Appreciation Marketing

Everyone likes to feel appreciated. That's especially true when it comes to your customers. Appreciation marketing can help you develop lasting relationships and make customers think of you the next time they're ready to purchase. Here are a few ways to show customers your appreciation:

• Send a hand-written thank you card every time someone does business with you.


• Reward repeat customers with special deals, exclusive discounts, and coupons.


• Send holiday, birthday, or anniversary cards. These simple, pressure-free greetings will help increase top-of-mind awareness throughout the year.


• Offer useful information and helpful tips to educate customers and promote your expertise via blogs, newsletters, social media, and the like.


• Invite customers to an exclusive appreciation event designed for existing customers.


• Collaborate with non-competitive local businesses to create a coupon book or discount program across a range of industries.


• Create a customer loyalty program, such as a loyalty punch card, upgrade offers, or cash rewards after reaching a specific purchase level.


• Respond quickly to customer questions or requests, and follow-up to be sure all questions were thoroughly answered.


• Ask for customer feedback in the form of surveys and response cards.


• Send out a voucher or postcard for a free gift, redeemable at your business.


• Send discounts and coupons "just because" to thank customers for their business.


• Include statement stuffer coupons with bills not only as a thank you but also to encourage customers to make additional future purchases.

If you're interested in any of the above print marketing ideas or need help brainstorming the perfect promo to show customers your appreciation, our creative team is eager to help. Give us a call today!

Bounce 'Em Back to Your Site

After all your work hard and marketing efforts enticing prospects to visit your website, it can be frustrating to see high bounce rates. Bounce rate is an Internet marketing term that represents the percentage of visitors who enter your website and bounce -- or leave the site -- rather than continuing to view other pages within your site or complete a desired action.

Here are a few common website mistakes that are often responsible for driving away potential customers:

• The basics. An unattractive design, spelling errors, broken links, images that take forever to load, and other annoyances will quickly cause visitors to lose trust and confidence in your business.


• Poor navigation. If visitors can't tell where they are, where to click next, or how to get back to your homepage, they will likely just exit.


• Complicated, lengthy web pages. Instead, provide information that is brief and organized with headlines and sub-headings, bulleted lists, and short paragraphs.


• Too many distractions. Popup ads, flashing information, and similar devices can easily frustrate or lead visitors away from your site.


• Dated content. How will visitors know if anything is the latest and greatest information if you don't take the time to update key areas on your website?


• Music or sound effects. These are not only annoying, but also embarrassing for visitors viewing your site from a public place. Users will likely close out of your site as quickly as possible.


• No contact information. While a "contact us" form is helpful, your website should also include your telephone number and physical address. The more contact information you include, the more visitors will be reassured you are legit.


• Asking too many questions. Requiring too much information from visitors may scare some away. Make it easy for visitors to request additional information by simply asking for their name and basic contact information. Also provide quick turnaround in response to show you respect their time.

Our creative team would love to help you develop outstanding marketing materials to supplement your website. Give us a call today!