Dan’s comment: This post continues on from 50 of the world’s best entrepreneurs weigh in on how to make customers happy. Here are the other installments

21. Create impactful work your fans love

Chris Ducker – ChrisDucker.comUntitled-1

I’m not shy about saying that I pour an insane amount of passion into all of my projects. I can only do it because I truly want to have impact beyond just selling copies.

I’ll never forget one moment in particular. A fan approached me at a conference and explained how she’d changed her life (and started spending way more time with the kids!) thanks to my book Virtual Freedom. I was moved and decided to sit down with her for a free consulting session – on the spot – just because.

So my happiness keys are 1) create impactful work your fans love and 2) celebrate readers who take action!

Tweet: Create impactful work your fans love. Chris Ducker on Customer Happiness Stories via @helloify CLICK TO TWEET THIS

22. Under promise, over deliver

Tom Libelt – smartbrandmarketing.comTom-Libelt

We usually take clients that we know we can rank in the top 10 within 3 months. At the same time we explain to them that SEO is a long process and we expect the rankings to start moving in 4 to 6 months. We do this for two reasons.

1. The client shows that they are serious and understands what I’m saying to them.

2. They become fans once results come before they expect them.

Tweet: Clients become fans once results come before they expect them. Tom Libelt on Customer Happiness Stories via @helloify CLICK TO TWEET THIS

23. NO marketing spin, NO stretching the truth

Larry Kolinek – thermogenicberry.comLarry-Kolinek

When a customer asks a question or wants information… give it too them straight, as is. NO marketing spin, NO stretching the truth, etc.

If it means losing a sale, then so be it… stick to the facts. Making people happy is contagious.

Tweet: NO marketing spin, NO stretching the truth. Larry Kolinek on Customer Happiness Stories via @helloify CLICK TO TWEET THIS

24. People that build the product also support the product

Wade Foster – zapier.comWade-Foster

Everyone at Zapier does support. This means the people that build the product also support the product.

So if customers have issues, it’s highly likely that we can actually fix the problem so that other customers won’t have that issue.

Tweet: People that build the product also support the product. Wade Foster on Customer Happiness Stories via @helloify CLICK TO TWEET THIS

25. Respond to emails within 2 minutes

Sam Parr – hustlecon.com (business) theantimba.com (blog) Sam-Parr

I try to respond to emails within 2 minutes. Even if I can’t answer their question I’ll respond and let them know I’m looking for an answer. In each email I always add something unique so they know it’s me responding.

For example, I’ll use Rapportive and say something like “Hey John, I’m on a call right now, but I’ll get you your answer ASAP. BTW I saw on your Linkedin that you’re from Georgie…I’m from Tennessee! Hi-five from a fellow southerner!”

Tweet: Respond to emails within 2 minutes. Sam Parr on Customer Happiness Stories via @helloify CLICK TO TWEET THIS

26. Sending thank you gifts to clients

Ryan Kaufman – trustedsiteseller.comRyan-Kaufman

When working with our high-end clients at our brokerage we will keep an open ear though our interview process for some unique hobby or a specific pain-point. Upon the successful sale of their website, we surprise them with a custom gift delivered to their doorstep.

Sending thank you gifts to clients certainly isn’t anything new or revolutionary, but taking the extra effort to make the gift something a little custom goes a long way in making clients happy.

Tweet: Sending thank you gifts to clients. Ryan Kaufman on Customer Happiness Stories via @helloify CLICK TO TWEET THIS

27. Save your customers’ time

Bruce Hiatt – LuxuryRealtyGroupSD.comBruce-Hiatt

We use digital signature software so they can sign their real estate documents anytime, any place and totally paperless.

Our customers rave about this service and the efficiency for their time and ours that goes with it.

Tweet: Save your customers’ time. Bruce Hiatt on Customer Happiness Stories via @helloify CLICK TO TWEET THIS

28. Do something that makes them say “Wow!”

Kim McFayden – lawcorner.com.auKim-McFayden

I like to do something that makes them say “Wow!” in the after-sales period so they feel loved and are more likely to spread the word.

It’s amazing how thankful people are for a nice bottle of wine or other unexpected gift.

Tweet: Do something that makes them say Wow!. Kim McFayden on Customer Happiness Stories via @helloify CLICK TO TWEET THIS

29. Showing them they made a great decision

Matthew Newton – tourtiger.comMatthew-Newton

I’ve got a bootstrapped startup doing websites for tour operators and one thing I’ve been doing is sending customers a detailed report after the first month detailing every. single. level. of improvement – bounce rate, time on site, you name it – compared to their previous site.

This shows them they’ve made a great decision.

To see the evidence so methodically laid out really impresses them and has lead to referrals for me.

Tweet: Show customers they made a great decision. Matthew Newton on Customer Happiness Stories via @helloify CLICK TO TWEET THIS

30. Make a personal video thanking them

Terry Lin – ballerleather.comTerry-Lin

People always appreciate a personalized message and with video being an underutilized tool, they make a super powerful combination.

When a customer orders one of my most expensive wallets ($300 USD+), I make a personal video thanking them and letting them know what to expect after the order, when it will arrive, and my personal contact information if there are any problems.

Tweet: Make a personal video thanking them. Terry Lin on Customer Happiness Stories via @helloify CLICK TO TWEET THIS

Got your own happiness tips?

Leave them in the comments below. We are looking to do a final top 10 with suggestions from you.

John Conkle

John Conkle

John is a startup entrepreneur who believes in the power of community. He has two podcasts and people say he enjoys reading a little too much. Before founding a startup he worked at a tech accelerator in Santa Monica.
John Conkle