It’s no news that the Nigerian economy has been worsening in recent times, with the Naira taking a pounding each week. This therefore poses a challenge for many businesses because, when times are tough, the purchasing power of customers significantly decreases. 

Here are some effective strategies and tips to help you retain customers during challenging economic times:

  1. Be emphatic: Empathy is crucial to customer retention. The economy is hard on everyone and economic crises can be stressful for customers, but empathy helps you address not only their practical needs but also their emotional needs by putting yourself in their shoes. Showing understanding and support during difficult times can create a lasting positive impression. Businesses that consistently demonstrate empathy are more likely to retain customers over time, as customers feel valued and understood.
  2. Communicate effectively and politely: Communication is important, you need to maintain an open communication with your customers. Make sure to inform them about any adjustments in business operations, product offerings, and pricing. Inform them way ahead of time so they can have enough time to adjust accordingly. 
  3. Enhance value given to customers: Reports have shown that acquiring a new customer is five times more expensive than retaining a customer. When times are tough, customers tend to double down on their expenses and eliminate things they deem as 'not essential', ensure that you strategically focus your business on improving the value proposition of your products/services so that a customer needs your product for their day-to-day living. The aim of doing this is not only to justify potential price increases but more importantly to ensure that customers perceive genuine value in what they pay for. This strategic approach not only creates customer loyalty and retention but also contributes to the sustainability and growth of the business in a competitive market.
  4. Soliciting Feedback: Regularly soliciting feedback from customers is essential for understanding their evolving needs and preferences, particularly during economic crises. By actively seeking input from customers, businesses can gain valuable insights that inform decision-making and drive strategic adjustments. For instance, businesses can adapt their product offerings or pricing strategies based on customer feedback to better align with current market conditions. By incorporating customer feedback into their operations, businesses demonstrate a commitment to customer satisfaction and enhance their competitive edge.
  5. Adaptability to the current economy: Flexibility and adaptability are key attributes for businesses seeking to retain customers in a dynamic economic landscape. During times of uncertainty, businesses must be willing to adapt their strategies, products, or services to meet evolving customer demands. Whether it involves introducing new product variants, adjusting pricing structures, or exploring alternative distribution channels, businesses that demonstrate agility and responsiveness are better positioned to retain customers and thrive amidst economic challenges.

Customer retention during an economic crisis requires a combination of adaptability, empathy, providing value-added services and soliciting feedback to ensure that your customers feel supported and valued. By following these tips, your businesses can stay afloat during these tough times.

Should you require assistance, feel free to reach out to us at hello@shipbubble.com or connect with us on X/Twitter and Instagram @shipbubble.