Thanks a Million: 5 Ways to Tell Your Clients Thank You
‘Tis the season for giving and who better to give to than the clients who make the long hours, the creative blocks, and the technical malfunctions worth it? Without clients, there would be no you and without you, there would be no clients. They’re a part of your team and just as bosses thank their employees with a bonus or an office party, your clients should be thanked as well. There are countless ways to show your appreciation, but here are five to get those creative juices flowing.
1. The Handwritten Thank You Letter
When was the last time you received a handwritten letter in the mail? Maybe it was from a relative or a friend that lives far away. Regardless of who sent it, didn’t it make you feel special that someone actually took the time to formulate their thoughts on paper, buy a stamp, and walk all the way to their mailbox just to talk to you? Imagine how your clients would feel receiving such a letter. This idea is perfect if your company is on a budget and can’t afford the expense of a more lavish gift, or if you just want to stand out from the competition. Don’t underestimate the power of a handwritten thank you.
2. The Shout Out
Customers do more than just buy what you’re selling. Sometimes they can help make your company better by offering great advice and ideas, or by pointing out an inconsistency or typo. Whether or not they say it nicely is beside the point if what they’re saying is true. You can make lifelong clients and possibly restore a disgruntled customer’s faith in your products or services by publicly thanking them. Give them a shout out on social media for helping your company to improve. You can also name a product or service they suggested after them. Owning up to your mistakes is hard, but it can be a fruitful opportunity depending on how you respond to it.
3. The Handcrafted Gift
What better way to show your appreciation for a client than by using those skillful hands to create something just for them? If you sell pet apparel, why not send a special client some customized, matching bow ties for them and their pet? Or maybe you make home decor using repurposed wood and decide to give a client a food tray that says, “Serving You is a Treat.” Whatever you give will not only make your client feel super special, it’s free advertisement. That client will show their friends and probably post a picture on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram and before you know it, you have new clients. Not every company can do this of course, but if you can, go for it!
4. The Surprise Discount
How cool would it be to get through shopping, online or in-store, expecting to pay one thing and suddenly you’re informed that $25 will be taken off your order, just because? If your company is based online, customers can be picked at random during checkout to receive the discount and if you’re in-store maybe every 5th customer will get a discount. This idea would be loads of fun for your clients and you can count on them to become returning customers and to tell their friends.
5. The Customer Appreciation Party
There’s no party like a customer appreciation party. Many companies, both big and small, well-known and obscure, have thrown such parties and benefited greatly from them. There are so many ways to throw a party that the sky is the limit. Why not throw a live social media party where clients can post pictures or comments using a pre-determined hashtag throughout the event and the client with the most likes at the end of the night wins an awesome prize? Talk about publicity! Or you could go the classic route with a picnic, wine tasting, or Bar-B-Q. Whatever you choose, try to make your clients feel every bit as special as they are.
Have the wheels started turning yet? I’m sure they have. Just remember to stay true to who you are as a company in whatever you do. Think about what sets you apart from your competition and bring those unique factors into your client gift. Get creative, get personal, and start showing your clients that you appreciate them.
