Potential customer definition
A company’s potential customer is usually referred to as a prospect.
It is a person who has the potential to be interested in the services and products that are offered by the company but has not yet purchased. In that sense, he’s not a customer… yet !
The term potential customer is extremely vague, it can very well define a person who knows the company and who wants to buy one of their products. For exemple, it could refer to a person who could potentially be interested, as they have a common characteristic with the majority of the company’s clients, for example, the practice of the same profession.
Once the potential customer makes a purchase or subscribe to a service, he is called a customer.
What are types of potential customers?
We will find 2 main types of potential customers. First, the hot prospect who has expressed interest in the company and the cold prospect who has not yet expressed interest.
Compared to “potential customer”, we will prefer the terms lead, suspect and prospect which give much more information on the potential of the person to become a customer. Those three words better define the stage a customer is in at the moment (from the less inclined to the more inclined to buy a product or subscribe to a service). During each phase of the familiarization of the potential customer with the company, it will thus be able to evolve in the eyes of the company so that it can approach it at the ideal moment.
Who are my potential customers?
Not everyone is a potential customer for your business or company. A potential customer will be a person who will naturally have better chances at interacting with the company. For example, for a roofing company, the potential customers will be those who need a new roof for their house.
Identifying potential customers, and at which stage of intent they are, is essential to better communicate with them and ensure that they become customers, with far less trouble than having to find them from scratch.
It may be interesting to use the company’s current customers to find potential customers. Current customers will express what the product or service did for them and why they bought it. This information can allow the company to communicate better and more easily to potential customers because it knows their problems.
Here’s an example :
- If you are an HR specialist, your client may have told you how you helped find them a great profile. Thus, you can look on LinkedIn to find company who keep posting about their latest recrutement offers.
You don’t know how to recruit new customers ? Do not hesitate to look at how your
competitors
are fairing. How do they interact with their customers ? How do they incite them to buy their products ? How do they reassure them ?
How to keep track of my potential customers ?
If you have been a sales rep for a while, you may know how difficult it is to keep track of every opportunity and potential customer. Fortunately, Moovago help you keep an eye on this very simply, by adding them to your database as you meet them.
Of course, we have design an effective tag system (completely personnalisable), to keep track of their intent level as you interact with them : “Lead”, “Suspect”, “Prospect” or “Client”.
Still not interested ? We also propose to optimize your sales trips, write efficient report, keep an eye on your tasks, or follow your sales and objectives.
Don’t miss out and begin your 15-days free trial👇
When you are describing your customers, it is important to use words that accurately portray them. Sometimes, the same word can have different meanings depending on the context. In this blog post, we will explore customer synonyms and provide examples of how they can be used. By learning different ways to describe your customers, you can enhance your vocabulary and become a stronger communicator.
What is a synonym?
A synonym is a word that has the same meaning as another word. Customer synonyms are words that have the same or similar meanings to customer. There are many customer synonyms that you can use to describe your customers, depending on the context and what you want to emphasize.
Some customer synonyms are client, customer, buyer, and patron. Each of these words has its own unique meaning and connotations. You can use customer synonyms to describe your customers in different ways, depending on what you want to communicate about them.
Some customer synonyms are client, consumer, purchaser, and patron. Each of these words describes customers in different ways. A client is someone who hires a professional such as a lawyer or accountant. A consumer is someone who buys goods or services. A purchaser is someone who buys something from somewhere. And, a patron is someone who supports an organization or activity financially or by providing other assistance.
Customers are the lifeblood of any company, and it is essential to understand them and cater to their needs. By using customer synonyms, you can get a better understanding of who your customers are and how to best serve them.
How Do You Use Synonyms?
A synonym is used to replace another word, such as ‘customer’. Where you might say: “You are a valued customer”; you could also say: “You are a valued client.” That’s because ‘client’ is a synonym for ‘customer’. You could also say “You are a valued patron” or “You are a valued guest” to convey the same meaning.
