this forecasting in mind, trailblazer companies like Apple , Amazon , and several QSRs are already taking great strides in developing outside-of-the-box ways they can use QR codes to make things faster, easier, and ultimately more customer-friendly.

All in all, we expect QR codes to become more and more of the norm in the “new COVID-19 world” and will continue to thrive post-pandemic.

About NorthShore Loyalty

Our business is active in the community with the Hunger Resource Network as we co-lead the program to make Northbrook a Hunger Free Community. When a client has an important cause to share or they want to engage in the community in some way, we make that happen authentically and effectively.

Six Reasons why North Shore restaurants are using no touch menus

ron@northshoreloyalty.com (Ron Goldblatt) — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 23:15:39 GMT

Turn your menu into a new way to connect with customers.

The main theme of business adaptation we are seeing thrive in this global pandemic is digitization. To promote social distancing and keep everyone safe, folks are doing more Facetiming, Zoom conferencing and digital connecting, and less in-person meet ups.

Now, things are starting to reopen, and we can all reunite at our favorite restaurants and bars again. But before we go straight to hitting the social scene, we need to be careful. Restaurant owners understand the need to take caution and support public health. They want to keep their guests and employees as safe as possible.

The best way to reduce risk of getting sick in a restaurant reopening? Don’t touch objects you don’t have to touch, especially if it’s communal. And menus might be the single greatest disease vector in any restaurant.

Enter: QR (quick response) coded touchless menus. QR codes have been popping up throughout the restaurant scene over the past few years, and now seems like the perfect time for them to really thrive.

Making touch free service easy

When customers enter restaurants like Grill House , they will be greeted with a QR code that they can scan simply by opening their camera on their smart phone and hovering over it. That code will take them to a link with the full menu on it, which they can easily read and share with others.

Improves customer experience

According to a survey conducted by Toast, 79 percent of restaurant guests say that technology improves their customer experience. Not to mention, most people want to continue to social distance and be cautious as they re-enter the world outside of their homes again. In fact, according to Datassential , 87 percent of restaurant customers like the idea of contactless payments and 44 percent require it.

They will appreciate the peace of mind they will get by not having to pick up a menu that others have been touching. With their own handheld menu, they can feel comfortable and safe dining in.

Organization agility

Menus are updated frequently, and constantly changing them and re-printing takes a lot of time and effort. With an online menu, restaurant staff can easily add, edit and update menu items whenever they want. Since the link is online, there’s no need to physically switch out three different versions of menus when they shift from breakfast to lunch and dinner. They can daypart the menu times so that they automatically update when it’s time to swap.

Boosts subscriber base

Something that most businesses do not offer in addition to the online menu is an opportunity to increase the restaurant’s mobile subscriber base. When a guest visits the online menu, they have the option to sign up for the restaurant’s text mobile program, powered by NorthShore Loyalty . Having the ability to connect with customers can significantly drive in-store and online sales, plus increase awareness. Restaurant owners can use it to encourage their guests to come back more often, send out announcements quickly and give out special offers or menu updates.

Eco-friendly solution to cutting down paper costs

Another important benefit of using an online menu is that it is eco-friendly, and dramatically will cut down costs of printing paper menus. This reason alone could be enough for restaurant owners to keep these changes around permanently.

Opportunity for sharing

Customers can easily share their menu with friends who may be on their way to meet them at the restaurant, or to tell them they must try your restaurant. This simple change in restaurants could be a free advertising opportunity.

Can improve branding experience

Restaurant guests are excited to be back, and they appreciate a unique dining experience. This reopening and the ability to easily update the menu is a chance for you as a restaurant owner to come up with new branding ideas, new “welcome back” menu items, and ways to get customers engaged. They will welcome the enthusiasm and keep coming back for more.

As local restaurants in the North Shore begin to reopen, they are keeping customer health and safety in mind. The benefits this menu option offers might encourage restaurants owners to keep them around permanently. To learn more about what restaurants are doing during Coronavirus and how NorthShore Loyalty can help your small business get the word out and connect you to the community, click here.

Four Tips for Small Businesses as they Re-Open in a COVID-19 World

ron@northshoreloyalty.com (Ron Goldblatt) — Tue, 26 May 2020 17:05:01 GMT

There are a few strategies that can foster trust with your customers and bring your business back to life.

To state the obvious, the times we have been living in have not been easy on the overall health of our country. COVID-19 has burdened the world with deadly sickness, economic hardship, and overall fear of what the future holds. And as we re-open our country again, it’s important to take steps to preserve safety and health for our customers, and also ensure they feel comfortable.

There are a few strategies that can foster trust with your customers and bring your business back to life. Read below to learn what you should keep in mind as you re-open your business in a COVID-19 world.

1. Create promotions and specialties.

During the shutdown, locals have been engaging with promotions that restaurants and retail owners are promoting in their neighborhoods. Some restaurants came up with unique ways of standing out and making the at-home dining experience fun and different.

For example, many restaurants are offering “take home kits” to make your own version of the restaurant’s famous tacos, signature dish or signature beverages. Or, small businesses like bakeries are offering baking kits. Other restaurants are offering more family “bulk meal deals” for a great price.

We recommend coming up with more unique specials and deals to drum up excitement and support from the community. This will bring people together again and will drive sales for your business.

As we re-open, there are still first responders who haven’t had a break from being on the front lines. Some members of the North Shore community are giving back to first responders and those in need within the community with their promotions. Click here to learn more.

2. Find unique and affordable ways to connect with your community.

Through NorthShore Loyalty’s local marketing services, restaurants in the North Shore have been finding success in maintaining a connection with their customers throughout COVID-19.

