5 simple and affordable ways to show customer appreciation

Nowadays, customer appreciation is so important. This is because customers have more ways to browse and shop, and more options to choose from than ever before – you know how daunting it can be when you’re bomabarded with all sorts of stuff from everywhere! Life was so much simpler when we could just ‘go to the shops’!

In-store, online, review sites and friend recommendations all influence a customer’s purchase decision. So you need to show customers you are thankful for their business (and that they chose you!).

Listed below are five low cost tips to show your customers that you appreciate them:

1. Send a handwritten note

Yes it sounds a bit old fashioned, but it’s a unique way of showing appreciation in today’s digital world. It could be a thank you note, a birthday card, or a leaflet informing your customers of upcoming promotions or exclusive offers.

2. Give free stuff

Who doesn’t love a freebie? Provide a free upgrade, a discount, or a gift card to encourage customers to come back to your business. T-shirts and pens displaying your logo are low cost giveaways that can promote your business at the same time. Win win!

3. Profile a customer

If you have customers who are running businesses too, why not put a profile of them in your newsletter, blog or Facebook page? Not only does it highlight the profiled customer, but it also shows your other customers how your product or service is helping another company do well.

4. Knowledge is power – share your knowledge!

Showing customers your expertise can get you noticed. Customers love to learn and discover useful information about what they’re buying, whether it’s through a blog, email newsletter, via Facebook, or in person. You are the expert in your product or service that you’re providing, so show it off a bit by giving extra useful knowledge to educate your customers. Make customers feel like they’re getting a lot more than just the product or service that they purchased.

5. Make them feel like a VIP

Make your loyal customers feel special by giving them the VIP treatment. If you’re based online only, give them access to an exclusive online sale or a little surprise with a gift card to a local coffee shop. Or even try hosting an invitation-only event with live music or complimentary drinks or other treats.

Try using some of these tips to start earning more customer loyalty!

Let’s get a convo going – don’t just read and click away – add some ways you show your appreciation in the comments!