Have you ever visited a store and been so impressed by it that you gushed about it to everyone you knew, even though you didn't make a purchase? I'm not referring to a firm where the staff was kind and did what they said they would do; that should be expected from any company. To put it simply, that's good customer service!

Instead, I'm referring to a company that lacked a special something that would make it stand out from the crowd. Whatever it was, you couldn't stop thinking about it after you left. Only a few of companies have ever left me feeling like a VIP, but they all had one common trait: they all had that something special.

What was their secret? I want to know what their magic potion is that makes patronizing their establishment seem like a rite of passage. How can independent workers duplicate this to give their customers a sense of genuine worth?

Listed below are nine strategies for treating your freelancing clients as integral parts of your company and people you care about on a deeper level.

1. Never Forget That Your Customers Are Human Beings, too!

The smallest acts of recognition may mean the world to someone. One strategy is to remember that your customers are human beings, not simply a set of numbers on the other end of a phone line or computer screen.

Locate the dates of your customers' upcoming birthdays and anniversaries so you may throw parties in their honor. You might give them a discount if it fits with your company strategy. As a bonus, they'll feel appreciated and more likely to buy from you again. When you mail someone a card, make it stand out by using high-quality paper with a handwritten message. Sending a handwritten note in the mail might be more meaningful than just an electronic one.

Cheapsters.org creator Jackie Lam has claimed she tries to make her customers feel appreciated by sending them handwritten cards and letters.

Although celebrations are enjoyable, it is important to be there for customers when they are experiencing difficulties as well. Sarah Bettencourt has said that she attempts to put herself in her customers' shoes.

She said that she had given flowers to several of them after they had suffered a loss or were unwell. "At times I'll give them a call and have a candid conversation with them, whether it's to discuss a challenging circumstance or to congratulate them on a job well done."

2. Spend time with each person.

Rolling out the red carpet and giving a tour to a special guest is the ultimate way to make them feel like a VIP. You should be attentive to your consumers' needs without smothering them. Don't rush up to attack them the second they walk in. Conduct not send too many emails or phone calls to customers that prefer to do business with you online rather than in person. If they believe you're trying to force them into deciding, they may become resistant.

It may seem difficult to give kids individual attention without coming off as intrusive, but what they want to hear is that you care about them and want to see them succeed. Make sure kids can see and reach you when they need assistance. Make them feel special by using their name when you greet them. Because of this, they will feel appreciated, which may be the deciding factor in whether they return to do business with you again.

3. Sincere Appreciation

Always take the time to appreciate your customers when you can. Again, you don't want to go overboard, or it will seem fake. Be sincere in your gratitude; otherwise, consumers and clients may feel deceived to and decide to take their business elsewhere. Customer loyalty can only be won by being genuine.

Offering a modest gift or card to your clients and customers as a Christmas gesture of gratitude is a great idea.

Megan Harris, a manuscript editor, has indicated that she has shown gratitude to several of her customers by sending personalized Christmas presents.

A Starbucks gift card was included in the welcome package for new customers. Customers I've worked with for years received things like fingerless gloves, dice for tabletop gaming, rear view mirror decals, comic books, etc. The personalized presents I sent this year were a huge hit with my friends and family, but I'm not sure I'll send quite as many next years.

Or you might host a client or customer appreciation day to show your gratitude for their patronage. They are the reason you have a company, therefore treat them well.

4. Make a special guests list.

Making a special list of your most valuable customers is a great way to show your appreciation for their continued support. You may provide them preferential treatment by holding a private sale or opening your company for a VIP event outside of normal business hours. Still, it's standard practice to treat your consumers like royalty. By creating a special list for your most valuable customers, you are just showing your appreciation for the support you get from them.

5. Pay Attention to Critiques

To learn more about your customers' likes and dislikes, just ask them a few questions. In addition to boosting sales, this strategy also allows you to better meet their needs and make them feel appreciated by tailoring your offerings to their preferences. The data might also be used to notify customers of the release of exciting new offerings. In a sincere effort to be of service to your customers, you should always search for methods to better what you provide.

6. Become One of Their Clients

Turning the tables and acting like a customer is one technique to make customers feel appreciated. Always remember your customers, whether they own companies or produce goods, to contact them for any needs you may have. If people discover out you've done business with a competitor or someone outside of the area, they may stop patronizing your shop altogether.

7. Always Look Your Best

Your consumers will only feel like they are unique if you, yourself, are exceptional. A storefront should always be neat, tidy, and attractively arranged. If you want your customers to remain in your store longer and buy more, you need to make sure the lighting, music, and temperature are just perfect. Wrap presents with festive paper and give them on their special days. Your consumers deserve nothing less than the best, so go the additional mile to make your company exceptional.

If you choose to do business only online rather than in a physical location, it is very important to maintain a current website and mobile site. Ease the burden of doing business with you by making the appropriate alterations and upgrades.

8. Talk to your Customers

You should always keep your consumers and clients up to date on the latest happenings at your company. Inform them when new items or services will be available. I was wondering if there was going to be any kind of sale or discount. Notify your clientele by means of an invitation or newsletter. Incorporate a time-sensitive deal that is only available for a short time to emphasize the uniqueness of the things you are selling.

9. Be Kind to Your Workers/Vendors

As a matter of fact, you can learn a lot about a company by observing how it treats its workers and clients. If you own a company, do you employ people to help you run it? If that's the case, they should be treated like gold.

When it comes to running a successful company, having a strong staff is crucial. When workers are happy and fulfilled in their roles, they will spread the word about what a great place to work for you is. Employee discounts are not sufficient to foster loyalty among workers. Instead, be kind to them. Tell them how much you appreciate their hard work for you. If you can do so without coming across as fake, acknowledge them in public. Motivate others when they come up with original ideas or accomplish a fantastic job. Have a segment in the monthly or quarterly newsletter dedicated to an employee-selected product or recommendation. If they seem to be having trouble in certain areas, you should try to assist them.

Not sure if you've noticed, but there's a common thread running across all these strategies for showing your customers how much you appreciate them. In other words, it's about being kind to other people. Sometimes it's necessary to be kind to people even when they don't deserve it. Nevertheless, making an honest attempt to cater to the needs of your consumers and customers may reap tremendous benefits for your company. In addition to elevating the consumer experience, this strategy will set your company out in its own right.

___________________

Salty Red Dog Marketing, LLC is a marketing agency in Red Bank, NJ, Westport, CT, and everywhere in between. We service businesses with marketing strategies, digital marketing, social media, and consultations.

Contact: info@saltyreddogmarketing.com

Phone: NJ: (732) 802-6205 // CT: (203) 429-9671