Showing gratitude is one of the most effective ways to build a closer relationship with customers, clients and even leads. Even with all the challenges brought by the pandemic, it’s important to give thanks to the people who have stayed with you through thick and thin.
It’s pretty simple, but not many companies take the time to execute a plan to thank their customers.
Your customers will not only feel good about you, but it will also help you stand out in the market and become more memorable.
Why Show Gratitude?
Showing gratitude is an unselfish approach that reflects how much you value and care about your clients. A simple act of appreciation can contribute to a good customer experience and help build your brand image. Note that 86 percent of buyers are willing to pay more for excellent service and customer experience.
Note that there are three main goals for this campaign. You’re showing gratitude because aside from showing appreciation, you want to accomplish these things.
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Improve customer loyalty
While getting new customers is crucial to a business’s longevity, it’s also important to remember that it costs less to retain customers and upsell. Customers tend to buy more from your company if they’re loyal to your brand.
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Encourage a positive brand image
Word of mouth is still one of the most effective forms of marketing. Friends and family members trust the opinion of an acquaintance when it comes to product or service recommendations. A positive brand image increases referral rates.
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Enhance profitability
Happy customers tend to spend more. Why would they look elsewhere if they’re completely happy with their relationship with you? The retention rate can also increase profitability.
The Best Gift Ideas for Customers
The holidays are obviously one of the best times to show appreciation to your customers but it doesn’t have to be the only time. You can also send gifts on their birthdays or maybe they hit a special milestone with your business.
No matter what the occasion is, here are gift ideas that fit a wide range of budgets and can be used by all business types.
Gift Cards
You can’t go wrong with a gift card. Whether it’s a gift card to your store, a restaurant, a streaming service, or one of your partner merchants, a gift card will surely make their day.
Also, because gift cards are very flexible and easy to send, you can categorize your customers based on the niche. If you cater to different types of customers, you can start by organizing your email list.
For example, if you provide services or products specially made for dentists, then you can create a dentist email list and have a gift card that is tailored for them. The same thing goes for lawyers, doctors, accountants, and your other clients.
Make sure to give it that extra personal touch by creating a personalized email template for each niche.
Discount Cards
A discount card is another versatile gift that you can give your clients or customers. Unlike gift cards though, this isn’t similar to cash, rather, it provides a price reduction for any product or service they choose.
Grazing Boxes or Food Platters
Food will always be a fun and appreciated gift. Just make sure that you know their taste and that they don’t have any allergies or if anyone is vegan.
Sending food to your customers is now easier as there are so many food delivery services online and many food choices are available too. Just make sure that they’re at home when the food is delivered to them.
Charitable Contributions
Giving back to the community or making a donation to a cause that aligns with your customers’ values is an excellent way to show them that you appreciate them and their outlook in life.
For example, if your company cares about the environment and you know that’s one of the reasons your clients are loyal to you, then make a donation to that cause. This will not only be good for the community but will strengthen the bond between you and your customers.
Strengthen Your Bond by Showing Your Appreciation
The holidays are one of the most common times you can send gifts to your clients, but it doesn’t just have to be a holiday. You can send gifts during their birthdays, an anniversary, or just a congratulatory gift for hitting a milestone with you.
If you’re sending a holiday gift, always make sure that your customer is celebrating the holiday. Also, avoid putting your brand on the gift or going cheap as it won’t impress your customer and it will seem too promotional.
Done right, showing your appreciation will remind your customer why they should continue staying with your business.
