There’s no time like now to show customers love and gratitude. Here are 11 ways to make it special.
Any time of the year – and especially after a year like the last one – is relevant to thank customers and send some gratis their way. But while our hearts and minds are on love – it is American Heart Month and nearly Valentine’s Day – it’s even more spot-on.
Take time for one or some of these ideas this month:
Use social media
You can use any or all of your social media platforms to share the love:
- Mention them. Give a shout-out to customers for their business, great conversation, continued loyalty, compliments, etc. shortly after an interaction. But only tag customers who already follow or like you – as you don’t want to mention customers who might not want a social presence.
- Share their stuff. Retweet, share or just like customers’ posts and thank them for their business in your shout-out.
- Promote them. If you’re a B2B, share your customers’ promotions in your social channel, telling your followers why they’re so great.
- Keep it simple. Post a kind, thoughtful thank you message to customers across all your social media channels. You can pull a quote or find a meme.
Use mail
The United States Postal Service still delivers the most personal messages. Try to:
- Send a note. No need to send a heart-decorated card with sentiments of love. A handwritten note on company stock, thanking customers for their loyalty, speaks volumes. You can write a few a day.
- Send bulky mail. It’s an old marketing tool (that hasn’t lost its luster). Put a company tchotchke – such as cellular charger or ear buds – that add bulk to a larger envelope. Include a short note, thanking customers for their business. It’ll be the first thing customers open when it arrives.
Use electronic mail
It’s not as personal, but a message that’s sent from one person to customers – rather than a mass email – can show love and gratitude. Try to:
- Send an email on Valentine’s Day with credit for a book download, thanking them for loyalty
- Send a personal electronic greeting. If you run out of time to send a handwritten Valentine messages, send a fast electronic one. Try free electronic card sites such as Bluemountain.com and Regards.com.
Use a gift
Even if you’ve faced a tough year, try to show love and gratitude with some small appreciation gift. You might:
- Tack on an extra bit of support – perhaps one more month on a contract or an additional consultation.
- Invite them to try a sample of a product or service you’re ready to launch (and need to test anyway).
- Send a small e-gift card to a national chain that nearly anyone has access to for a cup of coffee.
