Communication is key in engaging your audience and encouraging sales. When it is done correctly, communication will keep you at the forefront of consumers’ minds. We take a look at 6 ways to communicate with customers in retail.
Learn how to communicate with customers in retail
Here’s how you can make sure you are communicating in the best possible way with your audience:
1. Have a range of content to share
Before you begin, it’s important to list the different types of content that could bring value to your customers. You should then determine how regularly you will post each type of content, making sure it is varied enough.
Here are some of the most common types of content:
User-generated content
User-generated content is a fantastic way to boost trust and showcase the benefits of the products you sell. Customer reviews and social media imagery are examples of user-generated content that you can share.
Product imagery
Product imagery is essential in showing your products in the best light. Remember, not all product imagery has to be plain. As well as only showing the products, why not show imagery of people using the products, or include a background that complements the item? Use feedback and data to judge the most effective types of product imagery for your business.
Click here to read our guide and learn 10 retail photography tips.
Business news and updates
People love to hear inspiring stories that help them to connect with a brand. Share your feel-good updates, inform readers about upcoming news or events and add your personality into your communications.
Examples of this include announcing new team members, sharing new product lines, talking about collaborations and engaging with community projects.
Engaging content
Why not use your communications to engage your target market? Consider polls, questions and encouraging your audience to have their own input. By doing this, you can make sure readers feel involved, while also gaining valuable insights.
Promotions
Everybody loves an offer, so don’t be afraid to shout about discounts and deals that you have for shoppers. Just make sure you don’t share promotions too often, as this can reduce the excitement and defeat the purpose.
2. Use multiple channels
Remember to use a wide range of channels to communicate with your customers and share your messages.
Popular channels for retail communications include:
- Instore
- WhatsApp or text
- Website
- Social media
- Phone
- Press
3. Reach customers in the places they consume information
When deciding which channels to invest the most time and effort into, it’s essential to begin by understanding your customers. Speak to shoppers, carry out market research and keep an eye on trends to gain an understanding of the places that they like to consume information.
Once you know the most popular platforms and methods of communication within your target market, invest the greatest amount of time into this.
4. Create a regular communications schedule
Having a consistent schedule for communication is the best way to keep consumers engaged. It also allows you to plan ahead and use your time as efficiently as possible.
5. Reply in a timely manner
Two-way communication is vital, as there’s no point in engaging your audience and then ignoring their messages. Make sure you keep track of any incoming messages and respond in a timely manner, so you build rapport with your customers and can remove any potential barriers to purchase.
6. Regularly analyse and adapt
Communication channels are continuously evolving, as well as trends, so make sure you keep up to date and adapt as required. This could involve using new communication channels, responding in different ways and trialling new ideas.
Communicate with customers in retail
Now you’ve read these 6 tips to help you communicate with customers in retail, it’s time to put them into practice.
How to communicate with customers in retail FAQ
How do retailers communicate with customers?
Retailers can communicate with customers in a variety of ways, from instore conversations and signage, to social media, emails, phone calls and text messages. Read this article to see the full list of ways to communicate with retail customers.
How do you communicate effectively in retail?
The best way to communicate with customers in retail is to have two-way conversations, acknowledge shoppers’ questions and to make it easy for them to get the answers that they need.
Why is communication important in retail?
By communicating effectively in retail, you can remove barriers to purchase, build rapport with potential customers and grow loyalty. These are just some of the reasons why communication is important in retail
How can I communicate with customers in retail better than my competitors?
By following the 6 steps in this guide, you can create a communication strategy that builds brand awareness, showcases products and offers and keeps customers coming back.
Holly brings a wealth of experience in both print and digital publishing. As Modern Retail’s Content Editor, Holly is passionate about helping independent retailers to thrive in today’s ever-changing market.
