As business owners and leaders, we’re concerned about being the best match for our customers’ needs.
We focus on solving problems, personalizing our communication, and going the extra mile to help customers. There’s so much focus on being the best that we can be that we forget about something else that’s just as important – selecting customers who are our ideal fit.
It isn’t enough to create a buyer persona with demographic information like their age, location, or income. You also have to determine the qualities of your ideal customers based on their traits, motivations, and other factors.
When you chart out the type of people you want to work with, you’ll change how you communicate and start approaching people who are better fits for your business. Here are some qualities that make up an ideal customer for most businesses.
1. They’re open to new ideas and suggestions
Some of the most difficult customers to deal with are ones who insist on doing things their own way even when you know better. They mistake their experience with expertise in your niche. As a result, when you do what they want and the outcome is poor, they’re unhappy and so are you.
Ideal customers are open to new ideas and suggestions, and they’re not afraid to listen to feedback even if it’s pointing out their mistakes. They realize that you’re an expert at what you do and are willing to listen when you suggest things that they might not agree with.
When you have customers who are open to your advice, it’s easier to create a better experience for them and generate the results they want.
2. They’re communicative
Ideal customers are communicative and responsive. They understand that communication is key to a successful relationship. If there’s ever a problem, they’re quick to reach out and let you know so that it can be resolved.
They’re willing to get on a call and are swift to reply to emails and messages. This type of customer is easy to work with because you always know what’s going on. You get responses fast and can do your best work because both parties are communicative.
3. They’re willing to pay for quality
Ideal customers are willing to pay for quality. They know that you can’t provide a great product or service if you’re not being compensated fairly. They’re also not afraid to invest in their own growth and realize that they have to pay well to get the results they want.
Customers like this understand that they get what they pay for. They’re not looking for a bargain – they’re looking for value.
4. They’re proactive and take initiative
The best customers are proactive and take initiative. If you send them information and onboarding content, they read it and ask questions. If you ask them to provide information or invest in certain tools, they’re on it.
Such customers are great to work for and with, because they’ll do their part in making your relationship work. And they’ll also do things like come up with ideas and new suggestions you can work with. They’ll also watch out for relevant news that affects both of you and share it.
Customers like this help you move your business forward. They’re always looking for ways to improve and grow in ways that help you both.
5. They respect your boundaries
We’ve all had experiences with customers who cross the line. They demand too much of our time, they’re always changing their minds, or they’re just generally difficult to please. And they ask for more than you agreed to.
The best customers respect your boundaries. They know that you have other clients and that you can’t always drop everything to accommodate them. They’re also considerate of your time and energy, and they know that you have a life outside of work.
Instead of demanding that you cater to them right away, they schedule an appointment to have a call or send an email and wait for you to respond.
Customers who respect your boundaries are easy to work with because you don’t have to worry about them taking advantage of you. You can set clear expectations from the start, and you’ll both be happy with the arrangement.
6. They always pay on time
One of the greatest frustrations business owners experience is dealing with customers who don’t pay on time. It puts a strain on your cash flow and can make it difficult to keep up with your own obligations.
The best customers always pay on time. They understand the importance of timely payments and they don’t want to cause any problems for you. This type of customer is a pleasure to work with.
7. They’re loyal
Loyal customers are the best kind. They stick with you through tough times, and they’re willing to promote you when the occasion arises. They realize that relationships matter in business and are willing to work with you in the long run.
Customers like this are hard to come by, but they’re worth their weight in gold. When you have a loyal customer, you know that you can always count on them.
Loyalty is earned over time, and it’s based on a relationship of trust. If you have customers who are loyal to you, it’s because they believe in your business and they know that you’ll always do right by them.
8. They’re referrers
The best customers are also referrers. They’re always quick to recommend your business to their friends, family, and colleagues. They understand the value of word-of-mouth marketing, and they want to help you grow.
Customers who refer others to you are valuable because they’re effectively doing your marketing for you. They believe in your product or service, and they’re willing to put their own reputation on the line to endorse it.
9. They’re appreciative
Last but not least, the best customers are appreciative. They understand that you’re running a business, and they don’t take your services for granted. They’re always quick to say thank you, and they show their appreciation in other ways, too.
Customers who are appreciative make you feel good about what you do. They make you feel like you’re making a difference in their lives. And that’s the best feeling of all.
Conclusion
There you have it – nine qualities that make for the best customers. Do you have customers who fit this bill? If so, consider yourself lucky. These are the customers every business owner wants.
It’s unlikely that we’ll find customers who are perfect matches for our businesses, but it’s still a good practice to draw up a list of characteristics we’re looking for. This way, we can keep our eye out for the ideal customer and do our best to attract them.
What qualities do you think make for the best customers? Drop a comment and let me know.
