Don’t sleep on Customer Appreciation Day. Most business owners think it’s just a way to say “thank you for your business.” But they don’t see the huge marketing opportunity lying in front of them.
National Customer Appreciation Day is more than just a quirky holiday. It’s a chance to build customer loyalty, attract new buyers, and drive repeat purchases.
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In this post, we’ll explain everything you should know about Customer Appreciation Day and show you how to leverage it to generate more revenue for your business.
What is National Customer Appreciation Day?
National Customer Appreciation Day is when businesses thank customers for their patronage. Some businesses promote sales, give away gifts, or write customers thank-you notes that show how much they value them. This gratitude fosters stronger customer loyalty and leads to repeat purchases.
We’ll brainstorm some Customer Appreciation Day ideas later in this post, but first, let’s discuss when this day takes place – it’s not as straightforward as you might think.
When is National Customer Appreciation Day?
National Customer Appreciation Day is April 18th. However, some businesses choose which day they want to celebrate it. They might pick a busier day to host an event or promote a deal in the off-season to increase sales.
That’s important to keep in mind for small business owners. Just because other brands celebrate it on April 18th doesn’t mean you have to do it, too. Pick a day that makes sense for your business. Set a goal, like making more sales or getting event attendees, then choose a date that improves your chances of success. Customers won’t care as long as you make your offer convenient and valuable.
Let’s review a few ways to celebrate Customer Appreciation Day at your small business. We’ll go through a list of tips and discuss examples of each.
10 Customer Appreciation Day Ideas
Here are ten Customer Appreciation Day ideas for small business owners.
1. Give your customers a gift.
Gifts are a great way to get your customers’ attention – after all, who doesn’t want something for free? You don’t have to give away anything big; you can reward people who frequently shop with your business. If you have a CRM, use it to identify your most loyal customers, then email them a thank-you note and a discount to your store.
You can also use marketing automation to send customers gifts. In the example below, business owners can create an automated campaign that thanks customers for their business. An email is sent to your customers whenever a purchase or project is complete. It’s efficient and time-saving, and you can personalize each message with your customers’ information.
2. Post on social media.
If you want to keep things simple, post a shoutout on your social media pages on Customer Appreciation Day. Let your customers know you value their business and repost pictures or videos featuring interactions with them. This content will generate engagement on Facebook and Instagram because it’s genuine and highlights real experiences with your brand.
Here’s an example of a plumbing company posting on Instagram. Notice how the social media caption includes a heartwarming thank-you message and hashtags that reflect the post’s topic.
Pro Tip: Like this example? You can download and customize the graphic here.
3. Host a Customer Appreciation Day event.
If you want to use this holiday to network with your customers, you can host a Customer Appreciation Day event. Parties and festivals are more than just a good time. They’re a chance to build real relationships with existing and potential clients and help you meet valuable business partners in your area. These connections can help your business succeed and establish itself as a reputable organization in your community.
Email is likely the best way to invite your customers to this event. Leverage marketing email software to send customers invitations like this one that include event details and a registration link:
Tip: You can use event registration software to host and track events.
4. Launch a limited-time sale.
To encourage repeat purchases, consider launching a limited-time sale exclusively available on Customer Appreciation Day. A deadline will encourage customers to act quickly, and the discount will entice existing buyers to make repeat purchases. If they already know and trust your brand, a sale might be the final push they need to buy something else from your business.
Here’s an example. Thryv created a limited-time sale for its SEO tools. People who purchased Marketing Center got the SEO Boost service for free (for six months). This offer is great for people familiar with Thryv but need an incentive to purchase.
5. Update your customer loyalty program.
Since Customer Appreciation Day is closely tied to customer loyalty, now is a great time to revamp your rewards programs. For example, Thryv has a customer referral program that doubles as a loyalty program. Customers who refer other businesses to Thryv get a $300 credit. It’s beneficial for our business and our customers.
Tip: If you don’t have a customer referral program, check out our CMO’s guide to creating one here.
6. Offer a complimentary service.
Service-based brands may not offer products but can provide complimentary services and bundled offers. For example, HVAC companies could offer a BOGO (buy-one-get-one) deal. When customers pay for an AC tune-up, they also have their heating system evaluated. It’s convenient for customers and saves the HVAC company from visiting the same location twice.
7. Send your customers a thank you note.
Most customers aren’t expecting much from your business on Customer Appreciation Day. In fact, a simple thank-you note may be enough to keep your business top of mind and maintain healthy relationships with clients.
When it comes to writing thank-you notes, you should personalize each message. Include information like the customer’s name and try to reference a past experience with your business. Here’s a template you can use to start:
Dear [Customer’s Name],
This Customer Appreciation Day, we want to take a moment to say thank you! Your support means the world to us, and we are truly grateful for the opportunity to serve you.
Whether we’ve helped with [specific service, e.g., fixing a leak, maintaining your lawn, installing new fixtures], or simply offered advice, we appreciate you choosing [Your Company Name]. Our business wouldn’t be the same without incredible customers like you!
If there’s ever anything we can do for you, don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to serving you for years to come!
Thanks again,
[Your Name]
8. Record a thank-you video.
Another option is to record and share a thank-you message on social media, email, and your website pages. Video marketing is a great tool for promoting deals, so consider offering a discount at the end of your message. Make sure your video has a clever hook and grabs your audience’s attention immediately. And don’t forget to have a clear call-to-action so customers know what to do next (shop online, visit your website, etc.).
Here’s an example from a small business in the UK. The owner recorded a promotional video that announced the brand’s Customer Appreciation Day deal:
9. Hold a contest or giveaway.
One fun idea is to start a contest or giveaway that rewards your most loyal customers. It can be as simple as offering a prize to a random customer, or you could encourage ongoing engagement with your business.
For example, one idea is a social media contest. Ask customers to comment on your post with their favorite memory of your brand, then award the person with the most liked comment. This will encourage your followers to interact with your brand and incentivize them to share your content with peers.
Here’s what you could give away as Customer Appreciation Day gifts:
- Free Products or Services
- Upgrades and Discounts
- Company Merchandise
- Memorabilia
- Gift Cards
- Equipment
- Event Tickets (Sports, Music, etc.)
10. Give your customers a phone call.
We’ve discussed several marketing strategies in this post, but it’s important to remember that customer experience is one of the most effective ways to attract and retain clients. People will want to do business with you if you have a good reputation.
Calling your customers is one of the most direct ways to build rapport with them. Thank them for their business, ask them how things are going, and tell them about any sales or deals you’re having. These conversations might not lead to sales but will reinforce brand awareness and improve your brand’s reputation.
Celebrating National Customer Appreciation Day
Every small business owner values their customers. Customers keep their dreams alive and their livelihoods afloat. Customer Appreciation Day is your chance to thank customers for contributing to your business. Use these tips to connect with people in meaningful ways and drive more revenue for your business.
