‘Tis The Season! How To Strengthen Customer Relationships During the Holidays

With the holidays upon us, most people can’t wait to put down the tools, switch off emails and get as far away from work as possible. And understandably so: you’ve worked your butt off in 2023, we know! 

However, if you’re like us, your customers are more like friends than just simple business contacts. You care about them and have forged a relationship that goes beyond the transactional. 

So, we’re guessing you’re not about to just forget them completely while you head off for a few weeks of well-earned rest...  

We’ve compiled some of our tips for growing customer relationships and connection during the Christmas and holiday period: 

 

1. Get Personal: 

Ever got a holiday gift from someone at Christmas and it felt a bit, well, generic? It’s always much nicer to receive something that feels like it came from the heart.  

Try sending personalised holiday messages to your customers by email, physical cards, or even video messages. 

Making the effort leaves customers feeling appreciated and valued, which can lead to improved customer loyalty. 

Try surprising your top customers with thoughtful gifts. Ideally this could be something you know that they like and are interested in, which demonstrates your interest and care for them. Branded merchandise is OK... but maybe not top of the list. Why not get savvy and use the frequent flyer Points that you’ve racked up over the year to purchase some meaningful gifts?  

 

2. Support a Cause: 

At a time of conspicuous consumption, it’s important to think of others less fortunate. Supporting a charitable cause during the holiday season is something you should probably do regardless of commercial motivations; however, it does demonstrate your company's commitment to social responsibility, and that’s a good thing. 

If it’s not too much, you could involve your customers by encouraging donations or organising events that contribute to the community. 

 

3. Get Social: 

Engage with your audience on social media by running festive campaigns. Encourage customers to share their holiday experiences or host giveaways or contests to spread that holiday cheer. 

Sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of your team preparing for the holidays isn’t a bad idea either. Everyone loves a Santa-Boss, right? 

 

4. Create Festive Content: 

Develop holiday-themed content that resonates with your audience. This could include blog posts, videos, or social media posts that share heart-warming stories, useful tips, or simply spread holiday joy. Have fun with it and position your brand as part of the holiday celebrations! 

5. Host Virtual Events:

Think your customers would be keen for a holiday catch up but they don’t all live locally? Online events such as webinars, workshops, or virtual holiday parties can provide an opportunity to interact with customers and strengthen the sense of community around your brand.

 

6. Feedback and Suggestions:

New Years is the time for goal setting and dreaming up the ‘new you’. So why not use the holiday season to gather feedback from your customers and ask about any improvements they'd like to see in the upcoming year.

This not only shows that you value their opinions but also provides valuable insights for your business, helping you exceed customer expectations in the future.

 

7. Provide Exceptional Customer Service:

During the busy holiday period, ensure your customer service brings its A-game. People are easily frazzled at this time of year (too much champers over lunch maybe?) so be polite, be responsive, solve issues promptly, and leave customers with a positive impression of your brand.

 

8. Do a Christmas Deal:

It’s the time of the year when everyone’s looking for a bargain, so why not join the party? Try offering exclusive holiday promotions or discounts to your loyal customers. This not only encourages repeat business but also makes customers feel like they are receiving special treatment.

 

These are just a few ways that you can strengthen customer relationships during the holidays, so why not get creative and see what you can do. 'Tis the season to connect, so pop on your Santa hat and spread the good will!