Marketing Tips

9 Customer Appreciation Ideas to Kick-start Your Sme

Attracting customers is the most vital challenge that a business has to tackle – but keeping them on board is just as important on the road to success.

An excellent product or service is, of course, the best starting point, but it’s what you develop around your offering that will make or break you.

They are invaluable to an organisation when it comes to growth and reputation.

Appreciation is undoubtedly effective.

It’s human nature to feel good when you are appreciated. So think about the positive effect that appreciation could have on your customers when they begin to associate it with your business.

Luckily, customer appreciation doesn’t have to mean frequent or grand gestures that will break the bank.

Take a look at some of the smaller moves that can make a big difference.

#1 – A Personal Touch

From a thank you note to a welcome email, a personal touch will go a long way in connecting with your customer.

They can even result in extended interaction via social media, shedding a publicly positive light on your customer relations.

The most important factor in a personal outreach is authenticity.

There’s no use simply thanking nameless customers for being there – address them personally, thank them for their individual purchase and sign off with your own name, not that of the company.

#2 – A Customer Loyalty Scheme

One of the most widely-adopted customer appreciation methods is the branded loyalty scheme.

From huge corporate giants to your local coffee shop, a system whereby customers are rewarded for investing is a winning formula.

You don’t have to produce your own Clubcard to set this in action; it can be scaled according to your situation.

For an SME, it’s the detail that makes this pointer work for you.

Keep the rewards appropriate to your offering and ensure there’s value in it for the customer.

#3 – Sweet Treats

It may be the oldest trick in the book, but it’s still around because it works.

For food-orientated industries, it goes without saying that tasters will heighten interest.

But even for those with little or no connection to edible goods, there’s a well-known expression surrounding the connection between the stomach and the heart that will tell you how favourable sweet treats can be.

The power of giving is massively undervalued. But don’t take our word for it.

How?

The restaurant had the waiter bring out the cheque along with a few mints. A short time afterward, the waiter returned with more mints.

The results? Incredible.

This clearly demonstrated the restaurant cared about its customers.

And this isn’t just about tips, it’s about customer loyalty.

Simple tricks like this one can dramatically improve your customer retention.

#4 – Associated Gifts

If food isn’t a viable option, then more brand-relevant merchandise might be the way to go.

The most important factor is how relevant it is to what you’re all about.

They should ultimately relate to your purpose and ideally solve an issue for your customer.

Even the smallest of gifts will require some investment, but if you’re looking for a greatly visible option then it could well be worth its weight.

#5 – Further Knowledge

Effective gifting doesn’t always have to be tangible goods.

You can add value to your customer’s experience by offering more – in terms of knowledge and education about the product or service they are buying.

Establishing yourself as an industry thought-leader and sharing that knowledge with your customers will put you at the forefront of their minds. More often than not leading to repeat custom.

#6 – VIP Treatment

Every customer wants to feel they are important to you. While you may not have the resources to roll out the red carpet for everyone, you can certainly take your chances when the opportunity presents itself.

Exceptional customer service can be offered in many shapes and sizes, from acting upon feedback to compensating generously.

#7 – Milestone Marking

Something that can always work in your favour is a sense of occasion. From special deals for your customer’s birthday to giveaways when you reach your own target.

Marking milestones allow you to create fuss with a purpose. Customers will value that you have acknowledged them personally or that they have contributed to your position, leading them to think about their relationship with you in a positive way.

#8 – Special Events

Much like milestone marking, hosting special events is a great way to give something back to your loyal customers. Businesses are often quick to attract new customers with discounts and offers, so it’s only right to reward those who are already listening with something exclusive too.

Two birds, one stone.

#9 – Social Media Interaction

One of the easiest ways to show customer appreciation is simply by interacting on your social media channels. Acknowledging queries, resolving issues and thanking customers for good reviews will remind them that their thoughts are important to you – good or bad.

The Last Word

Customer appreciation is all about getting your customers on side, turning their passing interest into active engagement.

So if you are pleasing your existing customers, you are providing the perfect formula for generating yet more interest, as they look to spread the word.

An investment of time is essential, but your customer appreciation strategy doesn’t have to be backed by a big budget. Personalisation is key and a desire to make them feel special will shine through when you begin to put the effort in.

A few additions to your offering might see your positive feedback shoot through the roof, which is invaluable when you’re just starting out.

As an SME looking to make an impact, your loyal customers could well be your secret weapon.

So treat them well, thank them appropriately and watch your business grow from the effects.

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Ian Kirk

Founder at Opportunity Marketing

Ian is the founder of Opportunity Marketing marketing, with over 18 years of experience in successfully setting up marketing departments, creating marketing strategies and implementing these strategies across a wide number of SME companies in both the B2B and B2C sectors through a variety of channels.

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