Think of words as the building blocks of a sentence, when you use a synonym, you are swapping out one block for another one to avoid repetition.
Customer synonyms you can use
- Customer
- Client
- Patron
- Consumer
- Target market
- Customer base
- Buyer
- Shopper
- Purchaser
- User
- Member
- Guest
- Audience
- Purchaser
- Individual
- Clientele
- Demographic
- Regular
- Frequenter
- Prospect
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What does it mean to be a valued customer?
There is no definitive answer to this question. But in general, a valued customer is someone who is appreciated and respected by the company they do business with. They may be given preferential treatment or special privileges, such as early access to new products or exclusive deals.
Valued customer synonyms
- Valuable customer
- Important customer
- Loyal customer
- Respected customer
- Appreciated customer
- Customer of distinction
- VIP
- Top customer
- Favored customer
- Best customer
- Premier customer
- Elite customer
Potential customer meaning and synonym
A potential customer is someone who could become a customer of your business. They may have already shown an interest in what you do, or they may be completely new to your company.
Potential customer synonyms
Potential customers can be described in many ways. Here are some synonyms for “potential customer”:
Prospects: potential customers who have not yet bought from you
Clients: potential customers who have already bought from you
Customers: current or past customers
Enthusiasts: potential customers who are very interested in what you do
Leads: potential customers who have given you their contact information
Users: potential customers who are currently using your product or service
Patrons: potential customers who could support your business with their patronage
Subscribers: potential customers who have subscribed to your email list or blog
Fans: potential customers who like what you do and follow you online or offline
Supporters: potential customers who are vocal about their support for you on social media or elsewhere online.
What do you call a recurring customer?
Depending on your line of business, you might call them a regular, a member, a subscriber, or a long-term client.
Grocery stores have regulars. These are people who regularly shop at the same store, but the time of their visit and content of their purchases may vary. Businesses, like gyms, may have recurring customers in the form of members who have signed a payment contract to access the facilities. Companies such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Spotify, may describe their customers as subscribers.
Customer experience: definition and synonym
When you think of customer experience, what comes to mind? Likely words like satisfaction, care, and service. But there are other words that can be used to describe your customers’ experiences with your company. Below are a few synonyms for “customer experience” that you can use in your communication
- Client experience
- Purchaser experience
- User experience
- Visitor experience
- Customer journey
- Customer interaction
Each of these terms paints a slightly different picture of the customer’s relationship with your business, but they all boil down to the same thing – how the customer feels about their interactions with you. Keep these synonyms in mind when crafting content or describing your latest initiative.
The Do’s and Don’t of Using Customer Synonyms
When selecting a synonym, there are a few things you’ll want to consider to make sure it’s a good fit.
Audience
Who are you speaking with, a customer or a co-worker? The language you use will be different based on the audience. Be aware of your audience and use language they will understand.
Context
Where and when are you using customer synonyms? In a marketing piece or in an email to your boss? Be mindful of the context before making a decision.
Purpose
What’s the goal of your message? Are you trying to be personable or professional? Based on your goal, you can choose a customer synonym and tone that feels appropriate in your situation.
Do:
- Use customer synonyms to show that you’re familiar with their language and understand their needs – this will make them feel appreciated and like you’re on their side
- Use customer synonyms in a way that feels natural and authentic – this will help your message feel more genuine
- Research customer synonyms before using them in a sentence – there’s no need to guess, just look up the definition so you know what you’re saying!
Don’t:
- Use customer synonyms in a way that feels fake or forced – this will only make it obvious that you’re trying too hard
- Use customer synonyms without knowing their definition – make sure you know what each word means before using it in a sentence.
- Use customer synonyms in a way that’s inappropriate for the audience or context. Be mindful of who you’re speaking to and where you are when using customer synonyms.
Other Resources:
CustomersFirst Academy offers comprehensive customer service training designed to help you grow your skills and advance your career.
