But what are the best ways to say thanks? And can it be done on a budget when time and resources are limited? Here are eight easy ways to say thank you to your best clients.
A digital ‘thank you.’ What better way to thank a client or someone who refers you businesses than to do it publically? By thanking them on a social media platform, like Facebook or LinkedIn, it allows them to use it as a recommendation for their own business in a variety of ways. Referring business is the ultimate thank you. You can also thank your clients throughout the year by creating a weekly or monthly client spotlight on social media or your website to say thank you. All people like recognition and you will be showcasing their business, all while reinforcing they are important to your success.
I just called to say ‘thank you.’ A phone call to specifically say thank you, and nothing else, can leave a lasting impact. People might not remember who they got the gift card or thank you basket from, but they will remember the personal touch of a sincere phone call.
The traditional hand-written thank you card. You might not always have the time for every client, but a personalized, hand-written note or card is still a great way to let clients know they matter. The more personal, the better, and they stand out over email. Try including a discount offer, a gift card, or something unique like a $2 bill.
Just have fun with it. There are many ways to make your thank you memorable. Utilize freelance creative resources to come up with fun ways to say thanks. You could say thank you through creative videos, stage a photo holding up a big card somewhere memorable, or make a $1 million bill. You can pass along promotional items or freebies to give clients that might create a unique experience.
Remember life events and client anniversaries. Get to know your clients well enough to acknowledge when they are getting married, having a baby, or having any other major life event. A simple note will do. Also track the day your client first started doing business with you and recognize them on that day.
Donate to a charity on behalf of your client. Use the resources you would normally direct toward thanking clients and create a fund to donate to a local charity to benefit the community. Let your clients know they were an important part of doing something good to benefit others.
Host a customer appreciation event. Consider hosting a special face-to-face event for all of your clients to specifically say thank you for their business. This will also give them a chance to get to know your employees and all of the people behind the scenes. It shows your appreciation, as well as interest in long-term relationships.