How to: Create a Business you Love through Customer Appreciation

 I bet you’ve heard this before…

(Highlight any sentence to click and tweet!)

“You need to surprise and delight your customers!” You understand how to execute customer appreciation IRL (in real life) but are less sure of how to execute it through social media. You understand the “why” – but the “how” is a bit fuzzier. Going that extra step with engaging and acknowledging your customers makes them feel special and shows you’re paying attention. More than that – it shows you have a clearly defined ideal client and you know how to reach them.  Use this mini-guide to get you on the road to customer appreciation rock star! If you want more guidance check out this webinar: How to Love on Your People Through Social Media.

 

Use your tools!

Social media is quick and can be hard to keep track of. Keep track of your clients using a social CRM. (Check out a list here. I use Nimble.) When you use a social CRM you can keep track of their comings and goings online while also making notes about your last meeting. It is the best place to create a full picture of your client and what’s important to them.

Use the features of social media platforms. Have you created your Twitter List? What about tagging in LinkedIn? Following people on Facebook? These are all great way to keep up with your customers. One you set up your systems – they become an invaluable tool in providing you insight.

As an added bonus, if you keep detailed enough notes, you might be able to see trends and preferences among your ideal client. Another way to use business data to your advantage.

 

Make it a habit.

Acknowledge a client once a week. Share their accomplishments or triumphs with the world. It shows you’re paying attention and you care.

As an added bonus, create a 30-day challenge for yourself and see what happens. By acknowledging one customer a day the momentum you gain – both in understanding your customers and engaging with them will be invaluable.

 
 
 

Get creative.

Maybe you’re an artist. Why not create an exclusive “Awesome client” digital background they can download through a special link you send them? Or, you can share a 15 min wardrobe “Pick me up” if you own a boutique. The important thing is you’re providing extra value and making your customers feel appreciated.  Customer appreciation is about understanding what motivates your customers and what makes them smile. It doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated – it has to be thoughtful and tied to the core of your brand.
 
Creating a business you love through customer appreciation is not the quick way. But, it is the raving fan way. If your customers know how much they mean to you they become loyal. Loyal customers are like a de facto sales force. They answer your surveys, share your content, and promote your business. Social media is a digitized word of mouth. By sharing some love with your customers you remind them why they are loyal and prompt them to share that love. Create a business you love by using customer appreciation to spread the love. Don’t forget to register for the webinar.

 

How have you shown customer appreciation?

(If anyone wants to take the 30 day challenge with me I’m game!)