Customer appreciation guide: how to say thank you in 19 ways

Do you know how to make your customers feel truly valued? Customer appreciation goes beyond business transactions – it’s about expressing genuine gratitude to those who support your company and making them feel special. We will discuss the importance of customer appreciation and explore simple yet effective ways to show your customers that you care. Let’s dive in and learn how a simple “thank you” can make a big difference!

What is customer appreciation?

Customer appreciation can be defined as a measure of a company’s efforts towards its customers. It’s a proactive approach to engaging customers and showing them that you care about them and are grateful for their continued choice of business. Thus, client appreciation initiatives are mainly aimed at existing customers.

Why is customer appreciation important

If you want to run a successful business, offering good products and services is only one part of the equation. This is where customer appreciation comes into play because it shows you understand how valuable your customers are to you. When you appreciate your customers, you build stronger relationships with them.

Having a solid customer appreciation strategy helps in several ways:

• Increasing client satisfaction: Customers are more likely to be happy with your products or services when they feel valued. This can lead to positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations. In fact, around 57% of customers are likely to recommend a brand that goes beyond their expectations.
• Building customer loyalty: Appreciated customers are more likely to stay loyal and choose your brand over competitors. Providing exceptional experiences helps companies not only sell more but also build loyal relationships. Up to 53% of customers stated that they feel an emotional connection to the brands they buy from the most.
• Improving customer retention: Regularly showing appreciation can reduce customer turnover. Loyal customers are less likely to leave, saving you the cost of acquiring new ones. Statistics show that attracting new customers is much more challenging, with only a 5% success rate. On the other hand, focusing on customer retention gives you a 60-70% chance of successfully selling to an existing customer.

Customer Appreciation Day

Businesses should show appreciation for their customers every day. However, Customer Appreciation Day is a dedicated day (or sometimes a week, depending on the company’s choice) to thank your customers for their loyalty and support. During this time, businesses try to show their gratitude beyond usual, such as offering discounts, hosting special events, or giving away freebies.

The concept originated when businesses saw the need to recognize the importance of their customers. Over time, the idea grew in popularity as companies realized the positive impact dedicating a day to their customers can have. It helps strengthen customer relationships while making customers feel special and appreciated.

19 customer appreciation ideas

“It’s easier to love a brand when the brand loves you back.”

Seth Godin

Investing in customer appreciation doesn’t have to cost a fortune – it can fit any budget, big or small. Sometimes, even a small gesture can significantly impact how customers perceive your business. Investing time and resources into these initiatives has several benefits. It can significantly deepen customer relationships, increase satisfaction, improve customer loyalty, and encourage brand advocacy. Here are some ideas to help you demonstrate your gratitude:

Discount codes and loyalty programs

Offering discount codes is a simple yet powerful way to show client appreciation. By providing a special discount, you reward loyal customers for their continued support of your brand and show them that you value their investment in your products or services.

Discount codes can also encourage customers to splurge on items they might not usually buy because they may view them as too expensive or non-essential. They remove some of the financial barriers and make them more willing to treat themselves, which in turn leads to increased sales for your business.

Free products

Another great way to show appreciation is through free products such as branded gifts, also known as SWAG:

From simple stickers and notebooks to water bottles, tote bags, and branded t-shirts, these items not only serve as tokens of appreciation but also transform your customers into walking ambassadors for your brand. Each time they use or wear your branded item, they help spread the word about your business.

But remember that the quality of these products matters. High-quality items show that you are willing to invest in meaningful gifts. This attention to detail can significantly enhance the customers’ perception of your brand and foster a deeper connection.

Complimentary service upgrades

Offering customers free service upgrades not only enhances the customer experience but also builds loyalty. It shows that you are attentive to their needs and willing to go the extra mile to ensure their satisfaction.

Here are a few examples of free service upgrades you can offer:

• Subscription upgrade allows them to experience additional features and benefits for free for a limited time period
• Priority customer support
• Offering one-day shipping with no additional cost
• Extended trial periods

Conduct surveys or gather feedback to determine which upgrades will be most valuable for customers. This gives you insights into which services customers wish to enhance. Analyzing customer behavior and purchase history can also reveal their preferences and help in crafting targeted offers.

You can use email marketing, social media, or in-app notifications to communicate and promote these upgrades to customers. Remember to highlight the benefits and time-limited nature of the upgrades to create a sense of urgency.

However, while these offerings can satisfy your customers, there are some potential drawbacks. For example, it might lead to increased costs, which may not be sustainable in the long run if not managed correctly. Setting clear terms and conditions is also important to avoid misunderstandings regarding the upgrades.

Free samples

Free samples allow customers to test new products and experience your offerings firsthand before committing to a purchase. It’s a win-win situation: customers get to try before buying, and you get to showcase your products’ quality.

