By Nellie Akalp
With the holidays just around the corner, now is a great time to start thinking about how you will show your clients how much you truly appreciate them.
After all, they’re what keep you in business. Don’t they deserve a little recognition for their role in your success?
Here are 5 ideas to thank your customers.
1 | Give a Shout Out on Twitter
For those that support you via social media, you can highlight those fans of yours who are always talking about your brand by using the hashtag #FF (Follow Friday) on Fridays and list them with a note like “We love our fans @X @Y and @Z!”
2 | Send a Personalized Offer
If you have hundreds of customers, it gets hard to send individual notes or gifts of appreciation, but you can at the very least send a special offer based on past purchases. If your email list is segmented based on purchases, it’s easy enough to send each segment a relevant offer. But make it more than just 20% off! This is a thank you gift, so make it a free gift with purchase, buy one get one free, or 50% off deal. Again make them feel super special.
3 | Send a Holiday Card
This is an easy and affordable option, even if you have dozens of clients. You can buy your cards at the store, or use a printing service like Vistaprint to customize your cards to include your brand logo inside. Don’t forget to include a personalized note to make the recipient feel extra special.
4 | Send a Thoughtful Gift
If you have a handful of really big or long-term clients, this is a fantastic time of year to send a thoughtful gift. That could be a basket of holiday treats, tickets to a show, or golf-themed goodies. Save time and money by purchasing all your gifts from one place, like Harry & David. They’ll even save your mailing list for next year!
5 | Take Them Out
If your clients are local, handpick a few and invite them out for lunch or coffee. It’s an opportunity to catch up and see where your client is with her business and her life. While the conversation doesn’t have to be (and shouldn’t) centered around business, you’ll find it strengthens your business relationship significantly.
Things to Keep in Mind This Time Of Year
While showing appreciation is a selfless act on your part, keep in mind a few things:
- Not everyone celebrates Christmas. Be considerate and don’t assume. If you’re not sure, frame your gift or offering as a “holiday” gift to avoid offending anyone.
- Not everyone drinks alcohol, so veer away from wine or liquor as a gift unless you’re certain a client imbibes.
- Some people are unable to accept gifts, either due to religious beliefs or company gifting policies. Ask if you’re not sure.
Start planning your gift giving now so you’re not rushing the week before Christmas to get them out.
Nellie Akalp is a serial entrepreneur, small business advocate, speaker and author. She is the founder & CEO of CorpNet.com, an online legal document filing service, where she helps entrepreneurs start, grow and maintain a business.
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