Pigeon Diaries: The Loyalty Edition

Written By KEELEY CALLAGHAN

What pigeons can teach us about customer retention

 This week, the same two pigeons, Doris and Deano, were back in my garden. Still side by side. Still surveying their surroundings. Still loyal.

Pigeons mate for life.

It’s not dramatic. It’s not always exciting. But it’s consistent, reliable, and based on long-term commitment.

So, here’s the question for your business:
Are you building that kind of relationship with your customers?

Why customer loyalty matters more than ever:

  • Acquiring a new customer can cost 5–7x more than retaining an existing one.

  • Returning customers are more likely to buy again, spend more, and refer others.

  • Loyalty builds brand memory, which builds long-term success.

And yet - most businesses spend the bulk of their time and money chasing new traffic.

Here’s how to build lasting customer relationships (pigeon-style):

  • Keep communicating – Don’t disappear after the first sale. Follow up, stay in touch, check in.

  • Reward their return – Loyalty schemes, subscriber perks, exclusive content. It doesn’t have to be big, but it should be thoughtful.

  • Ask for feedback… and listen! - People want to be heard, not handled.

  • Be consistent – In tone, quality, delivery. Reliability builds trust.

  • Focus on value, not gimmicks – Customers know the difference between a flash sale and a brand that genuinely delivers.

What loyalty looks like in practice:

Customers who return again and again

  • Fewer abandoned carts

  • More word-of-mouth referrals

  • More predictable revenue

  • A brand people remember for the right reasons

You don’t need big budgets to build loyalty - just a bit of intention.

The pigeons have it nailed. Now it’s your turn.

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Next article – What we can learn from Frisky Frogs!

 

Let Growth Keys help you build the future of your business. Get in touch today!    

 

Doris and Deano, my loyal pigeons having a smooch!

KEELEY CALLAGHAN
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What Pigeons Can Teach Us About Business Awareness