How to Show Client Appreciation in the New Year
Competition is everything in business. It forces customers to choose between your company and someone else’s, and those customers have a lot to consider when making their decisions. The quality of your product, the price they have to pay to receive it, and the accessibility of it are just a few things customers take into account when they make their purchasing decisions. But it is often a basic human element that sets two similar competitors apart: gratitude.
If your business sells the same product as a business down the street, customers will choose the company that appreciates them the most and shows their gratitude most effectively. They’re also more likely to refer other customers to you. And whether it’s simply the cost of a postage stamp or high-end promotional products, the investment can be well worth the return on investment. Here are our suggestions for showing your clients you appreciate them in the New Year.
Send a Handwritten Card
Everything is digital these days, and it’s sometimes depressing to go through the daily mail and see nothing but junk mail and bills. When people get something unique in the mail, it puts a smile on their face. If it’s a note or card that simply says you appreciate them, and that you’re not asking for anything in return, that’s a great way to not only show your clients you appreciate their loyalty but also keep your name on their minds.
Make the message personal by handwriting it if you can as well, and adding something that shows you put some thought into it. Something like, “Thank you for being a loyal client for four years and counting,” shows that you value them as an individual client, not just one of many. You can even include a lightweight promotional gift in the envelope, like a calendar magnet or something they can stick on their fridge. A magnet with metric conversions for recipes, for example, is something they may actually use. And with your name or logo on it, you can make sure they don’t forget about you.
Give a Shout Out on Social Media
In addition to your personalized cards, it is important to keep a social media presence, even though it isn’t as personal. But just because the method isn’t as personal doesn’t mean you can’t put some thought into your messaging. For example, on Dec. 31, you can post something like, “We would like to thank all of our clients who have supported us over the past year, and we look forward to getting to know you better in the new year. If there is anything you need, please reach out and let us know. And have a very Happy New Year.” A simple like from one client shows that they appreciate your sentiment, and that’s seen by many other potential clients.
Use Promotional Gifts
We all love receiving gifts, even if the gifts are as simple as a pen or hand sanitizer. The key to handing out promotional gifts is to make sure it’s something people will use. When they use it, it also serves as free advertising since your name or logo will be on it. You can distribute the gifts in a variety of ways. For one, you can hand them out when customers visit or have a basket in the lobby where they can choose their item. Alternatively, you can mail the gifts or even drop them off at people’s homes for that added special touch. For those extra special clients, filling custom logo work tote bags with miscellaneous goodies is a great way to show your appreciation. Plus, they’re likely to use a bag of high quality for other needs, meaning your name gets out there in the public whenever they use it.
Provide Discounts to Repeat Customers
Turning a one-time customer into a regular customer is what every business wants. One way to do this is by offering discounts on future visits. You may already do this, but offering a really big discount one time a year is a great way to ensure they actually come back. After all, if a client knows they can get a 10% discount whenever they want, they’re not likely to prioritize it. But if once a year that discount doubles, they’re more likely to come back for a service or product. And when they do come back, be sure to keep some promotional pens around for them to grab and take with them.
Celebrate a Customer Appreciation Week
Give your loyal customers something to look forward to by hosting a Customer Appreciation Week. Each day of the week should offer you an opportunity to show them how you appreciate them. It also gives them a reason to stop by your organization or visit your website. The more interactions they have with you, the better. And the more your clients’ connections in their networks see they are interacting with you, the more likely they’ll see what all the buzz is about and check you out themselves.
A Customer Appreciation Week could involve free items like coffee or cookies. People love free stuff, and you’d be amazed by how many people stop by just for a free treat. It could also involve discounts or promotional giveaways. Additionally, you could even partner with neighboring companies to see if they have any promotions they want to offer to your clientele. This benefits their business and yours.
Whether big or small, there are many ways you can show your clients how much you appreciate them. Checking in with them in the new year is a great way to set your business up for a successful year.