To keep learning and developing your knowledge of customer service, we highly recommend the additional resources below:
How to Quit Your Job (FREE Resignation Letter Samples)
How to Conduct a Reference Check After an Interview
Write A Winning Customer Service Cover Letter
How to Write a Short Resignation Letter (FREE Sample)
Free Template: 30 Customer Service Phone Scripts
Sales Letters to Potential Client Sample
The following is sample letter for Sales Letter to Potential Client
From,
Naveen Singh,
Marketing Manager,
TH Internationals
Date: 28th November 2010
To,
Manas Chandra
Purchase Manager,
LYFT Printers
Subject: Flat 30% Discount for Computer Accessories and Parts
Dear Mr. Manas,
It is our pleasure in writing to your company. Your company is one of the best ones on the market and has the best standards of quality. It is very pleasant in writing to your company, which is one of the popular companies in the country. Your lowest prices and the best quality service are outstanding. Your company is reaching worldwide now.
Our company TH internationals are in the business of providing computer accessories. We are providing the best computer accessories and parts and all the services needed to maintain a computer. We have specialized service centers in many parts of the city, and we are expanding our network.
The quality standards of our company effectively match that of your company. Therefore, we want to inform you, to be a part of our network to enjoy the services we provide to you and your customers. We are having service centers in many areas of the town and currently inquisitive about increasing them. We are also expanding our business in other states like Haryana, Assam, Jaipur, and other cities. We are providing discounts of flat 30% in all services including the accessories.
We assure sensible quality at cheap costs and also are providing a flat discount of 10%. In the case of any confusion or queries feel free to contact us.
Hope for higher business deals.
Kindly contact us. We are waiting for your positive response.
Sincerely,
Naveen Singh,
Marketing Manager,
TH Internationals
Words are powerful. One word can shape the outcome of an entire conversation. So, if you want your prospect’s buying journey to keep moving in a positive direction, you need impactful power words for sales interactions to do that.
After all, these are strong sales words that are meant to tap into a prospect’s positive emotions to motivate them to buy. Watch the video below and keep reading to learn why power words are beneficial in sales, see a comprehensive sales power words list, discover how you can use them, and more…
Why Are Power Words for Sales Beneficial?
Power words work because they are persuasive and garner a good emotional response. In other words, they make your prospects feel good, as well as build trust — which is essential for building the relationships you need to make the sale.
When you use power words in sales, the people you interact with are more likely to let their guard down and listen to what you have to say. They will resonate with you and your brand, and what you have to offer them.
You are able to empathize with their emotions and pain points, and offer solutions in a much more personal way. That way they don’t feel like merely a number in your pipeline.
14 Sales Power Words for Better Connections and More Sales
Now, you may already have some go-to power words for sales pitches, but here is a list with additional ideas that will get you the results you are looking for…
1. You
When you’re communicating with the prospect, it should be all about them.
• “You seem like the kind of person who cares more about people, about the conversations, about relationships…”
• “We want to help you.”
• “If you believe…”
All of the phrases are ones our sales team uses here at BombBomb. What do they have in common? “You.”
They use the word “You” to show that they are committed to the success of their prospect, not just themselves. They are helping them see why the product is right for them and their business.
2. Goals
Every potential customer you work with will have goals they want to achieve for their business. It’s your job to show them how your product or service will help them accomplish those objectives.
So, ask them about their goals. Find out the pain points that are getting in the way of reaching them. These details will be essential to conversations throughout the entirety of the buying journey and beyond – from your initial prospecting to the appointment and everything that follows.
Focus all your interactions around how your company can help them overcome the hurdles and reach those goals. Show them how dedicated you are to helping them thrive.
3. Opportunity
In order for prospective clients to envision themselves using your product, they need to see its potential. You need to show them the opportunities that arise from becoming a customer – whether that be opportunities for growth, improvement, and beyond.
The more resulting opportunities they see for their business, the more likely they are to buy in to what you have to offer. They need to see that the investment they’re making is one that is worth it. They need to see for themselves they will reap the benefits of using your product.
