Customer appreciation is an important yet underrated aspect of running a business. The Holiday season provides the perfect opportunity to show your customers how much you value them. A small and meaningful gesture in the coming weeks not only boosts your customer retention, it also provides a highly effective boost to your marketing efforts.

It Doesn’t Need to Be Expensive

The Holidays are a time of giving and everyone loves to receive a gift. However, when you’re a small business owner operating on a budget, the benefits of meaningful gestures must be carefully balanced against the financial implications. Luckily, there are many cost-effective ways you can show this appreciation.

Let’s take the example of a gift card. If you offer a gift card to customers for 10-15% off their next purchase, it will only cost you if the customer comes back to make another purchase. You’ve built brand loyalty with this simple act, encouraging return customers and increasing your revenue.

With some creative thinking you can spread good will, boost your marketing, and prompt repeat customers – all without breaking your budget.

Here are some simple and cost-effective ways to show appreciation to your customers this Holiday season.

Personalized Holiday Greetings Cards

We’ve never had more ways to communicate with each other. Though we are digitally connected, the art of handwritten correspondence is becoming all too rare. Consider sending a hand-written Holiday greeting card to your customers and have your team members sign the card. This thoughtful and hands-on gesture is one your customers will remember.

Be Inclusive

The Holidays are more than just Christmas. In fact, many Canadians don’t celebrate the occasion. In your Holiday marketing remember to be inclusive of all of your customers, sticking to broad terms like “Happy Holidays” in your marketing collateral. This simple, inclusive gesture will show all your customers they are welcome at your business.

Offer Discounts and Deals

Many businesses have an outdated view regarding sales. They’re viewed as something that should only be offered in certain windows – Black Friday, Boxing Day, end of season sales etc. – but the Holidays is a perfect time to deploy discounts and deals. Customers have money to spend each Holiday season, and tempting them in with a discount or deal can tip the scales in the favour of your business. It doesn’t need to be a store-wide discount either. Use your eNewsletter or social media accounts to offer a discount code to your most loyal customers. Or, discount some products you may be over-stocked in.

Offer Delivery Options

Despite our best hopes, the pandemic continues to linger across Canada. Many customers aren’t comfortable shopping in person yet, and businesses that make an effort to cater to them are reaping the rewards. Examine how your business can offer a delivery service, or take this opportunity to offer products online through your website. Making your business as accessible as possible not only shows your customers you care; it also serves to widen your sales funnel.

Host a Holiday Open House

Conversely, many customers are eager for a return to normality. Creating an event in your space, like a Holiday Open House, will entice a crowd to your store, while also boosting your sales and showing customer appreciation. This event can be hosted during your regular store hours or as a special event. Consider providing music, drinks/snacks, discounts and raffles. It’s a great way to interact with your customers and get to know them in a fun setting. Consider asking participants to wear face masks, and be mindful of the COVID-19 regulations currently in operation across BC.

Create a Personalized Business Calendar

With the New Year just around the corner, calendars are another great gift option. While regular-saddle stitched book-style calendars are appreciated, you can also print them on something as small as a fridge magnet.

Either way, a top-quality calendar will provide reminder of your company’s goodwill throughout the year.

Prepare for the Holidays with Small Business BC

Is your business ready to make the most of the busy Holiday sales period? At Small Business BC, we’ve got a range of live business webinars, free resource downloads, and one-on-one business advice to help optimize every aspect of your small business.