Your marketing dollars are only going to take you so far. Sure, you can spend millions and hope for a good return on that investment, but why not take the easy route? If you can do it correctly, there’s no better marketing strategy in the world. Make your customer your evangelist. I can’t remember the last time I’ve heard a dissatisfied Apple user (not that I’ve bought a Mac yet, but you get the hint!).

Here are some strategies:

1. Engage your customer. Solicit feedback, and act on that feedback.

2. Give your customer a reason to come back. Sure they came once, or passed by your store, but why should they come back?

3. Make them famous, if you can. Give and you will get. Why should someone use your site if there’s nothing in it for them?

4. Always update, never stagnate. There should be something new and exciting each time they touch your product. Don’t worry about confusing them. If the user interface is intuitive and you’re offering something of value, your customer will enjoy the change.

5. Last but not least, have some fun! If you’re not having fun creating the product, your customer won’t have any fun using it. After all, they also want a good time…

… and whatever you do, don’t use animated pictures. They’re really annoying!