7 Special Ways to Say Thanks to Your Customers This Holiday Season

As the holiday season closes, it’s time to start thinking about how to show gratitude to the wonderful clients supporting your business this year. Taking the time to tell your customers how much you appreciate them helps spread the seasonal cheer and lets them know that you value them as more than just a transaction. After all–your business wouldn’t be possible without their continued support and loyalty. A small investment to show your thanks can lead to long-term success. From a classic thank-you note to a holiday block party, here are seven unique ways to say ‘thank you’ to your customers this holiday season:

Handwrite Thank-You Notes

Handwritten notes are an affordable, simple, and timeless way to let your customers know you care. In an increasingly digital business world, they also give your clients a break from the bombardment of customer appreciation emails they’re getting this time of year. Add a personal touch by writing your notes on branded paper, creative stationery, or postcards (and why not use branded envelopes, too?). Besides making your customers feel extra special, this small gesture can help boost brand recognition and ensure you’re at the front of their minds next time they’re in the market for your products or services.

Hold a Giveaway

Who doesn’t love free stuff around the holiday season (or any season)? Give your customers a reason to engage with your business by holding a giveaway for gift cards, free merchandise or services, or a holiday-themed gift bag. You can also create swag bags of branded items, like pens, coffee mugs, hand sanitizer, stickers, or even frisbees, which have the bonus of providing ongoing advertising. There are several ways to give customers a way to enter your contest, from offering raffle tickets with every purchase to giving entries to customers who sign up for your newsletter or follow the business on social media.

Give a Shoutout on Social Media

Tell the world how awesome your customers are by giving them a shoutout on social media. Whether it’s a general post expressing your gratitude for all of your customers or a campaign highlighting a new customer each week, showcasing your appreciation on social media makes your current customers feel special while engaging potential new customers. The best part about going this route is you can tag your customers and have them share your post, which helps you reach a larger audience. (Connect with us on social too! Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.)

Host a Customer Appreciation Week Sale

We all know that money gets tight around the holiday season, so give customers a reason to choose your business over the others. You can print flyers and post them on social media to get the word out about your Customer Appreciation Week and hold a new sale or event each day of the week. You can get as creative or straightforward as you wish, from discounting a different item daily to rewarding customers for liking your social media post with a gift.

Throw a Holiday Open House

Throwing a party is a great way to strengthen your presence in the local community, build relationships with your customers, and give people a reason to stop by or get to know your business. Make it a classy affair and print out invitations or post on social media or flyers around town to get the word out. Hot apple cider, donuts, and warm fires will get people outside and mingling if it's chilly. If it’s more generous, hire a local band or set up lawn games to inspire conversations and community fun.

Send Out a Gift

We’ve already mentioned that customers love gifts, and that’s even more true when it’s something they’ll use. Try designing a calendar based on your products and services, something meaningful to the local community, or even your employees’ pets (who doesn’t love a good cat photo to welcome in the New Year?). Another idea is to create a photobook showcasing your customers at a local event or engaging with your business. The possibilities are endless as long as they bring value to your customers and show you care.

Pay It Forward

The holiday season is about giving to those in need, so why not donate to a local organization for your customers? Give clients the option of a few different charities to which they can contribute a percentage of their purchase or choose one good cause and commit to donating a portion of your business’s profits. Not only does this give your customers a reason to feel good when working with you, but you’ll also be helping non-profit organizations that support the community thrive.

It’s never too early to start planning for the holidays.