Even though connecting with your customers is often easier than you think, there is no shortage of challenges standing in your way. And in many cases, you’re your own worst enemy.

Here’s why: you assume that it’s difficult to maintain strong customer connections, so you ignore the importance of doing so.

Rather than make this mistake, here are five ways to keep your customer connections strong in 2020:

1. Make it a Priority

You don’t maintain strong customer connections by accident. It takes time, effort, and persistent activity to reach your goals.

When you make it a priority, you never have to worry about coming up short. You’ll always have a plan in place for not only connecting with customers, but serving them in the best way possible.

2. Use Email Marketing

Email remains a primary form of communication among most people. For example, 73 percent of millennials prefer communications from businesses to come via email.

Email marketing helps to maintain a strong bond with customers, as you can use it to share coupons, provide guidance and advice, and inform them of recent updates within your company and industry.

3. Get on the Phone

What? You really want me to get on the phone? Yep!

You don’t have to call every customer – in fact, it may not be feasible to do so – but it never hurts to connect with them by phone.

Anyone can send an email or note in the mail, but it takes real effort to jump on a phone call to ask a customer how they are doing and if there is anything they need.

4. Use Social Media

Facebook. Twitter. Instagram. LinkedIn. You get the point. Regardless of your industry, there is a social media platform that should suit you, your brand, and the goals you’ve set.

You can use social media to engage your current customers, grow your target audience, answer questions, and provide advice. And that’s just the start.

5. Get Your Team in on the Action

Forget about doing everything yourself. Keeping your customer connections strong is a company-wide approach.

When everyone gets in on the action, it’s much easier to reach your goals. Not to mention the fact that it allows you to amplify your message.

For more insights on marketing strategy that actually works for small business, connect with Jay Bean, Founder of FreshLime and Small Business Marketing Expert on LinkedIn and Twitter. If any of these tips have helped you or if you have anything to add, please comment below. We’d love to hear from you!