Having information on how your customers find you allows you to use the money you put towards advertising and promotions much more effectively.
Start by asking current customers how they found you.
Was it through…
- Their friends?
- An advertisement they saw for your winery? -If so, ask where did they see the ad?
- Were your customers just passing and decided to stop? -What caused them to stop?
- Were you recommended to your customers by another winery? -If so, ask which winery or wineries are recommending you?
- Were they recommended by someone at the B&B or hotel where they are staying? -If so, ask which business and person in that business recommended these guests to your winery?
When new consumers walk into your winery, it is your job to find out how they found you. Once you have that information, follow up with the person or company that recommended you with a written note or a phone call. Thank them for sending the guests to you.
If you have local companies that are regularly recommending your winery to their guests, follow up with a thank-you note or an invitation to come for a complimentary tasting at the winery. Let them know that you appreciate that they are helping you build your business.
If you can recommend them in return do so. For example, if they have a B&B or work at a particular hotel and customers come into your winery who are looking for lodging, recommend the hotels or B&Bs who have been recommending you.
Before you do, however, check out the companies who are recommending you to ensure that your customers will appreciate your recommending them.
Helping each other can help the whole area maintain a good reputation and make guests want to come back.
A tip of the glass from me to you!
