The Importance Of A Thank You

Getting repeat business from your client base is easier than you think. It just takes a few minutes of your time.

The art of a thank you note has almost disappeared. And yet it is so powerful in today’s business market. People like being appreciated. They like being acknowledged for the business they bring to you. And they are more likely to give an encore performance if they know you value their business.

Writing a thank you is a very easy task. Unlike a business letter, a thank you note is much more personal if you hand write it. Use postcards, stationery, note cards or customized greeting cards. The thought is much more important than the actual product. However, the one requirement is to put it in writing. Skip the information age when it comes to a thank you. There’s still something about receiving a note in the mail.

I find myself providing two types of thank you notes for my clients. The first is to thank someone for a recent purchase. With this type of thank you, I simply provide a note card with my thanks, and get it out into the mail as soon as the purchase is completed.

The second type of thank you is to drum up new business. If you have a list of good clients, but those that haven’t been in to see you in a while, provide a promotional thank you. Thank your client for being an important part of your business, and then offer a promotion to get them back into your studio. Try free sitting fees for upcoming seasonal photography sessions. Or buy one, get one sales, in which your customers can purchase prints from new photo sessions at discounted prices.

Try this six-point formula for writing a proper thank you note.

1. Greet your customer by name.

Dear Mark and Jennifer.

Even if your note is hand written, they still enjoy a very personalized message, specially written for them.

2. Express gratitude.

Thanks for being a client of ABC Photography.
We appreciate your business.

3. Discuss opportunity.

As one of our best clients, I would like to
offer you a special opportunity.

4. Create a feeling of time.

I know you treasure the baby portraits we created of Andrew three years ago. Imagine how his 4-year-old portrait will look on your wall five years from now.

Personalize your note as much as possible. The more you can relate to your customer, the more they will relate to you.

5. Close with grace.

Thanks again for your continued patronage.
We appreciate you.

People never get tired of hearing thanks. They like to know they are of value to your business.

6. Signature.

All the best,

Lori

Do you have a special tagline? Use it. Create branding with your clients for many years of success down the road. Combine your personal signature with a link to your business for instant recognition. Even though you're signing in a personal way, to attach your logo, or have personalized cards with your logo or company photography will create a look of professionalism.

If you send out promotional thank you’s to your good client base, you can afford to offer them specials. After all, they are your best clients. They spend with you over and over again. Don’t they deserve a little something special?