Easy and Cost-Effective Ways to Show Clients You Care
When a client gives you their business, they’re directly supporting you and your company. The question is, are you showing them appreciation for their support? Doing so could take your relationship to the next level.
5 Ways to Show Clients You Care
We operate in a highly competitive marketplace where businesses can’t afford to rest on their laurels and take clients for granted. It doesn’t matter how established your relationship is – there’s always a chance that they could jump ship to another competitor if they don’t feel appreciated.
Not sure where to begin with showing your clients appreciation? Here are several suggestions:
1. Write Thank You Notes
Source: thissydneylife.com
What better way to show a client that you’re thankful for them than by sending a thank you note? It’s a small yet memorable touch that will leave a lasting impression on your readers. Thank you notes come in all shapes and sizes (literally and figuratively). Some companies choose to email them, but we think taking the time to send handwritten notes with postage says a lot more. Almost nobody does this these days, which helps you stand out.
When writing a thank you note, you want to keep it simple, focused, and direct. Stroke the ego of the client a bit and let them know how much you appreciate them. This is also a great opportunity to let them know that they can contact you anytime with questions or concerns they may have. You can even give them your personal cell phone number (if you feel comfortable). This gives it a very exclusive feel.
If you plan to send thank you notes on a regular basis, you can print your own personalized greeting cards. This makes it easy to just grab one out of your desk drawer and start writing.
2. Send Personalized Gifts
Source: blog.nihongomaster.com
Everyone loves a gift – especially one that’s personalized. For new and loyal clients, consider sending the occasional gift their way. This could be something you know that they like (based on a conversation you’ve had in the past), or a simple branded giveaway (like a t-shirt or mug). Personalized gifts are great because of how tangible they are. And every time the client looks at the item, it’ll remind them of you and your company. That’s a win!
3. Entertain Them
Source: accountsportal.com
Entertaining clients has always been a good way to show them that you care while simultaneously getting to spend quality time together and strengthen the relationship. Classic forms of client entertainment include tickets to sporting events and concerts, catered meals, golf outings, etc.
Admittedly, some of these options have been off the table as a result of the pandemic, but there are still plenty of options for entertaining without being exposed to large crowds. For example, you could always send a Fandango gift card and a gift basket of candy to your client so they can enjoy a movie night with their family.
4. Give Out Discounts
Source: inc.com
Sometimes the best thing you can do is just give a client a discount code that allows them to save on their next order. Something as small as a 10 percent off coupon is enough to make a difference (especially when it’s something they’re already ordering on a regular basis).
5. Use Grandfathered Pricing
Source: arvigbusiness.com
As your business grows and costs increase, there comes a time when you eventually have to raise prices in order to keep your revenue moving in a positive direction. However, you don’t want to run off your loyal clients. This is where a grandfathered pricing strategy works well.
By grandfathering in your existing clients, you avoid upsetting them (while also allowing you to raise prices on new clients). Not only that, but it shows your existing clients how much you appreciate them. The key is to let them know that you’re doing this and to frame it as a big favor (i.e. “I pulled some strings and was able to get my boss to agree to keep your price in place for the life of our relationship.”)
Build Stronger Client Relationships
There’s no sure thing in business. And no matter how long a client has been with you, they can always be swayed to a competitor with the promise of better pricing, service, or quality. By investing in your relationships with individual clients and showing them that you care, you can lower this risk and keep retention rates high.