Our text loyalty program, for example, has helped local restaurants in the North Shore get the word out on announcements and promotions to their community. Since texts have a 97 percent average rate of being opened, this is an effective way of communicating to your customers and new ones, too.

To learn more about NorthShore Loyalty’s local marketing offers, visit NorthShoreLoyalty.com.

3. Make safety a priority, and communicate that it is.

Even if your sanitization practices are standard and required, make sure people know you are doing it. If you are requiring all your employees to wear masks and gloves, make sure the public knows that as well. Customers want to know what you are doing in order to maintain a safe environment for both them and your employees.

Many companies are writing to customers directly to inform them of their plan to practice sanitization, what improvements they are making, and any updates they can share as they re-open.

Companies like Doordash and Uber Eats have adapted by offering a “Leave at door” delivery option for customers, so there is no direct contact. Local restaurants are offering curbside pickup options and delivery to keep business going while maintaining health safety measures. As we re-open, make sure you keep those options, because not everyone will want to immediately dine in.

There are plenty of companies coming up with unique ways to adapt, and we want your customers to know first. That’s why we offer a text marketing service that notifies your customers and your community about safety announcements and promotions.

4. Communicate frequently with employees.

Be empathetic, and make sure everyone has an understanding of what’s going on. When passing along information and communicating directly, Texas A&M University suggests keeping messages short and easy to follow.

Essentially, employees need to know:

How re-opening will impact them, and what might be different (pay, hours, etc)
What you are doing to adapt and protect them
What they can do to stay healthy and keep others healthy

Keep them updated on important government decisions that are being announced so that everyone is in the loop.

Above all else, be empathetic, and make sure they have some reassurance that eventually, things will go back to normal, and this is the first step in making that happen.

Now more than ever, both your customers and employees need to know what you are doing to adapt and keep everyone healthy. At NorthShore Loyalty, we can get your story out quickly and efficiently. To learn more about our services and loyalty program, visit NorthShoreLoyalty.com today and book your free consultation.

About us

NorthShore Loyalty is a local digital marketing company that has provided small businesses in the North Shore our services for five years. We create original content for business in our community in order to drive revenue and awareness for your business, bring in new customers, and keep old customers coming back. Being a community-focused company, our social purpose is to amplify our client’s community involvement. To learn more about NorthShore Loyalty and its digital marketing services, click here.

3 Effective Marketing Tactics To Keep Your Small Business Connected During Coronavirus

ron@northshoreloyalty.com (Ron Goldblatt) — Fri, 08 May 2020 04:17:39 GMT

Communication needs to be immediate and personal to your customers

In times like this, you need a way to talk to your customers fast. Especially when everything is closing up and everyone is trying to stay healthy, people want to know what your business is doing to work around the chaos and adapt.

And while there are certainly several marketing tactics that can highlight your brand and create a large impact over time, there are a few strategies that we find are most useful when we want to communicate to customers fast and efficiently.

At NorthShore Loyalty, we have found the following tactics to be most successful in providing immediate, personal communication to your customers:

Text Message and Loyalty Marketing

Text message marketing gives you the power to reach customers where they already are – on their phones, texting.

Not only does it create an instant announcement to those who have shopped with you or signed up for the service, it creates a one-on-one connection with your customer. Additionally, text marketing offers several benefits.

Benefits for a business:

It has a very high rate of people opening it . With a 98 percent open rate, we can almost guarantee customers will see your message. This is the highest open rate out of all other marketing tactics.
It is targeted and personal. As mentioned, this tactic is targeted to those who have either shopped with you or signed up for updates. Therefore, the likeliness of the customer reading it and engaging is far more likely than if the message was served to a general audience.
It is immediate. Given the global pandemic we are facing, we don’t have time to delay messages to our customers and wait for a result. We need to deliver announcements fast, and let folks in our area know that we are still open and offering curbside pickup services, for example. That’s why we recommend text message updates. It gets the word out quickly and efficiently.
It is cost efficient. One of the ultimate benefits of this strategy? It doesn’t cost a lot to send a personal text to your customer. To learn more about our services and rates, visit NorthShoreLoyalty.com and book a free consultation.

What to watch out for:

Your message has to fit in a character limit. These messages are not meant to be a long-form announcement-save that for an email. Texts should be short, sweet and to the point, with potentially a link to your website to learn more.
Your customers might get worn out by multiple messages. Just because they are short and sweet does not mean you should be sending multiple updates and promotions a day. At NorthShore Loyalty, we recommend sending around 1-2 messages per month to prevent consumer wear out.
You need your customer’s phone numbers, so you have to figure out a way to get them. This may make you realize you need to grow your customer list. At NorthShore Loyalty, we suggest offering incentives to get this information. For example, on social media, you could offer a coupon for a 50 percent off deal, which customers have to enter their phone number for in order to receive the coupon via text.

At NorthShore Loyalty, we follow the strict FCC and TCPA guidelines for connecting with customers and acquiring new ones. We understand how to maximize content in 160 characters, know how often to send messages and how to encourage customers to join a text program. To learn more on how to build your text program and address these issues with text messaging, contact us for a free consultation.

Social Media

If you are at all familiar with social media, you know how impactful it can be when promoting a brand or business. Food for thought: 73 percent of marketers believe social media marketing has been “somewhat effective” or “very effective” for their business.

Why do so many people depend on social? Simply put: because it works. And especially right now, people are using social media more than ever.

Not only does social media create an instant update to a broad audience, it can help to amplify brand awareness and increase conversions. See additional benefits below.

