Small businesses need to understand the variables that enable brand intimacy and give them priority.
Here, we look at five best practices for Entrepreneurs:
1. Practice empathy.
One of the easiest ways to connect with your customers is to read body language, ask questions, pay attention and offer concise solutions at any point of contact. This is especially important in the sharing stage. If consumers feel you are not invested enough in solving their problems, they won’t be moved into a relationship.
2. Be authentic.
Gone are the days when outlandish corporate-speak was the trade of the market. Today’s consumers expect a brand to connect with them in an instinctive human way. Doing these means finding and pushing your brand’s uniqueness in non-intrusive ways.
3. Identify what drives the customers.
Zeroing in on what emotionally motivates your target market helps nurture an emotional connection. As an example, many customers may want to be perceived as unique and special. Marketing efforts, in this case, should be extremely personalized with associates making themselves readily available to meet client needs.
4. Show your caring side.
Companies that act tone-deaf during key moments can be a major turnoff to customers looking for an emotional connection with their brands. Brands don’t have to become political, but they do want to demonstrate their human sides. Participating in relief efforts or donating to disaster recovery efforts are just two examples.
5. Connect whenever possible.
When interacting with customers always put yourself in their shoes. What’s important to them? How can you talk in their “language”? Be willing to connect with customers both in person and through outlets like social media.
EXTRA:
Tell stories!
It is nearly impossible for a brand to score any points without strong storytelling. Timepiece brands use storytelling to build strong traditions around their products. No matter how big or small your brand is, we see storytelling playing a pivotal role in building brand intimacy.
