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Writer's pictureMark A Preston

The Importance of Personalised Recommendations for Customer Retention

Updated: Oct 24

When Jack opened his physiotherapy clinic, offering private sports rehabilitation services, he was confident that his specialised treatments would make a real difference in his clients' recovery journeys. From professional athletes to weekend runners, Jack helped people regain strength, mobility, and confidence. His clinic began to gain momentum as clients appreciated the high level of care and expertise he provided.


sports physiotherapy clinic

However, over time, Jack noticed a pattern. Many clients completed their treatment plans and expressed satisfaction with the results, but they didn’t return for follow-up services or recommend the clinic to others. Jack knew that the key to long-term success wasn’t just in getting new clients through the door but in keeping them engaged and coming back. That’s when he discovered the importance of personalised recommendations.


Realising the Power of Personalised Care


One day, Jack was treating a client recovering from a football injury. Throughout the rehabilitation process, the client had made excellent progress, but as their sessions came to an end, Jack began to think about what would happen next. Instead of simply concluding the treatment plan, Jack decided to offer the client a personalised set of exercises that would help them maintain their recovery, prevent future injuries, and even improve their overall performance on the field.


This small act of personalisation made a huge impact. The client felt that Jack truly cared about their long-term health, not just the completion of their rehabilitation programme. As a result, the client returned for periodic check-ins and even brought friends who needed similar services. That’s when Jack realised that personalised recommendations weren’t just a nice touch—they were essential to retaining clients and building long-term relationships.


Understanding What Clients Really Need


What made the difference wasn’t just the recommendations themselves, but how well Jack had taken the time to understand each client’s individual needs. He realised that for many people, their initial treatment was just the beginning of a longer journey toward better health. By offering personalised follow-up plans, Jack could show clients that he was invested in their well-being beyond the treatment room.


For example, a recreational tennis player might need specific exercises to strengthen their shoulder and prevent future injuries, while a marathon runner might benefit from ongoing consultations to maintain peak performance. Each client had unique needs, and Jack’s personalised approach helped them feel seen and understood.


This level of care encouraged clients to return for more services and kept them engaged with the clinic long after their initial treatments had ended. Jack wasn’t just offering a service—he was offering long-term value, and that made all the difference.


How Personalised Recommendations Build Trust


As Jack’s clinic began to grow, he noticed something else. Clients who received personalised recommendations were far more likely to trust him and his team with their ongoing care. They didn’t feel like they were being rushed through a treatment plan; instead, they felt that Jack was genuinely invested in their progress.


One client, a cyclist recovering from a knee injury, was particularly struck by this approach. After completing their rehabilitation, Jack offered tailored advice on how to safely increase their training mileage and avoid future knee strain. This personal touch didn’t just ensure the client’s recovery—it built trust. That client became a long-term advocate for the clinic, referring several fellow cyclists to Jack for treatment.


By offering personalised recommendations, Jack wasn’t just addressing the immediate problem; he was showing clients that their health and recovery were a priority. This trust translated into long-term loyalty, with many clients returning for additional services and referring others.


Offering Real Value Without Overcomplicating


What Jack found most effective about his personalised recommendations was their simplicity. He didn’t need to offer complex or high-cost solutions—he simply took the time to understand each client’s needs and provided actionable, relevant advice.


For example, after treating a runner with chronic shin splints, Jack recommended a specific pair of supportive running shoes that could reduce impact and prevent future injuries. This small but thoughtful suggestion made a big difference, and the client appreciated that Jack had taken the time to offer practical advice beyond the clinic’s walls.


By focusing on simple, personalised recommendations, Jack could continue to offer value long after clients had left the clinic. These gestures weren’t just about upselling additional services; they were about genuinely helping clients maintain their health and well-being.


Why Personalised Recommendations Are Key to Retention


Jack’s story highlights an important truth for any small business: personalised recommendations aren’t just a nice extra—they’re a powerful tool for customer retention. By taking the time to understand your clients and offering advice that speaks to their individual needs, you can create lasting relationships built on trust, care, and long-term value.


For small businesses like Jack’s physiotherapy clinic, this approach can make all the difference. Clients are more likely to return when they feel that their unique needs are being considered, and they’re more likely to recommend your services when they see that you genuinely care about their well-being.


Personalised recommendations create a deeper connection with your customers, showing them that you’re invested in their success, not just their immediate needs. This connection builds loyalty, fosters trust, and drives long-term customer growth.


Ready to Retain Customers Through Personalised Care?


If Jack’s story resonates with you and you’re ready to start building customer loyalty through personalised recommendations, it’s time to take the next step. Mark A Preston, THE Customer Growth Coach & Speaker, can help you develop strategies that keep your customers coming back. With Mark’s coaching and training, you’ll learn how to engage with your customers on a deeper level, offer real value, and grow your business through personalised care. Contact Mark today and start building stronger customer relationships that last.

About the author

Mark A Preston - Customer Growth Coach & Speaker

Mark A Preston is a Customer Growth Coach and Speaker, helping small businesses grow through simple, effective strategies. Since 2001, Mark has unlocked over 1 million new customers for SMEs and his coaching, training, and talks equip businesses with the tools to attract more customers and scale successfully with the right mindset. Discover how Mark can help unlock your business’s potential.

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