Why do so many people depend on social? Simply put: because it works. And especially right now, people are using social media more than ever.

Not only does social media create an instant update to a broad audience, it can help to amplify brand awareness and increase conversions. See additional benefits below.

Benefits for a business:

It has high conversion rates. Many users have reported they have discovered a brand or business via social media ads. No surprise there, as social media advertising is typically crafted for a highly targeted audience that is in the market for your product or service. If you are receiving an ad or follow a brand you like on social media, your chances of visiting their website and converting are high.
It has high reach and traffic. Social is unique in that it serves a broader audience, and potentially those who have never heard of your business. Because of this, it can attract new customers and create brand awareness, which means more eyeballs on your content, and more traffic to your website. This is why social media works well with both text and email marketing, to get the most reach as possible.
It humanizes your brand. This is a great opportunity for your brand to have a conversation with your audience. You have the power to make the content what you want, which can be both entertaining and informational. The better the content, the higher probability of users becoming interested in learning more about your brand.

What to watch out for:

It can impact feedback and tarnish online reviews. Every time you post on social, users have the option to comment what they think or share any experiences they had with a product you are selling, which can potentially tarnish your brand reputation. On the upside, it could be beneficial – it just depends what people have to say.
It can be time consuming . It’s not one of those things you can click one button and be done. Coming up with original content to post, measuring results, and managing your profile can be very time consuming. That’s why NorthShore Loyalty is here to make that content for you and manage your social pages.
Your brand needs to consistently be engaging . Since customers have the option to comment and like your content, you need to be talking back! This can be a golden opportunity to talk to your customers, but it again takes a lot of time and constant monitoring.
It only works for select target audiences . Not everyone knows their way around Facebook or Instagram. There are a few key generations that might fall in your target audience for this platform, but if your audience is an older generation, social media might not be where you want to get their attention.

The social media issues require careful monitoring of all posts, and content sharing management. NorthShore Loyalty suggests hiring a social media manager or connecting with a social media expert who we can recommend.

Email Marketing

There’s a reason that most small businesses use email marketing to keep their customers coming back. Most people use their email daily and can check their inbox anywhere, from their desktop, mobile phone, or tablet.

Email marketing presents an additional opening for your brand to communicate quickly, and also strengthens th e relationship between your business and the consumer. In addition, it offers several advantages.

Benefits for a business:

It increases website traffic. Emails create a nice space to link to your website and get customers to engage with your content. For example, you could offer a coupon that links to your website, or an intro to a blog or article with a “read more” option that leads to your site blog. You could additionally include options of sharing out email content via social media.
It reaches another audience. All of these tactics work together. If your customer does not receive text messages and does not look at social media, they are likely more available to reach via email. Depending on the generation your brand targets to, email might be the best place to reach those who want to hear from you.
It reaches people on any device. As mentioned, the great thing about email is that people can check it on their phones, desktop, tablet, etc., so it’s not limited to a certain group of people. Again, depending on whom you are targeting, your audience might operate most on a desktop rather than a phone or tablet. This tactic allows you to get the attention of those customers, in addition to those who use their phones most frequently.

What to watch out for:

Your message could potentially be marked as spam. Not everyone is going to see your email. People might automatically mark your email as spam without even opening it, or they might do so after you have sent email blasts out too frequently.
Emails can take a lot of time to create. Emails can be what you make them, but the more effective emails have original content and solid information. This can be a time consuming project, when you have a business to run. That’s why NorthShore Loyalty is here to help make that content for you and manage your email send outs.
Everyone else also does email marketing . One of the reasons your email might be marked as spam is because the consumer is overwhelmed by the amount of emails they are getting from other places. Yours is just one of hundreds in their inbox. That’s why it’s important to make your content unique. Additionally, this is another reason to leverage text and social platforms, so you can differentiate yourself and still reach those who unsubscribe from emails.

Much like text and social media, you need a dedicated person to help manage your email communication. NorthShore Loyalty strongly recommends using one of our many online services and having a continuous weekly or monthly plan for email communication.

Each of these communication tools can be effective, and we encourage any small business to use one or all three of these marketing tools. At NorthShore Loyalty, we believe in using text as your core marketing communication tool as the best approach. Compared to email and social media, text offers better open rates, a higher click through rate, more redemptions and is easily trackable to measure the results.

And now, more than ever, your customers need to know you are still there for them. To learn more about how you can utilize these services, visit NorthShoreLoyalty.com today and book your free consultation.

About us

NorthShore Loyalty is a community-focused company that has provided a variety of digital marketing services to local businesses for over five years. NorthShore Loyalty has created original content for local businesses in order to drive awareness, bring in new customers, and encourage current ones to keep coming back. Ultimately, our business purpose is to drive revenue for our clients. Our social purpose is to expand and strengthen their client’s community involvement. To learn more about NorthShore Loyalty and its digital marketing services, click here.

How Restaurants Are Giving Back to the Community During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 21:11:18 GMT

Learn how restaurants are staying connected with the community.

Own a Small Business? Click Here to view a wide offering of blogs to navigate the digital world.

The most important thing we have learned during Coronavirus is how to come together in times of crisis. Everyone plays a part in fighting this thing, big or small. Whether your role is being a frontline healthcare worker, or simply staying home to keep yourself and others safe, everyone’s due diligence is significantly needed at this time.

Local restaurant owners understand that coming together as a community is needed now more than ever. To show their support, they are finding unique ways to give back to those in need and provide meals for folks in our area.

