Customer retention is a big part of any business and, luckily for you, it's much easier to keep an existing customer than it is to find a new one. Here are some tips for keeping your customers loyal to your dealership.

Rewards

Reward your customers on a regular basis. It might be with money off their next service or with the offer of a discount on their next car. It'll keep them coming back to your business year after year for work on their car and should mean they'll come to you when they're ready to upgrade.

Events

Getting all your customers together for special events gives them the chance to interact with your business on a deeper level. It's also a great chance to offer them discounts and persuade them to use your dealership again.

If you throw an amazing event then those people are likely to tell their friends. Loyal customers are more willing to recommend your business to others than customers who have only visited once.

Discounts

Discounts could be anything from money off a service to 10% off a new car. It's these sorts of discounts that will have customers returning to you rather than trying to find new deals elsewhere.

Even if you can't offer discounts on your own services, perhaps team up with another local business and offer incentives based on its products and services. Be sensible about this, customers buying a car from you probably won't be interested in money off their next hair cut. Instead offer discounts for car washes, track days or servicing.

Newsletters

Keep your customers informed as to what you're up to. Not only is this a good place to promote, sales, events and discounts but it's also a good reminder to your customers that you are there.

Try not to bombard your customers with emails, instead send them once a month, maybe even less frequently, and only up the number around the time when car services and upgrades are due.

Social media

The great thing about social media is that it's a simple way to treat customers like individuals, as that's exactly what they are. You can calm the angry ones, laugh with the funny ones and reassure the reluctant ones. Social media is also an easy way for customers to keep up with what you are doing.

Remember to be fun and interesting. Don't go on the hard sell – instead, include things about your business; light-hearted websites; advice; and well-written content.