In this article, we will review 5 affordable ideas local business owners can use to surprise their customers and make them feel special.
Finding meaningful ways to create connections with local customers has become increasingly important in recent years. The growth of digital technology and the constant push for efficiency, have created a wave of impersonal customer service.
This is something local businesses who know how to connect with customers can leverage in their favor.
1. Writing Thoughtful Handwritten Notes
In these times of never-ending digital connectivity, most people appreciate a dose of “old school human touch.” You would be surprised at how far a thoughtful handwritten note can go. It is so simple and unexpected, that most people truly appreciate it.
The important thing here is to show your customers that you care about them. So, whenever possible; write something that is meaningful to them. If you know the puppy of a customer was sick because she told when she visited your store recently. You could get a tennis ball and add a handwritten note that says something like: “Your puppy will need one of these soon. Hope “smoochie” is feeling better. Have an awesome week!”
Alternatively, you could also send greeting cards with handwritten notes on special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries to let your customers know how important they are to your business.
2. Share Useful advice and Expertise
Helping your customers with advice and ideas is a great way to add value and leverage your unique skills and expertise. By asking questions and carefully listening to the challenges your customers face, you will be able to come up with creative solutions and suggestions they would have never thought about on their own.
Be a “growth associate” or their “awesomeness coach” instead of just a trusted supplier. By being open and generous with your creativity and ideas, you are more likely to create a bond that encourages honest word of mouth recommendations; the best possible kind of marketing on the planet.
3. Make the most of Feedback, and surprise your Customers
We have all seen those old suggestion boxes that nobody seems to care about. Most businesses, don’t encourage customers to share feedback, but it is one of the most powerful ways to learn from your customers and create connections by empowering them to be a part of your team.
Instead of just having the old “dusty suggestion box” in a corner, ask customers for their feedback and encourage it by giving them coupons or discounts when they submit their opinion. If someone has a complaint or an idea, make sure to follow up and let the person who made the suggestion know about the actions that are taking place thanks to his or her comment, or how his or her idea will be implemented.
By letting your customers know that you listen and that you value their ideas, you will make them feel valued and appreciated as your business continues to improve thanks to ongoing feedback.
4. Send Thoughtful Gifts (Edible gifts are allowed!)
You could also surprise your frequent customers by sending a thoughtful gift. Although there are many kinds of gift ideas you can explore, homemade edible gifts are always appreciated. Just make sure you are up to date with the dietary preferences of your customers. If someone is a vegan, make sure to keep that in mind so they know how important they are to your business. You could also get affordable and thoughtful promotional items as giveaways your customers can take home. For example, if you had a store that sells outdoor cooking supplies, you could get stubby holders with clever phrases printed on them such as “Life is better with a Cold Beverage in your Hand” and give them away to customers who buy an outdoor grill.
This is also a great excuse to get to know your customers and ask them about the things they like. Try to learn a little about their personal tastes, such as favorite tea, chocolates, coffee or treats so you can make your gifts even more special.
5. Stay in touch with your Customers
Make an extra effort to learn the names of your frequent customers and find out a little about their lives so you can think of other thoughtful ideas to show your appreciation and let them know how important they are. Even if you don’t send them a gift right away, they will feel welcomed and will appreciate your interest.
In the end, local businesses rely on human connections, and finding creative ways to surprise your customers and keep the spark alive can become a competitive advantage that fuels word-of-mouth recommendations for years to come. It’s all about letting people know that you care about them, and finding creative ways to show them how important they are to your business.
How about you? What other ideas would you consider to let your customers know that you care about them?
