Independent pet store reputations are built on relationships. Local pet store owners rely on customers to keep coming back.
It can be hard for local pet stores to compete with mass-produced products from big box retailers and online corporations due to the size of their marketing budgets and established names. But that makes nurturing your customer relationships even more important.
You got this! Keep reading to learn some of the best ways to send your customer loyalty rocketing! 🚀
The Importance of Customer Loyalty in the Pet Industry
Customer loyalty is important in any local industry, but it’s positively crucial in the local pet industry. Pet shops differ from other stores because customers don’t go to a pet store to purchase a product for themselves. They go to a pet store to purchase a product for a beloved pet. Your customer needs to know that they can trust you with their pet care needs before they’ll become a loyal customer.
Customer Loyalty Tips for Independent Pet Stores
⭐️ Offer a Loyalty Program
Offering a loyalty program allows you to attract and retain customers by creating more value for them. If they feel like they’re spending their money wisely and they’re supporting a local business, then you’ll have a loyal customer for life.
🚀 Astro Offers & Astro Frequent Buyer – Astro Loyalty’s reward programs – are fully integrated with Astro Loyalty’s other services. We make it easier than ever to start up a loyalty program. In addition, Astro Offer’s promotions, like BOGO and dollar-off deals, and Frequent Buyer free-good redemptions, are all paid for by the manufacturers. That leaves you free to scan the deals and reward your existing customers!
Connect with Customers on Social Media
Get to know your customer base, and help them get to know you! Social media is one of the essential communication channels to use to connect with customers. An active social media presence helps customers engage with your content, and you’ll be at the top of their list the next time they have pet care needs.
As a local pet store, you’ll want to focus your social media marketing strategies on a community feel. Responding to social media comments,
engaging with local posts, and even hosting online giveaways can be important elements of local engagement. Did someone tag @yourlocalpetstore in a post featuring their newly adopted pet? Engage with them, and you’ll soon have a repeat customer!
Participate in Local Events
Visibility is key for getting customers informed and interested in your pet store. If they see you at local events, they’ll be more likely to seek you out in the future.
One advantage that you have over big box retailers is the personal touch. As a member of your community, you can understand and connect to the people around you. People like to support local businesses in their community for that very reason. All you have to do is make sure they know who you are and what you’re about.
Sponsoring a pet training day or running a booth at a local event will give you a chance to connect with individuals in your community and increase your local visibility.
Partner with Local Shelters & Rescues
Part of being a member of your community is collaborating with other organizations. Your local shelters and 501c3 recues are critical resources for supporting pet adoption and helping you gain that community visibility.
Reach out to your local pet adoption agencies and see what you can do to help each other. You could sponsor an adoption day or perhaps post photos of local pets who need good homes.
Both you and your local shelters and rescues are dedicated to the quality care of pets, whether it be through finding a good home or excellent pet products, and by working together, you can achieve that goal.
🚀 Make sure your local shelters and rescues know your store is ‘Sharing The Love‘ so you can be a part of celebrating an adopted pet’s most special day – their Adoption Day! Being a part of such a happy memory will solidify you and your business as a friend for life for a new pet owner.
⭐️ Offer Quality Pet Food
Set yourself apart from any big box retailer competition with higher-quality products. Focus on the quality of the pet food you provide and your wealth of nutritional knowledge, and you’ll increase customer retention.
One thing that unites all pet owners and pet store owners is wanting the best for pets. If you can show your client base that you share that goal in all of the products you offer, they’ll keep coming back. Astro Loyalty works with a variety of brands to bring you and your customers high-quality pet products that you can stand behind.
Increase Your Brand Loyalty with the Help of Astro Loyalty!
Astro Loyalty is here to support you in creating loyal customers. No matter what, remember that you and your customers share the same goal: making quality products available to pets. Once your customers know that, they’ll be loyal customers for life!
Want more tips on how to set your store apart from the rest? Check out our blog for advice on everything from marketing to pet care!
