You would be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn't appreciate being appreciated! While it's sometimes hard to find time in our busy schedules to add yet another task to our to-do lists, client appreciation should be a part of every business strategy. The research shows that up to 68% of customers stop patronizing a company when they feel that their needs aren’t being met. 

Hosting client appreciation events is one of the best ways to give thanks and show how your clients have impacted your business (in a positive way, of course!), especially those who have been with the company since the beginning.

Some examples of fun and engaging ways to show you care are:

• Client appreciation dinners
• Customer appreciation days
• Outdoor activities 
• Charitable events
• Thank you notes 

Showing appreciation in the workplace builds and strengthens connections, enhances loyalty, and helps you stand out against the competition. Let's dive in!

Short, sweet ways to show client loyalty appreciation

Even when you don't have time to host a dedicated event (we will discuss those below!) 

Sending a personal note in the mail or online is a great way to let clients know you appreciate their business. Thank you cards and thoughtful tokens of appreciation should be part of customer relationship management (CRM) and should be done regularly to maintain strong bonds and build a positive reputation based on customer experience. 

Thank-you notes

Depending on your company's size and the number of customers, you might be unable to design an individual card for each client. Instead, invest in custom cards or stationery and sign each one, leaving a personal note for those with whom you've built a relationship over time. 

Thank you notes are perfect for various occasions, such as:

• Major Holidays
• Client Birthdays
• Company anniversaries
• Big announcements

One of the most effective ways to maintain consistent communication is to update client data (complete with their birthdays and engagement history). Hence, you never miss an opportunity to express thanks!

Branded gift baskets

Nodding to the 20th-century boom in corporate marketing, when major companies put their name on everything from pens to t-shirts to mugs, branded merchandise is still a popular marketing tactic and is still often used as a token of appreciation.

Some common and useful gifts you can send out to show appreciation are: 

• Customized Apparel like T-shirts, hoodies, or accessories featuring the company logo or a memorable slogan.

• Drinkware such as customized mugs, water bottles, or tumblers are always appreciated, especially by clients in the fitness industry. 

• Tech Accessories are the perfect swag for clients in the tech world. Items like phone cases, chargers, or laptop sleeves featuring your brand are a practical way to get your company's name out there.

• Tote Bags or Backpacks are another practical item to send to clients and serve as walking advertisements for your brand when they're out and about.

• Calendars and Planners are great for these clients who still use the old-fashioned pen and paper. 

• Personal care products that feature your brand, such as hand sanitizers, lip balms, or sunscreen, can be helpful, especially as health and wellness are becoming an integrated part of company culture. 

Remember to choose items that align with your client's interests and needs while reflecting positively on your brand. Quality and relevance are critical factors in making branded merchandise effective as a tool for client appreciation.

Social media shoutouts

Announcing a partnership or a client anniversary is an effective way to express your gratitude publicly and demonstrate that your company values and nurtures their professional relationships. 

Other ways to use social networks to demonstrate appreciation are: 

• Highlight Client success stories and partnerships with video stories or client testimonials on your social media channels.

• Offer exclusive offers or discounts to your clients through your social media channels as a token of appreciation for their loyalty. 

• Share behind-the-scenes content showcasing your team preparing for client projects or team celebrations to give clients a glimpse into your team culture and professional processes and help them feel more connected to your brand.

• Host live Q&A sessions or webinars on social media where clients can ask questions or provide feedback, demonstrating that they value their input and are committed to providing valuable insights.

• Regularly engage with your client's social media content by liking, commenting, and sharing. 

• Create personalized thank you videos or messages for your clients and share them on social media. Adding a personal touch and showing genuine appreciation for their business will positively impact your relationship. 

Leverage the power of your PR or marketing team to make a customized post or newsletter, and remember to tag your clients so they can see the acknowledgment and feel appreciated. 

Make an event out of client appreciation

While small gestures are hugely important in maintaining client relationships (or any relationship), throwing a big party or webinar is also worth the time and resources. Clients will appreciate the effort you put into getting together out of the office setting and strengthening social bonds. 

Client appreciation lunch or dinner 

Hosting a client appreciation lunch or dinner should be an integral part of networking, whether it’s drinks and snacks with local clients or part of an off-site company retreat when leadership travels and is held in a location with their international clients.

It's important to remember that hosting a dinner isn't simply making a reservation but going the extra mile to make it a unique experience: 

• Thoughtfully select a venue that aligns with the type of client you are hosting, such as a restaurant, cafe, outdoor park picnic, or casual cocktail bar. 

• Send personalized invitations to your clients, expressing gratitude for their continued partnership. Consider hand-written notes or creative digital invitations to make them feel special.

• Incorporate engaging activities or entertainment into the event to keep the atmosphere lively and interactive. 

• Take the opportunity during the event to publicly recognize and celebrate your clients' achievements. Whether through a brief speech, presentation, or awards ceremony, center the consent around your client and their successes.

