In 2022, people want to feel connected to the brands they use. When consumers opt for a specific brand of computer, shoe, bag, or coffee, they take a huge number of factors into consideration, whether they are consciously aware of it, or not!

Take shoe shopping for example. When shopping for a new pair of running shoes, a customer is going to take note of the comfort, fit, and style of the shoe. But what happens when you find two or three pairs of shoes that are comfortable, stylish, and fit well? There are other factors at play that will guide a shopper to make a decision, and a lot of them have to do with how they feel about your brand.

A recent article from the PPAI tells us about 4 of the most important things that today’s consumers want from brands. They want brands to make them laugh, to motivate and inspire them, to help them learn new things, and to make them feel seen and included. That’s a pretty tall order, but there are a variety of actions that any business can take to build and strengthen bonds with their customers.

Connect via Social Platforms

Social media provides an ideal channel of communication between your brand and the audience(s) you want to reach. Use it to create entertaining and relatable content, to communicate directly with your customers, teach your followers something new, or to showcase what your brand is all about! From TikTok, to Twitter, to Instagram, each social platform allows you to create a different style of content that may resonate with a different group of people.

Be True to You!

What purpose does your brand serve? What makes your business unique? What is your brand identity? Whatever it is, own it! If your audience identifies with your business’ image or mission, and if they find you to be genuine and consistent, they’ll be sticking around for a while.

Give Back

Show your appreciation to your customers by offering free gifts or deals. Whether it’s hosting an annual "customer appreciation sale" or packing in a branded "thank you" gift into their orders, this act will go a long way towards building rapport with your customers.

Why are These Relationships Important?

Creating and maintaining strong connections with your audience can lead to long-term customer relationships. When customers feel connected to your brand, they are more likely to choose your brand over others. They’re also more likely to speak highly of your brand and to use or wear your promotional products, which will generate more interest, awareness, and business for your company.

When a brand successfully creates and maintains positive relationships with their customers, they’re in a win-win scenario, their customers are more satisfied with their experience, and the company benefits from having a committed and enthusiastic audience!