Getting a new customer is exciting, but turning them into a repeat customer is where the real magic happens. Loyal customers buy more, engage more, and spread the word about your brand, helping you build a sustainable business without constantly chasing new buyers.

So how do you turn one-time shoppers into lifelong fans? Here’s what’s worked for me, and how you can do the same.

💡 Want to grow your email list and keep customers coming back? Scroll down and sign up for our email list and get a free “How to Build an Email List” guide to help you create a fanbase that keeps buying!

1. Give Customers a Reason to Come Back

One of the easiest ways to turn a first-time customer into a repeat customer is to give them an incentive to shop with you again.

What I Do:

✅ Thank You Cards with a 15% Off Coupon

• Every order (Etsy, website, TikTok Shop) includes a thank you card with a 15% off discount for their next purchase on my website.
• This encourages customers to leave third-party platforms and shop directly with me next time.

✅ Exclusive Deals for Email & SMS Subscribers

• My SMS subscribers get early access to deals and special offers.
• Email subscribers receive exclusive announcements & discounts (though I could be better about sending emails consistently).

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re selling on Etsy, TikTok, or other platforms, include a discount to bring those buyers to your own website where you have full control over pricing, branding, and communication.

2. Focus on Quality & Uniqueness

No amount of marketing will make up for a mediocre product. One of the biggest reasons my customers come back is because:

✅ They love the quality, they know they’re getting something that lasts.
✅ They can’t find my designs anywhere else, so when they want more, they come back to me.

💡 Ask Yourself: What makes your products different? If someone buys from you once, what’s going to make them remember you and come back?

3. Stay Engaged on Social Media (The Right Way)

Different platforms serve different purposes for my business.

• TikTok is for discovery. My viral pill case video drove a huge spike in new customers and sales.
• Instagram is for connection. I don’t get many new followers here, but it’s a great place to keep in touch with repeat customers and showcase new products.
• The Free Lighter Deal = More Engagement. Many of my new Instagram followers came from my craft show freebie (“Follow us for a free lighter”), and they’re now some of my most engaged customers.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t just post product photos, be real, be entertaining, and show behind-the-scenes. People come for the product, but they stay for the personality.

4. Make Shopping Feel Personal & Memorable

If a customer remembers you, they’re more likely to come back.

✅ Brand Recognition at Markets & Shows

• People remember my booth and recognize me at future events, whether it’s locally or across the country.
• One of my customers bought from a retailer in New Orleans, then later recognized me at San Diego Pride and bought again in person.

✅ Local Customers Always Ask When I’ll Be Back

• When you build a strong local following, people will seek you out at markets to see what’s new.
• This is why having new designs ready for every market is so important!

💡 Pro Tip: If you do craft fairs or pop-ups, keep your booth visually consistent so people recognize you, even if they saw you at a different event months ago.

5. Use Email & SMS Marketing to Keep Customers Engaged

I’ll admit, I don’t send as many emails as I should. But when I do run a campaign (like my early Black Friday deal), I see a huge spike in sales.

How I Use Email & SMS for Repeat Sales:

✅ Welcome Flows & Goodbye Flows – Automated messages to greet new subscribers and re-engage inactive ones.
✅ Early Access for SMS Subscribers – Those who sign up get access to special deals before everyone else.
✅ Only Sending Emails When It Matters – Right now, I only email during sales or major announcements, but I could improve consistency.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t just send emails when you have something to sell, send valuable content like sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes, and product drops to keep people interested.

6. Download Your Free "How to Build an Email List" Guide!

Want to build a loyal fanbase and get repeat customers on autopilot? Sign up for our email list and get a free downloadable guide on:

✅ The best ways to collect emails at markets, online, and in vending machines
✅ What incentives actually work for growing an email list
✅ How to write engaging emails that bring customers back
✅ Example email templates for first-time buyers & repeat customers

 

Building a loyal fanbase isn’t about one-time gimmicks, it’s about offering real value, staying connected, and giving customers a reason to return.

✅ Give customers a next step (discounts, incentives, or SMS perks)
✅ Deliver quality & uniqueness so they remember you
✅ Engage them on social media in a way that’s personal & fun
✅ Make your business memorable at markets & online
✅ Use email & SMS to keep them in the loop

Looking for a creative way to take your market setup up a notch? An ArtVend vending machine attracts customers of all ages. Check out The ArtVend and start vending your art today!

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