5 Ways to Keep Customers Coming Back

You may be surprised to know that it is 5x more expensive to attract new customers than it is to retain existing customers. Oh yeah - you read that correctly!

That’s why one of the smartest moves you can make with your marketing strategy isn’t just chasing new business, but making sure your current customers keep coming back for more. It’s all about increasing the lifetime value of each customer.

So how do you actually do that? Here are five simple (but powerful!) ways to turn one-time buyers into loyal, repeat customers.

5 Tips to Keep Customers Coming Back

1. Start a Loyalty Program: If you’ve ever been handed a punch card after eating pizza, going bowling, or getting a wax, you’ve seen this in action. It’s not just a kind gesture, it’s a strategy. That little card is saying, “Hey, come back a few more times and we’ll reward you for sticking with us.”
   

   Loyalty programs are a smart way to keep customers coming back because they create an incentive to choose your business over someone else’s. They're simple to set up, cost very little (if anything), and have been around forever for a reason...they work.
   

   Some easy loyalty program ideas include:
   

   • Punch cards: Buy 9, get the 10th free - a tried and true classic!

   • Monthly or quarterly giveaways for repeat customers

   • Points systems that build toward discounts, freebies, or exclusive perks

   • Referral rewards: Bring a friend, get a bonus!

     
     

2. Offer a Discount for Repeat Purchases: Who can resist a good deal? Whether you sell physical products or offer services, a repeat purchase discount is a simple, effective way to bring customers back.
   

   It doesn’t have to be complicated. If you sell products, you might offer 10% off their next order or free shipping on a second purchase. This could be on a card that's included with their order, in their confirmation email or sent to them shortly after their first purchase. If you're in the service world...say, pressure washing, you could give customers 10% off their next wash if they book within six months.
   

   This kind of offer gives customers a reason to come back sooner, not just “someday.” It also makes them feel appreciated...and that feeling is powerful.
   

3. Add Them to Your Email List Ah yes, email marketing. Still very much alive, well, and wildly effective.
   

   The best time to get someone on your email list? Right when they’re doing business with you. Whether they’re checking out online, filling out a form, or browsing your website, make it easy (and appealing!) to opt in. Add a checkbox during checkout, include it on your intake form, or have a simple signup on your website.
   

   Once they’re on your list, the door’s wide open to bring them back again and again. You can send updates, highlight new products or services, offer exclusive deals, and stay top of mind, without relying on the mood of the social media algorithm that day.
   

   Email gives you a direct line to people who’ve already said “yes” once. Use it well, and they’ll say “yes” again (and again). If you want to learn more about email marketing for small businesses, check out this blog post!
   

4. Show Up on Social Media I'll be the first to say that I'm not the biggest social media fan. The vanity metrics, the wonky visibility, the constantly shifting algorithm...it can feel like playing a very un-fun game of “pin the tail on the donkey.”
   

   BUT when it comes to encouraging repeat business, social media does have its perks.
   

   It’s a great way to stay visible, give customers a peek behind the scenes, and remind them why they love your brand. You can run follower-only contests or giveaways, share glowing testimonials, and highlight real customer photos for some good ol' fashioned social proof.
   

   Bonus: Current customers get reminders to come back. New ones get a preview of what they’re missing. Everyone wins.
   

5. Irresistible Related Products or Services Let’s say you own a card shop, and a customer buys a Valentine’s Day card. That tells you something important...they’re into thoughtful gestures and celebrating special occasions. So why not follow up by showing them your selection for birthdays, anniversaries, or other holidays? You're not being pushy, you’re being helpful.
   

   Or maybe you install pools. Once the job’s done, offer a discount on winterizing services. It keeps the relationship going and solves a future problem before it even shows up.
   

   Photographer? If you captured someone’s wedding and later spot a pregnancy announcement on their feed - hello, perfect time to offer a newborn sesh!

   
   

   When you pay attention to what your customers already care about and show up with the next right offer, it feels personal, thoughtful, and, yep, irresistible.
   

Keeping customers coming back doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated...it just takes a little intention. By focusing on the people who’ve already said yes to your business, you’re not only making your marketing more efficient, you’re building real loyalty.

Try just one or two of these strategies to start, and you’ll be surprised how much repeat business starts rolling in. You’ve already done the hard part by earning their trust—now it’s time to keep the conversation (and the sales) going. And if you’re ready to take things a step further and map out a real marketing plan, grab my FREE Small Business Marketing Guide! It’s packed with ideas to help you get clear, get focused, and get growing.