RB Consulting Hi res Logo
Contact Us!

Relationship Based Marketing & Sales: The “Close” is Just the Beginning

Posted on: By
Last updated:
Relationship Based Marketing & Sales: The “Close” is Just the Beginning

Table of Contents

Article Summary

Closing a sale is just the start of a valuable business relationship. Companies that focus on the post-purchase experience build loyalty, increase retention, and unlock new growth opportunities. Learn how top brands nurture clients after the sale and discover practical steps to strengthen your own customer relationships.

Why Is the Sale Only the Start of the Relationship?

If you've met us, you've heard us say, "The sale is just the beginning of the relationship." At RB Consulting, we believe that closing a deal isn't the end of the journey - it's just the start. True success lies in what happens next: the post-purchase experience. How you engage with your customers after the sale can determine whether you build lasting relationships or fade into the background.

Why Does the Post-Purchase Experience Matter?

Simply put, closing a sale isn’t enough. Businesses that prioritize customer success and engagement beyond the initial transaction are the ones that foster loyalty, reduce buyer’s remorse, and drive long-term growth. Here’s why embracing a robust post-purchase strategy is crucial:

  • Foster Long-Term Relationships: Consistent follow-ups and ongoing support show your clients that you’re invested in their success, not just your bottom line. This builds trust and keeps your business top of mind when future needs arise.
  • Increase Customer Retention: Satisfied clients stick around and become repeat buyers. By ensuring the ongoing value received from your solution and overall satisfaction, you reduce churn and build a loyal customer base.
  • Enhance Brand Reputation: When customers feel well-supported, they’re more likely to speak positively about your brand. This word-of-mouth can be a powerful tool for attracting new clients.
  • Upsell and Cross-Sell Opportunities: Regular check-ins and a strong relationship give you the insight needed to identify additional needs your customers may have, paving the way for upselling and cross-selling opportunities.

How Do Leading Companies Excel at Post-Purchase Engagement?

Let’s look at how top-performing companies across industries elevate the post-purchase experience:

Philips Healthcare: Philips Healthcare leads by prioritizing the post-purchase experience. After selling medical equipment, Philips provides ongoing training and support to healthcare professionals. Their continuous education programs and on-site training help clients use products effectively, reducing downtime and errors. This approach builds strong relationships and long-term loyalty.

Cisco Systems: Cisco’s post-purchase strategy centers on customer success. After deploying solutions, a Customer Success Manager works closely with clients, offering regular check-ins, tailored advice, and updates on new features. This ongoing support helps Cisco maintain high retention rates and deep client relationships.

Accenture: Accenture excels at maintaining long-term client relationships through strong post-purchase engagement. After delivering consulting services, they continue to support clients, implement recommendations, and provide ongoing insights. This commitment positions Accenture as a trusted partner for future projects.

What Steps Can You Take to Enhance Your Clients’ Post-Purchase Experience?

Implementing a strong post-purchase strategy doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few steps to get you started:

  • Make It Easy to Get in Touch: Offer multiple contact options, such as email, phone, live chat, or social media. This convenience builds trust and ensures clients feel supported at every stage.
  • Set Up Regular Check-Ins: Schedule follow-ups after the sale to ensure everything is going smoothly and address any issues that may arise. This demonstrates your commitment to the customer’s success.
  • Provide Ongoing Support: Offer continued access to resources, such as a YouTube channel, online training videos, and support to help your clients get the most out of your products or services.
  • Gather Feedback Regularly: Actively seek customer feedback to understand their needs and make improvements. This not only helps you serve them better but also shows that you value their input.
  • Create a Customer Success Plan: Develop a tailored plan for each client that outlines how you will support them post-purchase, including key milestones and metrics for success.

“The most successful businesses treat every sale as the start of a long-term partnership. Focusing on the post-purchase experience turns customers into loyal advocates and fuels sustainable growth.”

RB Consulting Team

How Can You Build Lasting Customer Relationships After the Sale?

The sale is just the beginning. By prioritizing the post-purchase experience, you can build stronger, more meaningful relationships with your clients, reduce churn, and create opportunities for future growth.

Take a moment and consider: What steps are you taking to ensure that your customer relationships thrive long after the sale?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is relationship-based marketing?

Relationship-based marketing focuses on building long-term connections with customers rather than just making one-time sales.

Why is the post-purchase experience important?

A strong post-purchase experience increases customer loyalty, reduces churn, and encourages repeat business.

How can I improve my client relationships after the sale?

Stay in touch, offer ongoing support, gather feedback, and create a customer success plan tailored to each client.

Rebecca Bormann
Rebecca Bormann
About the Author
Rebecca Bormann is the Founder and CEO of RB Consulting Agency, a strategic marketing and business development firm that empowers organizations to clarify their brand, elevate visibility, and accelerate growth.
 
With over 20 years of leadership experience in sales and marketing, Rebecca blends emotional intelligence with data-driven strategy to help clients connect authentically with their audiences, align marketing and business objectives, and build sustainable pipelines for growth.
 
Under her leadership, RB Consulting serves clients across Indiana and nationwide in sectors including technology, professional services, healthcare, education, retail, and nonprofit. Guided by its core philosophy—People First. Strategy Always. Success Together.—the agency is recognized for its people-centered, data-informed approach that transforms brand presence into measurable business results.
 
Rebecca’s leadership and impact have earned numerous honors, including 2025 NAWBO Women Business Owner of the Year, Indianapolis Business Journal’s Women of Influence (2022), Hope Magazine’s Hope 25 Honoree (2022), AOTMP® Insights Women in Tech DEI Advocate (2022), and Junior Achievement’s Indy’s Best & Brightest Finalist (2020, 2021).
 
She holds Executive Education Certificates in Business Strategy, Financial Management, and Marketing & Sales from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, along with a Bachelor’s Degree in Management and a Certificate in Communications from Indiana Wesleyan University.
 
RB Consulting Agency is certified as both a Women Business Enterprise (CWBE) by NAWBO and a Women-Owned Business (WBE) by the Indiana Department of Administration.
 
Connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn.

Related Blogs

Hey there! Ask me anything!
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram