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Why building a customer database is good for business

Nov 18, 2021

Shifting your business to the cloud opens you up to a world of new customers

As more and more business moves online, you need an efficient way to contact customers. An online database helps you reach out to your customers at different stages in the purchase cycle, convert searches into sales and build understanding about their behaviour.

Where to start?

To build an effective database, you need a way to collect key information and manage outreach. Most businesses collect email addresses and other data when customers make a purchase, through pop-up forms on their website or as part of a promotion.

Once you have the data, you can use a range of tools to manage storage, tracking and marketing.

  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software can help you track, store and manage customer details, and automate emails.
  • Digital marketing applications, such as Mailchimp, let you create simple email templates and contact subsets of your database.
  • Other apps can help you store sales information for each customer, so you can create tailored marketing based on their purchases.
  • Secure storage is a must to protect your customers’ privacy. Ask for consent to store details at sign-up, and use a high-level cloud storage system to make sure details can’t be accessed.

Powerful integration

With an online database and smart management tools, you can maximise sales in different ways. One useful tool: integrate with online sales software like Shopify, and reach out when customers leave items in their online cart without buying them. It’s amazing how a simple reminder can push someone towards a purchase.

With smart tools, secure storage and personalisation, an online database can be a powerful way to reach customers and convert sales.

Author

  • Suzanne Walker


    Suzanne Walker is the founder of one of Australia’s leading public accounting firms, Clear Path Accounting, and has built her results-based reputation as a transformational business advisor over the last 25 years. She holds the philosophy that accounting is more than just tax returns and compliance and believes that accountants can have a profound impact on the lives of their clients.

    Suzanne began her career after completing her degree in Commerce from the University of South Australia. She started out working for a large accounting firm in Sydney before deciding to make the bold move of starting her own practice. Since then, she has helped countless business owners achieve their financial goals through her sound advice and guidance.

    Establishing a career as a young mum of three, in a male-dominated industry has also gifted her with a passion for helping other women in business. Motivating her to co-create courses and business mastermind groups specifically to empower women with the skills they need to find their own version of success.

    In addition to her work at Clear Path Accounting, Suzanne is also the Vice President of the Penrith Valley Chamber. She regularly attends and often hosts meetings, events and seminars, in an effort to support others in her local business community.

    Suzanne is passionate about helping her clients achieve financial success, taking a personalised approach to every engagement. Her dedication to her clients and her commitment to excellence have made her a trusted advisor to many businesses in Australia.