This way, you can also demonstrate transparency and build trust. It tells customers you believe in your product’s quality and are confident it will meet their expectations. Customers often leave reviews after trying the product, allowing you to use this feedback from satisfied customers to attract new business and improve your offerings.

Handwritten thank-you notes

In this digital era, taking the time to write a physical thank-you note can truly make your business stand out. Handwritten notes are far more meaningful and personal compared to an email or printed cards. It shows that you have invested time and thought into expressing your gratitude, which creates a more personal connection with the customer.

Online shoutouts

Featuring loyal customers on your website, blog, or social media is another effective way to show appreciation. Online shoutouts can take many forms, whether you’re saying thank you for joining your community, reposting their stories and positive experiences, or highlighting their interactions with your brand. This acknowledges their support and fosters a sense of community around your business.

Online shoutouts make customers feel valued and recognized, which can increase their loyalty and encourage repeat business. They also create a positive feedback loop, where potential customers see genuine testimonials and interactions, building trust in your brand.

Tips for effective online shoutouts:

• Use genuine language to make your shoutout more personal.
• Include customer photos or comments to add a personal touch (but remember to ask for their permission).
• Tag the customer in your post so they can see the shoutout and then share it with their followers.
• Make shoutouts a part of your social media strategy to keep the community engaged.

Personalization

Seeing every customer as an individual is key. Personalized products, gifts, and gestures can make customers feel uniquely valued. People often strongly identify with something that was made just for them. This could be as simple as including their name on a product or customizing a gift to match their preferences.

Personalization doesn’t stop at products. It also applies to services.

Communicating with customers through their preferred channels and tailoring messages based on past interactions is key to making them feel seen and understood.

About 60% of customers expect customer service support in their native language.

Using this data from customer surveys, purchase histories, and website analytics can help businesses create personalized products and services, tailored recommendations, targeted marketing campaigns, and personalized shopping experiences. Some examples of personalized services include sending personalized birthday messages or offering rewards based on their purchase history. These gestures show customers that you pay attention to their individual needs and preferences.

Special holiday gift cards

Remembering your customers on holidays can make them feel valued all year round. Sending a special holiday gift card for occasions like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas, and New Year’s can create positive emotional connections. A thoughtful holiday card can brighten their day and remind them that your business cares about them all the time, not only when they make a purchase.

If you are looking for a more cost-effective way to send holiday cards, digital cards may be a great option. They save on printing and can be easily customized. However, physical cards can have a more personal impact. You can consider using them for high-value customers due to the additional cost.

Happy birthday specials

What better time to make someone feel special than on their birthday? Wishing your customers a happy birthday and offering them a discount code or a small gift can make their day extra special. This thoughtful gesture celebrates them and reinforces their positive feelings towards your brand.

Imagine the delight of receiving a personalized birthday message from a brand they love and an exclusive offer just for them. This small but meaningful act can create a memorable experience, making customers feel valued and appreciated. Whether it’s a discount on their favorite products, a complimentary item, or even a special birthday card, these gestures foster a deeper connection with your brand.

It’s an impactful way to show customers they are cherished on their special day.

Special events

While hosting special events can be more expensive, it can be worth the investment. Organizing a small event in a city where some of your most loyal customers live offers multiple benefits.

These events allow your customers to meet like-minded people and build a community around your brand. It’s also a great opportunity for customers to meet your brand representatives and talk directly about what they like or need. Prepare engaging activities, gift bags, and competitions to enhance the overall experience and strengthen the bond between your customers and your brand.

Thank you videos

Videos are gaining popularity for a good reason – they are more personal and show that you took the time to record something just for your customers. Videos allow you to convey emotions and sincerity in a way that text alone cannot.

To amplify the impact of these videos, personalize them as much as possible.

For example, including the customer’s name and referencing specific details about their purchase or interaction with your business can greatly enhance the personal touch of the video.

Share customers’ success stories

Sharing success stories in blog posts or on your website is an excellent way to highlight your customers’ achievements. To make it even more special, you can ask your customers to provide a short message about what they like most about your brand or what makes you stand out from competitors. This personalized touch adds authenticity and can serve as powerful testimonials for your business.

Free consultation sessions or educational materials

Offering free consultation sessions or access to educational materials like webinars, tutorials, or e-books helps your customers get the most out of your products or services and demonstrates that you are genuinely interested in their success and well-being.

Free consultation sessions give your customers direct access to your expertise. This one-on-one interaction allows you to address specific concerns and offer personalized advice. Similarly, educational materials empower customers by providing them with knowledge and skills to solve problems on their own.

Benefits of offering free consultations and educational materials include:

• Customers appreciate the extra support and are more likely to stay loyal to your brand.
• Helpful resources can reduce frustration and improve overall satisfaction.
• Offering valuable and informative content establishes your business as an authority in your field.
• High-quality educational materials can attract potential customers who are seeking information and solutions.
• Your business can be positioned as a valuable source.

