Customers are the most important catalysts to the success of any business. Thus, small business owners cannot overlook the importance of providing excellent customer service to all who purchase their products and services or even inquire about them.

At times, business owners and employees may be focused on the tasks at hand and may lose sight of this. They may find that they need a plan to ensure the customer service is a priority to meet the goals of their establishment. Doing so allows the small business owner to reap the benefits that the business will receive from the efforts of applying good customer service principles.

Here are 5 reasons small business owners should make providing great customer service their number one priority:

1. Increased revenue.

One of the main benefits of providing excellent customer service is an increase in sales. When consumers feel valued by employees, they are more inclined to become loyal, increasing the amount of money spent at the business. Consumers want to purchase the products and services of companies where they feel appreciated. They need to feel safe to express any questions or concerns. They would unlikely want to do business with employees who treat them poorly. Customers appreciate when they feel validated by providing feedback.

2. Greater customer loyalty.

Small business owners should also strive to prioritize providing great customer service as it builds close connections with customers and increases their loyalty. Consumers are more inclined to remain loyal customers of businesses that have always treated them fairly and respectfully. Therefore, when small businesses go through trials and tribulations, these customers will be more likely to stick by their sides and continue doing business with them.

3. Beneficial word-of-mouth marketing.

Another value of prioritizing great customer service for small business owners is increased favorable word-of-mouth marketing. When customers have good experiences at businesses, especially when it comes to how they were treated, they are quick to share them with their family and friends. Many will encourage them to try out the businesses with the hope that they will have similar experiences. Furthermore, their loved ones and peers are more inclined to actually follow through with doing so as they trust their advice. Therefore, providing great customer service to all consumers helps recruit future business.

4. Strengthened positive publicity.

In addition to telling their family and friends about the great customer service they receive at a business, consumers are also inclined to spread the word online. These satisfied customers often write positive reviews on Google, Facebook, etc., and leave positive comments on social media. Furthermore, they are more willing to give testimonials about their experiences, which can be used promotionally to attract other customers. Also, if many customers talk candidly about their positive customer service experiences with a certain small business, the local media could choose to do a story on the business.

5. Happier employees.

One of the most overlooked benefits of providing consumers with great customer service directly impacts those providing it. When employees strive to treat all customers with respect and care, they experience less conflict and tension at work. Although there will unfortunately always be a few outliers in the customer base, employees are less likely to be treated poorly at by customers who feel happy and valued. This overall will make employees feel better about coming to work and more relaxed once they are there. Furthermore, this will help decrease turnover and keep employees satisfied and committed to their jobs. Therefore, prioritizing great customer service not only has positive effects on consumers but also on the employees providing it.

When small business owners make it their number one priority to ensure all consumers who interact with their employees receive great customer service, they build strong connections with them. This helps turn them into loyal customers and encourages them to do business with them again and again. In doing so, consumers are also inclined to share their positive experiences, attracting more and more customers for each small business in the process. Therefore, in today’s economy, business owners must take steps to prioritize great customer service and ensure their employees are as well in order to guarantee their businesses continue to thrive for years to come.

PaySmart is a payroll provider located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, supporting small businesses in the Central PA region. We are dedicated to helping small businesses take care of their payroll needs. To learn more information about how PaySmart may provide payroll solutions, please get in touch with us at 717-766-1777. Our New Client Concierge is waiting for you.