To learn more on what restaurants in the North Shore are doing to support their community during this time, we called the many restaurants using our services and asked for their input. Below are some of the different ways we learned on how they are giving back and what all residents and other businesses can do to help in this crisis.

Providing meals to first responders and local essential business

Restaurants are offering promotions to give back to first responders in the area during this time. For example, Nick Drivas, owner of Grill House and Backyard Grill, runs a family special that gives a portion of sale to first responders.

Costa Louvros, owner of Eggspresso in Bannockburn, and Larry Goodman, owner of Marcello’s in Northbrook, also understand the importance of giving back to our frontline workers. Both restaurants donate to local police and fire departments so those workers can stay working during the pandemic.

The staff at Stacked and Folded (located in Evanston and Winnetka) also does their part to provide meals for our first responders. “We are honored to help our first responders and health care workers in any way we can,” stated Josh Keating owner of Stacked and Folded.

Restaurants are also finding businesses that are considered essential and are giving to them. Butterfield’s restaurant in Northbrook, for example, provides plates of French toast to the workers at the local post office.

Offering promotions that give to local food banks

With business and school closures, job layoffs, and many other factors, folks are in need now more than ever. During this pandemic, millions of Americans are looking for support from food banks.

Ted Vlahakis, owner of Greek Feast, recognizes this fact. That’s why he gives back 50 percent of all beer and wine orders to the Northfield Township Food Pantry. No one should go hungry during this pandemic, and this is a great way to ensure those in need are fed.

Marcello’s has also donated juices and food items to Northfield Township Food Pantry. “It’s important to connect with our community during this time and we could tell they were very appreciative of our help,” said Marcello’s owner Larry Goodman.

How you can help:

Greek Feast and Marcello’s are supporting those who need it most. You can help by purchasing beer and wine from Greek Feast with your Greek dinner, and ordering some pizza online from Marcello’s. Visit the Greek Feast and Marcello’s websites, linked at the bottom, to order online today.

Additionally, food pantries in your neighborhood are in need of cereals, beverages, personal hygiene items and household cleaning supplies. None of this should be wasted right now. Visit the websites below to see how you can help today.

Donating food to local hospitals

Our healthcare workers are on the forefront in the race to put an end to COVID-19. While many of us get to stay home and be with family, hospital workers are on the floors of the war against this virus.

As they are working long and difficult shifts, it’s important we show our support and take care of them. Judy’s Pizza, Tamales, Stacked and Folded and Butterfield’s are all donating to and offering special promotions for their local hospitals in the North Shore.

One Highland Park resident encourages her friends and family to use GiveinKind.com to help support both restaurants and local first hospitals. “We sent meals for Highland Park Hospital last night from our favorite restaurant, Tamales,” she said. “[Give in Kind] makes it very east to support the restaurants we love and the first responders.”

You can also help by donating protective equipment to a hospital near you. Unfortunately, those fighting this virus have to face shortages in masks and other key equipment. You can help by donating protective masks and gloves to hospitals in your area. Visit NorthShore.org to learn more on donating.

Providing food for families with school-aged children

Our nation’s most vulnerable need us right now. Unfortunately, the closure of school means kids are losing meals they depend on. With the help of Judy’s Pizza donating meals to local school children, and initiatives through local volunteer programs, we can help put an end to child hunger in our community.

Through the Hunger Free Northbrook Student Program, volunteers distribute food bags to Northbrook families with school-age children in need of more meals. In this time especially, the need is great. Visit the Hunger Free Northbrook Student Food Pack Program for more details.

How you can help

You can help by becoming a volunteer through local initiatives that provide meals for school children, such as the Hunger Free Northbrook program. Visit the link above to sign up to be a volunteer. Additionally, support all restaurants who provide meals for local schools and support their community. North Shore Loyalty is proud to be a sponsor of Hunger Free Northbrook. To see what all the restaurants mentioned in this update are doing, visit their website and order online.

Own a Small Business? Click Here to view a wide offering of blogs to navigate the digital world .

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Let’s fight COVID-19 together

Everyone plays a part in fighting this virus, big or small. What’s important to keep in mind is that the more we fight together, the stronger our community becomes in the war against Coronavirus.

As a member of our community, you can help by supporting local restaurants, donating to their causes and volunteering. Below are their websites and Facebook pages with special promotions. Let’s all come together and give our support.

Backyard Grill (Highland Park, IL), Facebook
Butterfield's (Northbrook, IL), Facebook
Dear Franks (Deerfield, IL; Niles, IL), Facebook
Eggspresso (Bannockburn, IL), Facebook
Greek Feast (Northbrook, IL), Facebook
Grill House (Northbrook, IL), Facebook
Judy’s Pizza (Highland Park, IL), Facebook
Marcello’s (Northbrook, IL), Facebook
Stacked & Folded (Winnetka IL, Evanston, IL) Facebook
Tamales (Highland Park, IL), Facebook

5 Ways Restaurants Are Adapting to Coronavirus Changes

ron@northshoreloyalty.com (Ron Goldblatt) — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 17:03:56 GMT

Learn how restaurants in our area are staying connected with the community.

Own a Small Business? Click Here to view a wide offering of blogs to navigate the digital world.

It’s safe to say the Coronavirus pandemic has dramatically affected the way we live our day-to-day life. The current shelter-in-place guidelines have confirmed for patrons that life will not be the same for, at least, the next month or so. As restrictions take place, local restaurants have no choice but to close dine-in options and come up with unique ways to serve customers and keep everyone safe at the same time.