Once these opportunities are identified, you’ll be able to formulate your sales conversations around them, as well as put them on the right track for success with your company to keep them as customers for the long haul.
4. We
You need to prove to your prospects that you are on this buying journey alongside them. They are not alone in the buying experience. You are a team.
So show them that you are in this together by using the word, “We.” A phrase like, “We are going to see results by…” embodies a spirit of a partnership. This is what will get people to trust you because they’ll realize you’re sticking by them in the sales process – and well past that.
Show them that someone will always be there to help them every step of the way to ensure they thrive, not only from sales but also from customer success, support, and more. Because ultimately, their success is your success.
5. Easy
With all the daily challenges people face, you don’t want to add to that. You want to make things easier for them with what you’re selling. Hone in on that by incorporating, “Easy,” into your sales pitch.
Pose this question to them, “What can I do to make things as easy as possible for you?” Really hear what they have to say, and demonstrate how your product can make life easier for them.
6. Success
Every prospect wants to see success. Your product has to help them get there.
Ask them what success looks like for their business. Show them how your product or service can increase their chances of making that vision a reality.
Share the stories of your thriving customers that they can relate to. Give them something to look forward to – something too good for them to pass up.
But be sure to set realistic expectations. Don’t overpromise and be transparent on what you can deliver. Check out this episode of The Customer Experience Podcast to learn more about why transparency wins in sales.
7. Amazing
You want to get your prospects excited about your product. The words you use to do that are so important to set that tone for your interactions along the sales process. “Amazing” is a good place to start.
Use it to highlight your company. Then, follow that up with the standout features of the product you’re selling. Show them what about it is actually amazing. Give them a fear of missing out, so they’re persuaded to close the deal.
8. Believe
Get prospective customers to believe in what your business can do for theirs. Utilize this prompt to garner ideas for your pitch: “If you believe that XYZ, then XYZ is right for you.” Demonstrate that your business is selling something that aligns with their beliefs and values.
This is how you’ll get the buy-in you’re seeking. You’re getting them to see the bigger picture of how your product fits in with their company mindset and culture.
9. If
“If” is similar to “believe” in that it helps your potential clients understand why they need your product or service. See how it’s used in this example, “If you want a clean house and are short in time, our cleaning services can help.”
“If” allows you to really exhibit the value behind what you’re selling. Tie it to their pain points and offer them a clear solution. That way they can truly envision why they need your help to begin with.
10. Benefit
What do they get out of working with you? That’s what prospective clients want to know. Deliver on that with the word, “Benefit.” Why is the product a good fit for them? How will it be beneficial to the success of their business?
Answer all of these questions in your pitch without waiting for them to ask. Because we already know that they want to ask them. Give them an immediate chance to see the potential Return on Investment (ROIs) that await them – should they choose to work with you.
11. Help
You want to bring value to the table to engage your prospects in your sales pitch. Start the conversation by asking, “How can we help you?” Pay close attention to what they have to say to understand how you can bring value to the conversation.
Also, by offering a helping hand, you’re showing prospective customers that this interaction is about them, not you. You’re demonstrating that you actually care and empathize with what they’re going through and are here to help them.
12. New
We all like new things. We want to stay up to speed with the latest and greatest. And it’s probably one of the best words for sales you can use because we all want new things, too.
Show prospects the new possibilities you are able to bring them with your product or service. Show the innovation you have to offer them to help them get further along on their path to success. This is key to getting them to purchase.
13. Exclusive
And just like humans like new things, we also like exclusive ones. By adding the word, “exclusive,” into your sales messaging, it’s hard to say no. Because there’s this genuine feeling we all have of missing out.
So using something like, “This is an exclusive deal that we’re only offering to select new customers,” is enticing. It makes people want to take action. And it helps you sell.
14. Thank You
People like feeling appreciated. Your prospects are busy people taking time out of their packed schedules to talk to you. Don’t forget to say, “Thank you.”
