After tens of thousands of conversations with business owners, we’ve concluded that one of the key determinants between thriving and struggling businesses is how appreciated customers feel. While that insight might seem fairly commonplace, what’s rare is discussion on how business owners go about making their customers feel appreciated. So, we reached out to some of the most loved and admired entrepreneurs and small business owners in the community and asked them to open up about how they show appreciation to their customers.

KP

At Inkpot Creative, one thing that we absolutely value the most is the customer experience. We always want a client to know how well appreciated they are from the second they reach out. We have a really set-in-stone process that we use for each of our project types, and of course, each one also includes sending a client appreciation gift right after a client signs their contract to work with us. Read more>>

Danny Star

Sometimes we like to give out extra perks and add-ons to some of our clients that have been loyal and with us for a long time. It’s our way of acknowledging them that we appreciate them and want to continue to helping them grow. An example would be to start a Tik Tok campaign for them. We’ll even get models and actors and actresses to talk on their behalf or show off their product. Another thing could be shooting some new photos, or creating new art for them. We decide on what to give our based on what will implement itself well into the overall strategy of what we’re trying to do, which is to help clients reach their stated goals. Read more>>

Melanie Hernandez

When owning a small growing business, you quickly learn that your clientele is what is going to keep you busy. They are part of the foundation when it comes to starting a business, especially in the beauty industry. I could go on to say that just like any other job when working with the public, you will learn that the customer is always right (to a certain extent and only in some cases). Now although it may not always be the case, I have always told myself that you get what you give. Read more>>

Arleshia Murphy

Customers are important to any business in order for it to succeed. My goal is to make a sweet impression to all of my customers especially the new ones who support my business. A happy customer may be more likely to not only come back but to also spread the word about my business. Everyone likes to feel valued. In the past and recently, I have given my customers personalized customer appreciation gifts like keychains, mini flashlights, reusable shopping bags, pens and tumbler cups. Read more>>

Mandy Lile

“Giving back is what I am all about. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the amazing community in which I came from. At Potency No. 710 I am always gifting and giving back to my customers and to the community I live in and the one I came from. Whether it is exclusive offers on products, awesome, sexy swag, free products/samples, or simply a feather packaged with good intentions, I like to make all of my customers feel appreciated and loved, because they are! I also love to always include handwritten notes in packages, many of which are hand packaged by yours truly. Read more>>

Oprah Stephens

As a photographer word of mouth is EVERYTHING. This means that I put in the work to make sure that every client feels comfortable with me. My work before the shoot involves making sure my clients list of things to worry about is minimal. I use my resources and knowledge to prep them as much as possible. After a shoot I follow up with a hand written note and a discount code for future bookings and referrals. Read more>>

Penny Chevalley

I truly believe that all our clients really need to feel appreciated is good communication. You’d be surprised how many times I get response emails like “Thank you for responding so quickly”, or “I appreciate that you always get back to me with clear answers to any questions I have”. I’ve learned in a decade as an owner and entrepreneur that most clients and customers really just want to be heard. Read more>>

Jennifer Fidder

Working in a field where you spend a significant amount of time with your clients (sometimes years) I find it’s important to pay attention to the “little things”. Remember your client’s child’s name, when their birthday is, where they went on vacation, etc. This shows that you care and that you are really interested in their lives. I will also occasionally send out small gifts just to let them know I am thinking of them. The more I know about my client, the more personalized these gifts can be. Read more>>

Lomiekia Messam

I know most business owners may already know this, but without our customers we would have no business. My customers are my business. So my job and goal is to show them consistency. I owe it to them because that’s one of the main reasons they hired me in the first place (they saw in my work). My consistency in my work has allowed me to gain my clients trust. Once a client trust you, they become comfortable with you and once they’re comfortable with you, you because “theirs’. Over the years many of my clients have deemed me as “their” photographer. And let me just say, there’s no greater feeling than hearing a client claim you are “their go to photographer”. Read more>>

Olamide “Lammy” Sokunbi

The best thing I’ve ever done to show a customer I appreciate them is making sure that I give them the best customer service. For example, I always make sure I let my clients know when I ship out items and if there is a delay, I always make sure to communicate that to them. I say this because making sure that your clients have a have a great experience with your business, can go a long way. Something as simple as writing a thank you note, to me is super important and adds to the experience. Read more>>