Hosting a client meetup can encourage meaningful conversations and networking opportunities. By strategically seating clients and team members or organizing icebreaker games, you can provide them with a genuine experience that leaves a lasting impression and strengthens professional connections.

Webinars and networking events

For hybrid and remote teams that need more opportunities to connect with their clients, networking events are an effective way to show appreciation no matter where they are in the world.  

Here are some examples of webinars and networking events that are ideal for remote clients:

• Host educational webinars on topics relevant to industry trends related to your clients. Invite industry experts or thought leaders to share insights and expertise to provide value to your clients and position your company as a trusted resource.

• Try out some interactive workshops where clients can learn new skills, tools, or strategies applicable to their business. Encourage participation through Q&A sessions, polls, and breakout discussions.

• Facilitate roundtable discussions on industry-related topics, corporate events, and emerging trends. Start a conversation with a get-to-know-you activity, and invite a small group of clients to participate in a candid exchange of ideas and best practices.

• Arrange panel presentations featuring diverse speakers from different sectors or areas of expertise. Cover topics of mutual interest to your clients and encourage panelists to share real-world experiences and insights. Allow time for audience questions and discussion.

Virtual conferences or summits bring together clients, industry experts, and thought leaders for a day of learning and networking, which is a great way to foster opportunities for professional growth while strengthening network bonds. 

Community involvement

Community involvement activities can be a meaningful way to show client appreciation by demonstrating shared values, fostering connections, and making a positive impact. 

Here are some examples of community involvement activities that can be done in person and online for client appreciation:

• Organize volunteer opportunities where local clients can meet your team in a positive environment and give back to the community. Reach out to a local organizer to see where your efforts best match, like serving meals at a local shelter, participating in a beach clean-up or volunteering at a community garden.

• Host a charity fundraiser or donation drive in partnership with your clients to support a cause that aligns with your shared values. Online events like auctions and fundraising walk/run events for companies with remote teams are a great way to engage even if you can't be together in person. 

• Partner with clients on environmental initiatives such as tree planting events, recycling drives, or sustainability workshops. Show your commitment to environmental stewardship while engaging clients in meaningful activities that benefit the community.

Highlight client contributions through social media, newsletters, or awards ceremonies to inspire others and show appreciation for their commitment to making a difference. In addition, take the extra step to volunteering together and establishing recognition programs to acknowledge clients actively involved in community service or philanthropy. 

Show the same appreciation for your hard-working employees

Leadership should always remember that those great clients didn't come out of nowhere, and more than likely, employees built or at least helped build those relationships. Employee appreciation is essential to a healthy workplace environment, and happy employees will bring happier clients, so be sure to give your workers the same TLC you give clients. 

Teambuilding and retreats

Hosting a company-wide retreat is an effective way for companies to show appreciation for their employees. It allows them to recognize their hard work, foster team bonding, and promote a positive company culture. 

Here are some of the central benefits company leadership will receive from giving employees the chance to rejuvenate outside of the office: 

• A company-wide retreat is a tangible demonstration of appreciation for employees' contributions and dedication. Letting employees get some fresh air in a new (and beautiful place!) place shows that their company values their hard work and wants to invest in their well-being.

• There's no better way to bond with one another than going on a retreat. Allowing employees to connect outside the traditional work environment through activities, workshops, and shared experiences will help them build stronger relationships and develop a sense of camaraderie.

• Taking employees out of their daily routines and providing new experiences can boost motivation and engagement. Retreats often include opportunities for personal and professional development, which can empower employees and reignite their passion for their work.

• Retreats allow employees to unwind, recharge, and break from work-related stressors. Whether a weekend getaway or a day-long retreat, providing employees with time to relax and rejuvenate can improve overall morale and well-being.

Retreats create an open and inclusive environment where employees feel comfortable sharing ideas, providing feedback, and collaborating on projects. Getting together in person can improve communication channels within the company and foster a culture of transparency and collaboration.

Let Surf Office organize a retreat to show employee appreciation

At the Surf Office, we are experts in off-site retreats, both when it comes to organizing them and enjoying them! 

We can help you plan the perfect retreat for your employees by assisting you:

• Define the retreat's goals and objectives: team building, skill development, celebrating achievements, and work-life balance.

• Choose the perfect location that aligns with the retreat's goals and provides a conducive environment for relaxation, learning, and bonding. We can also help you consider accessibility, amenities, and budget when choosing the location.

• Develop a schedule of icebreaker activities, team-building events, and workshops catering to your employees' interests and needs. 

• Create opportunities for employees to share ideas, provide feedback, and participate in discussions on topics relevant to the company and their roles. 

We understand the importance of prioritizing well-being and balance in the workplace and can help you design a retreat that shows your employees how much you appreciate them. Whether it's expressing gratitude to clients or your team, off-site retreats can make a meaningful impact.