This allows your potential customers to see that you value their time. It makes them feel good and gives you the opportunity to end your conversation on a high note before they make their final decision.
See the power of thank you messages sent via video in this post.
How You Can Use Power Words for Sales
Power words in sales have so many uses. In fact, they are beneficial in interactions at every stage of the sales process.
However, there are three use cases in which power words that sell are essential for success. They include:
1. Cold Calling
When you’re cold calling prospects, they aren’t expecting your call. It’s likely they won’t answer, but if they do, you have a very short window of time to convince them that your product is worthwhile. So positive sales words, like the ones listed above, are critical to getting their attention.
By adding that persuasive language right off the bat, you have better chances of getting people to hear you out. You’re enticing them to want to know more. That’s how you’ll get them to set an appointment.
2. Outbound Emails
With your potential customers receiving hundreds of emails a day, yours need to stand out. That means you need to make every word count – from your subject line to the email itself.
Include any relevant power words you can to leave a lasting impression. Get them curious about your brand and your product. Give them a fear of missing out on the opportunities you have to offer them and their business.
3. Video Prospecting
Yes, video prospecting helps you stand out from competing reps (if you don’t know what this is, learn more this article). However, if your messaging doesn’t resonate with prospects, they won’t watch your video in its entirety or take the next step you are hoping for. Powerful language helps you shine even more on camera and overcome this.
While recording your video, use power words that keep your viewers wanting more – so they watch it from beginning to end. This will help establish the trust and rapport needed for them to move forward in the buying journey.
Want to see what this looks like in action? Check out our Comprehensive Guide to Prospecting Videos!
You Have the Words – Now Put Them in Action
Now that you’re equipped with power words for sales interactions with potential clients, it’s time to use them in your sales prospecting.
Need some more sales prospecting guidance as you start implementing your power words? Check out our post on sales prospecting techniques to get more replies in less touches below!
Potential Customer Meaning
Potential customers are a section of the advertisement audience who need the promoted product and can pay for it. A potential customer is yet to try or consume a particular product.
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For eg:
Source: Potential Customer (wallstreetmojo.com)
Potential customers have an observable need for it. For the same item, every competitor is a source of potential consumers. Thus, a business studies its competition. To gauge customer sentiments, businesses conduct consumer research and offer limited editions of a product.
Table of contents
- Potential Customer Meaning
- Potential Customer Explained
- How to Identify?
- How to Approach Potential Customers?
- Examples
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Recommended Articles
- Potential customers are a section of the population who are the most likely to buy a particular product.
- Typically, there are two types of potential consumers—hot prospects and cold prospects. Hot prospects are the ones who show immediate interest. A hot prospect might likely make an immediate purchase. Cold prospects are the opposite.
- Every business wants to reach and convert the maximum number of potential consumers and achieve a larger customer base than its competitors.
Potential Customer Explained
Potential customers need a particular product and can pay for it. Although endorsements reach a varied audience, a particular section responds to them by buying the product. Therefore, businesses design their products and services by the target market.
A target market consists of different groups of individuals, households, and organizations. Businesses can create and implement effective marketing strategies if they know customers’ needs and preferences.
Businesses segment customers based on geography, demography, and buying behaviors. To gauge customer sentiments, businesses conduct consumer research and offer limited editions of product offerings. There are multiple steps before an actual product launch.
Further, a particular customer might purchase the same item from a competitor. Else, a customer might need a particular item or service but might know about various brands and alternatives. Businesses, especially, target these customers.
Thus, a potential customer is yet to try or consume a particular product. Businesses generate direct and indirect marketing leads to convert a potential customer into a repeat customer.
How To Identify Potential Customers?
Now let us discuss how to identify potential customers.
#1 – Market Research
Businesses know who they are targeting before executing marketing strategies; it is not a shot in the dark. For example, for a men’s hairdresser, every male in the vicinity who sports a beard or hairdo is a potential customer.
