As we approach Christmas, small but thoughtful acts of kindness could make a lasting impression when the world returns to normality in January. No matter what service or product you provide, there are a variety of quick and easy ways to encourage your customers to come back and buy from you again in the New Year.
Here are some tips that could help increase loyalty and sales:
1.Send a specially designed Christmas card
Personalised Christmas cards are an ideal way to say thanks to your customers for their business. It makes customers feel appreciated and not just ‘another sale’, especially if it was a highly involved purchase where you built a personal relationship.
- Give Customers small gifts
Thank your customers for spending their time and money on you by sending them free gifts over Christmas. HMRC classes some gifts, such as a bottle of wine, chocolates, or a Christmas pudding as ‘trivial’ and therefore tax free, if the cost of the items does not exceed the threshold. Spending less than £50 on these gifts means there is no unexpected tax bill in the New Year.
3.Run promotional activities for a limited period.
Although it is difficult to compete with larger competitors, there are always small incentives that could influence the buying decision. If you own a shop, offer a free gift wrapping service for purchases over a specified amount. If you run a garage, throw in a free oil and water change or tyre pressure check for customers spending a certain amount.
4. Put an offer on a daily deals voucher code site
Around Christmas when people are looking for cheaper, more unique presents, voucher code websites could provide the answer. Be sure you can afford to provide the deal that you are offering, as they will often sell out and many small businesses have come unstuck treating it as cheap marketing that backfires badly.
- Reward your loyal customers
It’s more common to see businesses offer great introductory rates to new customers. Make sure that you don’t forget those customers that have stayed with you through the year leading up to Christmas. A tiered loyalty programme will cater for all of your customers. Offer new customers initial benefits, but increase the value of them as they continue to purchase with you. Standard schemes and cards will offer new customers the same as loyal ones, but a tiered scheme can be viewed as an attainable goal.
- Order branded gifts customers can use
The more personal the gifts, the more likely it is that customers will remember that it was your business that sent it. You can send them branded goods, but choose carefully as while fridge magnets, coasters and pens with your logo on may appeal to some, other may deem your gift worthless clutter.
Of course a simple courtesy phone call to your customers to say thank you for your business works wonders too!!
By Janette Whitney ACIB MCMI of Award Winning Business Consultants, Janette Whitney & Associates
Need help with driving up your sales or planning for 2014? Then contact Janette on 01403 733671 or visit www.whitneyassocs.co.uk for more information.