To learn more on how businesses in our area are staying connected with the community during the shutdown, we spoke with the owners of the following restaurants in the North Shore. We learned a lot about what they’re doing to provide customers service and stay connected. They all shared the following ways of how they’re adapting to the Coronavirus shutdown and showing customers their support:

Offering curbside pickup

The goal behind curbside pickup orders is to provide a no-contact exchange that is easy and efficient. Restaurants encourage customers to pay online or over the phone, and when they pull up to the restaurant, they stay in their car while employees place the food in their trunk or side door. Employees wear masks and gloves to minimize any risks of contact as they bring out the food.

Each restaurant we spoke to had this service process down to a science. The teams at Grill House and Backyard Grill, for example, provide assigned parking spots for each customer when they pull into the parking lot, so there is plenty of space between each car.

The challenge in the no-contact services, says Jeff Gorbena, owner of Tamales Mexican Restaurant, is that a lot of their business involves a personal connection . Because of that, customers can still come into Tamales to order for take-out, but they cannot sit down and must remain 6 feet apart. We are also using text messaging and social media to encourage our customers to pre-order their meals. Anyone that calls or orders online however is required to use curbside pickup or delivery.

Jerry Rayan, owner of Dear Franks, also takes note of this challenge, which is why he encourages folks to call in to order instead of ordering online. This way, he can give recommendations and help customize each sandwich or hot dog to satisfy each customer’s wishes.

Offering contact-free delivery

While pickup options offer a more personalized experience, most of these restaurants like Marcello’s in Northbrook or Eggspresso in Bannockburn offer delivery, either directly via the restaurant or through a third party like Uber Eats, GrubHub or Doordash. All options offer a no-contact option in the app, where the deliverer leaves the food at the door instead of handing it to them.

To order directly from the restaurant, employees are encouraging to pre-pay online . If they need to pay with cash, they suggest leaving an envelope of the cash somewhere hidden at the front door and giving directions to the delivery person on where to find it. Any cash the restaurants receive will be sterilized.

Incorporating extra-thorough sanitization practices

While these restaurants already follow thorough sanitization practices, they are doubling down and taking extra caution. For restaurants that have a walk-up window, such as Greek Feast, employees provide hand sanitizer at the window and sanitize pens after a customer signs a receipt.

“I really do worry about the customers and their health, and I want to be here for them. “All my efforts go towards making sure everyone stays safe during this uncertain time,” said Jerry Rayan, owner of Dear Franks. Dear Franks employees are required to wear gloves at all times.

Leveraging marketing practices to announce special promotions

To get the word out about updates and special offers during this time, all eight restaurants are leveraging text message marketing tactics, provided by NorthShore Loyalty.

The goal of the text messages is to provide folks in the area the opportunity to be the first to know about coupons and any updates. They are the most effective and easy way to help restaurants connect to their community, especially during a time like this. “These text messages have really helped me get the word out fast about the offers I have right now,” said Stelios Mitris from Butterfields. “We just re-opened and are very pleased with our customer’s response!”

Text message marketing has proven to offer local businesses several benefits:

It creates awareness. On average, 98 percent of those who receive a text read it, compared to less than 20 percent with email marketing.
It drives sales. On average, text marketing has a 19 percent click-thru rate, versus email at 2 percent.
It creates customer loyalty. It is eight times more effective to bring back an existing customer than obtain a new one.

Restaurants are also leaning into social media to share their updates and promotion information. To learn more, visit northshoreloyalty.com.

Giving back to the community

One thing all the restaurant owners had in common was how passionate they were about giving back and ensuring they are doing their part. Restaurants like Eggspresso, Greek Feast, Grill House and Backyard Grill are offering promotions to raise money for local first responders and food drives.

“This is our way of giving back, and I resonate with it personally. It’s something that is so important for us to do,” said Will Abonce. The team at Judy’s Pizza has done their part to team up with restaurants in the area and provide food for local hospitals. Additionally, they provide food for local schools, so that no children go hungry during this pandemic.

Each restaurant we spoke to had a special way of donating and giving back. To learn more, visit their websites or Facebook pages listed below.

Own a Small Business? Click Here to view a wide offering of blogs to navigate the digital world .

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We are all in this together

“Above all else, my number one priority is taking care of my employees, their families, and my customers,” said Stelios Mitris. “We are all in this together.”

As the Coronavirus pandemic worsens and we are all adapting, it’s important to stay positive and support our local businesses. To order online and stay up to date with changes, visit their websites below:

Backyard Grill (Highland Park, IL), Facebook
Butterfield's (Northbrook), Facebook
Dear Franks (Deerfield, IL; Niles, IL), Facebook
Eggspresso (Bannockburn, IL), Facebook
Greek Feast (Northbrook, IL), Facebook
Grill House (Northbrook, IL), Facebook
Judy’s Pizza (Highland Park, IL), Facebook
Marcello’s (Northbrook, IL), Facebook
Tamales (Highland Park, IL), Facebook

The Impact of Yelp and Google Reviews on Your Small Business

Fri, 26 Jul 2019 05:00:00 GMT

Small businesses must use every tool at their disposal, if they want to stand a chance against the big retail chains. In the digital age, one of the most powerful and sometimes controversial tools in existence is an online review. Sites like Yelp or Google and comments on social media sites like Facebook or Twitter continue to impact purchase decisions. Potential customers use these sites as the first stop for anything from an attractive dinner spot, places to shop or to find a skilled contractor.

A study done by market research company Dimensional Research found out that positive online reviews influence purchasing decisions of 90 percent of consumers. If you are one of those people who assume that most online reviews are fake, you will likely be surprised to learn that 89 percent of customers actually view online product and service reviews as trustworthy .

