Any business worth its salt tries to contribute as much as it expects to gain revenue and support. This is the healthy balance between consumer and brand that can last years if exercised correctly. However, competition dictates that we must constantly attempt to refine or plan new value for the future, so that we remain essential in the space.
It’s very easy to look at the largest firms on the market and assume that they’re fixed entities. But even huge international brands like Apple are still influenced by this. If a competitor were to bring out a similar sleek set of devices, at a better spec, and for a lower price point, you can bet that they’d be considered yesterday’s news, or at least on the path to becoming so.
Delivering further value to your clients doesn’t necessarily mean giving them freebies, discounts, promotions, and constantly trying to be all things to all people. But it can mean increasing the value of what you can offer with care, and taking steps to ensure your presence is justified. Let’s consider some measures by which you may hope to do that:
Diverse Means Of Engagement
You don’t necessarily have to design the best new product or add ten new services to your library each year, but you do have to consider how to make your business easier and more convenient to engage with. For example, developing a mobile app for your brand so that customers can manage their accounts easily, and without having to log in via a web browser, is useful, and added value.
Even specialist businesses like clinics can use this principle, such as using urgent care online check-in when required instead of having to come to your practice in 100% of cases. The more engagement and convenience methodologies you offer, the better engagement your brand will build.
Sustainability & Environmental Concerns
A great way to add more value to the products or services you offer is to make them more carbon-neutral or sustainable. If you can do that, then even similar or close to identical products and services are more valuable, appeal to conscious consumers (which a growing number of people are), and can be marketed with new life. Perhaps it’s time to reduce your packaging or opt for sustainable suppliers only. It will all have a positive effect.
Learn The Client Needs
Client needs change over time, and they may not be the same as they were five years ago. For example, think of how many people now prefer home-based, delivery or remote solutions to the services they use, be that grocery delivery, home meal kits, and more. Speaking to your clients, partaking in market research each year, and considering how your new competitor initiatives are being received will give you the understanding of where to begin, or think about beginning.
With this advice, you’re sure to deliver further value to your clients, but in a realistic and helpful manner above all.