By Diane Watkins

It seems obvious that you should strive to always satisfy your customers; however, many businesses ignore this very simple principle. Your existing customers are your most valuable asset, you must take care of them.

Satisfied customers will refer others to your site. This is more valuable than any advertising that you can buy. Research shows that referrals from existing customers are far more valuable than search engine referrals to your business.

Further, a dissatisfied customer can spread poison over your sales. The internet spreads your reputation as fast as the click of a mouse.

The lifetime value of your customer is far more than the value of the first sale. Satisfying your customers is a continual process. Check up with them to be sure that they received what they needed. Over deliver on all of your promises. In this way, your customers will ready and willing to buy from you again and again.

The viral value of this customer comes through his willingness to refer others to you. Make it easy for him to refer you. You can give him coupons to use himself and pass on to friends. Offer discounts or even free merchandise when people he refers become your customers. Offer an affiliate program that your satisfied customers can use to refer others to you.

Most people enjoy telling others about good service and products. Make sure that they consider yours to be top quality and they will reward you by telling everyone. A satisfied customer is one of the most valuable forms of viral marketing.