Have You Said “Thanks” Lately?
A lot of your energy as a small business owner is focused on attaining new customers. What can you do to get even more people in the door? But sometimes we forget about our current customers and keeping them in the door. Customer appreciation should be a part of your marketing efforts.
Have you ever gotten angry at the cable company because they offer amazing packages to new customers, while they raise your rates over and over?
You don’t feel very appreciated when that happens, do you?
If you’re offering incentives to entice new customers to purchase, you need to say thank you to those who have helped your business up until this point.
Here are some creative ideas for customer appreciation emails and events that are easy to implement and budget-friendly.
Don’t wait for big holidays or a certain time of year; you can implement these right now to make a sizeable impact.
Thank You Card (or email) Campaign
You should already have an email associated with each of your customers. If you don’t, it’s time to start collecting them. You can do this the next time they buy from you or you can convince them to give you an email in exchange for a coupon.
Customer emails allow you to stay in contact with them when they’re not at your business or buying form you. It helps you stay top of mind with periodic contact. You can send information, sale alerts, and of course, a thank you note for being a customer and supporting your business.
If you decide to do a mailed thank you card, you can include a small giveaway as well. Your current customers will appreciate the gesture.
Host a Loyalty Card Members-only Shopping Experience
A lot of big box stores are doing this now, and small businesses can as well. Host an event on a Sunday when you are usually closed or after-hours, and make it feel like an exclusive event for your loyal customers.
In the months leading up to the event, tell all your customers about it. This incentivizes them to sign up for your loyalty shopper card or email list.
Send a $10 Off Coupon “Just Because”
You don’t need a special sale in order to send a coupon to your current customers. You can simply say, “Thanks for being a great customer. Enjoy $10 on us!” Even a small gift certificate or discount can provide the additional push your customer needs to come back in. Plus, chances are they’ll spend over what you’ve given them. You can even make it conditional on doing so like offering $10 off of #20.
Discount Their Transaction for Being a “VIP”
Create a VIP discount and subtract it from their total, just for being a repeat customer. When they ask what it is for, you can simply say, “It is just our way of saying thank you for choosing to shop with us.”
Celebrate Their One Year Anniversary with You
And also their birthday! Collect that information when they sign up for your mailing list or loyalty program. Recognizing special events makes your patrons feel valued.
Send them a note with a percentage discount that says “You have been our customer for one year! Thank you for supporting our small business!” They will be so surprised to know that you took the time to celebrate their shopping anniversary. Everyone loves special rewards and you’re giving them something for their loyalty, which drives them to continue their loyalty in the future.
Send a Survey with a Prize
“Thanks for being our customer – we value your feedback” is another small way to get your customers re-engaged with your business. Adding in the email that they have a chance to win a prize – either a giveaway item or a shopping gift card for your business – will encourage people to complete the survey. Surveys are a fast and easy way to get feedback about your business.
When people feel valued, they are much more likely to have a positive association with your business. When you’re acquiring new customers don’t forget your current customers.
With these suggestions, you will show your current customers how much you appreciate and value them as a part of your small business. Saying thank you is a small gesture that has a big impact.
Leave a Reply