Cupcake Thank You Cards

One of the biggest mistakes a company can make is to invest the majority of marketing efforts to attract new customers and existing customers to forget. Your current and past clients are the foundation of your business because without them, your business would not exist. It also costs more to acquire a new customer costs to generate business from an existing customer.

Showing appreciation for your customers can differentiate yourself from your competition, increase loyalty, improve retention, inspire the sales and even build relationships that last a lifetime. Reach out to your customers is also an opportunity to remind them that your business exists. Effective marketing is based on repeated exposure and to show appreciation is an affordable and effective way to keep your wheels in motion marketing.

A note of caution: some companies and industries have strict guidelines about accepting gifts. This is especially true of media professionals and government employees. Donations can be interpreted as bribes so when in doubt, ask your customers if such policies exist or stick to sending items without cash value.

Here are strategies for customer appreciation that can help you cultivate customer loyalty.

1. Greeting Cards

The Guinness Book of World Records lists Joe Girard, a car salesman from Detroit, as the best seller in the world. Girard earned the honor by selling 18 cars in one day. One of his secrets to success is to send 12 cards per year for each client and prospect. There are dozens of major and minor festivals throughout the year and each provides an excellent reason to send a card.

2. Personal notes

Thoughtful and unexpected thank you notes can be sent after client meetings, following a purchase or every time a customer has done something that deserves some recognition. While sending an e-mail can be quick and easy, you will make a better impression by sending a note in the mail.

3. Invitations

While it is important to recognize that all your customers, it is equally important to pay extra attention to your best customers. Spend time together outside the office gives you a chance to cultivate the relationship by getting to know each other better (worldwide sales, this is called the "face time"). Consider inviting your contacts up and lunch, dinner, sporting events, charity functions and other events where you can spend time together.

4. Small gifts

Flowers, books, a cup full of candy and other items can make token donations reflected to customers. These can be sent on special occasions like birthdays, holidays or birthdays, or can be sent for no other reason than to show your gratitude.

5. Food

Everyone loves food. Plan to send cookies from your local bakery, providing a meal catered to your client's office or drop a tray of cookies.

6. Gift Cards

Sending gift cards articles or sites of your customers can enjoy an additional advantage: they will think of you when the time comes to redeem the gift! Options include cafes, restaurants, cinemas, libraries, office supplies or anything else your customers would appreciate. For extra mileage, consider partnering with another company and send gift cards from each other.

7. Referral rewards

The best compliment you can receive is a reference to your business. This gesture deserves recognition as a thank you note, discounts on services or gift card small. Always recognize when a client sends business your way.

8. Reverse Referrals

If your clients are business owners, finding ways to refer business t.