VIP club with exclusive perks

If you haven’t considered creating a VIP club for your most loyal customers, now is the time. This exclusive membership should come with a range of perks they won’t find elsewhere. These perks include early access to new products, special discounts, invitations to exclusive events, or personalized customer service.

Benefits of a VIP Club:

• Exclusive perks boost customer loyalty to your brand.
• Special benefits and personalized services improve the overall customer experience.
• Being part of a VIP club fosters a sense of community among members, strengthening their connection to your brand and to like-minded individuals.
• Early access to new products and special discounts can encourage more frequent purchases from your VIP members.
• Satisfied members are likely to share their positive experiences, attracting new customers to your brand.

To create a VIP Club, you need to identify your most loyal customers by analyzing purchase history and engagement data.

Then, you need to define what kind of exclusive perks you will offer and what these customers will find valuable and appealing.

Make sure potential VIP members are informed about this option and understand the benefits of joining and how to participate. You can send them personalized emails with detailed information. And lastly, remember to regularly ask for feedback from your VIP members to improve the program and ensure it continues to meet their needs and expectations.

Referral program

Starting a referral program allows you to reward your existing customers for referring their friends or family to your business. It’s a simple yet effective method that can be used to thank your loyal customers while expanding your customer base. It uses the power of word-of-mouth marketing, which is often more trusted than traditional advertising.

Contests and giveaways

Create excitement and offer your customers a chance to win something special just for being part of your community. Contests and giveaways are perfect opportunities to demonstrate that you value your customers. By organizing these events, you engage with your audience and give back to them in a fun and interactive way.

Make sure the prizes are appealing and relevant to your customers to make them feel truly valued. Popular prizes might include limited-edition products, discounts, gift cards, or early access to new releases.

Care for feedback

Asking for customers’ feedback is a powerful way to show that you value their opinions and that your brand is committed to meeting their needs and wants. But collecting feedback is just the first step—it’s important to act on it and make necessary changes based on what your customers are saying. Feedback allows you to improve your services or products and shows your customers that their voices matter.

Celebrate company milestones

Involve your customers in your success story and show them how much you appreciate their support. Whether you’ve reached a certain number of followers on social media or hit a significant sales milestone, take the time to thank everyone who contributed to your achievement. Celebrating these moments can turn ordinary customers into loyal fans who feel personally invested in your brand’s success.

For example, if you hit a milestone like 10,000 followers on Instagram, make a special post acknowledging and thanking your followers for their support. This simple act can make them feel valued and appreciated. Take it a step further by offering a special discount code or a giveaway as a token of your gratitude.

Donate to charity

Consider giving back to the community by donating to a local charity on behalf of your customers. This gesture helps those in need and aligns your brand with positive social values. In addition to aligning closely with your brand’s mission, you can opt to partner with local charities.

To make it even more engaging, allow your customers to decide which charity they want to support. This way, they feel directly involved in the decision and can see the impact their support has beyond your business. To allow your customers to choose which charity to support, you can offer an option at checkout where they can select from a curated list of partner organizations, or create a poll on your social media platforms where people can vote.

Communicating this initiative to customers through multiple channels, including your website, email newsletters, and social media, is also important. To highlight the impact of their choices, share real-life stories and statistics to ensure active participation and a sense of contribution to a meaningful cause.

Customer appreciation phrases

The language businesses use in communicating with potential customers makes a big difference in customers’ perceptions. Language is used to express gratitude to loyal clients in many different ways. Here are some of the most fundamental phrases and words to remember:

• A simple “Thank you” and all its variations

• Appreciation words
  • “We truly appreciate you choosing our business…”
  • “We appreciate you for being a part of our community.”

• Words of gratitude
  • “We are grateful for your many years as a loyal customer.”
  • “We are thankful for your continued support.”

• Terms of acknowledgment and recognition
  • “To recognize your loyalty, we’d love to invite you to join our customer appreciation program.”
  • “As a token of our appreciation, we’d like to offer you a special discount.”

• Value their opinions
  • ”Your feedback is greatly appreciated.”
  • “Your opinions help us improve.”

• Encouraging future engagement
  • “We look forward to your next purchase.”

If you’re looking for more ways to express your gratitude, we also have articles dedicated to thank you notes and cards, as well as thank you letters. These resources offer useful templates and tips to help you get started, making it easier to find the right words to show appreciation.

Conclusion

Now you understand what customer appreciation is and why it’s so important for every business. As business expert Michael LeBoeuf once said, “A satisfied customer is the best business strategy of all.”

We’ve provided many ideas and tips on how to show that you value and appreciate your customers, from discount codes and free products to handwritten thank-you notes and special events. You can choose what suits you and your customers the best and what aligns with your budget. Remember, customer appreciation doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune; even small gestures can have a significant impact.

Excellent customer service is one of the most powerful ways to show appreciation. To enhance your customer service capabilities, try the 30-day free trial from LiveAgent, a robust customer service software designed to help you deliver exceptional service.