Do you focus so much time on managing your business that you often overlook the importance of connecting with your customers?

Are you concerned that connecting (and staying in touch) with your customers will take too much time out of your already busy day?

While it’s natural to have concerns about how and when you connect with your customers, it’s easier than most people believe.

Furthermore, 80 percent of customers say that the experience a company provides is as important as the products and/or services it offers.

If you’re struggling to find ways to connect with your customers, here are 10 tactics to consider:

• Start an email newsletter
• Share a brief survey
• Use snail mail, such as postcards
• Start a blog for your business
• Get on the phone
• Visit your customers in person
• Send a personalized card, such as after service or during the holidays
• Become more active on social media
• Make sure your entire team is providing top of the line customer service
• Attend trade shows and industry conferences

You’re not likely to use all these tactics every month, but there will probably come a point when each one makes sense for your business.

When you connect with your customers, you show them you care about their experience.

When you connect with your customers, you show them that you’re thankful for their business.

And when you connect with your customers, you’re taking a big step forward in improving your retention rate.

The next time you have questions about how to best connect with your customers, experiment with one or more of the ideas above.

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!