It’s no secret that customers are the lifeblood of any business. In fact, their satisfaction can have a profound influence on your company and its success. Even though it may feel obvious to you that you appreciate their support, it doesn’t hurt to explicitly express it every once in a while. Keep reading to learn why thanking customers is so important and a few key strategies for showing them that you’re grateful for their business.

Why You Need to Thank Your Customers

Each customer is vitally important to your company’s success, and showing your customers that you appreciate them and their business can have incredible impacts throughout your company. Most notably, expressing gratitude can make your customers feel valued, heard, and seen, which often results in higher referral and retention rates. After all, a happy customer is more likely to recommend your products or services to their friends and colleagues.

Not only does it reinforce positive customer relationships, but it can actually foster a more positive work environment for your team members.

Send a Handwritten Card

The development of technology has made handwritten correspondence all but obsolete, especially in business. Instead of relying on your primary sources of communication, namely email, you can grab your customer’s attention by drafting a handwritten thank-you note. Not only are handwritten cards more thoughtful and meaningful, but personal mail is often a real source of joy for people. In your note, make sure to be as specific as possible, citing what exactly you’re thankful for and the impact it has on both you and the company.

Include a Free Gift

Whether your business offers products or services, adding a little something extra to a customer’s order is a great way to say thank you. This can come in a couple of different forms, including:

  • Complimentary stickers or other branded materials with completed projects or orders.
  • Free samples of your other products.
  • Package inserts that provide instructional information and reinforce your brand.
  • Additional services provided on top of the key deliverables. For example, a photographer could include additional photos despite promising a lower amount.
  • A bag of candy sent with an order.

Chances are, the customer will be so surprised and thankful for this display of appreciation that they’ll immediately share the experience with their friends on social media.

Provide Upgrades

One of the best ways to impress a customer is to offer them a free and unexpected upgrade. No matter what kind of business you’re in, your company and your customers can benefit from adopting a generous approach when it comes to upgrades. For software companies, this could mean giving an upgrade to a long-time customer, while an airline might randomly select a passenger for an upgrade to first class. These small gestures rarely cost very much at all, but they definitely make a lasting impression on customers.

The great thing about showing your appreciation is that the more personal and unique, the better. So make it your own, and try combining a few strategies to spread the gratitude and reap the benefits.