Powerful Ways to Show Appreciation to Your Clients

This recent blog post from Massage Table Outlet about the value of connections got me thinking how important it is to connect with our clients.  A great way to do this is to show appreciation to them.  After all, if it weren't for our clients, where would we be?

Here's a few simple ways to make your clients feel appreciated - which will also help to deepen the connection between you:

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• Send them a thank you card after their first visit.
• Reward them for referrals.
• Offer them $10 off the month of their birthday, or an add-on for their birthday, etc.  Or simply send them a birthday card.
• Listen to them and remember (or take notes on) the important things in their life.
• Ask for their opinion and feedback.  Create a client feedback program and make them feel special to be selected to take part in it.  This is easy to do with services like Survey Monkey which allow you to create free surveys for clients to take anonymously.  (Anonymously is the best way to get honest feedback!)
• Rapid response to complaints - an unhappy client is an opportunity for excellent customer service!
• Create a client loyalty program.  (buy 5 massages, get the 6th free is one example).
• Support your client's businesses.  (This doesn't necessarily mean buying what they are selling). Give referrals and recommendations to their businesses.  Tastefully display their business cards at your massage studio.
• Send out newsletters to regularly communicate with your clients.  Clients want to learn information you have to share.  This is also a great way to educate your clients on the benefits of massage and position yourself as an expert - which is something I recommend to set yourself apart from your competition.

What are some ways you like to show your clients how much you appreciate them?

Cindy Iwlew is co-founder of Bodywork Buddy Massage Software, a complete online management solution for independent massage therapists that includes online scheduling. 

She continues to operate her own private massage practice of 13 years, and has been an associate instructor for Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy since 2007.  www.BodyworkBuddy.com