In the business world, every day is customer appreciation day. However, businesses don’t always take advantage of the opportunity to cement strong relationships with their customers. Saying “thank you” is a timeless way to show customers that you’re not only professional, but that you care.
Showing customers that you appreciate them should be the essence of every business strategy. John F. Kennedy put it best when he said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
If you believe what JFK famously stood for, then here are some things you can try to show appreciation to your customers.
1. Send a few thank you cards to specific customers each week.
Thank you cards can be customized in any way you like and sent to customers to show your appreciation. Of course, it would be very difficult and expensive to deliver a monthly thank you card to each of your customers, but you can select a few customers each week and send them each a personalized note. If you only do a few at a time, it will be easier to personalize them and show greater care.
2. Do something special for one customer per month.
Choose a unique experience you can offer to a single customer each month. For example, you might send them a gift card for your store to hook them on your products and services. You could also offer something like a “behind-the-scenes” tour of your office. A helicopter ride is never out of the question either. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s a fun experience, and that it will endear them to your company.
3. Personalize your service.
Add that special “wow” factor that only personalization can bring. Get to know your customers a little through social media personas or personal interactions, and then add a little customization to make your product or service really stand out. Personalization can go a long way.
4. Check in to see how a product or service is working.
Oftentimes, businesses don’t worry about their products or services after they’ve sent them out, which can be a mistake. Checking in not only lets the customer know you care, but it also gives you the opportunity to collect highly valuable feedback. The more you know about a product or service, the more you’ll be able to identify improvements.
5. Send a gift to say thanks or show good will.
Customers love gifts, particularly if they’re valuable. Gifts can come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and can be more than a simple fruit basket. To give the gift of knowledge, send customers a book that you read and loved. To inspire, teach a new skill. The more you get to know your customers through their personas, the more gift ideas you’ll generate.
6. Throw a celebration for a random holiday.
There’s a random holiday for pretty much every day of the year. For example, June 2nd is “National Donut Day” and June 8th is “National Best Friends Day.” Businesses can capitalize on these holidays to strengthen relationships with their customers. Throwing a celebration on any event day puts you on the same level as your customers. Nobody ever needs an excuse to have a party, so you’ll have plenty of people on board.
7. Feature a customer on your website.
Have you ever considered a customer spotlight page on your website? Every week, month, or quarter, select a valued customer and do a focus piece on them. Most people love to have their “moment of fame,” so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find a willing customer.
The information posted to this page can include a photo, basic information (that’s not too specific for safety reasons), reasons they love your company, and an announcement of a free gift they’ll receive for agreeing to be in the customer spotlight. This is an excellent way to increase customer loyalty and create advertising for your business.
Customer appreciation is essential for business success. Always remind yourself that your business wouldn’t be there without your customers, and you owe them a little something in return.
It’s appreciation that will keep customers by your side until the end.
