Here is a simple and very effective method for gaining insight into your customers thinking – ask them. Ok so before you think I am being rather obvious consider this – are you asking them what they think as often as you can?

For example when you collect names and email addresses on your website of people who are interested in your business and products do you also ask them what they think? Are you asking vague questions or are you asking questions that matter to them and to you?

If you not, here are 4 things you can do to change that.

1)  Add a question and response box to your name/email collection form on your website (you do collect name and email addresses from your website right?).

2)   Send a survey to your existing database of both customers and prospects. Asking them what they think is a great conversation starter.

3)  Have a poll on your website. Polls are interesting because people want to vote and on their favorite choice but they also want to see what other people are thinking. It is a great way to show social proof and trends.

4)  Have your blog open to comments. This gives people an immediate way to interact with you and other people in your target market.

There are many more ways but just those 4 alone can provide you enough interaction with the customer to completely transform your business.