Strong customer relationships matter. Research shows clients who feel like they have a strong relationship with a brand are more likely to do repeat business and refer others. And all good relationships are built on trust. Clients who trust your organization buy more frequently, stay customers longer and help drive business growth. As the gratitude season approaches, it’s the perfect time to use creative client gifts to build trust, grow relationships and show appreciation to your most loyal patrons. From personalized keepsakes to exclusive experiences, these memorable thank-you gift ideas are sure to make a long-lasting impression.
1. Mark milestones
Is a customer anniversary approaching? Or did you just close a big project or sale? Commemorate the milestone with a custom book that celebrates the journey. Include customer photos, team member testimonials and project success stories. Write a personal note on the inside cover, and insert a bookmark for an added touch. Present their meaningful gift over brunch, or mail it with an invitation to open their gift over a virtual cup of coffee.
2. Get personal
Personalization is no longer a luxury. Seventy-one percent of consumers expect personalized interactions from brands. And companies that get personalization right generate 40% more revenue than those that don’t.
When selecting thank-you gifts for clients, be sure to add a personal touch. Is a long-time customer moving into a new workspace or home? Help them settle in by sending a special surprise. For a new workspace, send a package that includes a plush lumbar pillow, ergo mouse pad and wireless mouse.
For their new home, choose a housewarming gift to warm them inside and out. This rustic throw blanket is downright luxurious. And a mug gift set is a classy gift that they’ll enjoy for years to come. Include ingredients for a Moscow mule mocktail plus an invitation to join your team for a celebratory toast.
3. Celebrate achievements
Take every opportunity to celebrate achievements. Doing so not only reinforces important lessons learned throughout the journey, but it can also strengthen relationships with the team members who make those achievements happen.
Did you just help a client launch a new product or service line? Celebrate the accomplishment by sending a handwritten note congratulating them on their achievement. Include a set of branded flutes and a bottle of something bubbly.
Did a customer recently experience major company growth? Congratulate them by sending their entire team wireless charging stands and true wireless ear buds. They’ll appreciate the thoughtful gifts and be reminded of your sentiment every time they use them.
4. Elevate VIP status
The top 10% of clients spend between 10 and 25 times that of an average customer. What’s more, those VIPs are responsible for 20% to 50% of company revenue.
Celebrate your top customers by throwing an invitation-only appreciation event. Host a dinner with entertainment, like a local musician, comedian or speaker. At each setting, place a high-end tumbler stuffed with chocolate squares. Top off the night by giving each attendee a members-only Nike® fleece pullover imprinted with a special VIP logo. What a great reminder of how important they are to your business!
5. Brew success
In today’s digital age, relationships transcend geographical boundaries thanks to the many tools available to connect online. Arrange virtual coffee meetings with industry experts. Invite your clients to join these exclusive sessions, providing them with unique networking opportunities and insights from experts in their field. To ensure they’re ready to go, send participants a trendy bamboo coffee mug and gift card to a local coffee shop.
6. Create a give-give situation
Express gratitude for a significant contract by donating to a charity in your client’s name. Send them a certificate holder with certificate that mentions the impact of the contribution. Include a QR code that leads them to a personalized thank-you video from your team and, if possible, the beneficiaries of the donation.
Forge business bonds
Boost loyalty, inspire more referrals and drive higher revenue by using these creative client gift ideas to show customers how thankful you are.