If you’re a business owner or the person responsible for ensuring your customer’s and clients’ happiness, you know how important it is to let them know how much you appreciate them.
Don’t make the mistake of waiting until you have the budget to start thinking about ways to thank your customers. If you’re trying to grow your business, it’s your customers/clients that will help get you there.
It’s essential to show your gratitude from the beginning as this will also help increase referrals from those who are loyal to your business.
To follow are some ideas that will make them smile without breaking the bank.
Support the Charity of Their Choice
Do your clients have big hearts? If so, there may be a charity that is meaningful to them. Maybe they had a family member affected by breast cancer or a father with heart disease.
Donating on their behalf could not only brighten their day but will demonstrate that you care, and they’ll appreciate the additional effort.
If you want to surprise them, find out what it is by asking one of their employees or simply asking them straight out.
Give Them an Unexpected Upgrade
Do you have customers who, no matter what, are kind on the phone, even when they have an issue with your product or service? Give them an upgrade “just because.”
- If you charge by the hour for your service, include an additional hour of work at no charge.
- Do they order something from you regularly? Give them an extra item next time or a product you know they would like. It doesn’t need to cost a lot of money, but, who knows, they may begin ordering the new product. And, they will most certainly remember your generosity.
Handwritten Notes Go a Long Way
Emails, social media, and texting can be overwhelming, and many slip through the cracks. Or, if they do open it, the impact isn’t always what you hoped it would be.
When you send a handwritten note, it demonstrates that you’ve taken the extra step to let them know you care.
Engage Face-to-Face
When we communicate digitally, it can significantly reduce the opportunity to build stronger relationships. Talk to your customers face-to-face if possible and if not, take advantage of a platform like Zoom, especially if you’re trying to resolve an issue or want to get to know the other person.
A customer is less apt to become upset or be short with you when you can see their face and body language.
Help Them By Touting Their Business
Nothing is more flattering than having one business show their support of another. Your clients and customers are trying to grow and sometimes even sustain what they already have.
When you give them a thumbs up, we suggest you include a note that talks about why they are great.
Some ideas to address are:
- How their service helped your business
- Why their product was the perfect gift for a colleague or family member
- Highlight the high-level of customer service they provide