In business, it’s all about customer retention. According to Gartner Group, 80 percent of your future revenue will likely come from just 20 percent of your existing customers. So, how do you keep your existing customers coming back for more? Try sending customer appreciation emails. By doing so, you remind your clientele about the great value they receive from your company and make them feel appreciated.

A variety of genuine customer appreciation emails can help you thank customers for being part of your success. They can also break the routine of newsletters, event emails and offers, while maintaining trust and connection. These emails don’t need to be long or elaborate. In most cases, you can keep it short and sweet with a heartfelt note that conveys your appreciation.

Here are five examples of emails you can send throughout the year to show your gratitude:

1) Thanks after a purchase

When someone buys from you, send them a quick email thanking them and telling them how they’ve contributed to your business. This email shouldn’t be too long. A relevant image and a short note would be appropriate.

Take a look at this thank you email from non-profit, Ugmonk. It tells donors exactly what they’ve helped to achieve, and though that’s the central message, it also notes future goals and opportunities to give and buy.

2) Celebrate a holiday – especially a random one

Send an email commemorating a holiday and thank your customers for their support during the year. It’s even cooler if you send an email commemorating a non-traditional holiday like Star Wars Day, or Talk Like a Pirate Day. These are wonderful opportunities to surprise and delight your loyal customers with something unexpected email templates.

By sending emails on random holidays you lessen the chance of your email being overlooked. Every month and day of the year celebrates something different. Pick one that speaks to you and use it to thank your customers. Connect your expression of gratitude with the holiday, and offer your valued customers a discount or freebie, like this email from Jack Threads.

3) Say happy birthday

Send your customers an email and wish them a happy birthday. It’s a great way to stay in touch with your customers in a positive, appreciative and non-“salesy” way. You could couple this with a discount or freebie to make them feel even more special. If you don’t know your customers birthday, celebrate your own or the founding of your business in the same way.

Here’s a nice, customer-focused birthday message from a retailer. See other great examples in this post on Effective Birthday Emails that Light up Our Inboxes.

4) Ask for feedback

Who better to provide feedback about your business than your own valued customers? People like feeling heard. Affirm that you’re asking their opinion specifically because you value them as a customer. It’s an effective way to show your appreciation. Soliciting honest feedback through surveys on a regular basis allows you to keep your finger on the pulse of your customers’ needs in their journey with your business and is also an opportunity to monitor your brand’s identity in the marketplace.

5) Celebrate a company milestone

Did you just make your 10,000^th sale? Fifth anniversary? Unveil a new website? Whatever the milestone you’re celebrating, let your customers know they were a part of helping you reach that goal. This can be a unique opportunity to focus on your business as well as your customers.

Take a look at the example above. The email thanks customers and offers a discount for their support. You can also talk about your success, where you came from, what inspired you and what this success means to your business. Then explain how instrumental your customers have been in that journey.

The holiday season is a perfect time to show your customers how much you appreciate their business. As a retailer, it’s important to send customer appreciation emails that thank your customers for their loyalty and let them know about any holiday sales or promotions you have. A well-crafted customer appreciation email can go a long way in creating a strong bond with your customers and increasing brand loyalty.

It’s important to make your customer appreciation emails personal and tailored to your target audience. Use your customers’ names and personalize the messages to match their interests. You can also use holiday-themed language, such as “Season’s Greetings” or “Merry Christmas,” to make the email more festive.

Make sure to highlight any holiday sales or promotions in your customer appreciation email. This is a great opportunity to increase your sales during the holiday season and show your customers that you value their business. You can also extend free shipping offers or provide special discounts on popular holiday gifts to show your appreciation.

In addition to holiday sales and promotions, consider including a holiday gift guide in your customer appreciation email. This can be a great way to inspire your customers and help them find the perfect gift for their friends and family.

Overall, the key to a successful customer appreciation email marketing campaign is to make your customers feel valued and appreciated. Whether it’s through holiday sales, promotions, or personalized messages, taking the time to show your customers that you care can go a long way in building a strong, lasting relationship.

When it comes to customer appreciation email marketing, it’s crucial to make sure that your customers are happy with the messaging and calls to action included in the email. An eye-catching email subject line can increase the open rate, leading to higher engagement and a boost in customer loyalty. Retailers can also offer special offers and discounts to show their appreciation, giving customers a sense of reassurance and a reason to continue shopping with them. Personalizing the message and incorporating special occasions, like birthdays, can also make the email marketing campaign more impactful and drive higher response rates.

Sending an email is an affordable way to show customer appreciation. It keeps you connected to your customers even when they aren’t buying, and fosters goodwill by letting them know you value their support and business.

Send your emails for free with VerticalResponse.

Sarah Tanksalvala is a freelance business, technology and lifestyle writer based in Evergreen, Colorado.

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