Boost and improve your customer service. The National Business Research Institute reports that overall customer service is the single most important factor in determining customer satisfaction. A satisfied customer recommends your pizza parlor to four or five other people, while an unhappy customer tells nine to 12 people how bad your place was. Train your employees to maintain a strongly customer-oriented attitude, from a smile and a greeting to a hearty thank you when the customer leaves.

Provide a high-quality product and stay current on industry trends. Don't cut corners on ingredients or processes. Keep up with changes in customers' tastes by reading industry publications and websites, like PizzaBusiness.com or PizzaMarketplace.com, to learn about the most successful trends, such as wood-fired pizza, local or organic ingredients, spicier sauces or lower-fat cheeses.

Make your pizza shop stand out with unique extras and house specialties. Read articles describing standout pizza shops at a variety of locations around the U.S. and Europe. They may mention a special side dish, like garlic knots, a homemade buttered or stuffed crust, or a unique dessert treat. Develop a signature dish to complement your pizza offerings.

Do good deeds. While advertising and coupons help get customers into your store, public service does your community a world of good and ensures a positive personal connection with your pizza shop. Sponsor a local children's sports team, donate pizzas to a charity event or share a portion of an evening's proceeds with the local food bank. When you give back to your community, your community will give back to you by naming your pizza shop the best in the area.

Ask your customers to nominate or vote for your business as the best pizza shop. Satisfied customers who frequent your business will be glad to be part of your success and proud that their favorite neighborhood pizza parlor was named the best.