When you own a small business, showing you are grateful for your loyal customers and showing them your appreciation is essential. According to one study, loyal customers are up to 10 times more than their first purchase is worth. Now is the time to figure out how to show these customers a bit more appreciation. This can help increase your bottom line and is much more affordable than acquiring new customers.
Keep reading to learn how to show your customers you care. From revamping your emergency communications plans to starting a loyalty program, there are more than a few ways to show you care.
Start a Loyalty Program
You can ensure your customers continue coming back for more if you reward their loyalty with special perks. If you are trying to attract more millennial customers, then building a loyalty program is essential. In fact, it’s estimated that 68% of 20- to 34-year-olds stated they would change where they shopped if they received rewards when making a purchase.
Add a Free Gift With Every Purchase
Providing customers with a gift when they buy something makes them feel appreciated. This is also going to increase the likelihood they will return for more purchases in the future. You can make the gift anything from wrapping paper to skin lotion. Everyone loves to receive something for free.Invite Current Customers to Exclusive Events
You can reward your most loyal customers if you invite them to some type of special or exclusive event at your store. You could host a holiday party or even a special sales event. When you send out exclusive invites and roll out the red carpet, you can feel confident your customers will “feel the love.”
Pay Attention to and Respond to Complaints
If you want to show your customers you care, you have to listen. This means listening to both complaints and suggestions. Customers will appreciate it when you take time to listen to what they have to say, apologize for the complaint, and fix the situation. Having a strong feedback program for customers to use that is integrated at your POS, you have an easy and cohesive way to stay in touch with your customers.Send Your Customers a Handwritten Note
More and more companies are taking communication digitally. They sent out countless tweets and impersonal email-blasts. These are getting ignored by customers all the time. However, sending a handwritten note is something that will stand out. Try to do this for your loyal customers, as this will show them that you care. After all, you have taken time to write something yourself and personalize it to them.Offer an Upgrade
If you offer a service, consider providing your customers a free upgrade as a way to say thank you. At a retail store, this could come in the form of a one-time discount. If you have a restaurant, you could provide a free appetizer or drink. The options are endless, so be creative and choose an upgrade your customers would appreciate.Use Social Media to Feature Your Best Customers
Consider creating a “customer of the week” segment on your social media channels. This will allow your customers to get their 15 seconds of fame, ensure they feel appreciated, and show customers that people really like to show from you and your business.If you want to ensure your customers will participate and help promote your brand, you have to clearly communicate what needs to be done to receive this featured spot.
When it comes to showing appreciation to your loyal customers, there are more than a few things you can do. Be sure to keep the tips and information here in mind, which will help ensure your customers want to continue shopping with you, time and time again. In the long run, this strategy will help you build even more loyal customers and ensure they keep coming back again and again.
