Article Summary
- Sadly, as time goes by and your customer base grows and your business expands, sometimes we as business owners forget how important it is to take the opportunity and effort to stand out from your competition by thanking those responsible for our success.
- Most, if not all, of your customers and potential customers, are connected in some way, and everyone loves a feel-good story with a true human connection.
- If people are bragging about your kindness, how they trust you, and about a quality experience they had with you online, it can’t help but bring new customers to your business.
- Customer Loyalty Program Provide Free Upgrades Give Monthly Giveaways Thank Your Customer on a Short Video Offer a Free Service or Product During a Challenging Time Pick a Customer of the Month Host a Customer Appreciation Party Promote Their Businesses and Products (Where Applicable) Offer a Feedback Session Offer Post-Purchase Discounts Bend the Rules Once in Awhile for a Client Give a Charitable Gift in Their Honor Send a Personalized Gift Basket Remember Their (and Their Family’s) Birthdays and Anniversaries Cultivating an attitude of gratitude within your company culture design can pay off in more ways than one.
- It helps to build trust, create customer loyalty, and encourages businesses to listen to their customers.
Thanking Your Customers
Thank you. There might not be two more valuable words than these when it comes to your business. Sadly, as time goes by and your customer base grows and your business expands, sometimes we forget how important it is to take that extra time and stand out from your competition by thanking those responsible for our success. We’re not just talking about a “thank you, come again” at the end of a sale. That’s a phrase that has become ritualistic and rarely registers with patrons. Real appreciation and recognition is a practice that builds customer loyalty and needs to be sincere, whether in-person or online.
Stand Out From Your Competition
It’s very unlikely that your competitors are taking time out of their busy day to personalize a thank you to their clients. We’re not talking about a standard thank you email that everyone realizes is a form letter either. When is the last time you received an actual hand-written thank you card in the mail from an owner of a business?
If you did receive one, how would it make you feel? You would probably feel pretty good. After all, they took time out of their hectic day and thought about you. They cared enough about you as a customer to go that extra mile and give you a sincere thank you message. You were on their mind, and now they are going to be on your mind. This will definitely help you stand out from your competition.
Build Trust with Your Customers
By showing you genuinely care about your customer, you strengthen their trust in you and create a personal connection. A thank you card is just one way (see below for more ideas). Coming out from the back of the store and personally thank your customers also shows your gratitude, it will only take a couple of minutes, but making sure your customer's experience is positive and personal will leave them feeling good as well as helping you stand out from your competition.
Ask about their family. Showing real interest without any hidden motivation connects both of you on an emotional level. Trust is built up over time. Your community needs more people that trust each other. The world needs more trust.
When a business is trusted, people will continue to come back, again and again. They won’t be alone either. Because your customers feel appreciated and can trust you, they will recommend your business to their friends and colleagues. This growth can only start when your customers feel genuinely valued.
Listen to Your Customers and Learn
Being appreciative means listening to them. If you listen to your clients, you not only make them feel more valued, but you can help to meet their needs or solve their problems. Chances are it could guide your business into another revenue stream that you hadn’t thought of before, again helping you stand out from your competition. Developing good listening skills is essential for any business owner, and it all begins with a sincere thank you.
Expand Your Social Media
When customers feel appreciated, they are much more likely to talk about and share your business and tag you on their social media posts. A special act of gratitude and kindness can have far-reaching implications in today’s world. Most, if not all, of your customers and potential customers, are connected in some way, and everyone loves a feel-good story. If people are bragging about your kindness and how they trust you online, it can’t help but bring new customers to your business.
More Ideas to Show Your Appreciation
While in-person interactions are not always possible, there still should be some sort of personalized correspondence involved with the following ways to say thank you. A form letter email or letter will never have the same impact. Use your imagination. The more creativity to use, the better. Here are some examples of ways to let your customers know you are thinking of them to help you stand out from your competition:
- Customer Loyalty Program
- Provide Free Upgrades
- Give Monthly Giveaways
- Thank Your Customer on a Short Video
- Offer a Free Service or Product During a Challenging Time
- Pick a Customer of the Month
- Host a Customer Appreciation Party
- Promote Their Businesses and Products (Where Applicable)
- Offer a Feedback Session
- Offer Post-Purchase Discounts
- Bend the Rules Once in a While for a Client
- Give a Charitable Gift in Their Honor
- Send a Personalized Gift Basket
- Remember Their (and Their Family’s) Birthdays and Anniversaries
Put it Into Practice
Cultivating an attitude of gratitude can pay off in more ways than one. It helps to build trust, creates a loyal customer, and encourages businesses to listen to their customers. Above all, it’s the right thing to do. Customers are the reason for us being in business. It’s time to let them know how much we truly appreciate everything they do for us.
