2025 Consumer Needs Client Success Blog Graphic

Why Making Consumer Needs a Cornerstone of Your Business Matters

Mar 28, 2025

I spent a good chunk of Q1 2025 building our clients’ annual Social Impact Reports, which feature information about the financial health referrals provided to their customers and employees and the category, consumer, and market trends we observed throughout 2024. As I dove into the stories we’ve received over the last year, I was once again impressed by both the social impact and business results our clients see from working with SpringFour.

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, companies that prioritize meeting consumer needs aren’t just making a difference in their communities—they’re also strengthening their brand, building customer loyalty, and enhancing their bottom line. Consumers increasingly expect businesses to do more than just sell products or services; they want companies to contribute positively to society.

One of the most meaningful ways businesses can meet consumer needs is by providing financial health resources—resources that help consumers find ways to save on food, utilities, prescription drugs, and more—to their customers. Doing so not only makes positive contributions to society, but is also proven to drive business results.

The Proven Business Benefits of Meeting Consumer Needs

Increase Revenue through Customer Retention and Engagement: When consumers feel supported by a brand, they are more likely to remain loyal, resulting in impressive bottom-line results. Providing financial health resources builds deeper relationships with customers, encouraging repeat business and long-term engagement. One SpringFour client has seen millions in projected annualized credit loss savings from offering financial health resources in the collections process.

Strengthen Brand Reputation and Customer Trust: Consumers are more likely to support brands that align with their values. In fact, 82% of consumers want a brand’s values to align with their own and three-quarters of consumers have parted ways with a brand they felt their values were in conflict with. When a company actively invests in financial education and support, it positions itself as a trustworthy and socially responsible business. In fact, over 98% of agents and coaches using SpringFour agree that offering SpringFour builds trust with customers. This fosters long-term customer loyalty and positive word-of-mouth marketing.

Gain a Competitive Advantage and Differentiation: In competitive markets, businesses that prioritize social impact set themselves apart. Offering financial wellness resources—such as the nonprofit and government resources available through SpringFour—demonstrates a commitment to customers’ well-being, creating a unique selling point.

“When you actually go above and beyond to provide such services to clients, they become your clients for life… No marketing, no dollars can actually buy that kind of loyalty. And to me, this is why this partnership and the tool and the solutions are so powerful.”

Anuj Vohra

Head of North America Collections, BMO

Attract and Retain Employees: Employees are drawn to companies that align with their values. Businesses that emphasize social impact tend to attract top talent, boost employee morale, and enhance workplace culture. A socially responsible brand is more likely to retain employees who take pride in their work. With SpringFour, employees can offer actionable financial health support during collections calls, changing the narrative from simply collecting payments to providing solutions that address root causes and help consumers make payments—leading to 98% of agents and coaches using SpringFour reporting that they feel more satisfied with their work.

“I send referral emails from SpringFour on almost every call. We mostly talk to clients who are looking for help getting employed, so most often we send referrals from that area, but almost all clients also mention some other financial burden during the calls that the other resources can help with. SpringFour is excellent at providing a customer with places to look for assistance, which helps cut down on call volume for us from clients impatient for results.”

S4pro User

How Financial Health Resources Positively Impact Consumers

Helping Consumers Save Money and Reduce Debt: Offering financial resources—such as discounts, savings plans, or guidance on reducing expenses from reputable organizations whose mission is to help consumers—can have a direct and lasting impact on consumers’ financial stability. This not only improves their financial health but also strengthens their relationship with the business providing them support.

Empowering Consumers to Make Informed Financial Decisions: Many individuals lack access to essential financial education. Businesses that provide budgeting tools, credit counseling, or savings programs empower their customers to make better financial choices, reducing financial stress and increasing overall well-being.

Creating More Equitable Access to Financial Tools: Lower-income consumers often face barriers to financial wellness. By providing access to nonprofit and government resources, businesses can help bridge the gap and provide financial tools to those who need them most.

Encouraging Long-Term Financial Stability: A customer with strong financial health is a more stable and engaged consumer. When businesses help customers save, invest, and plan for the future, they create a customer base that is financially secure and more likely to continue supporting the business over time.

“I had a client that was behind on her rent and utilities payments. During the course of our normal session I added SpringFour resources into her action plan to assist her in those areas. I received a call back a few days later from the client and she was crying while telling me how much those resources helped her. She said since she got help with her rent and utilities, she was able to afford groceries and gas money and actually found a job. Since she had a little more gas money than usual, she was able to go around to put in more job applications and was hired by one of them. She just wanted to thank me for including those resources and said they changed her life.”

S4pro User

Making Consumer Needs a Core Business Strategy

To successfully integrate meeting consumer needs into your business, consider the following strategies:

Partner with SpringFour: Provide access to thousands of local nonprofit and government financial education and money-saving resources to expand your reach and impact.

Integrate Financial Health Across the Customer Lifecycle: Companies and institutions should incorporate financial wellness features into their services and marketing communications, making it easier for consumers to take control of their financial future. Doing so builds trust, increases engagement, and ensures your customers are getting the help they need from reputable sources.

Educate Your Customers: Host webinars, create educational content, or provide one-on-one consultations to help consumers build financial literacy, health, and resilience.

Final Thoughts

Making social impact—especially financial wellness—a cornerstone of your business isn’t just a good deed; it’s a smart business strategy. By helping customers improve their financial health, businesses can strengthen their brand, foster deeper relationships, and create a loyal, financially stable customer base. In a world where consumers value corporate responsibility, prioritizing financial wellness is a win-win for businesses and the communities they serve.

Are you ready to make a lasting impact? Start integrating SpringFour’s financial health resources into your business today! We can have you up and running in under 30 days.