Harvard Business School Assistant Professor Michael Luca determined that “each rating star added on a Yelp review translated to anywhere from a 5 percent to 9 percent effect on revenues.” He went on to add that his findings are most important for small businesses with more modest marketing budgets.

Big chains spend millions of dollars to establish a certain image in the customer’s mind, and their formulaic approach to business means that customers know what to expect when they walk through the door. “This is one reason why consumer demand is shifting from chain to independent restaurants in the period following the introduction of Yelp,” Luca writes in his research paper, commenting on the dramatic positive impact a good online review can have on a small local business .

Unsurprisingly, the opposite is true as well. A single 1-star online review can turn off as much as 87 percent of potential customers, discovered a BrightLocal study. But even a single star can cost a restaurant as much as 9 percent of its revenue .

Stop Neglecting Online Reviews

Despite the apparent importance of online reviews, only half of all business owners surveyed by Yodle, a New York-based Internet marketing company, think getting positive online reviews is important. The same study also found only 13 percent of small businesses ask customers for online reviews in the first place. It then hardly comes as a surprise that only one in three small business owners spends any time at all monitoring their web reviews.

Brodie Tyler from Duct Tape Marketing has discovered , “The top 3 listings in Google’s local search results have an average of 472 percent more reviews than listings 4-6,” adding, “A listing in the top 3 Google local results has an average of 7.62 reviews, compared to just 1.61 reviews in results 4-6.”

And it’s not just online reviews; social media comments on sites like Twitter, Facebook, and Google+ also have a huge impact. According to research released Thursday by ForeSee Results , social media content prompted 18 percent of website visitors to stop by the URL. As marketing consultant Brian Honigman says, “Links to your content on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, YouTube, and other social networks help the search engines understand what websites are credible and should be ranked for what keyword phrases.”

The Plan of Action

At this point, the plan of action should be obvious: start asking your customers for online reviews as soon as possible. But do so in a way that’s productive and helps you reach your goals the fastest and most efficiently.

We at NorthShoreLoyalty have a suite of programs designed to help you ask reviews and filter them according to their rating before they appear on your Google or Yelp profile. This way, you can proactively solve any complaints before they appear on the web. We also give the customer an option to post the review on their Facebook or Twitter accounts so all their friends see it. Visit our website to learn more about our services.

Generate More Revenue? Market More to Your Loyalty Program Members

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 05:00:00 GMT

The success of any good loyalty program hinges on the ability to identify and understand one’s customers and then provide them with a seamless experience through multiple touchpoints. For a retailer to set itself apart with a compelling and accessible loyalty/rewards program, its marketing department must have the total commitment of the C-suite to ensure that it gets the resources necessary to develop leading-edge analytics, digital and other technological capabilities.

From NorthShore Loyalty ...As the big retailers continue to upgrade their rewards programs, small business owners can manage the entire process and provide the same benefits to their loyal customers by partnering with well established mobile marketing companies like NorthShore Loyalty who specialize in connecting with customers in a mobile friendly way.

Click here to review the article from the Loyalty & Customers Blog.

NorthShore Loyalty is focused on building customer traffic through a mobile marketing solution to reward, re-engage & relate with customers via text marketing. Contact us at ron@northshoreloyalty.com for more information.

70% of Consumers Find Loyalty Programs Too Cumbersome

Tue, 14 May 2019 05:00:00 GMT

A new report from 3Cinteractive finds that approximately 70 percent of consumers do not sign up for loyalty programs because the process is too cumbersome – but almost the same percentage say they would if it were simplified to answering a text message.

The data showing customers prefer texts over apps continues to highlight the growth of text messaging! There is no simpler rewards program out there and that customers won't participate if it's too difficult to join a rewards program.

Click here to read the article by Mobile Commerce Daily

NorthShore Loyalty is focused on building customer traffic through a mobile marketing solution to reward, re-engage & relate with customers via text marketing. Contact us at ron@northshoreloyalty.com for more information.

Customer Retention Should Outweigh Customer Acquisition

Tue, 09 Apr 2019 05:00:00 GMT

Too many CMOs looking to increase their company’s bottom lines are quick to look “out there” for a solution. They focus their efforts on acquiring new customers and pouring a large chunk of their marketing budgets into advertising or public relations.

Boosting retention rates of current customers by just 5 percent can raise profits by 25 percent to 95 percent. Additionally, more data by Bain & Company indicate that a 10 percent rise in customer retention yields a 30 percent increase in the value of the company.

These principles can also be applied to small businesses!

Of course, loyalty is only one aspect of retention. You need to have great products and customer service as your core. Once that core is established, the power of a loyalty program and messaging to those customers can have a big impact on your business.

CLICK HERE TO REVIEW THE ARTICLE BY CMO

NorthShore Loyalty is focused on building customer traffic through a mobile marketing solution to reward, re-engage & relate with customers via text marketing. Contact us at ron@northshoreloyalty.com for more information.

45 Texting Statistics will prove why you need to take SMS Seriously

Mon, 25 Mar 2019 05:00:00 GMT

Texting has been around for over 20 years, but it’s only now just hitting its stride when it comes to business. Formerly just a way to send silly photos and emoticons (and to some extent, it still is), text messaging is now being viewed as a powerful way for businesses to connect with their customers.

For example, it’s widespread, affordable, real-time and flexible. It’s also brief, preferred, and can be used in any industry to satisfy customers.

Check out the article by OneReach, They compiled 45 texting statistics on why text messaging is such a powerful business tool. Click on the image or link below, then let us know what you think of texting for business in the comments.

