Ways to Express Gratitude (Without Always Saying “Thank You”)
By Gaye Swan
November is traditionally the month for feasts, family, friends, and (at my house anyway) football. But the month of Thanksgiving is not only a time for indulging in turkey and pumpkin pie, it's also an excellent time for businesses to express gratitude to their clients. While a simple and sincere “thank you” will never go out of style, here are some creative and tangible ways to make your marketing message stand out – and make sure your clients feel valued during the holiday season.
Get Creative: Say Thanks Without Saying “Thanks”
Let’s face it – during the holidays, especially Thanksgiving, everyone is eager to thank their clients! How can you keep from sounding repetitive, boring, and just like everyone else? Give these classic and professional phases a try:
We appreciate you!
We are truly grateful for the opportunity to serve you.
Your business is invaluable to us.
Your trust in us is our greatest reward.
We wouldn’t be here without you!
Our clients are the cornerstone of our success.
We’re touched by your faith in us.
Your support means the world to us.
For a more lighthearted approach, consider:
You’re the best!
You make our day.
Your business keeps us smiling from ear to ear.
Working with you is a dream come true.
We are your biggest fans!
We’ve enjoyed every minute of working with you.
Get Tangible: Say Thanks Without Saying Anything at All
I exaggerate a little. You will still want to say “thank you” or use one of the phrases I’ve suggested above. However, you can make your gratitude a little more tangible with these ideas:
Offer your clients an exclusive discount or promotion to express your gratitude AND encourage repeat business. Consider creating special Thanksgiving-themed promotions to make your offer timely and fun.
Offering a free consultation is a proactive way to say thanks, demonstrate your expertise, and show your commitment to your clients’ growth.
Surprise your clients with thoughtful gifts that reflect the spirit of the holidays. Branded merchandise or gift baskets filled with seasonal goodies are lovely ideas; just be sure to show your clients that you've put thought into their gifts to make them feel genuinely appreciated.
Handwritten notes are a great idea any time of year. A thank you note is a thoughtful, timeless gesture that conveys a personal touch.
Share success stories that involve your clients on social media or in your newsletter. Highlight how your collaboration has positively impacted their businesses. This has the added benefit of showcasing your own expertise and experience!
Spotlight your client on your website, social media, or newsletter. Share their success stories, and highlight how much you appreciate working with them.. This is a good idea any time of year – consider making it a blog series, monthly social media post, or newsletter feature.
If you have the budget, host a Thanksgiving-themed client appreciation event. Invite your clients to a fun gathering to interact with your team and fellow clients. It's a great way to foster a sense of community and express your gratitude!
While the phrase "thank you" remains a powerful expression of gratitude, taking creative and tangible approaches to say thanks can further strengthen your client relationships. Thanksgiving is the ideal time to show appreciation. By implementing these ideas, you'll make your clients feel valued and cherished, ensuring a deeper and more lasting connection. So, this holiday season, go beyond mere words and take action to express your gratitude in unique and unforgettable ways!
