8 Evergreen Customer Appreciation Ideas for Online Stores

6 min read

People love to be appreciated for the things they do. Whether it’s a big gesture or a few simple words, making the effort to express your gratitude can go a long way. That’s why it’s so important for businesses to show customer appreciation on a regular basis.

Now more than ever, businesses need to focus on relationship building. Showing appreciation in creative and consistent ways ensures that customers will keep coming back.

So, here are 8 customer appreciation ideas that will help you with this task.

1. Keep It Simple

Showing appreciation doesn’t need to be expensive. Sometimes small gestures can make a huge difference. This is particularly true when it comes to customer service.

Whether you are assisting a customer in-store, online, or on the phone, bring a positive attitude. Greeting customers with presence and kindness helps them feel valued and appreciated.

Even if potential customers do not buy anything, they will remember you. This ensures that the next time they need a product you offer, they will consider your business.

2. Give Out “Thank You” Notes

Giving out “thank you” notes is a low-cost, simple gesture to keep customers coming back. This can be done in-store or by mail depending on your particular business. You can put the note in their shopping bag or slip it into their box.

Short, handwritten notes thanking customers for their business can leave a warm imprint in their minds. Typed letters may also work, but it’s important for the gesture to feel personal.

While this may not always be easy, try to be specific to that particular person. When people are viewed as individuals, they are more likely to feel seen and appreciated.

3. Share Advice and Wisdom

Appreciation can be shown in many different ways. One way to express your gratitude is by offering expert tips and tricks of the trade.

For instance, if your business sells dog food, you can point customers in the direction of a great local veterinarian. You can also tell them about dog parks in the area.

By sharing your advice and wisdom, you are showing the customer you care. While this may not be a direct “thank you,” it is a fantastic way to spark new long-lasting relationships.

4. Reward Loyal Customers

Who doesn’t like to save money! Another way to show love to customers is by rewarding them for their purchase.

Emailing discount codes is a nice way to say “thank you” to recurring customers. You can even establish consistent customer appreciation days each year, sending codes quarterly.

Loyal customers are far more likely to buy more than new customers. Discount codes for loyal customers can be a great way to grow business and relationships at the same time.

5. Shout Out New and Loyal Customers on Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool for businesses. It gives you a platform to find new clientele, build a brand, and maintain connections. Depending on your particular business, shouting out customers may look different.

You can share their story on your platform, tag them in a post, or even DM them thanking them directly. You can also post customer appreciation quotes for special individuals supporting your business.

No matter how big your business is, everyone loves public appreciation!

6. Offer Free Stuff

Offering customers free stuff can be a fantastic tool for brand growth. For instance, offering t-shirts, hats, water bottles, pens, or stickers with your company’s information can spread the word.

Not to mention, everyone loves free stuff! You can even offer higher quality stuff to those who have shown years of loyalty.

7. Throw Appreciation Events for Customers

Throwing an appreciation event might turn a newer customer into a lifelong customer.

While a customer appreciation event might be too expensive for some, it can potentially boost sales exponentially. Appreciation events make loyal customers feel special, allowing them to be the focus of the party.

At these events, you can offer food, fun activities, and free goodies for the road. You can also present new, unreleased items or services and encourage them to show them off on their social media (i.e. influencers).

8. Support Other Businesses

Most businesses rely on other companies to thrive. After all, no one can create a product all by themselves.

A great way to build partnerships and customers is to cross-promote. By shouting out other local businesses that have helped you grow, you are building relationships with people associated with those businesses.

This may bring in new customers that support those businesses as well.

Build a Successful Business with Ecwid

The business world is more competitive than ever. As the industry continues to evolve, business owners need to evolve along with it. At Ecwid, we know what it takes to amplify and expand your business effectively and efficiently.

Rather than overextending on all of the behind-the-scenes stuff, Ecwid frees you up to focus on creating the best product possible. At the end of the day, no single person can handle all the responsibilities of a growing business.

At Ecwid, we’re here to set you up for success.

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Feb 20, 2024

About the author

Max has been working in the ecommerce industry for the last six years helping brands to establish and level-up content marketing and SEO. Despite that, he has experience with entrepreneurship. He is a fiction writer in his free time.