CLICK TO VIEW 45 TEXTING STATISITCS

NorthShore Loyalty is focused on building customer traffic through a mobile marketing solution to reward, re-engage & relate with customers via text marketing. Contact us at info@northshoreloyalty.com for more information.

5 Things You Need To Know About Today's Customers Who Shop Locally

ron@northshoreloyalty.com (Ron Goldblatt) — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 16:05:53 GMT

The big trends happening now are the increasing use of mobile devices, the impact of social responsibility messaging by businesses and the growth of online shopping. Although there is a lot of hype on this last point, did you know that according to a recent report from the US Department of Commerce, e-commerce , total online sales are just 10% of all retail business in the U.S? Yes, online has impacted the big box stores but these trends have also opened the door for more small businesses to succeed in today’s economy.

We looked at these shopper trends and highlighted 5 key points about how your prospective customer's shop, what influences them and how they use their mobile device to find a local business.

1) Consumers are interested in supporting their local community

77% of consumers shop locally and feel they should do more of their shopping locally. This local search can be as wide as a ten mile radius. If your potential new customer wants to shop local, you need to be sure you are a destination that can be found. To reach more new customers you need to think about your online presence. Is your website up to date? Is your Google listing complete? Have you built more reviews than your competition? Focus on the online fundamentals and you will gain new customers to grow your business.

2) Customers are more likely to trust a small business

Customers are far more likely to trust a small business owner than a corporation. A study by the Better Business Bureau found 84% of consumers trust small business most. Once a person has found you, it is therefore important to build that relationship and trust. This is one of the biggest advantages small businesses have over big corporate stores. Whether you are a store, restaurant or service business, you can stand out by providing a superior customer experience when the customer is with you to build that trust and loyalty.

3) Mobile searches are Increasing

Depending on your type of business, mobile phone searches can range from 60% to 72% of your prospective customers use of search engines on smartphones to find a local business. This is according to a recent report by Hitwise . Simply stated, you need to be sure your business looks good on all the different devices and is ranked high in search results You need to think mobile. Is your website mobile responsive? Do you show up in the top three in the Google Map Pack? Is your Name, Address and Phone Number (know as NAP) all correct in every online directory? These are just three of many questions you need to review about the online profile of your business.

4) Smartphone ownership and use is exploding

The mobile world continues to expand and provides your potential customers a whole new way to engage with you. Text marketing is fast becoming the best way to reach your customer through their phone and bring them back more often. Think about what forms of mobile communication you are using? Email opens rates are down, reach from your social media posts continue to decline unless they are boosted, yet Text Messages with a 98% open rate within 3 minutes continues to be a channel more businesses are using because of the quick and measurable results.

5) Consumer shopping decisions link to corporate values.

73% of U.S. consumers expect companies to act on community and social issues. A new study by Cone Communications adds to the body of work that links consumer shopping decisions to corporate values.The study, examining consumer expectations and behaviors toward companies that lead with Purpose, finds that Purpose-driven brands can build stronger emotional connections with consumers that go far beyond a transactional relationship. This is true for small business as well. Giving back to your local community and promoting your social passion will separate you from others and help your community.

Summary

The trends of mobile use, increased online activity and the interest in a company's values can truly impact a local business.These mobile and shopper trends do not cost a lot to implement but can have a profound effect on your business in the short and long term. For more information on how to implement your mobile or social responsibility program, view our website at www.northshoreloyalty.com or contact us directly at 888-510-4323.

About Northshore Loyalty

NorthShore Loyalty is a community-focused digital services company. Our business purpose is to create measurable engagement with new and existing customers to drive more traffic to our clients and increase their revenue. Our social purpose is to amplify our client’s community involvement. Our business is active in the community with the Hunger Resource Network as we co-lead the program to make our community a Hunger-Free Community. When a client has an important cause to share or they want to engage in the community in some way, we make that happen authentically and effectively.

We manage the key digital initiatives to improve search engine rankings, create memorable social media content, boost online reputations & reviews, create mobile responsive websites and can integrate community-focused social purpose programs into your marketing message. For retail-based businesses, we bring customers back more often though our expanded loyalty and text marketing programs. Give your business Loyalty with Purpose! Business Purpose + Social Purpose = Results.

Customized Loyalty Programs Help Small Business Compete Against the Big Guys.

ron@northshoreloyalty.com (Ron Goldblatt) — Sun, 25 Mar 2018 15:01:46 GMT

In recent years, we have seen customized loyalty programs steadily grow in popularity, as a large number of major brands rolled out their own programs to establish better, closer relationships with their customers. The most important question any marketer or business owner can ask is “Do loyalty programs really pay off?” The answer is “YES! They do.” This article will tell you why every business, small and large should have a loyalty program.

The Rise of Loyalty Programs

We can trace back the rise of loyalty programs to the 1970s. European researchers studying business-to-business marketing discovered that closer customer relationships led to greater profits, better customer retention rates, and higher customer satisfaction, among many other things.

A lot of time has passed since then, and we now know exactly why customized loyalty programs are so effective. Sid Probstein from CRM Media explains that it costs 5x more to acquire a new customer than it does to keep the current one. And to bring a new customer to the same level of profitability as an existing one, the company must spend 16x more money .

That’s because the 80/20 law works with no exceptions. According to this law well known by many marketers, 80 percent of revenue comes from only 20 percent of customers. We know the law works because of research done at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, which states that “Up to 15 percent of a business’s most loyal customers account for 55-70 percent of its total sales.” Furthermore, only 1 percent of a retail website’s users generate as much as 40 percent of its total revenue, states Chloe Rigby in her article for Internet Retailing .

