When you're guiding a new customer down the sales funnel, your primary focus is to secure that initial purchase. What successful businesses know, though, is that a customer's journey doesn't—or at least shouldn't—end with just one sale.

Your business's end goal should be to curate loyal, high-value customers who evangelize your brand and buy from you again and again.

So, how do you do that? By engaging customers in post-purchase conversations.

Here are seven effective post-purchase conversations you can have via email to foster customer loyalty.

1. Send an order confirmation, then a 'thank you' email

Because customers habitually check their emails to ensure their order was processed correctly, order confirmation emails have exceptionally high open rates. You can take advantage of that by using those emails as an opportunity to open the door for positive conversation. Make the email response-worthy by using interactive elements such as images, videos, and html email templates.

Along with order numbers, shipping details, and all of the other necessary transaction information, slip a friendly thank-you note into your first email. Express your brand's personality with a brand-focused design or witty, humorous message to help you stand out. Finish by asking customers to sign up to your mailing list or follow you on social media.

The first email should be rife with engagement opportunities, so don't be afraid to get creative.

2. Provide strong customer support

Your clients need to know you're there for them, even after purchase. Ensure you remain part of their journey by providing comprehensive onboarding to all new customers, as well as support for those who may have problems. This could also be a great opportunity to introduce them to other services or products that you specialize in.

Conversations are a two-way street. In your emails, provide clear contact details for customers who have any issues. If you have a dedicated call center for customer services, setting up skills-based routing ensures that customers are always serviced by the agent most equipped to handle their requests.

3. Send personalized product suggestions

You already know your customers' preferences based on their previous purchases and behavior. Why not use that information to make personalized product recommendations?

Product suggestions are an effective sales conversation tactic because they keep your brand fresh in your customers' minds while providing exciting opportunities tailored to their preferences.

4. Keep them updated

Building customer trust has never been more critical, and keeping customers in the know is a small step that you can take to foster positive, trusting relationships. It increases loyalty, too, reducing the possibility of your customers heading straight to your competitors.

If you're selling software, for example, let your customers know when there is a new updated version available. A friendly heads-up that you have improved the service or fixed some issues can go a long way in convincing them to continue using your product.

If you are continually updating the service you provide, make sure you communicate that to your clients. They need to know that you are working to improve their experience.

By sending them a notification email, you can re-engage them with your brand and remind them that you are a company that puts your clients' needs first.

5. Entice them back with a discount or another offer