3 Ways to Give Back to Your Customers During the Holidays | TTG

3 Ways To Reward Customer Loyalty & Build Relationships This Holiday Season

3 Ways To Reward Customer Loyalty & Build Relationships This Holiday Season

Originally Published in November 2020. Updated October 2021.

Key Takeaways:

– Holiday shopping habits and plans have changed once again.

– With buyers planning to buy more and spend more for the 2021 holiday season, customer incentives and loyalty rewards should be part of your marketing plan.

– Relationships built during the holidays can produce customer loyalty year round.

Last year, we couldn’t wait to hit 2020 with the door on the way out.

It has been a wild ride filled with so many ups and downs. But amidst all the heartache, drama, fear-mongering, and uncertainty, there’s one thing we’ve been consistently grateful for since the pandemic turned the world on its head: loyal customers.

They’re the reason why most small businesses are standing tall amidst these chaotic times— as their steadfast support has helped many-a-business navigate through the 2020/2021 storm.

And 2021 is shaping up to have an optimistic end. Customers are planning to spend more in 2021 than they did in 2020 when it comes to holiday shopping. Not only are they ready to shell out more cash, they are also planning on buying more gifts this year since they’ll be able to gather with family and friends for the holidays this time around. 

But where will they shop? We need to be thinking about ways to reward and maintain long-time customer loyalty, as well as ways to promote loyalty among new customers. Fortunately, the holiday season is just around the corner, and so there’s no time like the present to step into the spirit of giving. Here are 3 things you can do this holiday season to reward customer loyalty and continue building relationships for your business:

29% of U.S. consumers plan to spend more on holiday shopping than they did last year, and one-third of consumers plan to buy more gifts because they will be seeing family and friends over the holidays.

– Holiday Trends Report from The NPD Group 2021

1. Exclusive Promo Codes for Loyal Customers

Whether your customers are online, in-store, or everywhere in between, exclusive promo codes are an excellent way to reward consumer loyalty. Design exclusive offers, drop them in your marketing emails and send them to segmented lists of high-spend customers to use during the holidays. You can also create sign-up campaigns or utilize landing pages to help get the word out. No matter which route you decide to take, sharing an exclusive promo code is the perfect way to say “thank you” to loyal customers and show them how much you care!

2. Holiday Cards & Gifts

Another way to show appreciation for your customers and strengthen customer loyalty this holiday season is to send out gifts and cards. Think small, “stocking stuffer” type gifts you can put your logo on—like branded pens, keychains, notepads, or other essentials that promote brand awareness. Handwritten “thank you” cards and notes can also pack a mean punch in terms of showing your sincere appreciation for your customers.

3. Early Access to New Products or Services

Finally, a great way to express gratitude and appreciation to loyal customers is to provide them with early, exclusive access to new goods and services! The “exclusivity effect” does wonders for creating product and service demand. Communicating to loyal customers that they are among the first and few to experience something new from your brand will automatically boost perceived value, and increase consumer desire for the item or service as a result. It’s truly a win-win that works to promote your business and retain your customers!


Looking for More Holiday Marketing Tips?

When it’s time for the giving season, it can feel like a complete whirlwind. You’re trying to get deals and products organized for your customers, all while fielding more phone calls and online inquiries from them too. Create a strategy you can confidently execute with these training sessions designed to get retailers ready for the holidays.

Need Help Brainstorming Ideas to Show Customer Appreciation This Holiday Season?

Reach out to one of our Marketing Mentors today. They’ll be happy to guide you through.

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