As Elite Daily found , the millennial generation is even more devoted to their favorite brands than any other generation. 50 percent of millennials are saying they are either extremely or quite loyal to their favorite brands. The majority of U.S. marketers are well aware of this trend, and they intend to allocate more of their budgets to customer loyalty programs in 2016.

Give Your Customers What They Already Want

According to a press release from Transera , a cloud-based call center solutions service, “ Loyalty program membership increased by 27 percent from 2012-2014.” This corresponds to roughly 2.6 billion loyalty program memberships in the United States alone.

Why are loyalty programs becoming increasingly more popular? Because customers love them. When asked and found that 87 percent of shoppers said they want loyalty programs, and 68 percent of millennials went on to say they would never be loyal to a brand unless it had a good loyalty program. Given these facts, it’s easy to see why the implementation of a customized loyalty program is an excellent strategy for any small business that wants to compete with the big companies and firmly establish their place in the market.

The Added Value of Customized Loyalty Programs

“More than 50 percent of shoppers say they would pay a higher price for the customer experiences they value most, and 77 percent would be more loyal to stores that provide their personal top three customer experiences,” explains an article from Synchrony Financial . Of course, an increase in revenue is always welcomed with open arms, but revenue itself hardly ever tells the full story.

In the case of customized loyalty programs, the added value comes also from the insights loyalty programs generate. According to a story in the Wall Street Journal , consumer data and other intangible assets could be worth more than $8 trillion. A good example is the Kroger Co., which “was estimated to have sold $100 million worth of data in 2014 to Procter & Gamble Co., Nestlé and other suppliers,” as stated in the report. Are customers willing to share their personal information ? Yes, in fact, “67% of US adults would be willing to give companies access to basic personal information in exchange for better products and services.”

For any business considering a loyalty program, the question becomes how much information do you want or need. The more information you ask for, the less likely a customer will want to join your program. Asking for an email address with just a first name or just a mobile phone number has proven to increase the number of active participants in a loyalty program.

Perhaps even more importantly for small, local businesses, loyalty programs give customers an incentive to recommend your business to friends by word of mouth and on social media sites. This can be essential for a success of a small business that doesn’t have the same marketing budget as some of the largest companies .

Conclusion

At NorthShore Loyalty , we offer a mobile style punch card to connect with customers through their phone and bring them back during your slower times of the week to drive more sales when you need them. You can sign up for a risk-free demo or visit our website, learn more about our services, and listen to what our clients have to say about our ability to make their business grow.

Why Small Business is Moving to Text Marketing

ron@northshoreloyalty.com (Ron Goldblatt) — Sun, 25 Mar 2018 14:54:40 GMT

Text marketing is strangely appealing and is becoming a bigger part of the marketing puzzle. Many other marketing methods are much more complicated, even though they deliver inferior or results. What’s more, text marketing is exactly what it sounds like—a marketing strategy that relies on text messages to deliver advertisements and promotions to users.

We now live in a mobile-first world with more ways than ever to reach potential customers. In 2013 , there were 6,880,000,000 mobile phones in use, which roughly corresponds to 97 connections per 100 citizens.

Text marketing allows you to directly engage with your prospects in a very direct and extremely effective fashion. Just how effective? “95 out of 100 of your customers who have opted into your text messaging program OPEN and READ your mobile messages within 3 mins,” states Steve Olenski in his Forbes article.

The reason why text marketing is so effective is the fact that around 70 percent of consumers want to receive applicable SMS marketing offers from brands they’re interested in. Imagine that, millions of potential customers who actually want to hear about your promotions, new products, and special offers.

Small businesses are the perfect target group for text marketing, as the very nature of text marketing allows you to level the playing field with the larger companies. It’s only you and the 160-character limit—if you don’t want to, you don’t need to concern yourself with expensive graphics, detailed proofreading, or promotional videos. Every mom and pop shop can successfully launch a text marketing campaign that’s virtually indistinguishable from what the big boys do.

To link all your other marketing program to text or including images or your website information is now even easier! For example, Apple has recently opened a wealth of new mobile notification options, with the release of iOS 10, which supports rich media content. Rich media means you can now deliver compelling content that includes images, GIFs, and videos directly to your users without them ever leaving the message app.

Benefits of Text Marketing

Approximately 98 percent of marketing texts are opened, and statistics say that 90 percent are read within three minutes. That’s because most 18- to 44-year-olds spend almost all time with a phone nearby. Compared to email marketing, which generates just 3 percent response rate, text marketing fares a lot better.

According to researchers at eMarketer, “Consumers are ten times more likely to redeem a brand offer made via mobile versus a traditional print coupon. “This is significant, especially considering that there are 54 million consumers responding to SMS offers every year.

As you can imagine, automated text marketing can lead to dramatic time and cost savings, when compared with other marketing methods. This means that small business owners can maintain a sharp focus on their core business without neglecting their marketing efforts.

To summarize, text marketing is engaging, quick, cheap, interactive, and extremely effective. It allows you to develop closer relationships with your customers and level the playing field with larger companies.

Conclusion

We at NorthShore Loyalty offer a reliable text marketing system that captures a customer's phone number and tracks visits. If a customer does not check in over a set period, a friendly text message is sent to invite them back. We also create an ongoing relationship with their customers with messages sent on events, new products, and specials to bring a customer back.

Visit our website to learn more about our services and sign up for a risk-free demo. Our mobile punch card will help you connect with customers and bring them back during your slower times of the week to drive more sales when you need them.