Businesses try to determine customer needs first and design the service or product accordingly.
#2 – Study Competitors
For the same item, every competitor is a source of potential customers. Thus, a business studies its competition. They look for opportunities where they can one-up their competition. A business tries to offer better quality, discounts, and attractive offers to persuade potential consumers away from their competition.
#3 – Networking and Referrals
Networking is a smart way of identifying prospects. Networking offers a feedback loop to the business. More feedback means more data. If the information is detailed, businesses can make better decisions.
In 2021, 92% of customers trusted referrals. Businesses have a 37% higher retention rate if they possess an established network. 65% of new customers are a result of networking and recommendations. On the flip side, new entrants struggle.
#4 – Promotion and Advertising
Promotion and advertising are traditional means of lead generation. When a product or service is advertised, it highlights its usage, importance, price, value, and aspects that attract customers directly or indirectly.
It also helps in building brand awareness. To record a sale, customers must first know that the service or product exists. Businesses with a larger marketing budget can orchestrate a combination of strategies known as the promotional mix.
How To Approach Potential Customers?
Now let us discuss how to approach potential customers.
#1 – Understand the Prospect
First, a business focuses on consumers’ needs and demands. If the product cannot satisfy the need or offer satisfaction, there are very low chances of converting a prospect into a customer.
#2 – Personalized Marketing
Everyone likes a personalized approach. It creates a customer perception that the company cares about them. It could be a personalized text, a tailor-made advertisement, or a compelling conversation.
#3 – Networking
Through networking, businesses receive referrals and convert them into customers. The network acts as an intermediary between the manufacturer and the customer. The network is also responsible for conveying product information.
#4 – Insightful Strategies
Social media, digital marketing, and emails are becoming indispensable in the digital age. Fundamentally, content marketing is a cheaper alternative to traditional advertising.
These innovative strategies are better at isolating target markets. This way, marketing expenditure is brought down. Potential customers are the ones who consume content that revolves around a particular product in the first place. For example, enthusiasts who consume automobile content are more likely to purchase enthusiast-centric cars.
Examples
Let us sample some potential customer examples to understand the concept better.
Example #1
Felicia opens a spa and salon in her village’s local market. Technically, all the women residing in the village are potential consumers.
Felicia opens a small stall at the annual village fair; she distributes discount coupons for shampoo products and markets fish manicures.
Felicia’s services and products are target centric. The village fair creates awareness among prospects. The demand for the service already existed. The fish manicure was unheard of. Out of curiosity, many new customers decide to give it a try.
The innovative nature of promotion led to quick conversion (prospect to customer).
Example #2
Let us assume that a school hosts a website. During the admission season, the website encounters organic visitors. Despite the traffic, only a small percentage admit their child into the school.
Justin is the school principal. He recognizes the potential (website). Justin attempts retargeting; it is also known as online remarketing. Targeted online advertisements were sent to individuals who visited the website in the last 9 days.
Justin retargeted a section of potential customers; some returned to the website and admitted their wards into the school.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How to find any business’s potential customer base?
Businesses can find a customer base by following these steps:
– Categorize customers based on geography, demographics, age, gender, culture, location, and behavior.
– Study the competitors.
– Conduct customer behavior analysis.
– Use networking to create a feedback loop.
2. How to find potential customers online?
There are several ways to find potential customers online:
– Create a strong digital presence.
– Create a website.
– Create and maintain an active social media presence.
– Work on search engine optimization.
– Run ad campaigns.
3. How does content marketing attract potential customers?
Fundamentally, content marketing is a cheaper alternative to traditional advertising. It is better at isolating target markets. This way, marketing expenditure is brought down. Potential customers are more likely to consume content that revolves around a particular product in the first place.
Recommended Articles
This has been a guide to Potential Customer and its meaning. Here, we explain its identification, approach, and different examples. You can learn more about it from the following articles –
- Customer Base
- Customer Lifetime Value
- Internal Marketing