Do you remember the last time you told your customers that you love them? Valentine’s day is a perfect occasion to show how much you appreciate your customers and give small rewards to them. Pick a random customer from your database or choose your loyal customers and thank them by giving away free gift cards or discounts on their next purchase. Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, so while you may be thinking about what to present that special someone in your life, don’t forget to think of your faithful customers as well. Even after a transaction is completed, a customer remains a customer. Retaining customers is essential for business expansion. Because of this, it’s crucial to make sure that everyone feels appreciated as a customer.
We’re all aware with the cliches, Valentine’s Day is often celebrated with like flowers, chocolate, clothes, Jewellery etc. But how can you distinguish an outstanding customer? People want to feel valued and cherished especially your customers. Maintain customer satisfaction by making them feel special. Customers will feel valued if you express your gratitude, which will also be beneficial to your business.
Here are a few ways a thoughtful customer appreciation plan can help your company succeed:
Give an unexpected discount.
- People love saving money, especially if it comes as a surprise! Knock off their bill or throw in an extra service for free. They’ll appreciate it and remember the gift long after the flowers have wilted!
- Place an A-frame sign outside of your storefront offering a discount or free item to entice new clients and reward existing ones.
Accommodate last-minute shoppers.
- Did you know that more than 70% of Valentine’s Day spending occurs on or within five days of the 14th? So, your last-minute offers may even see more success than deals offered earlier in the month. Accommodate these shoppers by:
- Extending your hours on Valentine’s Day.
- Create a post on social media encouraging your followers to just go for it with that gift. You may inspire them to stop in your store or redeem your online offer on their way to their Valentine’s date.
- Remind your audience that they only have x hours left to use this day to tell loved ones how much they care. Stir up some excitement and urgency around Valentine’s Day, and you’ll surely to get some engagement.
Surprise your customers.
- Give discounts, coupons, certificates, or gifts to devoted customers when they hit particular milestones. It’s a simple way to demonstrate your love. If you are willing to go the extra mile to surprise your customers, then you can check your sales database to know the product that was frequently bought by your loyal customers. Give a surprise to them by giving the product for free and they will feel incredibly special.
Throw in a free gift with purchase.
- Offering a free gift when customers purchase something from your store makes them feel appreciated and more likely to return in the future. You can gift anything from free skin lotion to wrapping paper to help customers prepare their favourite items from your store during the holiday season.
If you provide a service, give customers a free upgrade to say thank you. If you’re a retail store, make it a one-time discount. If you’re a restaurant, maybe you add a free drink or appetizer. You might add a free product sample if you run a salon.
Thank them in-person
- We all have busy schedules, but try to set up a brief meeting, a coffee break or lunch with new or old clients. Interacting face-to-face will take your relationship to new heights. Reward your most loyal customers by inviting them to a special VIP event at your store. This could be anything from a holiday party to tasting a new menu item. The special invite, and rolling out the proverbial red carpet, ensures your customers feel the love.
Use this opportunity to clarify every customer’s complaint.
- Customers appreciate when you listen to their complaint, respond with a genuine apology, and rectify the situation. A strong customer feedback program integrated with your point of sale gives you a cohesive way to keep in touch with customers. A little love goes a long way.
Create personal connections with video.
- Make a thank-you video for your customers and email it to them. Try to involve all of your employees in this one so that customers can put a face to your company. The customer knows how much time you’ve really put in and won’t take that love for granted. It will feel like they know you personally, and this will eventually make them more likely to return.
Email your customers a Valentine’s Day card.
- If you have an email list, send your subscribers a Happy Valentine’s Day card, and include a special offer or promotion along with it. Again, you can market your offer as a special “gift” for your loyal customers instead of promoting products or services for your customers to buy for their loved ones. This email functions as a “Thank You” card and gives you a great excuse to reach out to your customers again in a non-intrusive way.
Use these tips to keep your brand close to your customer’s hearts on Valentine’s Day and throughout the year.
1 Comment
An intriguing discussion is worth comment. I do think that you should publish more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people dont speak about such subjects. To the next! Cheers!!