{"id":21743,"date":"2022-11-17T04:31:01","date_gmt":"2022-11-17T04:31:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.acefone.com\/blog\/?p=21743"},"modified":"2026-04-02T06:29:29","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T06:29:29","slug":"how-startups-can-retain-their-customers-long-term-with-brad-cleveland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.acefone.com\/blog\/how-startups-can-retain-their-customers-long-term-with-brad-cleveland\/","title":{"rendered":"How startups can retain their customers long term with Brad Cleveland"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Startups have taken over markets across the globe. More of them come to existence in a day than they used to over months.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">In such a saturated market, startups need to stand out from the crowd. However, most of them focus on scaling up rather than building a loyal customer base. And the latter is what makes the difference.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">But how do you ensure that your customers remain loyal?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The answer is quality customer experience.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Brad Cleveland, the founding partner and former CEO of the International Customer Management Institute (ICMI), shared some insight on this with us. During our recent discussion on customer experience and startups, we talked about how startups can retain their customers. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">How can startups earn customer loyalty right off the bat<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:400,&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The best way startups can ensure that their customers stick longer is to establish a broad understanding of quality customer experience throughout their organization. Cleveland says, \u201cBuild a customer-focused culture. Goals, objectives, what you celebrate\u2014everything should be centred on customers.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Every employee from the bottom to the top, must have this factor engraved in their mind. To ensure this, you must communicate your goals with them. Set benchmarks for customer experience so that every employee can strive for their fulfillment. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Ensure regular communication with your employees, and also your customers through direct conversations, social posts, product reviews, operational data, etc. The idea is to direct the company\u2019s objectives towards the needs and expectations of the customers.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Ensuring a better customer journey<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:400,&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Find out ways to gain information about your customers\u2019 experiences. Use surveys, forums, interviews, or employee enactments. In those enactments, ask your employees to act on what the customers go through during their experience with your business. In the meantime, surveys and interviews can help you get direct information from the customers and employees.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">To support this concept even more, have departments collaborate to come up with better designs and processes that resonate deeply with the customers\u2019 unmet expectations. Organise operations like marketing, billing, product management, contact centers, etc. to better suit the customers.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Lastly, you want to establish effective governance. Having control over how the departments churn out results matching your objectives, ensures a better buyer\u2019s journey.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Maintaining minimal service costs without affecting quality<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:400,&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u2014Ignore customer service at your peril\u2014<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Customer service is your way of telling customers that you value your relationship with them and understand what they need. You can take the information that you gain from their feedback and use it to structure your designs and processes.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Hence Cleveland suggests\u2014that customer feedback is something that gives you insight to what they experience, while customer service gives you the chance to respond accordingly. It is your golden opportunity to show your customers how much you value their inputs and needs. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">He further says \u201cCustomer service can help you see where and how to improve, simplify products and services, fine tune processes, etc.\u2014all of which can reduce the need for customer service. So, ironically, you have to make an investment in customer service to keep those costs down.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">With that, you get the significance of customer service costs. You must invest actively in customer service to keep the customers satisfied which can help you keep those expenses down.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">The importance of customer feedback to improve overall service experience<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:400,&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">We just read that customer feedback is a tool that tells you about the customer\u2019s expectations. To know truly how important it is, you must listen to the experts here. In Mr Cleveland\u2019s words, \u201cfeedback from customers and employees is like oxygen.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">He talks about the \u201cVoice of customer (VoC) program\u201d and finds it highly strategic. He further explains \u201cthe process and initiative captures a wide range of feedback, analyzes it, identifies priorities, and ensures the organisation is taking action.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Nonetheless, there aren\u2019t many organisations that give importance to customer feedback as much as they should. Those who do it at all, use surveys as the only means to gather feedback, and still don\u2019t look into it.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Therefore, the key factor that\u2019s going to help you stand out, is utilising customer feedback. Listen to what the customers have to say and design your processes in that manner.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Creating a customer-centric thinking in your organisation<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:400,&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Cleveland calls this \u201c developing a culture of customer advocacy.\u201d It entails the actions you take to keep your organisation focused on doing what is best for your customers. In return, your customers advocate for you and your business.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">To bring this practice into full effect, you must encourage it into your conversations and operations. Teach your employees to advocate for your customers\u2019 needs and operate accordingly. Doing so might require you to realign your business&#8217;s vision, objectives, and functioning to do right by the customers.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Is Artificial Intelligence an ally?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:400,&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">AI is a powerful tool, yet not many companies are utilising it at its full potential. While it is quietly and significantly improving customer experience, its effects are not properly being looked into.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">On the other hand, there are a few companies that have been making headway with it. AI has been working hand-in-hand with employees to improve the customer\u2019s journey and enhance the human touch simultaneously. It has been able to reduce many working hours spent doing lengthy, repetitive, mundane and less important tasks.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">According to Mr Cleveland, \u201cmost are working in tandem with employees, enabling technology to do what it does best\u2014and humans to do what we do best.\u201d Therefore he suggests us to look at AI as an ally rather than a replacement for humans.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">The verdict<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:400,&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The single solution that will make startups survive and grow is focusing on providing their customers with the best experience possible. Give importance to customer feedback, and allow that insight to reflect in your services. The more you focus on satisfying your customers, the longer they will stay with you and even bring more with them. In return, your business will flourish not just today, but also in the long game.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you\u2019re a startup too, and wish to get the same results, we can help you do that. At Acefone, we focus tremendously on quality customer services which is why we have also been rated as one of the best in the industry by Capterra.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">You can check out our <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">solutions page<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> to know more about our products and services. You can also book a call by simply following this <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acefone.com\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">link<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> here.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">About The Expert<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:400,&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Mr Brad Cleveland is a speaker, consultant and author. He has worked across 45 states and 60 countries, with clients like Apple, American Express, USAA, University of California. All the more, he still serves at the ICMI as an advisor, and other organizations as a keynote speaker, and workshop leader. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">One of his bestselling books is\u2013 Leading the Customer Experience: How to Chart a Course and Deliver Outstanding Results. It has been nominated among numerous lists for best reads on CX in 2021.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Startups have taken over markets across the globe. More of them come to existence in a day than they used to over months.\u00a0 In such a saturated market, startups need to stand out from the crowd. However, most of them focus on scaling up rather than building a loyal customer base. And the latter is [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":36,"featured_media":26245,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[122],"tags":[205],"class_list":{"0":"post-21743","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-expert-opinion","8":"tag-brad-cleveland"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.4 (Yoast SEO v26.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Brad Cleveland | How startups can retain customers in the long run<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"CX expert and author Brad Cleveland gives suggestions on customer retention for new businesses\u00a0\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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