Whether you’re a market organizer, a stallholder, or a small business juggling both one thing’s for sure: your customers are your community. And in today’s noisy world, finding ways to stay in touch (authentically!) can turn a one-time buyer into a long-term supporter.
Here are some real, practical ways to build lasting customer relationships without needing to be glued to your phone 24/7.
1. Start with Names and Emails (Even Just a Few!)
Having a simple system to collect names and emails can do wonders. Pop a signup sheet on your stall, use a QR code, or ask people directly if they want to stay in the loop. Don’t worry if it grows slowly every name is a real person who liked what you offered.
And not everyone loves email some people prefer to follow along on Facebook. So offering a few different options for staying connected is always a win.
2. Email Marketing = Consistency, Not Perfection
Let me be real with you I had a bit of a rough start with our MLMD mailing list. After our very first mailout, I got some hard feedback from a few market managers. It was honest, it stung a little, and I went quiet for a day or two to let it sink in.
At the time, I’d been listening to everyone else about how to write marketing emails, and I ended up creating something that just wasn’t… me. It felt a little too spammy and not aligned with the values of our directory. But that feedback? It was honestly the best gift. I learned to pause, reflect, and most importantly listen to myself.
Since then, I’ve started writing from the heart, not from a script. I still have so much to learn, but asking for feedback (and being willing to take it on the chin!) has helped me grow tenfold.
So if you’re starting out, don’t stress about getting it right from day one. Just be true to yourself, your tone, and your audience.
👉 We use Brevo (formerly Sendinblue), and if you’re curious, we have an affiliate link below. Compensation from the link goes right back into advertising MLMD so we can grow the directory and help even more local communities.
3. Add a Personal Touch 🧡
A little goes a long way:
- Use their name in messages
- Offer birthday discounts or loyalty codes
- Give shout-outs to new customers (with permission) on socials or in emails
People love being seen. When you make them feel like more than just a sale, they’re more likely to come back.
4. Create a Facebook Group and Have Some Fun With It
Facebook groups can be powerful for building community especially for local markets or small brands. They give your audience a place to:
- Ask questions
- Share feedback
- See what you’re working on
- Feel connected between events
Sure, it can be tricky to keep content flowing at times. I’ve definitely been there. But here’s a tip: schedule a few posts in advance, and keep it simple.
Here are some easy group post ideas to spark conversation:
- “What’s your favourite thing to buy at markets?”
- “What’s one small business you’ve discovered and loved recently?”
- “What type of stalls would you love to see more of?”
Let people know they’re part of something bigger than just a sale.
5. Listen, Reply, Adjust
At the end of the day, staying connected is about listening as much as talking. Read those replies. Ask for feedback. Be open to learning as you go. That two-way conversation builds trust and trust builds loyal customers.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not About Doing Everything Just Something
You don’t need to be perfect at every platform. You don’t have to write like a pro copywriter. Just show up, be consistent, and let your personality shine.
Your customers already like what you’re doing. Staying connected just gives them a reason to keep supporting you and to tell others about it.
Disclaimer:
This blog post provides general strategies for customer engagement and may vary depending on your specific business or audience. Choose the approach that works best for you and your time.
Author: Chantel Jackson
Founder of My Local Market Directory
