Why build and maintain client relationships?

“Relationship marketing is marketing seen as relationships, networks and interaction”

For a relationship to exist two way communications are required. Once a relationship is established it can multiply into a network of messages and signals which is a hugely powerful marketing tool called Viral Marketing.

Relationship Marketing is the move from the traditional short-term transaction based focus on the consumer to a long-term relationship focus.

The Role of ‘Web design’ in client relationships

New technology has enabled businesses to transmit information in new and innovative ways. Because the internet has grown so rapidly, strategies for integrating the internet into business activity must be flexible.

Websites are portals that consumers can access 24/7 and communicate with businesses. They can shop, research, browse and contact at free will. To some extent the communications process is one way as the consumer decides upon where they click, however there are certain techniques that web designers can adopt to persuade consumers to click throughout the site.

The web design is also used as a basis for loyalty programmes when data is collected through statistic monitors on consumer behaviour patterns. Web developers and online marketers can access all sorts of data such as how many hits per day, what pages, what search terms used, what type of consumers, what interests and even location of access point.

All these statistics build consumer profiles which will inherently affect the design and layout of the site, which emails he or she receives or what offers he or she receives etc.

The building blocks of websites for better client relationships

E-CRM (Electronic Client Relationships) represents a shift from employees taking care of customers directly allowing customers to use self service tools that make them an active part of the buying and servicing process.

This shift has allowed online marketing professionals to be more creative in the way they communicate with clients and other business. Technology such as flash, CSS, forums, blogs, RSS, JQuery, social networking, online conferencing, web cams, FAQ pages, Mail shots, banner adverts, sound effects, video streaming, downloads and much more has made the website an interactive tool for users.

“E-marketing is not about building a website, but building a web business, harmonising the power of customers”.

As the internet and web browsing becomes used more and more in daily life the more clients demand from business in terms of service. It is therefore important for businesses to adopt regular maintenance and management of their websites to ensure they meet the demands of clients and ensure the expected value is being delivered. Consistency and reliability are crucial to brand relationships and loyalty.